100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime

pink sand beach Komodo, Indonesia
Paradise found. raditya / Shutterstock

Whether you've only spent a handful of days on the sand in your life or you're a full-blown sunseeker, there are plenty of breathtaking beaches on this planet waiting to be discovered.

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And, whether you look for a spot with an element of adventure, peace and quiet, or you simply don't like your towel to be too close to a stranger, many of them fly under-the-radar to tourists despite their spectacular beauty.

Business Insider asked some of the most influential travel bloggers and experts, from the likes of Lonely Planet, Secret Escapes, KAYAK, British AirwaysAirbnb, lastminute.com, and HolidayPirates for the most incredible under-the-radar beaches they've ever visited. Jet-setters in our own office also contributed. Together, their choices don't disappoint.

From a red sand beach in Maui to a sandy spot in Thailand inhabited entirely by monkeys, scroll down for a list of 100 under-the-radar beaches everyone should visit in their lifetime.

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Furore, Italy.

furore italy
Dan Rata / Shutterstock

"This little hidden beach is off the beaten path, but expect many locals to be frolicking in the waters around the Amalfi Coast," said James Asquith, the youngest person to travel to every country.

"The tiny strip of sand is wedged between a gigantic Fjord and you can get a fantastic view down from the nearby coastal road bridge. Don’t expect beach shacks or cafes but prepare yourself for a quintessential Italian summer experience."

Red Sand Beach, Maui, Hawaii, USA.

hawaii red sand beach
Shutterstock/Pierre Leclerc

"Continuing with the colour theme and unique views, welcome to Red Sand Beach in Maui," Asquith said. "Caused by lava flows this time, instead of the dark volcanic rock in the neighbouring Big Island, this beach not only attracts some great wildlife but also is self-contained by rustic-looking rocks and vegetation."

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Punalu'u Beach, The Big Island, Hawaii, USA.

Punalu'u Beach, Hawaii
Phillip B. Espinasse / Shutterstock

This is "not your regular beach," according to Asquith. "This secluded stretch of sand is completely black," he said. "Caused by crushed volcanic rock particles and ash over millions of years, at first you may think the black sand looks ugly compared to traditional beaches, you will soon come to see the true and unique beauty of this beach, along with some pretty cool pictures for Instagram too!"

Christmas Island, Kiribati.

Kiritimati
Reuters

"Simply put, this is untouched paradise," said Asquith. "So far from any obtrusive built-up area, the water is an idyllic blue and the the lagoon is surrounded by what are appearing and disappearing spits of sand beach as the tide changes. You certainly won’t have any issues getting those untouched pictures without tourists and their ice creams here."

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Pink Sand Beach, Komodo, Indonesia.

pink sand beach Komodo, Indonesia
Paradise found. raditya / Shutterstock

"Taking almost a complete 180 from black sand beaches, the Pink Sand beaches in the Komodo National Park provide a serene and stunning backdrop which feels like a fairytale," according to Asquith. "Get your cameras ready or just soak up the sheer surrounding beauty."

Freelance photographer Oliver Vegas also nominated the beach, calling it "one of the greatest discovered places for me last year."

The Bay of Wrecks, Kiribati.

bay of wrecks
Darren Tierney / Shutterstock

"Not only will you experience a stunning and secluded beach in its own right, but you will witness an incredible cluster of shipwrecks hanging out of the water just off the beach," Asquith said. "If that’s not enough to make the long trek to this very remote destination, then think about being one of the first people in the world to watch the sunrise from this unique location just clipping the international date line."

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Monkey Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.

monkey beach thailand
Anna Jedynak / Shutterstock

"Inhabited only by monkeys! What more could you want?" Asquith said. "Only accessible by boat, this feels like a strange toned-down version of planet of the apes. I would suggest sunbathing on this beach is not advised otherwise you are going to have multiple furry creatures with long tails jumping over you."

Port Olry, Vanuatu.

Port Olry - Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
lkonya / Shutterstock

"Want to laze away the day with just a handful of locals on a deserted but movie backdrop worthy beach? Then head to Port Olry in Vanuatu," Asquith said. "Angled picturesque palm tree and rugged scenery make for those travel brochure picture moments!"

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Rere Beach, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

guadalcanal
Roderick Eime / Flickr

"The first thing to note is that Guadalcanal is like a giant open air and largely untouched World War II museum," Asquith said. "From Rere Beach you can swim out to multiple shipwrecks that can be seen protruding from the waters, while dozens of pigs graze the beaches for whatever they can find to eat."

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Sugar Beach, St. Lucia.

