Secret Paradise: 8 Secluded Beaches to Visit Around the World
You probably aren’t planning to go jet-setting around the world just yet, but, once people do start traveling again, they will most likely be seeking out the more secluded areas, rather than crowded cities.
So, if you’ve been planning a post-Coronavirus vacation, here are eight of the most isolated and hidden beaches in the world to visit.
Guitar Island Beach, Andaman, India
You would think that an island shaped like a guitar would easily grab the attention of tourists, but the uninhabited Guitar Island is rarely frequented by visitors.
The island is only accessible by boat, and, since there is no infrastructure at all on the island, only day trips are allowed. While it may take you a while to actually get to Guitar Island Beach, your time spent there will make the effort more than worthwhile.
What’s there to do on Guitar Island Beach?
Although there may not be any restaurants or accommodation on the island, there is still plenty to do on Guitar Island Beach.
Simply strolling around the pristine landscape is a joy in itself, or, for something a little more different, you could try a sea walk in the shallow waters, checking out the amazing array of coral and aquatic life. Snorkelling is another good way to check out the world that lies under the water.
What’s there to do nearby?
The only way to access Guitar Island is from a place called Long Island, which is another exotic paradise worth exploring. The white sand beach here is spectacular, while the mangroves are also fun to adventure through.
Just like Guitar Island, Long Island is great for water sports, and is also a good starting point for some island hopping to the other nearby islands, such as:
- Merk’s Bay
- Button Islands
Diaporos Island, Sithonia, Greece
The largest of a nine-island archipelago, Diaporos Island is small, measuring just one and a half square miles. It sits in the Singitic Gulf in northern Greece, and while it may now contain several private holiday homes, along with newly-built luxury villas, the beaches here still remain a secret from the masses, making them perfect for some rest and relaxation in isolation.
What’s there to do on the beaches of Diaporos Island?
The beaches here boast crystal clear water, making them the perfect snorkelling spots. The water here also remains calm throughout the year, meaning that a visit in the winter would be just as enjoyable as a summer vacation.
What’s there to do nearby?
If you rent a private boat, or even manage to lay your hands on a canoe, you can spend some time exploring the secret coves around Diaporos Island, with these being surrounded with pine tree-lined sandy beaches.
Make your way to the shallow water between Diaporos Island and Agios Isidoros to stumble upon the Blue Lagoon – an area of bright turquoise water that looks like a huge swimming pool.
El Saler Beach, Valencia, Spain
It only takes about half an hour to get to El Saler Beach from the heart of Valencia, Spain, but a visit here will make you feel as though you have traveled to a different world.
Stretching out for just over three miles, the beach is located in the Albufera National Park, which provides so much diversity when it comes to your backdrop.
What’s there to do on El Saler Beach?
With dunes lining the beach, the sand is surprisingly well-sheltered from the strong winds that this area often experiences, making it a great spot for some sunbathing (don’t forget to wear sunscreen!).
However, those strong winds are still around further out in the sea, making this a great spot for windsurfing.
Those who would prefer to stay on land can try their hand at some cycling, taking the eight mile route to Albufera Lake. Your reward will be the chance to dip in a beautiful freshwater lagoon, which is separated from the salty sea by Mediterranean pine trees growing amongst sandy dunes.
What’s there to do nearby?
Valencia is a port city that is famous for its arts and sciences. While the city is home to several other gorgeous beaches, this is a great place to soak up some culture – from the planetarium to the interactive museums to the futuristic architecture, Valencia is a city well worth exploring.
Kumimi Beach, Molokai, Hawaii
With Hawaii being such a big name in the travel industry, it’s hard to imagine that the islands have any hidden beaches left, but Kumimi Beach remains relatively undiscovered.
Sitting on Molokai’s East Shore, Kumimi Beach is also referred to as Murphey Beach and 20 Mile Marker Beach, and visitors often find themselves alone on the 20 mile stretch of sand here.
What’s there to do on Kumimi Beach?
There are no facilities here, making it an ideal beach for some true rest and relaxation.
While the waters here are generally quite calm, the lack of any lifeguards means that visitors need to take extra care when exploring this beach.
What’s there to do nearby?
Molokai is home to numerous attractions. If you want more beach time, head to Papohaku Beach Park, one of the largest beaches in Hawaii. Alternatively, if you want to hike through some lush greenery, head to Halawa Valley, also on the eastern end of the island.
Of course, island hopping around Hawaii is relatively easy. Head to Oahu for a wide range of tourist attractions, the Big Island for its diverse terrain and active volcanoes, and Maui for even more spectacular beaches, as well as an exclusive OROGOLD boutique.
