The World’s Best Beach Holidays

If you’re looking to take a break on the beach, then there are plenty of great options. From tropical Thailand to stunning beaches in Spain, we’ve rounded up the best beach holidays to choose from.

Thailand is one of the world’s top beach holiday destinations with perfect sand, tropical water and interesting marine life for snorkeling or diving. It also has some of the most beautiful islands with gorgeous scenery and impressive cliffs.

Spain

Spain is the perfect destination for beach holidays, whether you want to go for an exotic escape or a relaxing holiday. With a vast coastline, it has plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets.

From the sun-drenched coast of Andalusia to bustling Barcelona, there are many options for travellers who want a Spanish beach break.

If you’re looking for an untouched bay, Cala Turqueta in Menorca is the place to be. It’s a quiet beach that offers fine sand and crystal clear waters.

Thailand

Thailand is renowned for its beaches, and they really are world-class. From the sands of Koh Samui and Krabi to the emerald islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, there are endless paradises to explore.

The beaches are one of the most important reasons that bring tourists to this country. Whether you want to relax in a luxurious resort or explore the secluded bays and coves that teem with wildlife, there’s something here for every beach lover.

For a tropical getaway, head to the south or to the west coast. These are home to the most popular destinations, such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the world’s best beach holidays, thanks to its year-round sunshine. However, the north of the country has colder temperatures than the south.

While there are many beautiful beaches throughout the country, it’s the Algarve that stands out. This area enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year and is the ideal place to go if you want sunbathing all day and a party later on in the evening.

If you want to escape the tourist crowds, head to Sagres, a small town with three beaches and a famous surf spot. It also offers a great range of activities such as surf lessons and gear rentals.

Madeira

Madeira is a stunning tropical island with an abundance of beaches to soak up the sun and relax. With plenty of sports on and off dry land, it’s also got a buzzy cultural side to keep you entertained too.

Away from the main resorts of Funchal and Canico, there’s the laid-back village of Ribeira Brava, home to one of the island’s best beaches: Seixal. This tiny beach is framed by lush mountainous backdrops and boasts a dramatic waterfall.

Another fab spot is Porto Moniz, with its rugged swimming spots carved into volcanic black rocks. A day trip from Funchal, this is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike!

Isles of Scilly

If you’re looking for Caribbean-like white sand beaches, unpolluted waters and a clutch of independent cafes, the Isles of Scilly are the place to go. These mystical islands are just 45 miles off the Cornish coast and they boast the densest concentration of historical sites in Britain, including a Bronze Age village and burial chamber on St Mary’s.

The beaches are just as diverse, from secluded spots that make for a perfect beachcombing session to turquoise shallows and fascinating snorkelling. With fewer than 150 inhabitants on Bryher and St Agnes, there’s plenty of space to find the perfect spot.

Great Barrier Reef

If you’re a first-time traveller to Australia, you can’t afford to miss the Great Barrier Reef. This world heritage-listed wonder stretches over 2,300 km in the Coral Sea and is home to hundreds of islands, crystal clear water and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

A visit to the reef is an experience you’ll never forget and there are a number of ways to see it. From a day trip to one of the many reefs, to diving and snorkelling or sailing around its circumference.

Yeppoon

Yeppoon is a classic coastal village that offers something for everyone. It’s the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Keppels, but it’s also a great place to relax and unwind.

There’s plenty of accommodation in the area to suit most budgets, but if you want to stay right on the beach, Salt Apartments is just a short walk from the main sands and has the picture perfect beachfront apartments with spectacular views. Echelon Apartments are also located on the beachfront and have self contained one, two & three bedroom apartments with a pool and recreation area on the roof!