When you’re overworked, sun-starved, and desperate for a vacation, the thought of a sandy beach and turquoise waters is hard to beat. You picture yourself laying in the sun, cold drink in hand, listening to waves breaking, and watching palm trees sway in a gentle breeze.
Desperate to turn those daydreams into reality? With summer a few months away, now’s a great time to put some plans in place. If you’re wondering where to go, here are 15 sun-kissed and accessible coastal destinations ideal for beach vacations in 2024.
1. Portugal
From its rich history and famous wine region to its thriving cities and delicious food, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Portugal. However, the Algarve will be its biggest draw if you’re desperate for a beach trip.
This coastal region is renowned for its rugged beauty, golden sands, and charming fishing villages.
2. Hawaii
The Aloha State needs no introduction. This world-famous location is practically synonymous with beach vacations.
Whether you want to stroll down miles of sun-kissed sands or surf some of the planet’s greatest breaks, this archipelago has you covered. Highlights include Oahu’s Waimea Bay Beach Park and Hanalei Bay in Kauai.
3. Anguilla
Fringed with white sand beaches and emerald waters ideal for snorkeling, this British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean is the definition of paradise.
It’s the sort of place you can see the shadow of boats moored in the bay on the ocean floor. Shoal Bay East and Rendezvous Bay are both sublime.
4. Aruba
Aruba is another Caribbean island people flock to for sun-kissed sandy escapes. “One Happy Island” isn’t the cheapest travel destination, but it’s peerless in terms of coastal beauty.
Expect world-class white sand beaches, gorgeous weather, and endless waterborne activities. Its best stretches of sand include Eagle Beach and the secluded Mangel Halto.
5. Australia
While most of Australia’s landmass consists of uninhabited red dirt, its vast coastline boasts some of the best beaches on Earth.
Whether you’re on the heaving shores of Sydney’s Bondi Beach, exploring wine country around Margeret River, or visiting the swirling shores of the pristine Whitsunday Islands, the Land Down Under doesn’t disappoint.
6. Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a stunning archipelago in the South Pacific. Laidback yet full of adventure, you can dive to amazing shipwrecks, explore coral reefs, hike up volcanos, and trek through jungles.
Alternatively, you can while away many happy days sunbathing on Vanuatu’s pristine beaches. Champagne Beach, Havannah Beach, and Eton Beach are a few of the best.
7. Tuvalu
This remote archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is the world’s least visited country. It’s also one of its most picturesque. Visitors can expect sublime beaches and lagoons perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Make sure you go soon, though. Tuvalu’s at risk of disappearing due to rising sea levels.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis isn’t just a tax haven. This Caribbean island nation is beautiful and packed with history, too. Alongside its old fortresses, volcanos, and verdant national forests, you’ll find a long list of spectacular beaches. Don’t miss Cockleshell Beach, Fig Tree Bay, and Banana Bay.
9. Mauritius
Head east from Madagascar, and you’ll eventually reach the tiny island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
It’s a magical place with diverse natural landscapes, including volcanoes, mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, and hundreds of miles of spectacular coastline. Its best beaches include Le Morne, Tamarin Beach, and Blue Bay.
10. Fiji
The Republic of Fiji is an island paradise in the South Pacific Ocean. Spend your days sipping coconuts on white sand beaches fringed with palm trees and cooling off with dips in crystal clear waters (keep your eyes peeled for manta rays). The best beaches include Natadola Beach on Viti Levu and the Blue Lagoon on Nanuya Lailai.
11. Greece
Greece blesses visitors with incredible ancient cities, fascinating cultural sites, awesome weather, and immense natural beauty. But it’s also one of the world’s best destinations for a beach holiday.
It has roughly 6,000 islands and islets, almost all of which boast sugar-soft white sand and water so clear and warm it’s practically irresistible.
12. Japan
People tend to associate Japan with snowcapped mountains and ancient temples. They forget the Land of the Rising Sun also has thousands of islands home to paradisiacal sandy beaches.
The Miyako Islands in Okinawa Prefecture have some of the finest, with Sunayama Beach being the pick of the bunch. Zamami Island, pictured above, isn’t bad either…
13. Seychelles
The Seychelles boasts unique rock formations, lush tropical forests, spectacular coral reefs, and some of the world’s clearest waters.
An East African archipelago comprising over 100 islands, you’re spoilt for choice in terms of beaches. Some of the most famous include Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio, and Grande Anse.
14. Maldives
The Maldives is a go-to destination for people seeking a luxurious break in a coastal oasis. An island nation in the Indian Ocean, it’s notorious for its overwater bungalows, coral reefs, and remote tropical beaches.
There are too many to count, let alone list! A few of the best include those on Baros Island, the lavish Lanaa Giraavaru, and Fulhadhoo Island.
15. Italy
While Italy’s main draws are arguably its ancient ruins, medieval towns, and Tuscan countryside, Bel Paese tops everything off with spectacular stretches of coastline.
Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are both unmissable. But if you’re searching for pristine sandy shores, head to Sardinia and/or Sicily. These two sun-kissed islands have some of the best beaches in the world.
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