Destinations of the week 7
100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime Part 7
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.
Taveuni, Fiji.
JohnnyJet
JohnnyJet suggests heading to “the remote beach off the island of Taveuni where they filmed Blue Lagoon 2. We had to take Bilibili’s (rafts made of tie-together bamboo) to get there.”
Plage Mala, Cap D’Ail, Cote d’Azur, France.
Margarita Hintukainen / Shutterstock
Business Insider UK’s Lifestyle Editor Ali Millington suggests taking the short bus — or drive — from Nice to Cap D’Ail for a “secluded, hidden beach — albeit still pebbly — that still has all of the glamour of the Cote d’Azur, swanky restaurants and bars included.”
Lac Sacacomie, Quebec, Canada.
Lac Sacacomie, Quebec, Canada.
Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock
“To get the true Canadian experience, visit Hotel Sacacomie on Lac Sacacomie in Quebec,” Millington suggests. “The 15-minute walk down from the massive log-cabin style resort to the secluded beach takes you through the woods, down rickety staircases, and across bridges — but it’s all worth it once you get to the bottom, where you can relax on the sand or take a canoe out on the calm lake.”
Red Beach, Santorini, Greece.
Lucian BOLCA / Shutterstock
“One of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini, the Red Beach — named for its vibrant colour — is located by the village and ancient site of Akrotiri, a bus ride away from Fira,” Millington said. “You’re best to get there early or at the end of the day, though, to avoid the crowds.”
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France.
Alison Millington
“This is where the Parisians go on holiday,” said Millington. “Its dunes are charming, and it makes for a stunning walk even on a windy day.”
Agios Sostis Beach, Mykonos, Greece.
Alison Millington
“One of the best days of my life was spent at Agios Sostis — mainly due to having lunch at the incredible no-electricity restaurant Kiki’s Tavern, which gives you house rosé wine while you wait for a table overlooking this stunning little beach with insanely blue water,” said Millington. “After lunch, you can head next door and climb down to a bigger beach, much quieter than most you’ll find on the island.”
Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada.
Alison Millington
“Though not even remotely under-the-radar to those who live in the area, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world (14 km), and has sandbars and warm, shallow water that goes out for ages,” said Millington. “Its best kept secret is Beach 5, which tends to be much quieter and more relaxing than the chaotic, tacky bars and parties of Beach 1 — it’s perfect for an early-evening BBQ while you watch the sun go down.”
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy.
Stefano73 / Shutterstock
“While it’s become a more popular spot with tourists in recent years, the beach in Positano is still a must-see thanks to the incredible views of the colourful houses that scatter its cliffside when you swim out into the water,” Millington said. “A warning, though: the climb down to the water is not for the faint of heart, so either pack a water bottle or take the bus.”
Whitstable, Kent, UK.
CBCK / Shutterstock
According to Millington: “Few places are more charming in England than Whitstable in Kent. While you might not get the suntanning weather you’re looking for unless you’re lucky in the summer months, the shingle beach is set alongside quaint fisherman’s huts and seafood restaurants — and provides a great spot for some seaside fish and chips.”
Bamburgh Beach, Northumbria, UK.
emukphotography / Shutterstock
“It’s a really nice sandy beach and has old castles in the background,” according to Business Insider Sports Reporter Alan Dawson.
Finance Reporter Will Martin even called it “the best beach in the world.”