Sugar Beach, Saint Lucia
Solarisys / Shutterstock

"Although you may struggle to just gently laze away and enjoy this beach for free, being occupied by a five-star hotel, it is situated between the incredible Famous Pitons of St. Lucia," Asquith said. "It is incredibly well kept and every time you stop to look around your breath is taken away."

David Wetherson, Destination Manager for British Airways Holidays, added: "Located between the world famous Pitons of St Lucia is Pitons Bay. Excellent setting and snorkelling with the Bay Side Bar serving fresh cocktails and tapas mere footsteps away."

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Hope Town Beach, Bahamas.

hope town beach bahamas
pics721 / Shutterstock

Frequent flier and owner of air miles site God Save the Points, Gilbert Ott, loves Hope Town Beach for its "incredible blue water." He added: "Untouched beaches for miles. Far less crowded than most of the Bahamas. Idyllic."

Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia.

Nusa Lembongan Island, Bali, Indonesia
I. Noyan Yilmaz / Shutterstock

Ott said Nusa Lembongan is "far less filled with dirty hippies" than other beaches in Bali and "with better views too." He added: "A gorgeous 30-minute boat ride from the mainland."

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Playa de Rodas, Cies Islands, Spain.

Playa de Rodas on the Cies Islands of Spain
homydesign / Shutterstock

Freelance photographer Oliver Vegas called Playa de Rodas "clean, calm, one of the most beautiful beaches."

Fitzroy Island, North Queensland, Australia.

fitzroy island australia
CoolR / Shutterstock

This "beautiful paradise" in North Queensland is also one of Vegas' top picks.

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Rhossili Bay, Swansea, UK.

Rhossili Bay_Swansea_Wales
TripAdvisor

"British beaches don’t just mean striped awnings, melting 99s and lobster-red tourists," said India Dowley, Digital Editor of SUITCASE magazine.

"Venture further afield and the British Isles plays host to a range of beautiful — if somewhat windswept — coves and bays that may not get much sunshine but are no less magical for it. Rhossili Bay near Swansea is one of the best: A three-mile-long stretch of wide beach with fantastic views from atop Rhossili Down and an exposed shipwreck visible only at low tide."

Inside the Travel Lab founder Abigail King also nominated the beach, adding: "The name 'Worm’s Head' may not sound beautiful, but the reality certainly is."

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Praia da Joatinga, Brazil.

Joatinga Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
vitormarigo / Shutterstock

"Along the western stretches of the city, away from the main throng, lays exclusive Joa where a cove of golden beach meets emerald waves, only accessed via a steep coastal path," Dowley said. "Praia da Joatinga has sensational views of offshore islands and is popular with surfers and a cool, young crowd."

Sabrina Cesar, associate product manager at Business Insider, added: "It's a little strip of sand surrounded by mountains, and you have to access it by going down the rocks. That makes it more private and less crowded. The energy there is so amazing that it's quite hard to explain."

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Koh Kradan, Thailand.

Koh Kradan thailand
Denis Costille / Shutterstock

"If the beach-bucket culture of Thailand’s most popular islands induces a sense of panic, head instead to Koh Kradan, south of buzzing Koh Lanta," Dowley said. "This tiny island is part National Park, part resort island, creating the perfect blend of natural beauty and handy amenities."

Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

Baia do Sancho brazil
Fred Cardoso / Shutterstock

"Just as much about the journey as the destination, Baia do Sancho is found on a secluded environmentally protected archipelago," Dowley said. "Despite repeatedly being voted one of the world’s best beaches, it is often deserted."

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Tikehau Island, French Polynesia.

Tikehau island tahiti
Marconi Couto de Jesus / Shutterstock

"A gateway to the sea beyond, the real star of the beaches on this remote, tiny island, accessible by a 55-minute flight from mainland Tahiti, is the sheer amount of fish swimming around its crystal clear waters," Dowley said. 

Bunec, Albania.

Bunec Beach
Google Maps

"Often overlooked by travellers and tourists hitting Albanian Riveria, this is certainly not a beach for watersports or partying," Dowley said. "With a backdrop of mountainous terrain, one of the best ways to experience the tranquillity is by camping."

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Krui, Sumatra.

krui sumatra
JustinRayboun / Shutterstock

James McClure, Airbnb's general manager for Northern Europe, called Krui a "brilliant surf beach hundreds of kilometres from the nearest airport. A few shacks, some restaurants and massive rollers coming in from the Indian Ocean."

Likoma Island, Malawi.

