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.

@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 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.

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

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.

@homeless.digitalnomad

How to get to the Best Beach in Okinawa #aharenbeach #aharen #okinawa #howtojapan #okinawabeaches #japanbeaches #beachesinjapan #thingstodoinjapan #traveltipsjapan #beachhunter

♬ STAY – Lofi Fruits Music & Chill Fruits Music

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.

Do you have a story to share?

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

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Hens, stags and golfers in Ralph Lauren shirts make up most of the passengers on my Ryanair flight to Faro.

We’re about to land in the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, famous for whitewashed fishing villages, sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. And of course, sprawling resorts and championship golf courses.

Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos are the reigning party hotspots — a trio ruled by Brits abandoning their inhibitions from June to September.

But I am not here to party, I am here to find out if a 30-second TikTok video of a deserted beach framed by sun-bleached dunes lives up to the hype. No hotels, shops, roads, cars – or people – were visible. I was sold.

I’ve flown 1,489 miles to Barreta Island to see if one of Portugal’s most remote destinations is indeed the secret paradise it promises to be.

Tom Hanks in Cast Away

Only a handful of people board the ferry to Barreta Island.

There’s an ornithologist armed with a pair of binoculars that cost more than my rent, a Portuguese couple with their son, and a woman clutching a waitress uniform, probably commuting for her shift at Estaminé, the only restaurant – and building – on the island.

It is only 10am, I tell myself, imagining that crowds of tourists are still sound asleep and will pour in later in the day. This is the Algarve, after all. I refuse to believe that any stretch is immune.

I watch the coast of Faro disappear behind us. The journey, which lasts 45 minutes, is the perfect opportunity to read about what to expect.

Barreta is one of the islands that form the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a 35-mile stretch of protected coastal lagoon in the Algarve. The park is one of the most ecologically important wetlands in Europe, acting as a vital shield between the Atlantic Ocean and mainland Portugal.

Fittingly, I learn that its other name is Deserta — Portuguese for ‘deserted.’ As soon as I step off the ferry, I agree that it lives up to its title.

A wooden walkway leads from the dock to a lighthouse at the start of the beach. There is no one to greet me, no one to rent a parasol from, no one to fight for a sun-lounger, no instructions for what to do or how to entertain yourself.

Only myself and my free will, and the sound of the waves crashing onto the beach. It’s a little disorientating.

For a brief moment, I feel like Tom Hanks in Cast Away, minus the bloodied volleyball.

Unclutching the buckles of my sandals to dig my feet into the warm sand, I notice that the only steps ahead of me belong to birds.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKhjavpIMic/?hl=en

The island is a sanctuary for birds and 200 species inhabit the five-mile strait. Meanwhile, the surrounding waters are home to Bottlenose and Striped dolphins.

Not knowing what to do with myself, I walk, collecting seashells scattered on the beach, an unlikely but welcome return to a childhood hobby.

I spend the next few hours in and out of the water. I even attempt to build a sandcastle. I notice that I only reach for my phone a few times, to photograph the serene landscape and check the timetable for the ferry.

For anyone seeking solitude, Barreta is one of the last spots in Portugal where blissful silence truly exists.

The crowds of tourists I imagined never arrive, and no one bothers me for the rest of my stay. The island is large enough that I only catch a glimpse of my fellow ferry passengers at the restaurant over a glass of refreshing wine.

The heart of Algarve culture

In the early hours of the evening, the ferry drops me off in Faro. The city is small enough that every charming restaurant and rooftop bar is well within reach.

One of the relatively new additions to the marina is Santa Maria Petiscaria, recommended to me by Christophe De Oliveira, co-owner of The Modernist, a bohemian apartment with 1970s vibe, where I am staying.

The architecture enthusiast who, alongside his wife Angélique, advocates for Faro’s modernist heritage, has a wealth of knowledge about what’s good in the city.

A crowd of Faro locals has gathered at Santa Maria to watch the Portugal-Germany football game on the TV in the corner. Even though I am not the biggest fan, I feel welcomed and not out of place.

