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Awe-inspiring isolation is the unifying denominator among the world’s most beautiful hidden beaches, whether in peaceful towns or booming metropolises. Even if lying on the sand next to crystal-clear waves sounds wonderful, it can be a real bummer when the masses arrive and make relaxing in the sun a challenge. Find a secret beach in the city and you’ve solved your problem!
Getting to some of these secluded beaches may take some time and effort, but the reward of finding a peaceful haven is well worth the struggle. The unspoilt beaches of the world, from Seychelles to California, have been mostly overlooked by the tourism industry because they are hidden away.
1. Barreta Island (Ilha Deserta), Portugal
We all know that the Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In 2021, the World Travel Awards named them the finest in the world. Locals, on the other hand, have a few secret hideouts. Barreta Island, part of the Ria Formosa archipelago, has one of the island’s most secluded beaches, which can only be reached by boat from the mainland. There are numerous species of birds to be seen, including flamingos, cranes, and oystercatchers, to name a few. Only the Estamine Restaurant, a local favorite serving freshly caught seafood prepared in the restaurant’s solar-powered kitchen, resides on Barreta, the “deserted island” (Ilha Deserta). Scrumptious!
2. New Zealand’s Anapai Beach
The South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park is a must-see for travelers looking to see New Zealand’s best bushwalks and beaches. It takes about three hours to walk from Totaranui beach to Anapai beach. Naturally, you must take in the sights when you get there. A wide bay with golden sand, lush flora and bizarre rock formations can only be likened to those on Easter Island. At low tide, a little tidal pool occurs on the beach’s rocky end, making it ideal for a cooling plunge mid-hike.
3. Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach
Even though Reynisfjara Beach isn’t your typical white-sand paradise, it has a distinct and eerie beauty all its own. Black volcanic sands, massive basalt columns, smooth dark pebbles, sea caves, and towering rock formations dot the southeast coast of Iceland, around 180 kilometers from Reykjavik. HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones featured it because it was deserving of such a prominent role. Although the location isn’t exactly secret,’ who would have thought to travel to Iceland to enjoy its stunning coastline?
4. Maho Beach, Saint Martin Island, Sint Maarten
Although there are no particularly incredible natural vistas at this beach, there is something else that might catch your attention. The beach’s most notable feature is the Princess Juliana International Airport, which is near the beach and requires extremely low flight levels. People standing on the beach are at risk of being blasted into the water by the jet blast, so be careful (rapid air movement produced by aircraft usually during takeoff). How low can you go? The beach is just a few hundred steps away! It was an exhilarating adventure! Windsurfers and skimboarders frequent the beach. A must-see for thrill enthusiasts everywhere!
5. Playa Del Amor, Marietas Islands, Mexico
While it may appear that Playa Del Amor has been altered in some way, it is authentic. The Hidden Beach is another name for this beach, and it’s a fitting one. According to legend, the islands were accidentally formed when the Mexican government used them for military testing in the early 1990s. You can only get here via an 80-foot tunnel connecting to the Pacific Ocean, which has a beach that appears right out of a fantasy story. Swim your way to a tropical paradise!
6. Hoshizuna no Hama, Iriomote Island, Japan
This beach is called Hoshizuna no Hama, or “star sand beach.” What’s up with the odd name? Because sand grains in this area have the form and size of stars. Yes, I’m serious! Sphaerulated Baclogypsina organism exoskeletons make up most of the sand here in this location. The tranquil seas and gorgeous coral reefs provide an unforgettable experience for snorkelers. This is, without a doubt, the most unusual method to view the night sky.
7. Glass Beach, California, USA
From 1906 to 1967, this beach was used as a dumping ground for trash. A big clean-up operation was launched after the local leaders realized they had made a mistake and all the metal and scrap had been removed. Glass and ceramics that washed up on the shore were smashed into gleaming gems by the pounding waves of the ocean. Tourists see Glass Beach, one of the list’s more unusual offerings.
8. Breivika, Vaeroy Island, Norway
Vaeroy, a Norwegian island, is notable for its unusual climate and geography. This island is far less crowded than the other Lofoten islands, and it’s a great place to get away from it all. Located on the island’s eastern coast, the lovely Breivika Beach is a must-see. The Arctic Ocean’s turquoise water finds a haven on this white sand and pebble beach, framed by towering rocks frequently shrouded in clouds. It’s possible to have tee-shirt weather even though the beach is in the Arctic Circle for a short time each year.
9. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent’s most notable feature is the breathtaking surroundings. Seychelles vacations are incomplete without a stop at this beautiful beach, which boasts shallow, crystal-clear water, golden sand, and imposing granite cliffs. The beach’s coral reef makes it a perfect spot for swimming. When the coast is covered by high tide, it is an excellent location for photographing the crystal-clear water.
10. Ibo Island beach, Mozambique
The Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique is home to the Ibo Island Beach. Located about 70 nautical miles off the coast of Pemba, the island is a great location to enjoy this beautiful beach with a view of Comoros. Beaches like this one are perfect for taking strolls along the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, but they’re also a haven for birds of all kinds. The beach’s beautiful ocean is also an excellent place to take photos.
11. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, Australia
Isn’t it true that white sand beaches are a cliche? Not when a beach with the whitest sand on the planet is right there competing for your attention! Guinness World Records claims that the sand on this New South Wales beach is the whitest in the world, located around 180 kilometers south of Sydney. Visit the most pristine beach that you’ve ever seen! If you’re a snorkeler, you won’t be disappointed by the azure waters.
12. Cala Deià Beach, Spain
On Mallorca’s west coast, Cala Deia is a small, charming shingle beach with crystal-clear waves and a few rock pools to explore. Cala Deià Beach’s water is crystal-clear and inviting, making it an ideal place to cool off on a hot summer day. Rocks and stones dominate the beach, with a few dunes thrown in for good measure. On the beach, there are two great seafood and Mallorcan cuisine restaurants. Sitting on the sand and taking in the scenery is a popular pastime on this beach. The beach in Cala Deià is a popular tourist destination in Spain, but you may not have noticed it in a guidebook until later.
13. Phu Quoc Islands, Vietnam
In the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Cambodia, Ph Quoc is a small Vietnamese island. Its white-sand beaches are known for its many resorts along the southwest coast, which are surrounded by palm palms. This is the beach for you if you want privacy and seclusion from the crowds. While it may take effort to get there, you’ll be glad you did. Few restaurants are available, so pack your food and drink for a fun day at the beach. To go to the beach, you can take your car.
14. Lipite Beach, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s Lipite Beach is one of a kind. Beachgoers come to enjoy the beach for more than simply the ocean views. The river Veleka empties into the Black Sea directly above Lipite Beach, giving it a distinctive geographical shape. Due to its location in the heart of the natural park, the beach can only be reached by foot. To get to the rocks at the beach’s southern end, you have to walk the entire length of it. After that, you can climb to the cliff’s edge to take in the raw beauty of nature. The central beach parking lot is where you can leave your car. You may get to Lipite beach in 15 minutes by following the routes on the high plateau.
15. Benagil Sea Cave, Portugal
Few sea caverns can compare to Benagil Sea Cave, or Algar de Benagil, in terms of natural beauty. Just like in the photos, it’s a great site to visit. The Algarve shore, encircled by towering cliffs, is a sight to behold. You will be transported to a completely different universe as you kayak your way into the sea cave. The circular opening at the cave’s apex and the tranquil sandbar underneath are awe-inspiring. A guided trip from Portimao can take you to this location.
16. Broken Beach Arch, Bali
A breathtaking vista of the azure sky awaits you before you reach Broken Beach. The island’s lush rocky shoreline and crystal-clear water transport you to another dimension. The Broken Beach, on Nusa Penida Island, is a breathtaking cove that should not be missed. The bay has carved out a massive archway that leads down to the beach. You may both walk on top of and swim beneath the arch. The Broken Beach Arch is a must-see for adventurers looking for something different.
17. Harbour Island, Bahamas
Because of its unique characteristics, Harbour Island in the Bahamas is gradually becoming a crown jewel of the Caribbean. The east half of the island is the most popular tourist destination for its pink sand beaches. Foraminifera, a microscopic organism with a reddish-pink shell, is responsible for the pink tint. Harbour Island is also crammed with charming pastel-painted cottages, boutique hotels, and restaurants that can compete with the best in other Caribbean hotspots like St. Barts and Anguilla’s gastronomic scene.
18. Nanjizal, England
Because of its remoteness, Nanjizal (or Nanjizel) has remained relatively stable and unoccupied. You won’t find a better beach in Cornwall than this: a boulder-strewn cove at the end of a narrow, shallow valley. About two decades ago, storms washed away much of the sand from the beach, and it hasn’t been the same since. However, it does appear to be returning. In addition to the stunning scenery, there are numerous caverns and rock formations to explore. One of Nanjizel’s most dramatic features is the Zawn Peggy chasm, which lies directly across from the cliffs of Higher Bosistow.
