On the southeast coast of Barbados is the lovely and relaxing Bottom Bay. This gorgeous white sand beach is a fantastic spot for a day trip or a picnic. The sound of waves crashing along the shore makes the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing afternoon. The swaying coconut palms create just the right amount of shade over the soft sand. Visitors can try their hand at surfing, though swimming is discouraged at some times of the year due to the strength of the waves. This beach is best for a day trip, as the nearest accommodation and restaurants are a couple miles away. Also close by to the south is the beautiful Crane Beach, another fantastic destination.

On the east coast of the island state of Tasmania, south of Australia, you will find the lovely Freycinet National Park, home to the stunning Wineglass Bay. Some notable feature of Wineglass Bay, besides its distinctive “wineglass” shape, are some interesting pink granite peaks standing in a line on the beach. These are called “The Hazards”, and the beach they stand on is often referred to as Hazards Beach. Australians have long known about this haven for fishing, boating, sea kayaking, rock climbing, and fun in the sun, but so far this lovely slice of heaven isn’t on the rest of the world’s radar. That’s partially due to this area of Tasmania being somewhat hard to travel to. The nearest airport is in Launceston, a 2 hour drive from Freycinet National Park.

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Crane Beach, on the Atlantic coast of the Caribbean island of Barbados, is a fantastic wide white sand beach that is popular with honeymooners. The beach used to be a harbor, and the name “Crane” Beach came about because of the large ship loading crane that was at the top of the cliff overlooking the beach. Today, Crane Beach is called one of the 10 best beaches in the world. With it powder soft pink sands and incredibly blue ocean, it’s easy to see why. On the cliff above the beach stands The Crane Resort & Residences, a good option for those seeking high-end accommodation. Cheaper accommodation can also be had nearby.

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The sunny South shore of the island of Kauai (known as the “Garden Isle”) in the tropical state of Hawaii in the United States is home to Poipu Beach. Poipu Beach is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 10 beaches due to its pristine white sands, swaying palm trees, and sparkling blue waters. The activities to be enjoyed in the area are seemingly endless and include kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, surfing, mountain biking, deep-sea fishing, horseback riding and ATV tours. There are also two 18-hole golf courses. The classic beach is popular for weddings and honeymoons. There is a large variety of accommodation in the area, including the exceptional Villas at Poipu Kai. The Villas at Poipu Kai is a new boutique condominium resort with 3-4 bedroom poolside villas, 2-4 bedroom garden villas, and a stunning private home on the villas property.

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Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island off the Eastern coast of Australia is said to be the whitest beach in the world. The sand is made almost entirely of silica which provides the incredibly white color. The sand is so pure, NASA has used it to make special telescope lenses. Whitehaven beach stretches for over 7 km (4 miles) along the largest of the Whitsunday Islands. Trips leaving from mainland Australia to visit the beach leave multiple times a day, and there is a variety of accommodation on Whitsunday Island. Visitors shouldn’t miss a trip to the nearby outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

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If an expansive white sand beach is what you’re looking for, Noordhoek Beach near Cape Town, South Africa can’t be beat. Only 35km (22 miles) from the center of Cape Town, Noordhoek beach is ideal for walkers and those seeking a horseback ride on the beach. There are also two excellent surf spots off the beach called the Hoek and Dunes. On the southern end of the beach you can find a century old wrecked steamship named the “Kakapo.” The beach is fairly isolated and lacks development so swimmers and surfers should use caution in the water. There are a couple restaurants near the beach, but for accommodation your best bet will be in Cape Town proper. A gorgeous view of the beach can be had from the top of nearby Chapman’s Peak.

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Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach, can be found on the Northwest side of Zakynthos Island, which is in turn off the West coast of Greece. Because the isolated beach is home to the wrecked smuggler ship Panagiotis it is also referred to as Smuggler’s Cove. The picturesque white sand beach is only accessible by boat. Tourists can catch a boat from the capital city of Zakynthos, Porto Vromi to the South, or from Saint Nikolas in Volimes to the Northeast. The Panagiotis was an alleged smuggler ship that was transporting illegal cigarettes when it wrecked in 1983. Navagio Beach is the least crowded in the months of May and November, and the best time to go is in the morning. Since the beach is so popular, many tourists opt to rent a car and simply enjoy the spectacular view of the beach from the top of the hill.

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