Manager Ricardo Couto praises me for not stumbling into one of the many ‘touristy’ restaurants in the city centre.

‘Look out for Portuguese people dining at the restaurant you choose, this is important, and particularly on the weekends,’ he tells me.

‘The Portuguese usually have a late lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are in the Algarve, the restaurant will always serve fresh seafood – fish, octopus, oysters… It has to come directly from our sea.’

Food is the only matter Ricardo will get serious about. Otherwise, his relaxed demeanor only exposes the stark differences in lifestyle between London and the Algarve.

‘In Faro, everything is closed after midnight’

In the last few weeks, parts of Portugal have been hit with demonstrations against mass tourism, alongside Spain and Italy.

But, in the Algarve, this is the industry that locals rely most on. Many are forced to take on multiple jobs outside of peak season.

@patriciasilvacardoso

Some places don’t need filters, just your full attention 📍Barreta Island, Portugal. #vacation #familytime #secretplaces #creatorsearchinsights #ilhadeserta #faro #algarve #girlssupportgirls #mysoftgallery #beach #beachday #algarvelovers #algarvecoast #placestovisit #godisgood #godscreation

♬ Boundless Worship – Josué Novais Piano Worship

This is perhaps one of the reasons that Ricardo does not mind the tourists.

Speaking of the reputation that some visitors from the UK have, he says: ‘I do not mind, as long as they keep it within Albufeira. If you want to enjoy the party scene, that’s where you should go. It is gaining the reputation of Ibiza.

‘Faro, for example, is one of the quieter places. Everything is closed after midnight.’

Drinking under a 2,000-year-old olive tree

Eating good food and drinking good wine is at the heart of the Portuguese culture.

This is why I end my trip under the heavy branches of a 2,000-year-old olive tree in the 23-hectare vineyard of Morgado do Quintao.

The organic farm in the Algarve, about a 40-minute drive from Faro, hosts intimate dinners with wine tasting as the sun sets over the Monchique mountains.

Portugal has a long and rich winemaking tradition, so there are a number of vineyards that offer tours, all available on GetYourGuide. But this family estate is like something from a film.

Learning about the history of the region and what it has to offer in such a picturesque setting is a delight worth making the journey for.

Gergana Krasteva was a guest of Pine Cliffs Algarve, where prices start from £481 per night for two people, with breakfast included. At The Modernist, prices start from £132 per night. WizzAir, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways run direct flights from London to Faro during the summer.

For more information on things to do in the Algarve, head to Visit Algarve.

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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.

@homeless.digitalnomad

How to get to the Best Beach in Okinawa #aharenbeach #aharen #okinawa #howtojapan #okinawabeaches #japanbeaches #beachesinjapan #thingstodoinjapan #traveltipsjapan #beachhunter

♬ STAY – Lofi Fruits Music & Chill Fruits Music

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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‘Quiet vacationing’ sounds like a cute name for a low-key holiday, doesn’t it? Perhaps a short stay in a countryside cottage, or a few days in a beach hut…

But it’s actually whole lot more depressing than that.

To put it simply, this travel trend is when you go on holiday, but commit to doing a certain amount of work – whether that be from the beach or your AirBnB.

Your boss might not even know you’re away.

It’s similar to other workplace trends such as the ‘workcation’, when a business trip is combined with leisure – for example, working for a week in a villa in Ibiza.

As a freelance journalist, the idea of working-from-anywhere at first seemed like a great idea, so last month I booked a trip to Portugal – a top European destination for digital nomads – and planned to spend six fast-paced days between the country’s two largest cities: Porto and Lisbon.

I imagined working in coffee shops and hotel rooms by day, and exploring the bustling streets and cheap eateries by night.

But not long before I was set to travel, my rose-tinted sunglasses lifted and I realised that this so-called ‘break’ wasn’t going to be much of a break at all. Once I’d finally logged off, would I even have the energy to switch from worker to tourist?

Fearing I had made a terrible error, I decided to make the most of my location and give myself a few more days to explore the place with a trip to tourist-fave, the Algarve – and despite any reservations, I am so glad I did.

