Popular Beaches

What are those magical ingredients that make a beach so memorable?

Could it be the stunning coastal setting, beautiful weather, warm waters, sunsets, the gleaming expanses of golden or white sand, safe swimming, windsurfing, beachside facilities, attractions, easy access, that extra special luxury beach resort, the villa with the glorious sea views? Or maybe your most favourite beaches simply brings back happy memories of a once-in-a-lifetime holiday?

The truth of the matter is that it is impossible to be objective about the ‘best’ beaches in the world. The criteria by which we judge a beach are impossible to quantify. In other words, beauty is in the eye of the beholder where our favourite beaches are concerned. The waves of debate roll on…

The following list of the most Popular Beaches is far from conclusive; it merely mentions a few of the beaches that have come out best in surveys and reports. So, at the risk of omission, some of the world’s most alluring beaches include, in alphabetical order:

 Anse Source D’Argent, Island of La Digue, Seychelles: the beaches of the Seychelles top many a list of best beaches worldwide; Anse Source d'Argent is arguably one of the best; soft, white sands; tranquil turquoise-clear waters, idyllic setting;

 Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia: popular for its lovely, laid-back ambience, trendy Bondi Beach is only a short drive away from Sydney; the mile-long sandy stretch of protected beach cove with its indigo blue waters is a surfers’ paradise; excellent facilities, eateries, bars, etc.;

 Catalina Island, situated off the coast of California and surrounded by vast stretches of beautiful, tranquil coastline, the bulk of Catalina Island is a nature conservancy; excellent snorkelling;

 Messanges, north of Vieux Boucau, South West France: safe, sandy beach; easy access via the dunes to the beach; popular beaches; supervised by lifeguards; pleasant scenic surrounding;

 Natadola Beach, Island of Viti Levu, Fiji: white sands, lagoons, palm trees; exotic scenery; heady atmosphere; friendly locals; world-class scuba diving; a Fijian fantasy;

 Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent: this remote resort and Caribbean gem has limited facilities, but herein lies its appeal; the beach, with its powdery white sands is renowned for superb sailing;




 Palolem, Goa, India: a firm favourite with beach lovers, Palolem beach spans a picturesque crescent cove; the perfect retreat for relaxing, chilling out and some serious sunbathing;

 Paradise Beach, Island of Mykonos, Greece: sandy beach popular with party-goers; magnificent sea views; lively atmosphere; relaxing beachside tavernas, great choice of beach villas and hotels;

 Rhossili Beach, Gower Peninsula, South Wales, UK: one of Britain’s finest beaches, located on the glorious Gower Peninsula, the first area in the UK to be recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); golden sands, gently shelving; famous for its quality surfing;

 Soneva Fushi, Maldives: stunning coral island and private tropical beach resort; crystal clear lagoons, palm trees, coral reefs; world-class diving, windsurfing, fishing; snorkelling, swimming; a favourite with honeymooners;

 The Phi Phi Islands, south of Phuket, Thailand: made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film, The Beach; the dazzlingly beautiful beaches of the Phi Phi Islands boast crystal clear waters, dramatic scenic backdrops; ideal for swimming, scuba diving, fishing, etc.;

 Whitehaven, Whitsunday Islands, Australia: located off Australia's Eastern Coast, Whitehaven Island attracts the worlds most popular beaches from across the globe; warm, clear blue waters, white sand and amazing scenery; excellent restaurants and beach facilities, wide choice of accommodation.