Likoma Island
Fly High Africa/YouTube

"A tiny island of 6,000 in the freshwater Lake Malawi," McClure said. "Drive a quad bike around the island and visit a cathedral so big it can house what feels like the entire island!"

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Blavand Beach, Denmark.

Beach of Blaavand, Denmark
Stefanie Metzger / Shutterstock

McClure loves this "40 km long untouched sand on the west coast of Denmark, rarely visited and loads of wildlife."

Lake Ometepe, Nicaragua.

Ometepe Island
Jordan Adkins / Shutterstock

These volcanic black sand beaches on a lake island in Nicaragua are another favourite for McClure, who suggests: "Climb the volcano and cool off in the lake."

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Coron, Philippines.

Coron philippines
Sytilin Pavel / Shutterstock

McClure calls Coron "the picture perfect beach: Ice-white sands and azure blue sea."

Tsarabanjina Island, Madagascar.

Tsarabanjina island, Madagascar
Pierre-Yves Babelon / Shutterstock

"The small island of Tsarabanjina mixes its shore between volcanic rock and soft, powdered white sand, a few hours by boat from Nosy Be in Madagascar," said Inside the Travel Lab founder Abigail King. "The water also offers whale sightings en route to and from the mainland."

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Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

Lantau Island hong kong
im_Chanaphat / Shutterstock

"On Lantau Island at the mouth of the Pearl River, the buffalo come to sleep," King said. "A string of fairy lights sums up the illumination on the beach, where wild buffalo scuff the sand and settle down as the light fades for a snooze with an oceanfront view."

Taketomi Island, Okinawa, Japan.

taketomi island japan
shogo sawada / Shutterstock

"The water is clear and bright and at first glance, the sand is the same as any other," said King. "A closer look, however, reveals tiny star-shaped sand, the microscopic shells produced by the unicellular Foraminifera that wash up to the shore."

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West Bay, England.

west bay dorset
Matt Gibson / Shutterstock

"Brought to fame by the hit TV show 'Broadchurch,' West Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast has always known how to wow visitors," King said. "Its dramatic wall of cliffs seems to dare hikers to walk right along the edge."

Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico.

Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
ARENA Creative © Lonely Planet

According to the travel experts at Lonely Planet, "Playa Flamenco is generally regarded as the finest beach in Puerto Rico, perhaps even the Caribbean." It features an old, rusting tank left there from war games years ago.

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Source d’Argent Beach, La Digue, Seychelles.

Granite rock formations on Anse Source d'Argent beach, Seychelles
Justin Foulkes © Lonely Planet

The Lonely Planet team praised this because for its "secluded cove complete with swaying palm trees and calm crystalline aquamarine waters."

Gulpiyuri Beach, near Llanes, Spain.

Gulpiyuri sinkhole, Asturias, Spain
©Migel/Shutterstock

Lonely Planet loves this beach, "a flooded sinkhole with its own 40m-long sandy beach backed by steep granite cliffs set like an ocean jewel in a green meadow just 100m from the Cantabrian Sea."

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Tallow Beach, Byron Bay, Australia.

Tallow Beach, New South Wales, Australia
©Simon McGill/Getty Images/Moment Open

Of this Australian gem, Lonely Planet said: "the town beach is beautiful, the vibe is laid waaaaay back (this place has a strong hippy history) and food and drink is close at hand. How many other town beaches give you whale watching alongside usual suspects of surfing, swimming, and sunning?"

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Manuel Antonio Beach, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, Puntarenas
©John Seaton Callahan/Getty Images/Moment RF

"Costa Rica is known for adventure… but when you drop, make sure you do it at this beach," the Lonely Planet team suggests. "Lay out a towel, pull out some refreshment and enjoy the simple pleasures of the beach with a stunning jungle backdrop (and keep an eye out for monkeys too!)."

Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Ekash © Getty Images

Bora Bora's beaches are mostly private — but this one is open to anybody. According to Lonely Planet. "It. Is. Stupendous. The paradise-blue water is perfect for snorkelling too."

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Brandinchi Cove, Sardinia, Italy.

Brandinchi beach left side, Sardinia, Italy
©Nachosuch/Getty Images/iStockphoto

According to the Lonely Planet team, "This is known as ‘Little Tahiti’ in Sardinia, and throughout the rest of Italy, because of its shallow, cyan-coloured waters and fine white sand."

Alleynes Bay, Barbados.

Alleynes Bay
Steph SV/YouTube

According to David Wetherson, Destination Manager for British Airways Holidays, head here to "spot turtles from your table on the beach at Ju Ju’s or Santi’s Beach Bar. With amazing rum punch, local fish and chips, and your feet in the sand…welcome to the real Barbados."

