Top 10 secluded beaches around the globe: "
The beach is a place that caters to almost all types of people. Whether you’re an athletic person who wants doesn’t want to miss a workout, an adrenaline junkie who simply wants to keep their blood pumping, a nature lover who likes to bond with the elements, or an unabashed sloth who is content to spend most of the day under the shade of a tree, open to the prospect of a snooze every now and then.
The wide, empty beach is a perfect place for games like Frisbee and volleyball. The clear blue waters and seemingly endless ocean is ideal for water adventures like getting on a speedboat or a surfboard. Inhaling the fresh air cleanses your body, and digging your toes in the sand is so simple yet lots of fun.
Because the beach is so flexible, it has become a top destination for tourists of all types and origins: couples on a honeymoon, families on a long haul, or solitary escapes for someone who wants to get away from the crowd. While resort owners may be happy with good business pouring in, this popularity is also the bane of travelers who want to spend a good day at the beach without having to rub elbows and sweaty thighs with a thousand other people.
If you think your plans of trooping to the beach might come to a halt because you’re not in the mood to mix it up with a large crowd, don’t give up just yet. This summer, we offer you hope for a fun, sun-filled vacation (but hopefully no sunburns). We scoured the globe for the best secluded beaches that will suit your needs. Included in the list are beaches that have enough room to accommodate your widest beach blanket and places that present you with exquisite natural scenery. For the first time in a long time, you just might find that quiet, isolated beach you’ve been looking for all these years.
Of course, you do have to exert a bit of effort to get to some of these beaches, which are admittedly located in far flung places (that’s the price you pay if you’re not willing to share). However, a couple of beaches that made it on the list are within some popular hot spots such as Greece and the Caribbean.
Our advice is, grab that bottle of sunscreen and get a move on because once this gets out in the open, some of these places might not stay hidden for long.
SPAIN – Costa de la Luz
Once again, our search for a secluded beach brings us to a far-flung place; this time, at the southernmost tip of Spain. Here, a number of small cities like Tarifa, Huelva and Cadiz dot the coast and a number of secluded beaches await our arrival. In this area of the country, more than 50 sandy miles stretch out to welcome sun lovers and swimmers alike. Expect the sand beneath your feet to be nice and white and made of extremely fine grains. Pine trees line the beach to provide shade for the rosy-cheeked sun bather. If you want to know more about the local lifestyle, head on over to the fishing villages and chat it up with the resident fishermen.
In the English language, Costa de la Luz means Coast of Light. That’s good news for all you people out there who dislike grey clouds and overcast skies. All throughout the 12 months of the year, the sun shines on Costa de la Luz, warming its waters and keeping the sand nice and toasty.
Amazingly, these shores aren’t filled with hordes of tourists. The major reason for this is that Costa de la Luz is quite some distance away from the major cities in Spain, compared to other beaches. In Seville, you’ll have to be prepared to take a three hour driving trip just to satisfy your craving for these coastal waters. Other visitors are also discouraged from going here because of the forceful winds that can visit the beach quite frequently. On the other hand, these winds, known as the Levante and the Poniente, are good news to surfer dudes to like to ride the waves.
BRAZIL – Baia de Sancho
For a truly private holiday on the beach, book a plane ticket and check out the Atlantic archipelago located near Brazil’s north east coast. Within this group of 21 islands, only a single, solitary island is inhabited by people—Fernando de Noronha (incidentally, this is also the name of the archipelago).
Fernando de Noronha has been declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also recognized as a marine park. Authorities have taken measures to preserve this place, where nature thrives on its own without disturbance from man and his clutter. Visits to the area are strictly controlled, and restrictions are employed regarding commercial development on the island. Wander the beach here and you’ll get a true sense of being one with nature.
Baia de Sancho is a beach within the island that is open to the few tourists who manage to get there. The journey to the beach involves climbing down the face of a scary, gasp inducing cliff through a set of ladders. If you’re not in the mood to conquer your fear of heights, you can reach Baia de Sancho by getting on a boat; or if you feel more at your element in the water, you can always snorkel your way to the beach.
These waters are rich in marine life. Visitors to the area will be able to see live corals, sea turtles, manta rays and even dolphins. A helpful reminder is issued to travelers: make sure you bring enough provisions to last your entire stay. No matter how hard you look, there won’t be a single bar or peddler in the island who can sell you food.
THAILAND – Ao Phra Nang Beach
Our first stop takes us to Asia, in a country called Thailand. The country may be famous, but it features a beach that is so private and secluded, we think even people from Europe or the United States may be willing to travel halfway across the world to enjoy some fun in the sun.
