From a tucked-away beach in Peru to a black-sand beach in Antarctica, these are places where relaxation and rejuvenation are easy to come by. We’re not saying you’ll have these beaches completely to yourself, but chances are there will be fewer footprints in the sand.
Here are 10 incredible beaches around the world where you can get away from it all.
Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
Take a breather from the island’s posh west coast and make your way down curvy roads, past sugar cane fields and along pastures of black-bellied sheep to a beach that is well worth the drive. When you reach Bathsheba, you’ll know: the giant, moss-covered limestone boulders that dot the beach are easy to see from the top of the craggy cliffs. Here, you’ll find more locals than tourists, and the waters are not suitable for swimming. Pro tip: Grab a fried flying fish sandwich from one of the local eateries and watch the waves roll in. Keep in mind, in the winter the waves are notoriously monstrous. In November, there is a surf competition held here; at that time there would be more people around.
Kepuhi Beach, Moloka’i, Hawaii
Whether it’s the candy-colored sunsets, the year-round balmy temperatures, or the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Moloka’i, about a 15-minute flight from Honolulu, surely has a lot going for it. It’s one of Hawaii’s less developed islands, which means most of its beaches are not jam-packed with tourists. Located on Molokai’s west coast, Kepuhi is a great spot to soak up some dreamy views. It’s typically not a good swimming spot, however. When the wind whips up strong currents there, the shore break can be dangerous. Drive back into town afterward and pop into Kanemitsu’s Bakery for a fresh-baked loaf of bread filled with strawberry jam.
Hulopo’e Bay Beach and Marine Preserve, Lana’i, Hawaii
Lanai is home to 18 miles worth of large, beautiful beaches minus the crowds. This serene bay area is a protected marine preserve, and if you go during whale season (mid-December through mid-May) you are nearly guaranteed a humpback sighting. Make time to stop by the tide pools where sea stars and spaghetti worms like to hang out. Afterward, lounge around the resort’s lagoon-shaped pool, take a yoga class, and dine on Japanese cuisine at the cliff-side Nobu. Or hop on a high-speed luxe boat that will take you to some of the prettiest spots around, where you’ll often have 100-plus feet of visibility, so there’s a very good chance you’ll spot spinner dolphins and turtles while snorkeling.
Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA
Cumberland Island is a National Seashore, which means it is downright gorgeous and a haven for wildlife. On the beach, you’ll find wild horses and loggerhead turtles. Hike through the island’s interior, shaded by enormous oak tree canopies, for the chance to see armadillos, deer, hogs, rabbits, turkeys, and raccoons. It’s never crowded because the only way to get there is by boat or ferry ride, giving you access to 17 miles worth of sandy shores.
Deception Island, Antarctica
This island on the Antarctica Peninsula is home to a volcano and black-sand beaches. Believe it or not, you can take a quick dip; the water along the first six feet of shore is rather hot at low tide. Here, natural wildlife habitats abound. It’s home to nearly 100,000 penguins and various sea birds, along with unique moss and lichen that doesn’t exist in other parts. To reach this remote spot, a cruise is required, offering an extraordinary experience.
Pipe Creek Sand Bar, The Bahamas
This surreal sandbar between Staniel and Compass cays is a fabulous pitstop for shelling, snorkeling, and bonefishing. Since the shallow waters here can be difficult to navigate, it’s advisable to go with a tour operator. Boats stagger their arrivals so that one small group typically has the sandbar to themselves, allowing for an intimate and peaceful beach experience.
Tunnel Beach and Long Beach, New Zealand
To access Tunnel Beach, take the trail downhill to the jagged coastline. Enjoy views of the mesmerizing sandstone cliffs and sea caves. As you walk through the tunnel that leads to the beach, keep an eye out for fossils. Long Beach, also near Dunedin, is even more secluded, featuring colorful shells and caves. A perfect retreat for nature lovers.
Klamath River Beach, Redwood National Park, California
To enjoy a more serene experience, visit this beach outside of whale and salmon-fishing seasons when it tends to be relatively uncrowded. Located within Redwood National Park, this beach is known for its massive rocks, driftwood, and sea lions. Check out False Klamath Cove to search for sea stars, urchins, and anemones in the tide pools.
Puerto Chicama, Peru
With 1600 miles of coastline, Peru is a paradise for beachgoers. Puerto Chicama, located about 400 miles north of Lima, is noted for its surf-friendly waves. However, if you hike over the nearby mountains, you can discover more remote beaches without anyone else around. The sunsets here are breathtaking, making it a serene havens for relaxation.
Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands
Fernandina Island is the third largest of the Galapagos Islands. Here, you’ll find sea turtles swimming alongside marine iguanas as well as brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs and playful sea lions. The beaches remain uncrowded due to limited access controlled by the National Park Service, ensuring a unique experience in nature.