Why the Algarve?

After visiting Portugal’s two main and most popular cities, it made sense to venture down to its most sought-after beach destination. Plus, having experienced a a few rainy days in northern Porto (and only a couple more before I’d be heading back to drizzly old Manchester) a trip to the ‘California of Europe’ felt more than welcome.

By the time I arrived in Albufeira, on Portugal’s south coast, I’d spent the the majority of the last week either indoors staring at my screen, or on a three-hour train journey from one region to the other. I was tired and a little overwhelmed and more than ready to swap the blue light of my laptop for some well-deserved sunlight, and those espressos in coffee shops for beers by the pool.

I’d been to the Algarve once before, and knew it was a destination for Brits abroad and golf enthusiasts, so I wasn’t really going for a dose of culture – I’d had that in Lisbon and Porta.

Instead, I wanted to do nothing but relax, hence why I opted for a two night stay at the luxurious W Hotel, which has a spa, a poolside bar and is perched right on the beachfront, rather than a more quaint or authentic Airbnb or hostel.

The W is a 10-minute taxi from Albufeira’s Old Town and was also perfect for keeping a healthy distance from the crowds of tourists that flock to the destination during summer.

And relax…

When I got to the hotel, one of the first things I did was find myself an optimally placed deckchair next to the pool and ordered a pint.  I spent the next couple of hours blissfully dipping in and out of the pool and catching up on all the sun I missed out on when I was busy at my hotel desk the week before. 

Of course, I couldn’t spend all day just lying by the pool drinking beer, so I also looked into getting myself a massage at the hotel. After all, following the week I’d had trying to cram everything in on my ‘quiet vacation’, I more than deserved it.

Thankfully, the W Algarve has a brilliant spa (called the Away Spa) with six treatment rooms, a gym, a sauna and steam room, an ice bath and more. So, on my second day, not long after breakfast, I got a wonderful energising massage for €115, complete with a citrus scrub. 

I’ll admit the treatments aren’t cheap, but I was glowing inside and out when I left the massage table an hour later, and I could hardly remember the tech neck induced knots in my back from endlessly hunching over my laptop.

It’s aso worth noting that there are loads of other spas in the area, too, with the Garden Spa, in Falésia Hotel, is the top rated on Tripadvisor.

Venturing out

Although I was loving my full-on hotel relaxation, I also know that If there’s one thing about the Algarve that you cannot miss, it’s the beaches. 

The Algarve was named one of Europe’s most popular beach destinations for a reason, and I’d hazard a guess that the clean sandy beaches, distinct rocky enclaves and clear waters had a hand. 

Praia do Evaristo, the beach by the hotel, was a tiny little bay, protected by large golden cliffs. We spent the whole day there, soaking up the sun (read: getting burned) and dipping in and out of the wavy sea. 

What was so lovely about this particular beach was that it was closed off, with very few people, and a lovely little beach bar. Plus, it was a five minute walk from the room.

Food for thought

While the meals at the W were insane – did I mention the giant crab?! – it’s always nice to get out into the real world, even if just for an evening.

Albufeira’s Old Town is extremely lively and very, well, British. That is, it’s built for tourists and caters to the assumed palettes of those tourists. There’s Indian restaurants, souvenir shops, sports bars, Irish bars – pretty much everything you’d expect on a classic Brits Abroad destination. 

It was interesting to head into the Old Town as someone who tends to lean towards the more cultural escapes. It was a little tacky and the food (a chicken kebab with chips) wasn’t great.

That being said, it was cheap, fun and nostalgic, and I was not in the mood to explore, so if you lean into it, you can have a silly night out here.

After a couple of days of simply blissing out and doing nothing, I was able to reflect on how the last few weeks had actually been for me.

I realised that while working holidays – or quiet vacations, if you still prefer to call them that – are a great way to break up the monotony of your daily life with a big fat dose of culture and sunshine, it’s also really important to give yourself time to relax, too.

The Algarve, with it’s constant sunshine and glorious coastline, was the ideal place to do exactly that. I couldn’t recommend it more.

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