Sugar-white sand, rippling azure ocean, a warm breeze caressing your cheeks. Let’s face it, we’re all dreaming of winter sun.
Or maybe you’re already planning your summer holiday, hoping that having a beach break on the horizon will help you through the dismal weeks of January.
Whatever your motivation, there are many benefits to a few days on the beach: fresh air, nature, and space to unwind. Metro has trawled the archive to find nine of the world’s best beaches to inspire your next trip.
From lunar white shores with turquoise water to quiet coves in quaint seaside villages, there’s a beach destination for everyone.
Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
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Trunk Bay, a slice of Caribbean paradise on the island of St John, was ranked number one in The World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024.
The list, based on votes from thousands of the world’s most experienced travel experts, looks at criteria including wildlife and surrounding landscape, crowds and how easy it is to access and swim in the water.
Trunk Bay’s location in the Virgin Islands National Park sets it apart from the rest — its soft sand and 27°C waters are unspoiled by commercial activity, and protected from Caribbean tradewinds.
The vibrant reef is a treasure trove for snorkelers, offering the chance to swim among schools of fish and even Leatherback turtles.
How to get there: Fly to St Thomas, the neighbouring island, and take a ferry to St John. Virgin Atlantic runs flights from London Heathrow to St Thomas, changing at New York and travelling onwards with Delta Air Lines.
Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
Crowned the best beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2024, Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal, beat out competition from the Caribbean, Australia and the Seychelles.
Known for its dramatic red cliffs and golden sand, reviewers raved about the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the shore.
There are plenty of equally spectacular stretches of sand nearby too. The sunny Algarve is home to more than 100 beaches, boasts around 200km of coastline and has been named Europe’s best beach destination ten times in a row.
There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in the region – one of the largest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches in Europe – meaning the Algarve is home to some of the cleanest beaches in the world.
How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet fly to Faro, and Praia da Falésia can be reached within a 40-minute drive.
West Beach, Berneray, Scotland
If warm weather isn’t a dealbreaker, this remote UK beach is worth checking out.
It’s one of four UK beaches named on Lonely Planet’s list of the best beaches in Europe, but unlike its fellow nominees Durdle Door (Dorset), Kynance Cove (Cornwall) and Rhossili Bay (the Gower), West Beach is relatively unspoilt by tourists.
Located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this stretch of coastline boasts three miles of unbroken white sand – it’s often mistaken for somewhere more exotic.
In 2009, a travel guide accidentally published a picture of Berneray after mistaking it for Thailand’s Kai Bae Beach.
Sunbathing may not be an option, but this dog-friendly beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing walk in a remote setting.
How to get there: The closest airport is Inverness, which is served by easyJet flights. From there, drive to the Isle of Skye and catch the ferry from Uig to Berneray.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
Those looking for a beach staycation may want to consider this Welsh location, which gained fame as the site of Dobby’s death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Freshwater West was one of five British seasides crowned in Beach Atlas’ 100 Golden Beaches Awards.
After paying their respects at Dobby’s grave, visitors can also enjoy surfing and swimming; food and drink vans are on site in the main car park during the summer months.
Other UK beaches mentioned by Beach Atlas include Brighton Beach, West Sands Beach in St Andrews (of Chariots of Fire fame), Durdle Door in Dorset and Birling Gap Beach in East Sussex.
How to get there: The closest major train station is Swansea, where it’s possible to catch a connecting train to Pembroke Dock before hopping on a bus to Freshwater West.
Lucky Bay, Australia
For a beach where warm weather is all but guaranteed, head to Australia’s Lucky Bay, on the south coast of Western Australia.
Boasting temperatures higher than 30°C in the Australian summer, it’s previously held the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list and is regarded as the whitest sand beach in the country.
Visitors to this stretch of sand will feel lucky indeed, as it offers the chance to paddle out into the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, take a scenic flight over bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier or follow the bushwalking tracks of Cape Le Grand National Park.
Plus, there’s the chance to spot one of Lucky Bay’s inquisitive kangaroos, which roam freely along the shores.
How to get there: The closest international airport is Perth. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic fly there from airports around the UK.
Aharen Beach, Japan
If you’re looking for a golden sandy beach that’s lesser known to Western tourists, Japan’s Aharen Beach was recently named among the world’s best.
It sits at number 13 on the 2024 list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Found on the Kerama Islands, just off the coast of mainland Japan, Aharen’s colourful waters rival those of the Maldives, and it is also home to soft sand and lush green hills.
A relatively secluded spot, it’s a welcome diversion from busier tourist attractions in the region.
How to get there: Japan Airlines fly to Okinawa from London Heathrow with one stop. Take a ferry from Okinawa to Tokashiki Island, where Aharen Beach is located.
Pasqyra Beach, Albania
Nicknamed ‘the Maldives of Europe’, Albania’s coastline has enjoyed a tourism boom in recent years thanks to its pristine white sand and sparkling blue water.
Pasqyra Beach, in the southwest of the country, recently beat out the likes of Bondi Beach and Bora Bora to claim the title of the beach with the world’s bluest sea, in research carried out by travel experts at CV Villas.
But as Albania’s shores become increasingly overrun by tourists, those seeking something a little quieter should opt for a trip to Durrës.
Not far from the capital of Tirana, it was recently awarded the title of Europe’s least crowded beach by budget airline Wizz Air.
How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air fly to Tirana. From there, it’s just half an hour by car or public transport to Durrës, or a three and a half hour drive to Pasqyra Beach.
Nissi Beach, Cyprus
If less-crowded beaches are your thing, Nissi Beach also made the list of quieter spots, despite its proximity to party destination Ayia Napa.
Though it’s technically one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, Wizz Air’s research notes that its 600-metre length provides more than enough space for avid beachgoers.
And thanks to the thriving tourism in the area, Nissi Beach offers the chance to try various water sports – including jet skiing and banana boating – while there are plenty of beach bars dotted nearby.
The Nissi Bay Beach Bar is famous among holidaymakers and locals alike for its legendary DJ sets.
How to get there: Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet fly to Paphos in Cyprus from airports across the UK. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Ayia Napa.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland
For something different, a geothermal beach in Iceland has been ranked as one of the world’s most relaxing beaches – despite the water measuring a rather chilly -1.9°C in the cooler months.
Head to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach in summer, however, and going for a dip in can be like getting into a warm bath, thanks to an artificial hot spring.
Described by Visit Reykjavík as ‘a little bit of paradise’ that’s widely regarded by locals as ‘our own Ibiza,’ this lesser-known gem offers an escape for beach lovers looking for a unique experience without the hot temperatures.
And if you’re wondering how seawater can be -1.9°C without freezing, the salt content means it has a lower freezing temperature than freshwater, at -2°C.
Therma tourism is still a major trend for 2026, according to insiders, so get to this destination before the crowds do.
How to get there: easyJet and Icelandair fly direct to Reykjavik from Manchester Airport as well as London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.
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