Sugar-white sand, rippling azure ocean, a warm breeze caressing your cheeks. Let’s face it, we’re all dreaming of winter sun.

Or maybe you’re already planning your summer holiday, hoping that having a beach break on the horizon will help you through the dismal weeks of January.

Whatever your motivation, there are many benefits to a few days on the beach: fresh air, nature, and space to unwind. Metro has trawled the archive to find nine of the world’s best beaches to inspire your next trip.

From lunar white shores with turquoise water to quiet coves in quaint seaside villages, there’s a beach destination for everyone.

Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay, a slice of Caribbean paradise on the island of St John, was ranked number one in The World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024.

The list, based on votes from thousands of the world’s most experienced travel experts, looks at criteria including wildlife and surrounding landscape, crowds and how easy it is to access and swim in the water.

Trunk Bay’s location in the Virgin Islands National Park sets it apart from the rest — its soft sand and 27°C waters are unspoiled by commercial activity, and protected from Caribbean tradewinds.

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The vibrant reef is a treasure trove for snorkelers, offering the chance to swim among schools of fish and even Leatherback turtles.

How to get there: Fly to St Thomas, the neighbouring island, and take a ferry to St John. Virgin Atlantic runs flights from London Heathrow to St Thomas, changing at New York and travelling onwards with Delta Air Lines.

Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal

Crowned the best beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2024, Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal, beat out competition from the Caribbean, Australia and the Seychelles.

Known for its dramatic red cliffs and golden sand, reviewers raved about the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the shore.

There are plenty of equally spectacular stretches of sand nearby too. The sunny Algarve is home to more than 100 beaches, boasts around 200km of coastline and has been named Europe’s best beach destination ten times in a row.

There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in the region – one of the largest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches in Europe – meaning the Algarve is home to some of the cleanest beaches in the world.

How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet fly to Faro, and Praia da Falésia can be reached within a 40-minute drive.

West Beach, Berneray, Scotland

If warm weather isn’t a dealbreaker, this remote UK beach is worth checking out.

It’s one of four UK beaches named on Lonely Planet’s list of the best beaches in Europe, but unlike its fellow nominees Durdle Door (Dorset), Kynance Cove (Cornwall) and Rhossili Bay (the Gower), West Beach is relatively unspoilt by tourists.

Located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this stretch of coastline boasts three miles of unbroken white sand – it’s often mistaken for somewhere more exotic.

In 2009, a travel guide accidentally published a picture of Berneray after mistaking it for Thailand’s Kai Bae Beach.

Sunbathing may not be an option, but this dog-friendly beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing walk in a remote setting.

How to get there: The closest airport is Inverness, which is served by easyJet flights. From there, drive to the Isle of Skye and catch the ferry from Uig to Berneray.

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Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

Those looking for a beach staycation may want to consider this Welsh location, which gained fame as the site of Dobby’s death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Freshwater West was one of five British seasides crowned in Beach Atlas’ 100 Golden Beaches Awards.

After paying their respects at Dobby’s grave, visitors can also enjoy surfing and swimming; food and drink vans are on site in the main car park during the summer months.

Other UK beaches mentioned by Beach Atlas include Brighton Beach, West Sands Beach in St Andrews (of Chariots of Fire fame), Durdle Door in Dorset and Birling Gap Beach in East Sussex.

How to get there: The closest major train station is Swansea, where it’s possible to catch a connecting train to Pembroke Dock before hopping on a bus to Freshwater West.

Lucky Bay, Australia

For a beach where warm weather is all but guaranteed, head to Australia’s Lucky Bay, on the south coast of Western Australia.

Boasting temperatures higher than 30°C in the Australian summer, it’s previously held the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list and is regarded as the whitest sand beach in the country.

Visitors to this stretch of sand will feel lucky indeed, as it offers the chance to paddle out into the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, take a scenic flight over bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier or follow the bushwalking tracks of Cape Le Grand National Park.

Plus, there’s the chance to spot one of Lucky Bay’s inquisitive kangaroos, which roam freely along the shores.