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Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos.

grace bay
Shutterstock/BlueOrange Studio

"12 miles of powder white sand and turquoise blue waters, a real got-to-see-to-believe!" Wetherson said.

Bottom Bay, Barbados.

bottom bay bahamas
byvalet / Shutterstock

"A favourite picnic spot for those in the know, the beach is semi-enclosed by high coral cliffs, providing a panoramic view of the south shore," said Wetherson. "Tucked away on the south coast, the scene is completed by the presence of tall palm trees that add to the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the bay."

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Salt Rock, Dolphin Coast, South Africa.

salt rock south africa
Salt Rock Digital / Shutterstock

Another of Wetherson's favourite spots, head to the beach at the Salt Rock Hotel on the Dolphin Coast of South Africa for tropical palm trees, golden shores, and, hopefully, some dolphin-spotting.

Diani Beach, Kenya.

diani beach kenya camels
BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Diani Beach in Kenya is another must-see, according to Wetherson — and with its shallow waters, sandbars, and coral reefs, it's easy to see why.

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Lipa Noi Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand.

Lipa Noi Beach, koh samui thailand
ParrySuwanitch / Shutterstock

According to Wetherson, this is the "best spot to see the sunset with powder white sands and calm shallow waters. It is very remote but does offer Big John Seafood (a local fish restaurant), an absolute must!"

Jumeirah Beach, Dubai.

Jumeirah Beach
R.A.R. de Bruijn Holding BV / Shutterstock

Wetherson's final pick might be a tad less under-the-radar, but Jumeirah Beach offers a stunning perspective of the Dubai skyline — and the white sand of the Persian Gulf.

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Cedeira, Galicia, Spain.

Cedeira, Spain
Screenshot/YouTube

"Galicia is peppered with pockets of undiscovered Spain if you know where to look," according to Neil Cartwright, travel expert at KAYAK.co.uk. "The small town of Cedeira certainly belongs in this category and is a fantastic example of how beautiful authentic Spain can be."

Ploumanac’h, France.

Ploumanac’h, france
vvoe / Shutterstock

"This quaint seaside resort town has lots of secret enclaves and coves dotting its seafront," said Cartwright. "The coast is commonly known as Côte de Granit Rose, or 'Pink Granite Coast' for its distinctive colour."

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Caneiros, Algarve, Portugal.

Praia dos Caneiros portugal
Landscape Nature Photo / Shutterstock

Cartwright said: "The rocks and cliffs surrounding the beachfront give it a cove-like appearance which hides the beach from those who don’t know it’s there. So you’re protected from outsiders as you take a dip in the refreshingly cool waters."

Calo des Moro, Mallorca, Spain.

Calo des moro, Mallorca, Spain
pixelliebe / Shutterstock

"To reach Calo des Moro you’ll have to ignore a private property sign and climb down some precarious steps to reach the elusive beach, so expect only hardcore-beach goers and locals to greet you," Cartwright said. "Not great for sun lounging, what Calo des Moro is famous for is its picturesque cove that allows swimmers to get a fantastic view of the island from not that far out."

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Petani Beach, Kefalonia, Greece.

petani beach kefalonia
Heracles Kritikos / Shutterstock

"A curved seafront lines the sand and pebble dashed beach," Cartwright said. "One of the favoured local traditions is swimming in the evening to watch the sea change colour as the sun sets in the west."

Pulau Ubin, Singapore.

Pulau Ubin, Singapore
Chris Howey / Shutterstock

This beach is just a 20-minute boat trip, from central Singapore. Cartwright said it "offers an almost unspoilt tropical paradise. Bristling with wildlife, including not-remotely-shy monkeys (long-tailed macaques), cycling is the perfect way to get around the island, which measures approximately one mile wide and two miles long, with bikes available to hire."

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Hyams Beach, New South Wales, Australia.

Hyams_Beach Australia
HolidayPirates

The team at HolidayPirates recommended this beach, three hours from Sydney, to Business Insider. They said: "The beach is surrounded by incredible natural attractions such as the Booderee National Park and is a great place to spot bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, seals and a species of penguin known as the fairy penguin."

Zlatni Rat, Brač, Croatia.

Zlatni Rat   Croatia
HolidayPirates

"Widely recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian coastline, Zlatni Rat also has one of the most unique and unusual shapes, created as a result of deposits of fine pebbles as sediment around the underwater reef," HolidayPirates said. "The thin tip of the beach is ever changing shape due to sea currents and winds, meaning that each time you visit, the beach will look slightly different."