In Krabi, there are a number of isolated resorts and also beaches that surround this port town. Mainly, these resorts have remained under the radar because it takes some time to get there, unlike the other more famous resorts in the country, especially in the neighboring island which is only about 100 miles west of Krabi. To reach these private beaches, you have to get on a longtail boat and make your way across the water.
Near Krabi, there is a headland called the Laen Phra Nang, which has big, scary cliffs. To get to Laen Phra Nang, you have to ride a boat from Ao Nang. It’s a fairly short ride; within ten minutes, you can get ready to swim in the water and enjoy your vacation. The cliffs here are quite popular with travelers, especially rock climbers who are looking for a bit of fun outside the water. Once you’re here, take in the lush surroundings and feel energized by the water from the Andaman Sea. Run along the beach and jump right in; you can be sure the water will be warm and inviting. There are three beaches in Laen Phra Nang, and these are conveniently located close to each other.
At Ao Phra Nang, you can enjoy the pristine, white sand and lay on the beach for as long as you like. The clear waters and colorful reefs are ideal for snorkeling. If you’re worried about your accommodation, don’t be. There is a luxury hotel situated here called the Rayavadee resort, where you can have the amenities that you’re used to at home. The Ao Phra Nang is also called the Hat Tham Phra Nang, so don’t be confused by the name change.
Backpackers might enjoy the East Railay Beach; or they can always transfer to the West Railay Beach. Then there is Happy Island, which can be reached by a short swim. If you’re the curious type like Alice, poke around the cave located at the base of the cliff.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLES – Long Bay
We stay in Europe a bit longer and visit the British Virgin Islands. Among the 60 or so islands that make up this group, we have a special attachment to the third largest island, which was baptized the Virgin Gorda by Christopher Columbus. This island is also called Fat Virgin, because the shape reminded Columbus of the image of a reclining woman. History lesson aside, we like this island mainly because of Long Bay.
This beach is somewhat of a closely guarded secret among beach lovers. To get here, you have to navigate the steep, scary road through Nail Bay. Another option would be to travel by boat. Once again, white sands will welcome you upon arrival at the beach and best of all, there’s no one in sight!
You can swim here for as long as you like without worrying that you’re actually bathing in other people’s wee (sorry, we had to say it!). Put on your mask, flippers and snorkel and see what it’s like under the water.
Long Bay is also home to some feathery fauna local to these islands. Bird lovers can whip out their binoculars and watch out for pelicans, blue herons, stilts and even spotted sandpipers.
ANTIGUA – Palmetto Point Beach
Antigua has made it to almost every guidebook in town. With 365 beaches that border its shores, you can go beach hopping and end up in a different place every day. However, our mission here is to find a secluded beach and to do that, we must leave Antigua and visit instead its sister island called Barbuda.
Barbuda is located northeast of Antigua, about 25 miles away. This is quite a unique gem in the Caribbean, where big commercial resorts crop up year after year; and in return, tourists come by the planeload.
As opposed to big beach resorts, this place boasts of miles and miles of unspoiled, untouched beaches. The sand is a calm and clean white hue, with a bit of pink mixed here and there. Only a few resorts share responsibility for these beaches, but they are well maintained and are absolutely gorgeous. There’s nothing here to distract you from relaxing under the sun and soaking up the rays.
There is a beautiful stretch of sand on this island that starts at Palmetto Point and goes all the way to Coco Point. The sand goes on for seven whole miles. To get an idea on how secluded this place is, guests often find themselves alone by at the beach, surrounded by the seashells as opposed to people. Even Lady Di was known to have spent some time in the island; in fact, the Princess came here on several occasions, four to be exact. Hey, if this place is good enough for royalty, then it’s good enough for me, don’t you agree?
GREECE – Shipwreck Beach
If you may have noticed, geography has played a vital role in our quest for the best secluded beaches worldwide. The same goes true for Shipwreck Beach in Greece. The massive, tall cliffs that surround this beach are a main reason why people don’t tend to frequent this sandy cove. If travelers only knew that they were missing out on one of the most gorgeous beaches to be found in Greece, perhaps they would be inclined to change their minds.
To be able set foot on Shipwreck Beach, travelers must go by boat. This is the only way of getting there.
This beach can be found in Zakynthos Island. The trademark crescent shape of the beach is home of an old and marooned vessel, left here by its crew and captain. The vessel is believed to date back to almost 30 years ago, in 1983. Half of the vessel is visible above the sand, while the other half lies hidden under the earth.
Before the discovery of the vessel, this place used to be known as Agios Georgios. However, the iconic wreck on the beach led to others calling it Navagio which when translated to English, means shipwreck.
You can book yourself on a cruise and still go to Shipwreck Beach. There are tours that regularly bring passengers here; you can catch the ferries before they leave Porto Vromi Village, or Volimes Village. If you signed up for a cruise, you also get the chance to visit Skinari’s Blue Caves.