How to get there: The closest international airport is Perth. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic fly there from airports around the UK.

Aharen Beach, Japan

If you’re looking for a golden sandy beach that’s lesser known to Western tourists, Japan’s Aharen Beach was recently named among the world’s best.

It sits at number 13 on the 2024 list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches.

Found on the Kerama Islands, just off the coast of mainland Japan, Aharen’s colourful waters rival those of the Maldives, and it is also home to soft sand and lush green hills.

A relatively secluded spot, it’s a welcome diversion from busier tourist attractions in the region.

How to get there: Japan Airlines fly to Okinawa from London Heathrow with one stop. Take a ferry from Okinawa to Tokashiki Island, where Aharen Beach is located.

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Pasqyra Beach, Albania

Nicknamed ‘the Maldives of Europe’, Albania’s coastline has enjoyed a tourism boom in recent years thanks to its pristine white sand and sparkling blue water.

Pasqyra Beach, in the southwest of the country, recently beat out the likes of Bondi Beach and Bora Bora to claim the title of the beach with the world’s bluest sea, in research carried out by travel experts at CV Villas.

But as Albania’s shores become increasingly overrun by tourists, those seeking something a little quieter should opt for a trip to Durrës.

Not far from the capital of Tirana, it was recently awarded the title of Europe’s least crowded beach by budget airline Wizz Air.

How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air fly to Tirana. From there, it’s just half an hour by car or public transport to Durrës, or a three and a half hour drive to Pasqyra Beach.

Nissi Beach, Cyprus

If less-crowded beaches are your thing, Nissi Beach also made the list of quieter spots, despite its proximity to party destination Ayia Napa.

Though it’s technically one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, Wizz Air’s research notes that its 600-metre length provides more than enough space for avid beachgoers.

And thanks to the thriving tourism in the area, Nissi Beach offers the chance to try various water sports – including jet skiing and banana boating – while there are plenty of beach bars dotted nearby.

The Nissi Bay Beach Bar is famous among holidaymakers and locals alike for its legendary DJ sets.

How to get there: Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet fly to Paphos in Cyprus from airports across the UK. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Ayia Napa.

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland

For something different, a geothermal beach in Iceland has been ranked as one of the world’s most relaxing beaches – despite the water measuring a rather chilly -1.9°C in the cooler months.

Head to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach in summer, however, and going for a dip in can be like getting into a warm bath, thanks to an artificial hot spring.

Described by Visit Reykjavík as ‘a little bit of paradise’ that’s widely regarded by locals as ‘our own Ibiza,’ this lesser-known gem offers an escape for beach lovers looking for a unique experience without the hot temperatures.

And if you’re wondering how seawater can be -1.9°C without freezing, the salt content means it has a lower freezing temperature than freshwater, at -2°C.

Therma tourism is still a major trend for 2026, according to insiders, so get to this destination before the crowds do.

How to get there: easyJet and Icelandair fly direct to Reykjavik from Manchester Airport as well as London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.

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Venice’s winding canals and rich history are loved by tourists the world over, but you can find equally stunning waterways and fascinating culture in lesser-travelled parts of Europe, too.

And given the Italian destination’s struggle with overtourism, now’s the perfect time to check out destination dupes.

Earlier this year, the city’s authorities confirmed plans to double Venice’s entry cost for day trippers, meaning the current €5 (£4.20) price will increase to €10 (£8.30) for travellers who book less than four days in advance.

Fortunately, there’s a lesser-known town that promises a similar experience without the fee — but it’s not in Italy.

Tavira, in Portugal, is often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Algarve’ thanks to its picturesque plazas and meandering river.

But the town has a unique identity that makes it an excellent base for exploring all the Algarve has to offer, from white sandy beaches to medieval landmarks.

Caroline Rowe, award-winning travel creator and founder of Pack the Suitcases, recently spent a month in Tavira.

She told Metro: ‘While Venice has its unique system of canals and a constant stream of tourists, Tavira is set on the banks of just one river, the Gilão, and it’s much quieter and more laid back.