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Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea, Wales.

Three Cliffs Bay  Wales
HolidayPirates

"The Three Cliffs Bay, located on the south coast of the Gower Peninsula in Wales, gained its name due to the three cliffs that jut out into this bay," according to HolidayPirates. "Within the bay are several small beaches, including Tor Bay and Pobbles Bay. At high tide, these beaches are separated from one another but at low tide you can walk across both beaches on foot over the sands. Despite being acclaimed for its beauty, the Three Cliff Bay is rarely busy and virtually empty in the winter, making it a place of great tranquility."

Tambaba Beach, Brazil.

Tambaba_ _Paraíba_ _Brasil
HolidayPirates

"Located in Southern Paraíba, Tambaba Beach is surrounded by giant cliffs which help create secluded inlets on the beach, as well as great hiking trails," the HolidayPirates team told BI. "The beach is known for its surfing opportunities, as well being widely known as a nude beach. This was officially recognised in 2015 by city legislation, but the beach is divided into two sections, with only the southern part reserved for naturism."

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San Domino, Isole Tremiti, Gargano Peninsula, Italy.

San Domino Isole Tremiti  Italy
HolidayPirates

The HolidayPirates team said: "San Domino is one of five tiny islands that make up the the Isole Tremiti, an archipelago located just off Italy’s Puglia coast. While all five of the islands are well worth visiting, San Domino, the largest of them all, has many beautiful secluded coves as well as the archipelago's only sandy beach; Cala delle Arene."

Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Playa Maderas   Nicaragua
HolidayPirates

"Despite being located just a twenty minute drive away from the popular town of San Juan del Sur, the beach of Playa Maderas is a tranquil spot," said HolidayPirates. "Known for being one of the best surfing spots in Southern Nicaragua, this is a great place to visit whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer, or if you simply want to relax on a beautiful beach and catch the amazing sunset."

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Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, England.

Pentle_Bay,_Tresco_2003
HolidayPirates

"Known as 'one of Britain’s best kept secrets' and located just off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly is home to many amazing beaches, including the beautiful Pentle Bay," the HolidayPirates team told BI. "Located on Tresco, the second biggest island of the Isles, Pentle Bay is a vast expanse of beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water and on a low tide, the shallow waters mean that you can wade out for miles."

Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Clearwater Beach Florida
JohnnyJet

Travel blogger JohnnyJet said Clearwater Beach is "family-friendly, affordable, the water is clear, warm, shallow and the sand is like flour."

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Watch Hill, Rhode Island, USA.

Watch Hill RI.JPG
JohnnyJet

"I used to go to Watch Hill every summer for our family vacation," JohnnyJet told Business Insider. "It’s a quaint New England town 90 minutes from Boston and three hours from New York City. It’s a fantastic place to spend a summer day. FYI — the house on the right is Taylor Swift's."

Taveuni, Fiji.

Taveuni, Fiji
JohnnyJet

JohnnyJet suggests heading to "the remote beach off the island of Taveuni where they filmed Blue Lagoon 2. We had to take Bilibili’s (rafts made of tie-together bamboo) to get there."

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Plage Mala, Cap D'Ail, Cote d'Azur, France.

cap d'ail france
Margarita Hintukainen / Shutterstock

Business Insider UK's Lifestyle Editor Ali Millington suggests taking the short bus — or drive — from Nice to Cap D'Ail for a "secluded, hidden beach — albeit still pebbly — that still has all of the glamour of the Cote d'Azur, swanky restaurants and bars included."

Lac Sacacomie, Quebec, Canada.

lac sacacomie
Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock

"To get the true Canadian experience, visit Hotel Sacacomie on Lac Sacacomie in Quebec," Millington suggests. "The 15-minute walk down from the massive log-cabin style resort to the secluded beach takes you through the woods, down rickety staircases, and across bridges — but it's all worth it once you get to the bottom, where you can relax on the sand or take a canoe out on the calm lake."

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Red Beach, Santorini, Greece.

red beach santorini
Lucian BOLCA / Shutterstock

"One of the most beautiful beaches in Santorini, the Red Beach — named for its vibrant colour — is located by the village and ancient site of Akrotiri, a bus ride away from Fira," Millington said. "You're best to get there early or at the end of the day, though, to avoid the crowds."

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France.

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
Alison Millington

"This is where the Parisians go on holiday," said Millington. "Its dunes are charming, and it makes for a stunning walk even on a windy day."

