There are hundreds of thousands of beaches worldwide, many of which are the perfect place to unwind and explore on your hard-earned vacation. Some are immortalized in pop culture, like Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach, while others set the backdrop for world-famous festivals like Thailand’s Full Moon Party.
For some of us, however, our perfect beaches are lesser known. The ones you won’t find on the front page of Globetrotting Magazine, but instead through word of mouth or spontaneous exploration. These hidden pieces of paradise offer an intimate connection and escape from some of the world's most famous beach destinations and some you’ve yet to discover.
With that in mind, here are eight of our favourite off-the-beaten-path beach destinations you should consider on your next adventure.
Seychelles
The pristine beaches and crystal-clear lagoons lining the lush Seychelles shores are aptly recognized as some of the world’s best yet remain uncrowded and unspoiled. The archipelago showcases a beautifully diverse collection of world-class beaches off the coast of Eastern Africa in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Dramatic granite boulder-framed bays, smooth sandy coral reefs, and idyllic tropical weather set the scene for the perfect beach getaway.
Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue flaunts smooth granite boulders, a lush tropical coastline, and refreshingly clear shallow waters like no other. The serene atmosphere from the vast and beautiful natural scenery earns this beach global recognition among beach bums and photographers alike.
Mauritius
Mauritius is another incredible display of vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and secluded beaches off the east coast of Africa. The island’s multicultural charm, influenced by African, Asian, and European cultures, is evident in the richness of the island’s cuisine, festivals, and welcoming hospitality—the perfect setting for a soothing beach escape.
Each beach in Mauritius offers a unique and idyllic atmosphere, from scenic luxury resort backdrops to secluded hideaways beneath shady palm trees. Wander along Belle Mare Beach’s 1.2 mi (2 km) of mostly untouched shoreline, one of the longest beaches in Mauritius, and enjoy a variety of water sports or scope out a quiet area and lounge beneath the warm Mauritius sunshine.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s rich culture, storied history, and UNESCO-listed natural wonder make it a favourite for many globetrotters, but with over 2,000 mi (3,220 km) of coastline, Vietnam is also one of the most underrated beach destinations. There are plenty of options for memorable beaches on mainland Vietnam and surrounding islands, highlighting the country’s natural beauty and possibility for discovery. Explore the beautiful beaches of the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay or uncover the beauty of lesser-known gems like Phu Quoc Island, a playground for beach lovers.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife and adventurous nature enthusiasts, yet it may not be at the top of mind when North American travellers are considering a beach vacation to the nearby south. With over 800 mi (1,290 km) of coastline, however, it should come as no surprise that Costa Rica's beautiful and unique charm extends to its sunny shores. Whether you’re seeking exciting water sports experiences, quiet secluded hideaways, or unique beaches accented by incredible natural scenery, there's a beach waiting your discovery in Costa Rica.
Hidden behind rows of lush coconut palms and nestled between unique rock formations on both ends, Playa Ventanas embodies Costa Rica’s natural diversity and beauty while offering a secluded beach experience. Wander along the black sand shore and the large caves on the north end as you listen to macaws, monkeys, and toucans bringing the surrounding tropical jungle to life.
Nicaragua
Just north of Costa Rica is Nicaragua, another sublime off-the-beaten-path beach destination, promising peaceful beach escapes from the crowds. Nicaragua’s beautiful volcanic bland sand beaches, hidden bays, and stretches of pristine white sand beaches promise unforgettable experiences from coast to coast. Playa Majagual is one of several remarkable Nicaraguan beaches distinguished by its beautiful natural scenery. With very few properties on the beach, Playa Majagual is one of Nicuragua’s greatest displays of pristine oceanfront, perfect for your next far-flung beach escape.
Belize
Belize is one of the world’s best beach destinations, with warm, welcoming Caribbean waters, an extensive coastline, and hundreds of offshore islands. Amidst its more popular beaches like the beautiful Placencia Peninsula, Belize also offers hidden treasures perfect for anyone searching for intimate beach experiences. The Portofino Beach Resort is the perfect example of Belize’s romantic, quiet, and secluded beach resorts that perfect the off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. Only accessible by boat, the Portofino Beach resort combines tropical luxury with simple yet captivating beach allure and a vibrant coral reef perfect for underwater exploration.
The Philippines
Proudly boasting one of the longest coastlines in Asia, the Philippines is home to some of the most extraordinary and serene white sand beaches, perfect for any occasion. Boracay stands out among the country’s 7,000 islands largely due to its spectacular collection of beaches. White Beach is the island’s longest and most popular beach with resorts, restaurants, and unique experiences found along its 2.5 mi (4 km) coastline. Puka Shell Beach is one of the quieter beaches you’ll find throughout the island. It has all of the quintessential beach scenery and experiences ready for you to make your own beach escape.
Kenya
Kenya is often overlooked as a premier beach destination despite global recognition for its extraordinary wildlife experiences and unique cultural experiences. Kenya’s coastline offers an abundance of off-the-beaten-path beach options along the Indian Ocean, abundant with vibrant coral reefs and coastal forest-framed white sand beaches.
Diani Beach is often recognized as one of Africa’s greatest beaches and it’s hard to disagree after sunbathing on its warm white sand and swimming in surreal turquoise waters. Perfect for families, groups, solo travellers, and romantic escapes, Diani Beach offers endless opportunities for exciting water sports, relaxing sunbathing, and world-class scuba diving with many wrecks for advanced divers to explore.
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Born to two parents who met travelling, Sael has always wanted to travel the world. Sael has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, visited blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos Islands, stood on both hemispheres of the equator in Ecuador, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiked the base of Uluru, surfed Pacific Ocean waves in Mexico, and skydived over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Meeting new people and sharing stories are some of Sael's favourite parts of travelling, and he hopes he can help ignite this passion for discovery in others.
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