5 Of the Most Amazing Beaches Anywhere Ever

Posted on 19. Apr, 2012 by in Guest posts

I don’t understand people who don’t love beaches. How can you not love the sun shining, the waves crashing and an afternoon stretching out in front of you with nothing to do but read, nap, listen to music, walk with your toes in the water and maybe toss a football around?

Beaches are the ultimate vacation destination for a reason: it’s impossible to be stressed out on sand. Waves crashing are a favorite of relaxation soundtracks everywhere, and there aren’t any power points on the beach. Granted, the proliferation of smartphones is quickly ruining the disconnect—so recharge yourself on these incredible beaches before they figure out how to finally bring the office to the sand:

San Clemente

A laid-back and friendly town in Southern California , San Clemente represents the best of active Orange County: play some beach volleyball, go rollerblading, head for a swim or a surf. And when you’re sick of sunning yourself on the beach, head to Fishermans on the pier to indulge in clam chowder, fresh oysters or killer fish and chips.

Phu Quoc

This is the ultimate place for cheap holiday packages: you can find beachfront bungalows for less than $10 a night. Once you head to the sand, you don’t have to leave for a dose of luxury: massages, manicures and pedicures are all offered on mats along the beach. Order a pina coloda, and take your relaxation to the next level.

Maui

Even though Maui is known as the Valley Isle, it still features some of the best spots for water activities in the Hawaiian islands. Spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle on a snorkel trip to Molokini and Turtle Town, go stand-up paddle boarding on the calm waters in Kihei or head up to Lahaina to learn how to surf. And if you’re still looking for activity on land (or in the air), head up the volcano to try out ziplining or paragliding.

Ko Phi Phi

 Located one limestone cliff away from the shooting location of the “The Beach,” Ko Phi-Phi is a strikingly scenic island. A popular stop with backpackers on the Southeast Asian circuit, there are plenty of places to get loose and dance until sunrise. However, the best views require a bit of hangover-free effort: climb up to the viewpoint and then hike over to Tohko Beach to get some waves all to yourself.

 Cape Le Grande

Perfect seems a bit too cliché, but honestly, each little grain of sand is so perfectly spherical that it squeaks when you walk. Seriously. And each perfectly spherical grain of sand is so white that not only does it look like snow from a distance, but it was voted Australia’s whitest beach. The best part? The kangaroos that hop along the edge of the water: it’s the ultimate Australian beach.

Californian Christine Amorose is a full-fledged Francophile, aspiring street art photographer and semi-professional beach bum. Since earning a degree in journalism, Christine has backpacked solo through Europe, bartended on the French Riviera, worked in marketing in Melbourne and ate from many a street cart in Southeast Asia. Follow her adventures at C’est Christine or on Twitter at @camorose.

This article was sponsored by Escape Travel

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33 Responses to “5 Of the Most Amazing Beaches Anywhere Ever”

  1. Alexandra

    19. Apr, 2012

    Glad to see my home of MAUI getting in recognized! I attest it is gorgeous. I’ve been around the world and few spots come even close.

    Reply to this comment

    • Christine

      20. Apr, 2012

      Agreed! My family spends either Thanksgiving or Christmas in Maui most years, and no matter where else I go in the world, I’m always happy to come “home” to Maui :)

      Reply to this comment

  2. Jose Valentin

    19. Apr, 2012

    Pfff Maui – whatever…all over the Caribbean are beaches that make Maui look like Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

    Reply to this comment

  3. Andrea

    19. Apr, 2012

    I agree, how can anyone not love beaches?! I also loved that my two favorite travel blogs came together to talk about my favorite subject :) Thanks for the good read ladies!

    Reply to this comment

  4. Allan

    20. Apr, 2012

    Golden Beach in Northern Cyprus is a fantastic place. It’s off the beaten track and the accommodation is either a tent or a timberr bungalow. Hopefully be there next week.

    Reply to this comment

  5. This Battered Suitcase

    20. Apr, 2012

    Nice article, Christine!! I am dying to be on a beach again; these photos are absolutely awe-inspiring.

