No trip is quite complete without a visit to a beautiful relaxing beach. Our beach collection outlines the alternative beaches to visit in 2011. Hopefully the list will give you inspiration for planning your trip this year.
1. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
While it looks more than beautiful enough to film a cheesy movie or shoot outrageously beautiful swimsuit models, there is no lighting crew, gaffer or overpaid celebrity in sight. The island is small and the population smaller. Also known as “Beach No.7” it is a well kept secret, or was, until now… They are eco friendly which gets them top spot on this list.
2. Railay Beach, Thailand
This beach is great for all the things it does not have. No roads, not even footpaths ergo no vehicles other than the sea faring kind. Getting there by boat is the only option but saves you the regular tourist experience of magical Thailand. Those braving the slippery route over jagged rocks will find a secret lagoon which is well worth the effort.
3. Guludo Beach, Mozambique
If you are seeking a taste of Africa, order a plate of fresh prawns while enjoying the powder white sands and clear water of this out of the way paradise. Scuba dive the reef, whale watch or try your hand at some beach archery with traditional bow and arrow.
4. Smugglers Cove, Greece
Aside from having a super cool name, this little niche, nestled by gorgeous Cliffs even comes with its own shipwreck on the beach. The sea is turquoise, the sand is white, the water is warm, there is plenty of marine life – what more do you want?
5. Calgary Bay on the Island of Mull, Scotland
Certainly not scorching hot all year round, but it is the finest in Scotland. The scene is iconoclastic of the Hollywood imagery associated with seaside holidays. Scottish hills and rolling green meadows make space for sandcastles bathing suits. The area is picnic friendly and ideal for camping.
6. Carova Beach in North Carolina, US
Sticking it to the man – residents have opposed housing developments and even paved roads are scarce. The net result is an abundance of bird life, dolphins frolicking in the sea, sea turtles doing there thing and wild mustangs galloping over the dunes.
7. Sunshine Beach, Australia
When you are done checking out the Noosa Heads National Park, head a bit further south to find the seemingly infinite Sunshine Beach. Despite fantastic surfing conditions and being canine friendly there are less humans hanging about than you might expect. If you are lucky, you may even spot some giant benevolent mammalian swimmers.
8. Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, Croatia
The name obscures an otherwise rocking summer destination. This international hotspot includes an open air nightclub to keep the party going long after the sun has set. Motorised water sports will keep the well heeled entertained while the hoi polloi look on in envy. Nudies are sure to find a suitable spot to de-kit in the nearby vicinity.
9. Playa Medina
Vamos ala playa… If a gentle sea breeze rustling the leaves of the coconut trees and very little else other than sea and sand is your idea of a good time, you could do worse than to check out this piece of paradise. Whenever you are bored of soaking up sunshine, head into the jungle, shoot into the mountains or prance about in the green prairies.
10. Gansbaai, South Africa
Last but not least on this list. There are safe spots to swim, there are beautiful trails to walk and there is enough sunshine to caramelise your hide but travellers come here for what is off the beach. See the Great White shark either from deck or if you are brave enough, hop off the boat and into the cage to see the most efficient predator alive today.
Photo by plusgood
Do you have a favourite beach or collection of beaches? Let us know in the comments below.