‘But it has its own charm, with classic Portuguese whitewashed buildings and bougainvillaea-lined streets. It’s a beautiful town to wander around, popping into museums, galleries and churches before finding a cafe to sit outside and watch the world go by.’

She recommends visiting the market on a Saturday morning to buy delicious local produce for a picnic by the river. ‘I also love that Tavira is on a railway line, so you don’t need a car to do some easy day trips to neighbouring places like Fuseta and Faro,’ she adds.

Have you been to Tavira? Tell us what you thought in the commentsShare your experience

Things to do in Tavira

Steeped in history and culture, the castle ruins, Roman bridge and several Gothic and Renaissance churches are just a handful of Tavira’s popular attractions.

Tavira Castle was built by King Dinis in the 13th century and is of Moorish origin. However, it was badly damaged by the Great Lisbon earthquake in 1755 and most of the structure visitors see today was rebuilt in the 18th century.

Climb the ramparts for panoramic views of the town and the castle’s gardens below.

Nearby is the Santa Maria do Castelo Church, a Gothic-style building and the main church in Tavira. It’s home to the tomb of the knight who conquered Tavira, and visitors can go up the bell tower for another spectacular vista.

Elsewhere, Praça da República is Tavira’s main square, with plenty of bars and restaurants to indulge in, as well as a nearby amphitheatre.

The seven-arch Roman bridge has become one of the main symbols of Tavira, connecting both sides of the town, and is a beautiful spot to catch sunset.

For beaches, Ilha de Tavira, more commonly known as Tavira Island, boasts soft white sand and a Blue Flag status, meaning it meets high environmental and quality standards.

Located three kilometres away from the centre, Tavira Island can be reached by boat — the journey takes about 20 minutes and costs around €2 (roughly £1.70) for a round trip.

Travel writer Jackie Steel, from Magic Guides, visited Tavira for five days in 2022 and fell in love with its ‘understated charm’.

Speaking to Metro, he said that the ferry to Ilha de Tavira was a highlight. ‘I had grilled octopus at one of the beachside restaurants, something I wasn’t sure I’d like but turned out to be incredible. The seafood everywhere in town is fresh, simple, and cooked just right,’ he explained.

One night, Steel casually ended up in a bar that was playing fado, a genre of traditional Portuguese folk music. ‘No big signs, no pushy waiters, just locals singing about love and loss. It felt like the kind of place that doesn’t need to try hard to be special,’ he said.

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Elsewhere, Praia de Barril is a beach known for its Anchor Cemetery, where over 100 rusting anchors are scattered across the sand in a permanent monument to the abandoned tuna fishing community.

The beach can be reached by driving for 10 minutes to Pedras d’el Rei, and then either walking or taking the mini tourist train from the mainland to the shore.

For a taste of local food, visitors should head to the nearby village of Santa Luzia, also known as ‘the capital of octopus’, just a 10-minute drive away.

Tourists will notice the earthenware pots across the quayside, used by the fishermen to catch the octopus.

Polvo & Companhia Restaurante and A Casa are both highly-rated restaurants worth checking out, with TripAdvisor reviewers praising the grilled octopus at both establishments.

If you’re unlucky enough to experience a rare rainy day in Tavira, there’s a science centre, an Islamic Museum and an art gallery to explore.

But when the sun is shining, outdoorsy tourists can take a 10-minute drive to Pego do Inferno, a waterfall and lake that make for a picturesque swimming spot.

Steele, who visited Tavira as part of a two-week trip to the Algarve, told Metro: ‘My focus is usually on how places handle tourism — what the local infrastructure looks like, how walkable it is, food quality, and overall vibe. Tavira felt like it had kept a lot of its identity intact. That’s rare, and it’s what made the experience stick.’

What’s the weather like in Tavira?

Tavira offers pleasant weather all year round, thanks to its location on Portugal’s southernmost coast.

Even in January, the coldest month of the year, it’s not uncommon for the Algarve to experience temperatures of 16°C.

The warmest month of the year in Tavira is July, when the daily average reaches 29°C. It’s also the driest period, averaging just 1mm of rainfall, and the sunniest, boasting 12 hours of sunshine per day.

