8 of the world’s best beach escapes, chosen by tourists

Best beach escapes: From secluded inlets on Italy’s volcanic coastlines to remote white-sand stretches in Tasmania, BBC journalists have shared the beach escapes that left a lasting impression on them.

The word “beach” often brings to mind sun-drenched sands and calm waters. But across the world, the definition stretches far beyond that – to include rugged cliffs, pebbled coves and untouched island shores.

Each year, BBC editors travel extensively, encountering coastlines that redefine what a beach can be. Here, they reflect on eight destinations that stood out – places that capture the diversity, beauty and unexpected magic of the world’s shores.

The Andaman Islands, India

Although many travellers favour the Mediterranean, one writer described a small beach on Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands as the most memorable they had visited.

Near a modest, owner-run café tucked between palm trees, the beach offers luminous shallow waters and strikingly white sand. At night, the moonlight creates an almost surreal brightness across the shoreline.

The experience is not just about scenery. Visitors often encounter a strong sense of environmental awareness, with local efforts focused on keeping the islands free from plastic. Combined with simple meals, quiet conversations and creative inspiration, the beach offers a rare sense of calm and connection.

Icacos, Puerto Rico

The uninhabited island of Icacos offers what many would consider a classic desert-island experience.

A short boat ride from Fajardo transports visitors to a stretch of untouched shoreline, where there are no facilities, businesses or permanent shade. Travellers must bring their own supplies, from food and water to sun protection.

Despite the lack of amenities, the appeal lies in its simplicity. With only a few scattered visitors and uninterrupted views of turquoise water and white sand, the island provides a rare opportunity to disconnect completely.

El Nido, the Philippines

Rather than a single beach, El Nido offers a collection of spectacular coastal experiences spread across islands and lagoons.

Visitors often explore the area through island-hopping tours, travelling across Bacuit Bay by speedboat, catamaran or traditional outrigger boats. Activities include swimming, snorkelling and kayaking in clear blue waters surrounded by limestone formations.

After a day at sea, mainland beaches provide a more relaxed setting, where sunsets transform the sky into shades of red and gold. The combination of adventure and tranquillity makes El Nido a standout destination.

La Baia di Ieranto, Italy

On Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, La Baia di Ieranto offers a different kind of beach experience.

Accessible via a steep hillside trail from the village of Nerano, the bay rewards visitors with panoramic views of deep blue water framed by cliffs and open sky.

Unlike sandy Mediterranean shores, the beach is pebbled and rugged, reflecting the volcanic origins of the region. Its remote setting and mythological associations – including legends linked to Homer’s tales – add to its appeal.

Grand Case Beach, St Maarten

Grand Case Beach combines natural beauty with a vibrant food scene.

The beach itself features soft sand and calm, clear water typical of the Caribbean. But its defining feature lies just beyond the shoreline, where a wide range of restaurants offer everything from fine dining to casual local dishes.

This blend of scenery and cuisine makes it a destination that appeals to both relaxation seekers and food enthusiasts.

Achmelvich Beach, Scotland

On Scotland’s rugged west coast, Achmelvich Beach offers an unexpected contrast.

Tucked into a bay along the Highlands, the beach features a stretch of white sand and, on clear days, surprisingly turquoise water. While summer brings occasional visitors, quieter seasons can leave the beach nearly empty.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, adding an element of unpredictability. However, the surrounding landscapes and scenic drives through the Highlands make the journey worthwhile.

Brighton Beach, New York

In Brighton Beach, the appeal lies as much in culture as in coastline.

Located along Brooklyn’s shoreline, the area reflects decades of immigration, particularly from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The boardwalk is a lively mix of music, food and everyday life, offering visitors a unique urban beach experience.

From traditional dishes to street performances, Brighton Beach blends recreation with cultural immersion, making it distinct from more conventional seaside destinations.

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

On the north-east coast of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires stretches for miles, offering a sense of isolation rarely found elsewhere.

The landscape is defined by white sand, turquoise water and granite boulders marked by vivid orange hues. Visitors often hike long distances without encountering others, accompanied only by the sound of waves and wind.

The remoteness of the area contributes to its appeal, creating a feeling of standing at the edge of the world.

Best beach escapes: A different way to see the beach

Together, these destinations highlight the wide range of experiences that beaches can offer. From remote islands and cultural hubs to rugged coastlines and eco-conscious retreats, each location challenges the idea of what a “perfect beach” looks like.

For travellers willing to look beyond the usual, the world’s shores offer far more than just sun and sand—they offer stories, contrasts and moments that linger long after the journey ends.

Source: BBC

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