100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime Part 1

By Alison Millington From Business Insider

Whether you’ve only spent a handful of days on the sand in your life or you’re a full-blown sunseeker, there are plenty of breathtaking beaches on this planet waiting to be discovered.

And, whether you look for a spot with an element of adventure, peace and quiet, or you simply don’t like your towel to be too close to a stranger, many of them fly under-the-radar to tourists despite their spectacular beauty.

Business Insider asked some of the most influential travel bloggers and experts, from the likes of Lonely Planet, Secret Escapes, KAYAK, British Airways, Airbnb, lastminute.com, and HolidayPirates for the most incredible under-the-radar beaches they’ve ever visited. Jet-setters in our own office also contributed. Together, their choices don’t disappoint.

From a red sand beach in Maui to a sandy spot in Thailand inhabited entirely by monkeys, scroll down for a list of 100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime.

Furore, Italy.
Dan Rata / Shutterstock
“This little hidden beach is off the beaten path, but expect many locals to be frolicking in the waters around the Amalfi Coast,” said James Asquith, the youngest person to travel to every country.

“The tiny strip of sand is wedged between a gigantic Fjord and you can get a fantastic view down from the nearby coastal road bridge. Don’t expect beach shacks or cafes but prepare yourself for a quintessential Italian summer experience.”

Red Sand Beach, Maui, Hawaii, USA.
Shutterstock/Pierre Leclerc
“Continuing with the colour theme and unique views, welcome to Red Sand Beach in Maui,” Asquith said. “Caused by lava flows this time, instead of the dark volcanic rock in the neighbouring Big Island, this beach not only attracts some great wildlife but also is self-contained by rustic-looking rocks and vegetation.”

Sugar Beach, St. Lucia.
Solarisys / Shutterstock
“Although you may struggle to just gently laze away and enjoy this beach for free, being occupied by a five-star hotel, it is situated between the incredible Famous Pitons of St. Lucia,” Asquith said. “It is incredibly well kept and every time you stop to look around your breath is taken away.”

David Wetherson, Destination Manager for British Airways Holidays, added: “Located between the world famous Pitons of St Lucia is Pitons Bay. Excellent setting and snorkelling with the Bay Side Bar serving fresh cocktails and tapas mere footsteps away.”

Phillip B. Espinasse / Shutterstock
This is “not your regular beach,” according to Asquith. “This secluded stretch of sand is completely black,” he said. “Caused by crushed volcanic rock particles and ash over millions of years, at first you may think the black sand looks ugly compared to traditional beaches, you will soon come to see the true and unique beauty of this beach, along with some pretty cool pictures for Instagram too!”

Christmas Island, Kiribati.
Reuters
“Simply put, this is untouched paradise,” said Asquith. “So far from any obtrusive built-up area, the water is an idyllic blue and the the lagoon is surrounded by what are appearing and disappearing spits of sand beach as the tide changes. You certainly won’t have any issues getting those untouched pictures without tourists and their ice creams here.”

Pink Sand Beach, Komodo, Indonesia.
raditya / Shutterstock
“Taking almost a complete 180 from black sand beaches, the Pink Sand beaches in the Komodo National Park provide a serene and stunning backdrop which feels like a fairytale,” according to Asquith. “Get your cameras ready or just soak up the sheer surrounding beauty.”

Freelance photographer Oliver Vegas also nominated the beach, calling it “one of the greatest discovered places for me last year.”

The Bay of Wrecks, Kiribati.
Darren Tierney / Shutterstock
“Not only will you experience a stunning and secluded beach in its own right, but you will witness an incredible cluster of shipwrecks hanging out of the water just off the beach,” Asquith said. “If that’s not enough to make the long trek to this very remote destination, then think about being one of the first people in the world to watch the sunrise from this unique location just clipping the international date line.”

Monkey Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.
Anna Jedynak / Shutterstock
“Inhabited only by monkeys! What more could you want?” Asquith said. “Only accessible by boat, this feels like a strange toned-down version of planet of the apes. I would suggest sunbathing on this beach is not advised otherwise you are going to have multiple furry creatures with long tails jumping over you.”

Port Olry, Vanuatu.
lkonya / Shutterstock
“Want to laze away the day with just a handful of locals on a deserted but movie backdrop worthy beach? Then head to Port Olry in Vanuatu,” Asquith said. “Angled picturesque palm tree and rugged scenery make for those travel brochure picture moments!”

Rere Beach, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.
Roderick Eime / Flickr
“The first thing to note is that Guadalcanal is like a giant open air and largely untouched World War II museum,” Asquith said. “From Rere Beach you can swim out to multiple shipwrecks that can be seen protruding from the waters, while dozens of pigs graze the beaches for whatever they can find to eat.”

For more on this story go to: http://www.businessinsider.com/100-under-the-radar-beaches-everyone-should-visit-in-their-lifetime-2018-1/#sugar-beach-st-lucia-10