But for those who want to visit in the quieter months, the shoulder seasons are still a great option.

April regularly sees temperatures of 21°C and October is even warmer, at 23°C.

And Tavira isn’t the only Venice-like destination worth checking out — it’s not even the only alternative in Portugal.

Aveiro is known as ‘the Venice of Portugal’ for its picturesque canals, gondola-esque boats and stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

And believe it or not, there’s also a Venice-inspired town in Wales. Portmeirion, located on the north coast of Gwynedd, is a unique tourist attraction that was designed to look like a Mediterranean village. 

Further afield there’s Vietnam’s Grand World, a Venice-like entertainment complex on the island of Phu Quoc.

This article was originally published on 25 March 2025 and has been updated.

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Pillow soft sand, rippling azure ocean, a warm breeze caressing your cheeks. Let’s face it, we’re all dreaming of winter sun.

Or maybe you’re already planning your summer holiday, hoping that having a beach break on the horizon will help you through the dismal weeks of January.

Whatever your motivation, there are many benefits to a few days on the beach: fresh air, nature, and space to unwind. Metro has trawled the archive to find nine of the world’s best beaches to inspire your next trip.

From lunar white shores with turquoise water to quiet coves in quaint seaside villages, there’s a beach destination for everyone.

Tell us about your favourite beach destination in the comments belowComment Now

Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay, a slice of Caribbean paradise on the island of St John, was ranked number one in The World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024.

The list, based on votes from thousands of the world’s most experienced travel experts, looks at criteria including wildlife and surrounding landscape, crowds and how easy it is to access and swim in the water.

Trunk Bay’s location in the Virgin Islands National Park sets it apart from the rest — its soft sand and 27°C waters are unspoiled by commercial activity, and protected from Caribbean tradewinds.

@nicolemsunderland

Best beach in the world for 2024 .. did they get it right? #tiktoktravel #beach #caribbean #stjohn #usvi #trunkbay

♬ original sound – Nicki | Luxury Travel

The vibrant reef is a treasure trove for snorkelers, offering the chance to swim among schools of fish and even Leatherback turtles.

How to get there: Fly to St Thomas, the neighbouring island, and take a ferry to St John. Virgin Atlantic run flights from London Heathrow to St Thomas, changing at New York and travelling onwards with Delta Air Lines.

Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal

Crowned the best beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2024, Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal, beat out competition from the Caribbean, Australia and the Seychelles.

Known for its dramatic red cliffs and golden sand, reviewers raved about the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the shore.

There are plenty of equally spectacular stretches of sand nearby too. The sunny Algarve is home to more than 100 beaches, boasts around 200km of coastline and has been named Europe’s best beach destination ten times in a row.

There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in the region – one of the largest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches in Europe – meaning the Algarve is home to some of the cleanest beaches in the world.

How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet fly to Faro, and Praia da Falésia can be reached within a 40-minute drive.

West Beach, Berneray, Scotland

If warm weather isn’t a dealbreaker, this remote UK beach is worth checking out.

It’s one of four UK beaches named on Lonely Planet’s list of the best beaches in Europe, but unlike its fellow nominees Durdle Door (Dorset), Kynance Cove (Cornwall) and Rhossili Bay (the Gower), West Beach is relatively unspoilt by tourists.

Located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this stretch of coastline boasts three miles of unbroken white sand – it’s often mistaken for somewhere more exotic.

In 2009, a travel guide accidentally published a picture of Berneray after mistaking it for Thailand’s Kai Bae Beach.

Sunbathing may not be an option, but this dog-friendly beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing walk in a remote setting.

How to get there: The closest airport is Inverness, which is served by easyJet flights. From there, drive to the Isle of Skye and catch the ferry from Uig to Berneray.

Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

Those looking for a beach staycation may want to consider this Welsh location, which gained fame as the site of Dobby’s death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Freshwater West was one of five British seasides crowned in Beach Atlas’ 100 Golden Beaches Awards.

