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Ten of the best beaches for sun, sand and sea
By Tempus | 19 July 2022 | Travel
If Britain’s weather has inspired you to hit the beach, try one of these incredible destinations from across the globe
There’s nothing like a heatwave to get you in the mood for a trip to the beach. Paired together, sand and sea offer the perfect way to relax in the sunshine. From white beaches in Tahiti to a seasonal beach in Colorado, grab your towel and discover these ten scenic beaches around the world.
EUROPE
Playa de Patacona | Valencia, Spain
In Valencia, travellers can combine rich culture, phenomenal food and golden beaches into one perfect city break. This east-coast city’s Mediterranean sands get the morning sun before almost anywhere else in Spain, and the sea is warm enough for swimming as early as April and as late as November.
Within easy reach of the city centre, Patacona beach is the best in the city for a quiet and tranquil experience. As the sun rises over the Mediterranean, rest amongst the palm trees and watch horseback riders trot past.
US
Tigertail Beach | Florida’s Paradise Coast
With 30 miles of award-winning coastline, Florida’s Paradise Coast Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – and its beaches can be enjoyed year-round with the ever-felt sunshine and glistening gulf water. Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach is a truly unique spot due to its sand bar shape and access route, either around the lagoon or through shallow waters.
Once on the beach, visitors can enjoy the pristine white sands and clear waters, or go shelling or kayaking. It’s also a popular bird-watching spot, listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida.
Black Sand Beach | Humboldt County, California
Those who want instagrammable shots this summer of a truly unique beach should head to the Black Sands Beach. This gem is not in Iceland but on the Northern Californian coast and is a perfect spot for wildlife lovers thanks to the numerous species of fish and native birds to observe.
The beach is a 3.5 mile stretch of coastline that is easily accessible to drivers, and there are many camping spots nearby for those who wish to stay longer.
Alki Beach | Seattle, Washington
Sun, sand, sea and Seattle! While famous for its iconic skyline, a trip to Alki Beach, to the west of the city, is a must for any visitor. Travellers can grab an oceanfront spot, book a whale watching cruise to point out the gentle giants in the ocean, or enjoy a day of kayaking in Elliott Bay.
Whether visiting for a day of relaxation or to be active in the water, this beautiful beach — and its spectacular backdrop — can be enjoyed by everyone.
Burgess Creek Beach | Steamboat, Colorado
Although typically known for its skiing, summer in Steamboat, Colorado offers a unique opportunity to visit Burgess Creek Beach, located at the base of a mountain. Here, hundreds of miles from the ocean, little ones can splash in the waterfall, make sandcastles in the sand, or enjoy a sweet treat from one of the nearby cafes. The suntrap spot is framed by picturesque mountains, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Medano Creek | Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Medano Creek at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a secluded swimming beach in Colorado. Every spring, the gentle flowing Medano Creek emerges from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains behind the pristine sand dunes.
Forming an oasis for travellers wanting to build sand castles and cool off in the waters, popular activities include swimming, sand sculpting and exploring the famous sand dunes. Travellers need to be quick; by late August the oasis will disappear for another year.
Avila Beach | SLO CAL, California
Situated on California’s central coast, Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County (aka SLO CAL) offers a relaxed seaside escape. This quaint and picturesque town is home to charming oceanfront restaurants, art galleries and boutique stores, with spectacular views across Avila Beach Pier and the San Luis Obispo Bay.
The beach is popular for surfers and kayakers, with various rental shops and schools located along the beachfront. For those staying longer, enjoy the nearby wineries and natural hot springs, or venture a short distance to the friendly town of San Luis Obispo.
REST OF THE WORLD
Takahama Beach | Kyushu, Japan
Recognised as one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Beaches, Takahama is surrounded by lush green mountains and features sandy beaches and a beautiful gradation of blue colours. As well as the beach, guests can enjoy floral nature and view wild crinum and hibiscus flowers.
Out to sea, visitors can see Gunkanjima, a World Cultural Heritage site made famous by the James Bond film Skyfall.
Yonehara Beach | Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan
On the remote tropical island chain of Okinawa lies Yonehara beach, a wild oasis ideal for keen snorkelers and lovers of nature. Situated on Ishigaki, known for its sandy beaches and coral reefs, the island is home to dense jungle landscapes as well as the largest mountain in the Okinawa Prefecture.
Of the area's myriad beaches, Yonehara is the nicest, while also being free to access and featuring facilities such as showers and equipment hire. Enjoy the peak of summer between April and November for the best and safest weather to swim in.
Toaroto Beach | Tahiti, French Polynesia
Located 30-minutes west of Pape'ete, Toaroto Beach is one of the island’s best stretches of white sand, and its protected waters make it sensational for most beach activities including paddleboarding, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing.
The beach is conveniently located near a park with public showers and restrooms as well as several restaurants nearby.