Bai Dai Beach, Vietnam
Located on the island of Phu Quoc, Bai Dai Beach remains a secret even to many locals. Although the beach is still currently undeveloped, some experts predict that it won’t be long before this hot spot is discovered by the wider masses, making now the perfect time to visit.
What’s there to do on Bai Dai Beach?
Flat and sandy, and with a great break, Bai Dai Beach is a must-visit for surfers. There are a handful of vendors dotted along the beach that offer watersport rental facilities, with the waters here being perfect even for beginners. Numerous shallow areas mean that children can safely swim here too.
If you would prefer a more relaxing activity, enjoy a meal at one of the fresh seafood restaurants that dot the coast, with the catch of the day being cooked up in a simple, Vietnamese tradition.
What’s there to do nearby?
The undeveloped minimalism that Bai Dai Beach offers hugely contrasts with the rest of Phu Quoc. In recent years, the island has rapidly developed into a major tourist destination, and you will find everything from sprawling resorts and amusements parks to glitzy casinos and golf courses here.
Ibo Island, Mozambique
One of only a handful of inhabited islands in the Quirimbas Archipelago, Ibo Island has a reputation for offering one of the most unique beach experiences in the world. It boasts pristine and atmospheric beaches, with numerous secluded spots to choose from.
What’s there to do on Ibo Island?
The beaches on Ibo Island are a little unusual – they aren’t there all the time. Instead, this island is home to an amazing tidal beach, meaning that it appears and disappears at different times each day.
The only way to reach this beach is by boat, and there are plenty of locals on hand to help you organize your trip, to ensure that you time it in a way that actually enables you to see the beach.
What’s there to do nearby?
Ibo Island offers a relaxed and laid-back way of life. There are barely any cars on the island, and culture and tradition still plays an important role here.
Those who enjoy history can tour some of the island’s historical sites, while nature-lovers can try swimming with the dolphins and turtles, or checking out some of the rare birds that live here.
The wholesome local cuisine is a must-try too – fresh seafood is served up daily, along with locally-picked coconuts, homegrown vegetables and so many other spicy, flavorful elements.
Macushla Beach, Queensland, Australia
If you’re looking for somewhere truly remote, then Macushla Beach, which is located in the Hinchinbrook Island National Park, is the place for you.
The only way to access this beach is by a private or charter boat, meaning that it very rarely gets busy.
What’s there to do on Macushla Beach?
The views here are extraordinary – surrounded by lush, green forests, the beach offers up panoramas of the sparkling water lapping the island’s coastline, along with the other islands nearby. The picnic area here is considered to be one of the most scenic in the world!
Biodiversity is huge here, with Hinchinbrook Island a part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. A trip out into the water will reward you with an amazing reef ecosystem, along with a wide network of creeks and tributaries to explore.
If you’re in the mood for a hike, there are two trails that you can take from here:
- North Shepherd Bay Track – this will take you to Cape Richards, as well as the island’s most northern tip
- South Shepherd Bay Track – this leads you on a path that snakes its way through the Kirkville Hills rainforests, ending at the tranquil South Shepherd Bay
What’s there to do nearby?
The two places that connect Macushla Beach to the mainland are Cardwell and Lucinda.
Cardwell is a beautiful tropical coastal town, with waterfalls, natural pools, and forests to explore. Lucinda has similar features in terms of natural diversity, but there are also a couple of museums here worth checking out:
- The Maritime Museum of Townsville
- The Museum of Tropical Queensland
Playa Negra, Vieques, Puerto Rico
White and golden sand beaches have featured several times on this list, but here’s one that’s a little more unique…
As you can guess from its name, the Playa Negra features black sand, a phenomenon that is caused when lava and other volcanic materials are broken down over the course of centuries by the ocean. Although there are a few other spots of black sand on the island, this is the beach that has the highest concentration of it, giving the scenery a beautiful contrast.
What’s there to do on Playa Negra?
Playa Negra is an undeveloped beach, so while you won’t find an array of facilities here, sitting back and taking in the gleaming black sand is an experience in itself.
There are cliffs to explore and other nearby beaches you can walk to, including Playa Grande and Esperanza Beach.
What’s there to do nearby?
Vieques is known for its natural beauty – this attracts so much wildlife, much of which can be seen at the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge.
The island’s Bioluminescent Bay, where the microorganisms in the water emit a greenish glow, is also another popular tourist spot.
There are plenty of other beaches to visit around the island too, along with museums for a dose of culture and history.
There’s nothing quite like taking some time out from modern day life to relax on a beautiful, secluded, sandy beach. Whether this may be in Vietnam, Greece, Hawaii, or anywhere else, these eight beaches promise a memorable experience.