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Agios Sostis Beach, Mykonos, Greece.

agios sostis beach mykonos
Alison Millington

"One of the best days of my life was spent at Agios Sostis — mainly due to having lunch at the incredible no-electricity restaurant Kiki's Tavern, which gives you house rosé wine while you wait for a table overlooking this stunning little beach with insanely blue water," said Millington. "After lunch, you can head next door and climb down to a bigger beach, much quieter than most you'll find on the island."

Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada.

Wasaga Beach Canada
Alison Millington

"Though not even remotely under-the-radar to those who live in the area, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world (14 km), and has sandbars and warm, shallow water that goes out for ages," said Millington. "Its best kept secret is Beach 5, which tends to be much quieter and more relaxing than the chaotic, tacky bars and parties of Beach 1 — it's perfect for an early-evening BBQ while you watch the sun go down."

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Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy.

positano
Stefano73 / Shutterstock

"While it's become a more popular spot with tourists in recent years, the beach in Positano is still a must-see thanks to the incredible views of the colourful houses that scatter its cliffside when you swim out into the water," Millington said. "A warning, though: the climb down to the water is not for the faint of heart, so either pack a water bottle or take the bus."

Whitstable, Kent, UK.

whitstable kent
CBCK / Shutterstock

According to Millington: "Few places are more charming in England than Whitstable in Kent. While you might not get the suntanning weather you're looking for unless you're lucky in the summer months, the shingle beach is set alongside quaint fisherman's huts and seafood restaurants — and provides a great spot for some seaside fish and chips."

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Bamburgh Beach, Northumbria, UK.

bamburgh beach northumbria
emukphotography / Shutterstock

"It's a really nice sandy beach and has old castles in the background," according to Business Insider Sports Reporter Alan Dawson.

Finance Reporter Will Martin even called it "the best beach in the world."

Grotto Beach, Hermanus, South Africa.

hermanus
Michael Mantke / Shutterstock

"It's massive — goes on for what seems like forever," said Fraser Moore, Research Fellow at Business Insider. "Makes it ideal for horse rides, kite flying, or just parking up and have some beers on the beach. It's in a prime surfing location and one of the world's great whale-watching locations too, so if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse."

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St. Catherine's Pool, Eskdale, West Lake District, UK.

st katherine's pool west lake district
Russell Sheldrake

"St. Catherine’s pool is probably the best kept secret in all of the Lake District," according to Russell Sheldrake, Syndication Fellow at Business Insider. "Only accessible on foot as you walk past St. Catherine’s church near Eskdale, you eventually get to a widening in the river Esk where the water comes to a standstill and a big rock protrudes out of the water. It's perfect for a quick, refreshing dip on the occasional hot days that come fairly few and far between in this corner of northern England. The beach itself is very small yet has a hidden charm that very few places still do."

Ravenglass Beach, West Lake District, UK.

ravenglass beach
Tom Curtis / Shutterstock

"Ravenglass Beach gives some of the best views from the west coast of the Lake District with spectacular sunsets often bathing the small village of Ravenglass in a warm red glow," said Sheldrake. "The beach is never without a few sailing boats moored up which only go to add to its postcard-perfect charm. Thanks to it being the wrong side of Corney Fell, the beach is always quiet and perfect for long walks and a pint in the pubs overlooking it."

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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

manuel antonio costa rica
Juhku / Shutterstock

"Manuel Antonio beach is an arch of sandy magnificence in one of Costa Rica’s best national parks," said Tom Murray, Associate Social Media Editor at Business Insider. "A cove shelters the beach from big waves that bombard shores further down the coast, and you might see the odd sloth too."

Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, California.

emerald bay lake tahoe
Purplexsu / Shutterstock

You need to hike down from the nearby road, CA Route 89, to get to this beach, in a tucked-away inlet off of the massive Lake Tahoe on the Nevada-California border. BI's Associate News Editor Kieran Corcoran said: "There's a Viking-style house built by a weird rich American called Vikingsholm, and an island in the lake with a stone ruin on. The beach has clear water and incredible scenery."

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Achnahaird Beach, near Achiltibuie, Scotland.

Achnahaird Bay Beach
colftcl / Shutterstock

"In remote northwest Scotland, you drive there down a single-track road where so few people go that sheep just hang out in the middle of where you're supposed to drive," said Corcoran. "It's near a (small) mountain called Stac Pollaidh which is a popular hiking spot. It's probably sunny there about 10 days a year, so it's a bit of a risky trip, but when it's great, it's really great."

