If you consistently pick sand over snow, heat over chill, or snorkels over skis, youโve probably been itching for a proper beach vacay. But not every sandy getaway is created equal โ the experiences go far beyond popular hubs like Bali or Phuket. Before you start booking those tickets, itโs worth deciding whether youโre a sunbather, a surfer, a swimmer, or a frolicker. Check out our curated list of the best beach holiday destinations, then seas the day and start your adventure!
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Lombok, Indonesia
Less โtouristyโ and overcrowded than its nearby neighbour Bali, Lombok is brimming with local charm, stunning beaches, and even an active volcano (choose your hiking adventures wisely!). Perfect for both those looking to relax on soft sands and those eager to catch some waves, the island has everything you need to craft your ideal getaway. Swim in the bluest waters at the southern end, or explore the incredible waterfalls up north โ Lombok offers endless opportunities for fun in the sun, which explains its growing popularity!
Notable Beaches:
Tanjung Aan: A 2km stretch of fine white sand, turquoise waters, and incredible views โ simply breathtaking.
Tangsi (Pink Beach): One of the few pink sand beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water perfect for snorkelling.
Selong Belanak: Popular with surfers, attracting international wave enthusiasts; plenty of rental shops and surf schools available.
The Gili Islands: A group of tiny islands accessible by boat from Lombok. Each island has beautiful beaches, and snorkelling is a must โ discover turtles, coral reefs, the Nest Underwater Statues, and more.
Kefalonia/Cephalonia, Greece
Known as Kefalonia or Cephalonia, this Greek island boasts villages as picturesque as its idyllic beaches. A good base for first-time visitors is the bustling capital, Argostoli, where restaurants, shops, and more are easily accessible while still being within reach of some breathtaking beaches. For those seeking a quieter, more local vibe and even more access to sandy shores, Lassi is the ultimate coastal village getaway. Even if some bucket-list beaches arenโt within walking distance, most areas of Kefalonia are conveniently reachable by car, making perfect day trips easy.
Notable Beaches:
Myrtos Beach: One of the most photographed beaches in the world โ and for good reason. Surrounded by steep cliffs and covered in glistening white pebbles, the water is crystal-clear turquoise and perfect for swimming.
Skala Beach: A 3km stretch of sand and shingle, Skalaโs clear blue water and fascinating marine life make it a snorkelerโs paradise.
Fteri Beach: One of Kefaloniaโs hidden gems, Fteri is a bit trickier to reach but well worth the effort. Stunning and remote, this secluded cove is surrounded by lush white cliffs, tranquil turquoise water, and sand mixed with white pebbles.
Palawan, The Philippines
One of the most extraordinary destinations in the Philippines โ nay, the world โ Palawan is a tropical paradise for nature lovers. An archipelago made up of 1,780 islands and islets, the best way to explore as much as possible is through island-hopping. Along the way, youโll encounter bucket-list natural wonders like El Nido, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and Kayangan Lake. And wherever you go, youโll find no shortage of breathtaking beaches, many fringed by rich marine life such as whale sharks, dugongs, and bottlenose dolphins โ perfect for an unforgettable snorkelling session.
Notable Beaches:
Entalula Beach: Famous yet still secluded, Entalula lies in the El Nido region and is only accessible by boat. Towering limestone cliffs and hidden coves rise above soft ivory shores, while crystal-clear waters and colourful coral reefs below teem with marine life โ making it every bit the tropical dream.
Nacpan Beach: A true highlight of Palawan, Nacpan boasts golden sand, sparkling waters, and rows of coconut palms stretching as far as the eye can see. Surfing hub Duli Beach is nearby, so you can easily visit both in a single trip.
Secret Beach: Hidden within El Nidoโs bay, Secret Beach can only be reached by swimming through a small opening in the rocks, which leads to a secluded cove surrounded by limestone cliffs. Visiting usually requires joining an El Nido island-hopping tour.
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
While you can hardly go wrong when choosing a region to explore on a New Zealand vacation, one of the best beach holiday destinations is without a doubt Waiheke Island. Home to stunning vineyards, rustic olive groves, and (of course) pristine beaches, this island paradise is often called the โHamptons of New Zealandโ โ and for good reason! With around 25 beaches along its sprawling coastline, Waihekeโs warm microclimate makes it an especially inviting spot for swimming. Just under an hour from Auckland by ferry, this getaway offers a once-in-a-lifetime way to experience Kiwi country.
Notable Beaches:
Onetangi Beach: The longest and most popular beach on the island, covered in pearl-white sand. Onetangi is perfect for everything from sunbathing to surfing.
Little Oneroa Beach: A more tucked-away cove framed by cliffs and featuring a nearby waterfall, Little Oneroa is ideal for relaxing and catching the sunset from its warm, clear waters.
