12 Magical Beach Vacation Destinations

Dreaming of a beach vacation? Here are 10 epic beach vacation destinations you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
12 Magical Beach Vacation Destinations

There are so many beach vacation destinations to go on and so little time. There are beaches next to cosmopolitan cities, hidden away in the middle of nowhere, in close proximity to archaeological hot spots and close to architectural delights.

Below are some corners of paradise on Earth—at least where beaches are concerned.

1. Maui, USA

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On Maui, in Hawaii, you will find a plethora of beaches as well as rainforests, luxurious resorts, hippie hang outs and waterfalls. It’s an island that has something for everyone.

It’s also the perfect place for surfers and those who enjoy whale watching. At night you will find a glittering canopy of stars overhead as you stroll along the beach.

And the sunsets in Maui…oh the sunsets… (And yes, I know. I’ve been there. It’s beautiful.)

2. Cape Town, South Africa

These aren’t mile-long beaches in most cases; rather, they are shorter, the sand is white and there are peculiar looking large rocks that pop up in the water. The backdrop is gorgeous mountains. These beaches have charm and they’re stunning.

Head to Llandadno or one of the beaches in Clifton (be prepared to climb the stairs to get there) if you want to stay close to the city. If you fancy heading further south, go to Scarborough, which has the Misty Cliffs as its backdrop.

You will think you’ve stepped into a fairytale, especially if you drive via Chapman’s Peak (where most of the world’s car commercials are filmed due to the epic drive). It’s epic as the South Africans would say.

3. The Hamptons, USA

beach vacation destinations

Like sipping drinks with the jetset? Then head to the Hamptons. This is as upscale as it gets. If you don’t own a million-dollar mansion yourself, you might feel a bit out of place though.

4. Provence, France

If you love French culture, cheese and wine, then Provence is a great bet for a beach vacation. Places like Biarritz and Antibes get swarmed by movie stars and business moguls, and there’s a reason why they go there: it’s beautiful.

Get lost in the old alleyways, lounge on the beach or enjoy the nightlife. Head out to the villages to explore the kind of France you thought only existed in the fairytales.

5. The Seychelles

beach vacation destinations

In the Seychelles, you’ll find Anse Source d’Argent beach in La Digue. The pale pink sand of this beach is one of the reasons it’s famous. It’s like those posters where you see a long, long beach looking ever so inviting and that one palm tree that bends down as if to kiss the ocean.

6. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Providenciales is an island in the northwest Caicos Islands, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands—and a stunning island at that. It’s one of those places where the water is so clear you look at it in amazement. Can life be that beautiful? Yes it can. Go diving and snorkeling by the coral reef up close to Grace Bay, or just relax in the sun.

7. Riviera Maya, Mexico

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This stunning part of Mexico offers beaches that will make you swoon. You will also find fine dining, archaeological ruins, natural water theme parks, the opportunity to swim with dolphins and so forth—aand tequila.

8. Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Fishing, birdwatching, scuba diving and surfing (Zicatela Beach)—you’ll find it all at Puerto Escondido in Mexico.

The local cuisine includes seafood and, as bananas, coffee and cacao are all grown in the region, these are things to indulge in as well! Don’t miss the lookout on the scenic walkway (Andador Escéncico) known as Sueño Posible (Possible Dream).

Dreams are possible if you find yourself in a place as beautiful as this. After all, you got there, didn’t you?

9. The Bahamas

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There are more than 700 islands surrounded by glittering water in The Bahamas. It’s, therefore, no surprise that you find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches here.

How about the Love Beaches and Cape Santa Maria Beach on Long Island? Or the Pink Sand Beaches on Harbor Island?

Treasure Cay Beach in the Abacas is also famous as is Gold Rock Beach on Grand Bahama Island. To be honest, you could spend your entire vacation just beach hopping and looking for that one favorite beach of your own!

10. St. Lucia

St. Lucia is an island that offers incredible beaches. The most popular beach is Reduit Beach, which means it draws a huge number of people. If you are looking for something a bit calmer, try Pigeon Island.

Want a beach that’s even more peaceful? The Anse Cochon is a dark, sandy, beach where you have the jungle as your backdrop—not at all exotic or anything. That’s to say if you weren’t raised in the jungle, but for my-Nordic-self, this is as good as it gets.

Add an umbrella for some shade, a drink and a good book, possibly also a good man, and you’re set for the beach vacation of a lifetime.

11. Bora Bora

Bora Bora is known for its beautiful beaches, particularly its stunning turquoise lagoon and soft, white sand beaches. The island is located in French Polynesia and is a popular destination for honeymooners and those looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation.

The lagoon is home to an array of marine life, including colorful fish and coral, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. In addition to its beaches, Bora Bora also offers scenic hiking trails, water sports, and fine dining options. It’s no surprise that Bora Bora is often considered one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations in the world.

12. Amalfi Coast

While the Amalfi Coast in Italy is not traditionally considered a beach holiday destination, it does offer a unique and beautiful coastal experience.

The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline in the Campania region of southern Italy. The coastline is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, colorful buildings, and crystal-clear waters.

The beaches on the Amalfi Coast are mostly small and rocky coves, but there are a few sandier beaches such as Marina Grande in Positano and Spiaggia Grande in Amalfi.

There are fabulous beach vacation destinations all over the world, so where you want to go depends on what you are looking for when it comes to the overall trip. Do you want cute little cobblestone alleyways to get lost in while rubbing elbows with the rich and famous? (Or just sipping wine and eating cheese.)

Do you prefer an exotic jungle around the corner that you can explore when you aren’t chilling on the beach? Or, do you maybe long for somewhere where you can hide away from the rest of the world?

The choice is yours, and what a glorious choice it is! There are, after all, worse problems than deciding which beach to visit next!

About the author

Maria Montgomery

Writer. Social Entrepreneur. Foster mommy (twins). Change maker. Foodie. Health freak. Nature lover. Creative nutcase. Blogger (Confessions of a Dizzy Blonde). A friend of mine once described me by saying “One minute she’s like the Dalai Lama, the next a dizzy blonde” and maybe that does sum me up…

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