Tai Long Wan, Hong Kong.

tai long wan
Alex Ma

"Tai Long Wan is a secluded, soft-sanded beach on the outskirts of Hong Kong, away from the city centre," said BI News Reporter Alex Ma. "One of the reasons why it’s great is because you have to hike for at least an hour to get there."

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Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York City.

rockaway beach new york queens
Shutterstock

"Just 45 minutes from NYC, this beach is not hidden or unknown, but few outside of New York realise the city is just a short train ride from sun-soaked dunes and surfable waves," said BI News Editor Alex Lockie. "Kowabunga!"

Budleigh Salterton, Devon, UK.

Budleigh Salterton
BerndBrueggemann / Shutterstock

"Budleigh is absolutely enormous and because it's so big it very rarely feels busy, even in the middle of the summer," said BI Finance Reporter Will Martin.

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Talisker Beach, Carbost, The Isle of Skye, Scotland.

talisker bay
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"Talisker Beach is amazing — it's just really cool," according to Martin. "The sand is a sort of weird, dark grey colour."

Saunton Sands, Devon, UK.

saunton sands devon
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Another of Martin's favourites, Saunton Sands "looks like a giant desert."

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Le Morne, Mauritius.

le morne mauritius
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"With over 160 km of beaches, you won’t need to go far to find a sunbathing spot in Mauritius; but if you’re looking for a more secluded cove, you’ll need to head to the south of the country," said Reigo Eljas, UK & Ireland Country Director at lastminute.com.

"With crystal-clear water, palm trees, and a wide expanse of white sand, Le Morne is one of the most beautiful — and remote — beaches on the island."

Drobni Pijesak Beach, Montenegro.

Drobni Pijesak beach montenegro
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"The 'Budva Riviera' is a 35 km long strip on the Adriatic coast surrounding the town of Budva in Montenegro, the country whose beaches equal Croatia’s in beauty but lack the crushing crowds," said Eljas. "Heading south towards Petrovac, travellers will find numerous small, secluded beaches and coves, most of them approachable only by water. One of the top beaches of this area is the Drobni Pijesak Beach, a 250m long stretch surrounded by rolling hills and sparkling waters."

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Skeleton Coast, Namibia.

skeleton bay namibia
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Eljas said: "There are few beaches in the world whose image will haunt you like that of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. The wild stretch of beach at the edge of the Namib Desert is a graveyard for ships that have run aground in the rough Atlantic seas, and their 'skeletons' litter the coastline. While the Skeleton Coast is not necessarily a secret, Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, meaning travellers can often have the otherworldly scenery to themselves."

Praia de Chaves, Cape Verde, Africa.

Praia de Chaves, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
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"For a seriously secluded beachside location without any other tourists, Cape Verde’s Praia de Chaves (just west of Boa Vista) is the perfect spot," according to Eljas. "The sun-kissed coastline stretches 10 km, and golden sand dunes create private beaches that travellers can have all to themselves."

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Black Pebble Beach, New Zealand.

black pebble beach new zealand
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Eljas told Business Insider: "Found just north of Kaikoura, Black Pebble beach on New Zealand’s South Island is one of the country’s most unique beaches — and although it’s not far from the tourist trail, other travellers rarely visit. The beach itself is made up of little black pebbles, while rock formations emerge from the foaming waters. Plus on clear days, travellers can spot the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps in the distance."

Baia di Torre dell’Orso, Torre dell’Orso, Italy.

Torre Dell'Orso Bay, ITALY
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"An 800-metre bay with a contiguous beach and some thousand-year-old rocks, called 'The Two Sisters,' at one of the extremes," said Edoardo Maggio, Technology Fellow at Business Insider. "I can’t remember the exact mythology behind it, but there is a story. You can definitely see Albania on the clearest days, too."

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Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry), Roca, Italy & Grotta Zinzulusa (Zinzulusa Cave), Castro, Italy.

Grotta della Poesia
Grotta della Poesia Stefano_Valeri / Shutterstock

"Poesia and Zinzulusa are basically the two most famous caves (with swimmable bays) in Salento, possibly Italy altogether," said Maggio. "People go there to jump from the various heights and enjoy the spectacular sea."

Punta Pizzo, Gallipoli, Italy.

punta pizzo
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According to Maggio, this beach is "a little corner of heaven in Italy’s Ibiza, essentially — Gallipoli has become a world-famous summer-party-animal-reunion place in the past few years, much to the dismay of locals."

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Punta Ristola, Leuca, Italy.

punta ristola
Alessio Palazzolo / Shutterstock

"It's the southernmost cove in Salento," said Maggio. "Look left, you’re looking at Greece, look right, it’s Africa!"