    Reply to this comment

  6. Phil

    20. Apr, 2012

    Wow, bold endeavor to pick the best beaches. No note of Australia or the Caribbean either. But then again, I appreciate your inclusion of California. A few beaches in Big Sur take the cake for me

    Reply to this comment

  7. Francy R

    20. Apr, 2012

    Unfortunately I’ve never been to anyone of this beaches but you make me want to go sunbathing right now (it’s actually raining… ;( )Your shots are so appealing…thanks for sharing!

    Reply to this comment

  8. Jeremy Branham

    20. Apr, 2012

    I like Maui but I would choose Kauai over Maui. However, I would also include Huntington Beach as well. All of us have our own personal favorites and any list like this is going to generate discussion. There are a lot of great beaches out there! :)

    Reply to this comment

    • Christine

      20. Apr, 2012

      Huntington and San Clemente definitely have a similar vibe–I just love having a glass of wine on the deck at Fishermans!

      Reply to this comment

  9. Ayngelina

    20. Apr, 2012

    I’m in Maui right now! The beaches are definitely gorgeous.

    Reply to this comment

    • Christine

      23. Apr, 2012

      Lucky girl! My “home beach” is Kamaole 1, but I think Big Beach/Makena is just gorgeous–but the big waves scare me!

      Reply to this comment

    • Christine

      23. Apr, 2012

      Lucky girl! Big Beach/Makena is definitely my favorite–so gorgeous, although the big waves are bit scary!

      Reply to this comment

  10. PattyNY

    20. Apr, 2012

    How about Siesta Key in Sarasota? White, powder-like sand…crystaline, warm blue water. Simply, the best beach in the U.S.

    Reply to this comment

  11. PattyNY

    20. Apr, 2012

    …Oh, and San Andres Island (Colombia)…the water boasts of 7 shades of blue. Simply amazing!

    Reply to this comment

  12. Rebecca

    20. Apr, 2012

    Tulum, Tulum, Tulum Mexico. Best I’ve ever seen…

    Reply to this comment

  13. avaapollo

    20. Apr, 2012

    I love San Clemente! I love Laguna just a little bit more though…

    Reply to this comment

  14. Priyanko

    21. Apr, 2012

    Erm, it’s PHU QUOC .. although if the writer tripped after having all the Pho in Vietnam, I Can’t really blame him I guess

    Reply to this comment

    • Christine

      23. Apr, 2012

      Oops! You totally caught me–I was definitely daydreaming about pho in Saigon. Will get that fixed–thanks for pointing it out :)

      Reply to this comment

  15. melvin

    25. Apr, 2012

    Boracay of the Philippines deserves a spot in the top 5.I just visited it last week.its powdery white sand is incomparable and the water is so clear.For the party animals there’s also a great night life…

    Reply to this comment

  16. Vi@Travel Tips

    28. Apr, 2012

    “The beach” on Ko Phi Phi island is nice, but you must go there early morning or stay overnight to appreciate it, as overwise it is very crowded and noisy.

    Reply to this comment

  17. Jeremy

    30. Apr, 2012

    Got engaged in Koh Phi Phi. Agree most definitely :)

    Reply to this comment

  18. kle

    03. Dec, 2012

    If you have time, go to Sardinia (in the middle of mediterranean sea), It is my native country and i know every bit of it, and has nothing to envy to the caribbean sea or any other beach in the world…
    Unfortunately, as per many other beautiful places around the world, tourist are everywhere, especially in the most spectacular turquoise beaches (tuerredda, cala mariolu or cala goloritze’ to name few of them), but every time i go back home i cant resist and i need to go to every beach! SO WORTH IT! a bit expensive if you dont have a car, but once on the beach its a true paradise. No parties, no chaos (if you chose the right month such as july or september when all the tourist are gone), you can have the beach ALL BY YOURSELF. Amazing!
    I brought my ex bf there (from Norway) and he couldnt believe it. He obviously fell in love with it! :)
    Being born there i can say i was a very lucky girl!

    Reply to this comment

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