If you think of a place that has “beach” in its name, chances are you think of a place where people go to get a tan, find a nice spot to relax, and maybe even go for a swim. The beach is one of life’s greatest pleasures: cool ocean water on a hot day, the smell of the sea, and the feeling of sand between your toes.
But did you know that the beach is actually one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world? In fact, the beach is the most visited tourist destination in the world, raking in over $100 billion in tourism revenue each year. The United Nations World Tourism Organization states that the beach is the most popular destination in the world for international visitors specifically.
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It’s that time of year again – summer is finally here! Whether you’re planning a holiday or just looking for something to do over the weekend, we’ve got a few ideas to get you started. The first thing on most people’s agenda is the beach, and there’s no better way to spend a summer day than lazing around in the sunshine, feeling the gentle breeze on your skin, and cooling off in the sea. If you’re planning a beach trip, you’ll need a good book or two, a rug, a blanket, and a picnic of course!
But is that all? NO!
The best destination for a beach holiday should be determined by the mood of the traveller, rather than the destination. If you’re looking for the ultimate in relaxation, then a beach in the Caribbean or Hawaii might be your idea of heaven. If you’re ready to party hard, then Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, or Koh Phangan might be more your style. No matter where you decide to go, you can be sure of a great time.
Today, we are here with a list of popular beaches in the world. Are you ready to explore? Because here we go…
1. MATIRA BEACH, BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Matira Beach is Bora Bora’s most famous and storied beach. It gets its name from the stone bowls that were used by ancient Hawaiians to grind poi, traditional Polynesian food made from taro root. Today, the bowls are used for other activities, like volleyball and volleyball tournaments. Visitors flock to Matira Beach in droves because of the clear, aqua waters and white sand.
The name Bora Bora recalls perfect white sand, azure blue water, and idyllic islands. In reality, Bora Bora is home to some of the most stunning underwater landscapes on earth. This paradise is also home to the most luxurious resorts, where you can enjoy the best that nature and the money can buy.
2. CAMPS BAY BEACH, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world stretches along the Camps Bay Peninsula in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. The clear, turquoise water is surrounded by golden sand and flanked by the mountains of Signal Hill on one side and the Cape Flats on the other, creating a stunning coastal vista.
The beach is perfect for long walks, sandcastles, and relaxing in the sun. The water is shallow enough for young children to splash around in, and the waves are gentler than those found in other parts of the country. If the weather is appropriate, you can even rent a stand-up paddleboard from one of the many shops on the beach.
3. RAILAY BEACH, THAILAND
The best white-sand beaches are often found on remote islands. But Railay, an island in southern Thailand, is accessible via daily ferries and has an incredible, long stretch of sand that’s been rated one of the best in the world. Railay Beach is one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s only a few hours from Bangkok.
It’s lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, tropical forests, and white sand. The water is turquoise, the sand is silky smooth, and the waves are gentle, perfect for a day at the beach. Bring a towel and some food, and you can even swim on the beach.
4. WHITEHAVEN BEACH, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
The picturesque Whitehaven Beach is a great place to visit while in Queensland. The sand is white and the water is clear, making this a great surfing spot. The beach is just minutes away from the central business district, making it a quick getaway. The sand is a bit coarse, making it easier to walk on, which makes it a great spot for families.
The palm-lined beach is a popular family day-trip destination, with a large playground, restaurant, bar, and toilets. Lifeguards patrol the water in the summer months, although the beach’s clear waters mean that even in the busiest times the water is safe for swimming.
5. SHIPWRECK BEACH, ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE
The backdrop to the stunning sunset is a shipwreck that is said to date back to the 4th century BC and is currently on display at the beach. The water is a bright turquoise color, and the waves crash against the rocks and bring in seaweed and rocks to create a fascinating scene.
The best way to experience Shipwreck Beach is to walk the area and attempt to capture the beautiful sunset that is reflected in the still water. You can also rent a kayak from the beach and paddle out into the water to explore the area around the shipwreck.
The beaches are calling your name already… are you ready yet?
PS. Which is your favourite beach destination? Let us know in the comments section.