Aspri Ammos Beach, Othonì, Greece.

Aspri Ammos beach, Othoni Islands
GIANNIS DIMITRAS / Shutterstock

According to Maggio, Aspri Ammos — aka Calypso Bay — has "deep blue, crystal-clear, stupidly cold water (even in the middle of summer)," is "absolutely deserted," and sits "in front of a giant white-rock formation. It’s the definition of heaven."

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Mercer Bay, New Zealand.

Auckland_MercerBay_0110
Secret Escapes

"Located between Piha and Karekare, this beach is one of the most stunning in Auckland,
boasting some of the most dramatic cliff views," according to Emma Mcwhinney, Deputy Editor at Secret Escapes. "It remains largely unknown due to the difficulty of getting there. Beyond the cliffs, visitors can enjoy the spectacular caves and warm rock pools on offer."

Lord Howe Island in New South Wales, Australia.

Lord Howe Island Australia 5
Secret Escapes

"The locals describe this island as the 'Last Paradise.' The pristine stretch of sand remains largely untouched and ready for exploring," said Mcwhinney. "With coloured fish swarming the sea beds and a glistening blue sea floor, you won’t be disappointed by its mesmerising beauty."

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Ao Tanot Bay, Ko Tao, Thailand.

Ao Tanot Bay, Ko Tao
Secret Escapes

Mcwhinney said: "Though difficult to reach for tourists alike, Ao Tanot Bay offers nothing short of a spectacular coastline. The clear waters and quiet, secluded atmosphere is enough to calm the mind and ease the soul."

James Bond Beach, Jamaica.

James Bond beach
Secret Escapes

"James Bond Beach is a beach that sits on a small peninsula located on Jamaica’s
northeastern coast," Mcwhinney said. "Surrounded by crystal waters and the mountains of St Mary as it’s backdrop, it offers the ideal Jamaican setting and charm. The beach is also known for its fresh fish, which is served up the same day it’s caught at a restaurant located on the seafront."

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Pink Beach, Bonaire, Caribbean.

Bonaire pink beach
Secret Escapes

"According to the Tourism Corporation of Bonaire, Pink Beach gets its pink coloured sands
from the crushed shells of bright pink sea creatures called foraminifera," according to Mcwhinney. "The beach stays secluded year-round as there aren’t many facilities on offer for tourists, however this means visitors will be left alone to enjoy its breath-taking sands and explore the undisturbed sea life on offer."

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Manzanillo Beach, Providencia, Colombia.

playa manzanillo colombia
Chiara / Flickr

"The island of Providencia retains its Caribbean authenticity due to its isolated location, with
the lack of a direct flight connection to the Colombian mainland," Mcwhinney said.

"Described as a 'hidden treasure,' the beach offers a 300-metre long stretch of white sand, palm trees, and light blue waters with the only building in site being a Reggae beach-bar serving rum cocktails. Visitors from February through to May will also be able to spot sea turtles that nest on the beaches."

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Isla Holbox, Mexico.

isla holbox mexico
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"Reported to be Mexico’s last secret beach town, the island which is located off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula offers empty beaches of white coral sand and a chance to snorkel with the largest fish in the world: Whale sharks," said Mcwhinney.

Benagil Sea Cave, West Algarve, Portugal.

Benagil sea cave, West Algarve
Secret Escapes

"This striking stretch of sand and secret natural coves can only be reached either by a short swim or kayak ride from the mainland of Praia de Benagil," Mcwhinney said. "Those wanting to see it at its most deserted should aim to get there in the early hours where they can also watch the sunrise pour into and illuminate the caves below."

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Beauport Beach, Jersey, Channel Islands, UK.

beauport bay jersey
DavidYoung / Shutterstock

"Few visitors manage to find this beach, as its hidden away on the southwest coast and can only be reached by a fairly steep path. This means it’s pretty much isolated throughout the summer season making it perfect for those looking to walk on the sand in solitude," Mcwhinney said. "The beach is also reported to be a suntrap by visitors and makes the perfect spot to bask in the British summer sun’s rays."

Guincho Beach, Cascais, Portugal.

Guincho beach, Cascais, Portugal
Secret Escapes

"This beach is just 5km from the town of Cascais, and can be visited on a short city break in Lisbon," Mcwhinney said. "The golden sands, massive waves, and clear skies make this beach so striking as a destination. There is a constant powerful breeze on this beach and it’s a little further out than other beaches in the region, therefore making it less frequented by tourists."

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