Beach holidays are a favourite of many Britons keen to escape to sun, sea and sand. However, with so many of the world’s top beaches often overcrowded, some holidayers might be put off. Finding a secluded spot is the aim for many travellers – and those accessible by boat are even better. Boat rental and peer-to-peer yacht charter company www.samboat.com has shared their top 10 secret beaches with Express.co.uk.
Cíes Islands, Galicia
When people are asked to think of Spanish beaches, instinct leads them to think of the Mediterranean. Yet perhaps a more stunning coastline can be found to the north-west of Spain thanks to the empty white-sand beaches.
Once a pirates’ haunt, locals flock here during the summer to spend long days on the glorious white sand and unbelievably turquoise sea. Only accessible by boat, there are no hotels but you can stay in an idyllic campsite with a view over the ocean and there’s a small restaurant selling freshly caught seafood.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Located north of Zakynthos, Naviago beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs, creating an exposed cove of silvery-white sand and clear, bright blue water. The shore is better known as ‘Smugglers Cove’ due to the shipwreck of an alleged smugglers ship.
The beach is only accessible by boat from Zakynthos harbour and it is hugely popular with tourists, partly due to its reputation as one of the best base-jumping locations in the world.
Guana Island, British Virgin Islands
The bird’s eye view of this island enables you to make out an iguana shape, giving reason to its namesake. As one of the last private islands in the Carribean, you will need to firstly fly to Antigua and then skippers will take you the rest of the way on a boat.
The island has kilometres of untouched natural landscapes, from forests to mountains to white coral sand beaches, what more could you need for a day of relaxation? If you do fall in love with the island, you and your friends can rent it, so long as there’s 35 of you. It comes with your own private villa and beach included however it does cost $21,050 per night and you do have to rent it for a minimum of three nights.
Cala Luna, Golfi Di Orosei, Italy
This moon-shaped crescent beach off the coast of Italy boasts a 700-metre coastline surrounded by cliffs, caves and crystal blue waters.
The abundance of marine life makes this beach the perfect place for swimming and if you don’t have your own boat you can hitch a ride from the nearby town of la Caletta.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday beach offers four miles of shimmering white sand and because it’s a protected national park, the landscape is pristine and unspoiled.
In fact, this beach landed a coveted spot on CNN’s list of the World’s best eco-friendly beaches. Boasting over 200 reefs and numerous isolated coves, this is the perfect paradise for snorkelers and divers. Whitsunday is accessible by boat from one of the many tourist hubs on the mainland or from Hamilton Island.
Nero beach, Koufonisia Island, Crete
Just off the coast of Crete, the island of Koufonissi boasts over 30 untouched beaches with shallow waters and pale red sand. With more boats than residents, this is a haven for fishermen. From Koufonissi you can take a boat to the island of Kato to find the popular destination of Nero beach.
This long, elongated beach made up of sand and pebbles is hugely popular with tourists wanting to visit the uninhabited island. The deep blue waters and abundance of palm trees make this the perfect day trip if you’re looking to explore the hidden treasures of Greece.
Playa del Amor, Marieta Islands, Mexico
Commonly known as the Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor is located west of the coast of Mexico. With its white sand and clear blue waters located in a cavern formed by volcanic activity, this beach looks like something out of a storybook. The Marietta Islands have always been uninhabited and the hidden beach is invisible from the outside, making the perfect secluded spot for some quiet relaxation. Visitors can arrive at the beach by swimming or kayaking, making it an ideal location to explore the diverse marine wildlife living around the island.
Galešnjak, Croatia
Also known as lover’s island thanks to its distinct heart-shaped outline, Galešnjak is one of the most popular islands in the world right now. With no tourist facilities or manmade features, all that exists on this island is shrubs and rather rocky terrain, creating the perfect backdrop for a romantic, uninterrupted time away.
This island is the definition of an idyllic paradise, however as there are no amenities on the island, the only solution is to camp or stay on a boat.
Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
Just a short ferry ride from Puerto Rico, Flamenco beach is one of the few coastal locations that is constantly ranked as one of the world’s best beaches.
The sparkling white sand contrasted with the strikingly clear waters and rolling green hills means this could be one of the best beaches you’ll ever experience.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Made famous by the 2000 film, The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this stunning bay is surrounded by towering cliffs and is home to numerous beaches that only appear at low tide.
With silky soft golden sand, the main beach is 200 metres long and boasts magnificent coral with a portfolio of exotic fish. The best time to visit this bay is between November and April when the seas are calmest and can be accessed by boat easily.
Unfortunately, the spot is currently closed as authorities allow the beach’s natural resources to regenerate. According to Songtam Suksawang, director of Thailand’s National Parks Department (NPD), the bay will be off-limits to tourists until at least June 2021, reported CNN.
When it does reopen, those hoping to avoid the crowds, should try visiting early morning or in the evening.