Enclosure Bay: Protected by large rock formations, the calm, shallow waters here make it a prime spot for snorkelling.
Antalya, Turkey
The ultimate getaway not just for beachgoers but also for culture lovers, Antalya weaves together ancient ruins and charming coastlines โ more than earning its title as the โTurkish Riviera.โ Spend a day exploring cultural gems like Hadrianโs Gate in the Old Town, the ancient city of Perge or Phaselis, and the beautifully preserved Aspendos Theatre before turning your attention to natural wonders such as the Dรผden Waterfalls and Sapadere Canyon. Meanwhile, the cityโs collection of beaches is always within reach, perfect for a quick stop or a full day by the sea.
Notable Beaches:
Konyaaltฤฑ Beach (Konyaaltฤฑ Plaji): Just minutes from the city centre, this 7km stretch of sand and pebbles is ideal for swimming, surfing, or sunbathing.
Patara Beach: One of the longest beaches in Turkey, its white sands extend for 12km near the ancient city of Patara. Beyond its rolling dunes and clear shallow waters, Patara is also a nesting ground for endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles โ so be mindful and respectful during nesting season!
Kaputaล Beach: A quieter cove known for its dazzling blue waters, golden sand, and dramatic cliffs. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or snorkelling, this coastal hideaway feels like a true seaside escape.
Jeju Island, South Korea
For a beach holiday with a distinctly Korean twist, Jeju Island is the place to be. Often dubbed the โHawaii of Korea,โ this volcanic island has a charm all its own. A paradise for nature lovers, Jeju-do is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallasan National Park, where youโll find a dormant volcano and the highest peak in South Korea โ a bucket-list hike for many. Meanwhile, bursts of colour await at Camellia Hill, a 20-hectare botanical garden featuring more than 500 species of flowers, trees, and plants. And of course, itโs Jejuโs beaches โ with soft white sands, dramatic black basalt rocks, and shimmering emerald waters โ that make it one of Asiaโs most unforgettable coastal escapes.
Notable Beaches:
Hyeopjae Beach: Where jade-toned seas meet shady pine forests, Hyeopjae is known for its bright sand scattered with dark volcanic rock. With its shallow waters, itโs especially popular with families looking to swim or simply relax by the shore.
Gwakji Beach: Framed by gentle hills, Gwakji offers wide stretches of pale sand against sparkling water. A highlight here is the traditional Gwamul open-air, spring-fed public bath โ the perfect way to freshen up after a dip in the sea.
Hado Beach: A quiet retreat away from the crowds, Hadoโs golden sands and calm waters create a peaceful backdrop for the day. Beyond lounging and swimming, itโs also a favourite spot for surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even fishing.
Big Sur, California (USA)
If youโre looking for a different kind of beach vacay, rent a car and cruise through Big Sur for a road-trip-style holiday! This iconic stretch of California offers unrivalled natural beauty, with the Pacific Coast Highway winding past dramatic cliffs, state parks, hidden coves, and beaches nestled between rugged bluffs. When visiting these beaches, be sure to check local guidelines, as some prohibit swimming due to dangerous tides.
Notable Beaches:
Pfeiffer Beach: Famous (and endlessly Instagrammed) for its striking Keyhole Arch rock formation, Pfeiffer Beach may not be safe for swimming โ thanks to strong currents โ but it still dazzles from the shore, especially with its rare purple sand that collects where the cliffs meet the water.
Sand Dollar Beach: This long, crescent-shaped stretch is perfect for strolling or surfing. As a dog-friendly spot, you might see a few pups running alongside the waves, as well as sand dollars scattered across the shore. Swimming isnโt banned, but conditions can be risky โ so check the tides and use caution before diving in.
Lofoten, Norway
You might be wondering why a famously chilly Nordic country has made it onto a list of the worldโs best beach holiday destinations. Surprisingly, some of the most breathtaking beaches can be found in the Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten. These arenโt your standard tropical stretches โ instead, theyโre celebrated for their wild landscapes and awe-inspiring backdrops. Where else could you bask in the midnight sun during summer and witness the northern lights in winter?
Notable Beaches:
Haukland Beach: Often hailed as the most beautiful beach in Norway, Hauklandโs pale golden sand and clear turquoise water make it a favourite among photographers. Nicknamed Lofotenโs โswimming beach,โ the brisk water offers a refreshing dip on warm summer days.
Uttakleiv Beach: Known as the most photographed spot in Lofoten, Uttakleiv has it all: soft sandy shoreline, luminous waters, and clusters of dramatic boulders. A popular camping destination in summer, it also transforms into one of the best places to catch the dazzling aurora borealis on crisp winter nights.
Hov Beach: Famous for its activities, Hov Beach is the place to ride Icelandic horses along the waterโs edge. Itโs also a beloved swimming spot, made even better by the oceanfront sauna at Hov Gรฅrd, located right on the sand.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