COSTA RICA – Santa Teresa
The Nicoya Peninsula located in Costa Rica is considered to be a top destination among surfers. People from all over the world make the pilgrimage to the Nicoya Peninsula, drawn by the waves and its beautiful beach. Fortunately for us, we have another destination in mind.
The coast of Santa Teresa, situated on Costa Rica’s southernmost region is secluded, intimate beaches often overlooked by tourists. To get there, you have to brace yourselves for a long journey. The trek leading to the coast will take almost six hours, starting from San Jose. The path you’ll be taking is basically a dirt road, which you have to learn how to navigate, because it’s definitely not as easy as driving on a concrete highway. After that, you have to ride a ferry before you finally get to Santa Teresa.
This arduous journey is probably what repels the crowds from descending on Santa Teresa. In our opinion, this is great. Not only do you get the beach to yourself, the place doesn’t have to keep up with overpopulation caused by visitors. This means that the environment here is well preserved and the jungle is kept lush and beautiful. Roam the beach from Malpais village all the way to Santa Teresa and see what we mean.
A couple of hammock hotels can be found here for accommodation. They are even built strategically so that if you’re in the sand, you won’t notice them beneath the canopy. Up in the trees, you might spot a monkey or two searching for some fruit. Aside from these hairy companions and a handful of surfers in the water, you’re pretty much left on your own.
If you happen to be here during September, be one of the lucky ones to spot the migrating whales. Visit during the low season and enjoy even more solitary quality time.
AUSTRALIA – Whitehaven Beach
Last but certainly not the least, we venture to the Land Down Under for the final stop in our journey.
Whitehaven Beach is a picturesque place located in Whitsunday Island. The beach stretches on for over four miles, enchanting visitors with its pure white sand that not only looks, but actually feels soft to the touch. The beach is covered with silica grains that give your feel a soft and powdery sensation as you walk along the beach.
The beach is bordered on one side by a verdant forest of massive, acacia trees whose outstretched branches provide shelter from the sun. The waters are so blue and perfect you might even think you’re looking at a postcard instead of the real thing.
Whitehaven Beach is often empty because of strict visitation limits that are being enforced by none other than the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. If you wish to tour the area, you need their go signal. This may come as a bit snobby to some people, but it does have its purposes of preserving the natural scenery and maintaining the balance between man and nature.
So, there you go! Ten beautiful beaches to pick and choose from that can be found from all corners of the world. It may be fun to travel with a big crowd, but every now and then, try getting away from it all and escape to a place where no one will find you.
MAURITIUS – Trou d’Argent
From Greece, we make our way to the Indian Ocean, near Africa’s coast. The Rodrigues Island in Mauritius has been keeping a wonderful secret for many years now that we think is time you find out.
The shores of this island possess an interesting name that means Money Hole when translated to English. The name is due to the alleged treasure that is said to have been buried underneath the sand, in a place where no one can reach it.
We have to say though, that the beach can be considered a treasure in itself. The natural beauty of the island is something that visitors will not be able to forget.
Again, if you want to experience the stillness of life at the beach in Rodrigues Island, you have to go on quite a hike. The hike for visitors will start along the eastern coastline of the island, at the St. Francois beach. Expect the path to be rocky and difficult. Along the way, think of the crystal clear waters that make your trek worthwhile. If that doesn’t work, think of it as free exercise outside the gym. The hike will take about 45 minutes, so you better pick up your feet and maintain good pace if you don’t want it to last longer.
TONGA – Uoleva Island
If you’ve heard of the movie South Pacific and are wondering if these islands do possess a beauty unique to this region, wonder no more because the next place on our list is the Uoleva Island in Tonga, situated in where else but the South Pacific.
Tonga is also commonly referred to as the Ha’apai Group or Friendly Islands; a good indication then, if you’re a traveler who wants a guaranteed fun and jolly vacation. If your idea of a nice summer getaway is a beach emptied of people, then this is the place for you. You can lounge around without having to endure thumping music from your teenage neighbor’s boom box (or Bose speaker, as modern kids now call it).
If fishing is your sport, go right ahead and see if you can catch something. These shores are home to beautiful, colorful reefs that make for a good snorkeling excursion. If you’re up for some more adventure (and we seriously hope you are), you can even go on a mini-cruise. In the capital of Pangai, which can be found in Lifuka Island, you can easily rent a boat for you and your companions.
The locals are a very pleasant people, not to mention friendly to visitors, which is always a good thing to know when you’re traveling abroad. There are a couple of hotels here where you can stay, but there are so few inhabitants permanently staying in the island, ensuring that you’ll still have your privacy even when you’re on the beach.
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