After paying their respects at Dobby’s grave, visitors can also enjoy surfing and swimming, while food and drink vans can be found in the main car park during the summer months.

Other UK beaches mentioned by Beach Atlas include Brighton Beach, West Sands Beach in St Andrews (of Chariots of Fire fame), Durdle Door in Dorset and Birling Gap Beach in East Sussex.

How to get there: The closest major train station is Swansea, where it’s possible to catch a connecting train to Pembroke Dock before hopping on a bus to Freshwater West.

Lucky Bay, Australia

For a beach where warm weather is all but guaranteed, head to Australia’s Lucky Bay, on the south coast of Western Australia.

Boasting temperatures higher than 30°C in the Australian summer, it’s previously held the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list and is regarded as the whitest sand beach in the country.

Visitors to this stretch of sand will feel lucky indeed, as it offers the chance to paddle out into the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, take a scenic flight over bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier or follow the bushwalking tracks of Cape Le Grand National Park.

Plus, there’s the chance to spot one of Lucky Bay’s inquisitive kangaroos, which roam freely along the shores.

How to get there: The closest international airport is Perth. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic fly there from airports around the UK.

Aharen Beach, Japan

If you’re looking for a golden sandy beach that’s lesser known to Western tourists, Japan’s Aharen Beach was recently named among the world’s best.

It sits at number 13 on the 2024 list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches.

Found on the Kerama Islands, just off the coast of mainland Japan, Aharen’s colourful waters rival those of the Maldives, and it is also home to soft sand and lush green hills.

A relatively secluded spot, it’s a welcome diversion from busier tourist attractions in the region.

How to get there: Japan Airlines fly to Okinawa from London Heathrow with one stop. Take a ferry from Okinawa to Tokashiki Island, where Aharen Beach is located.

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Pasqyra Beach, Albania

Nicknamed ‘the Maldives of Europe’, Albania’s coastline has enjoyed a tourism boom in recent years thanks to its pristine white sand and sparkling blue water.

Pasqyra Beach, in the southwest of the country, recently beat out the likes of Bondi Beach and Bora Bora to claim the title of the beach with the world’s bluest sea, in research carried out by travel experts at CV Villas.

But as Albania’s shores become increasingly overrun by tourists, those seeking something a little quieter should opt for a trip to Durrës.

Not far from the capital of Tirana, it was recently awarded the title of Europe’s least crowded beach by budget airline Wizz Air.

How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air fly to Tirana. From there, it’s just half an hour by car or public transport to Durrës, or a three and a half hour drive to Pasqyra Beach.

Nissi Beach, Cyprus

If less-crowded beaches are your thing, Nissi Beach also made the list of quieter spots, despite its proximity to party destination Ayia Napa.

Though it’s technically one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, Wizz Air’s research notes that its 600-metre length provides more than enough space for avid beachgoers.

And thanks to the thriving tourism in the area, Nissi Beach offers the chance to try various water sports – including jet skiing and banana boating – while there are plenty of beach bars dotted nearby.

The Nissi Bay Beach Bar is famous among holidaymakers and locals alike for its legendary DJ sets.

How to get there: Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet fly to Paphos in Cyprus from airports across the UK. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Ayia Napa.

Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland

For something different, a geothermal beach in Iceland has been ranked as one of the world’s most relaxing beaches – despite the water measuring a rather chilly -1.9°C in the cooler months.

Head to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach in summer, however, and going for a dip in can be like getting into a warm bath, thanks to an artificial hot spring.

Described by Visit Reykjavík as ‘a little bit of paradise’ that’s widely regarded by locals as ‘our own Ibiza,’ this lesser-known gem offers an escape for beach lovers looking for a unique experience without the hot temperatures.

And if you’re wondering how seawater can be -1.9°C without freezing, the salt content means it has a lower freezing temperature than freshwater, at -2°C.

Therma tourism is one of the hottest travel trends of 2025, according to insiders, so get to this destination before the crowds do.

How to get there: easyJet and Icelandair fly direct to Reykjavik from Manchester Airport as well as London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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