G-I: Most Incredible Beaches Around The World

Here in the UK the school summer holidays are coming to an end; for some, they ended a while ago. With the busy autumn term ahead, the memories of fun family beach days will fade as the evenings draw in and the temperatures drop. But we’re not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet. Oh no! We want to embrace every last sun-kissed wave, every last sunset over a calm sea, every last sandcastle, shell hunt and ocean swim that made our summer holidays simply the best ever!

This A-Z, over 9 days, showcases the very best, most incredible, add-to-bucket list beaches around the world – according to my travel blogging friends. Today we cover letters G to I, showcasing beaches from The Philippines, Portugal, Turks and Caicos. Hawaii, Australia, Ireland, and Brazil. Kick off your flip flops, pop on your sunglasses, relax on your lounger, and drink in these heavenly contributions …

G – Guyam Island, Siargao, Philippines 

Guyam Island has one of the most beautiful beaches we saw in the Philippines. This tiny paradise island is easily visited from Siargao Island, and it looks like the kind of place you’d see in a movie! What more could you want than a white sand beach surrounded by beautifully turquoise waters?

It really is an incredible place to relax, whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or enjoy a refreshing swim! To add to the beauty the island is covered in palm trees except for a small section of beach. This secluded spot really is a place of beauty, so it’s best to visit before everyone finds out about it!

Submitted by, and thanks to, Something of Freedom

G – Galapinhos Beach, Portugal 

A little over an hour away from the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, in Setúbal, you can find one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Galapinhos. Part of the Arrábida Natural Park, it is not a surprise that the beach is rich in nature, and the white sand beautifully contrasts with the green hills that surround it. The scenery is breathtaking, but not the only reason to visit. The Galapinhos beach is still one of the less visited in the coast, especially due to the fact that the walk to get there is not particularly easy. However, it is very much worth the effort to enjoy the calm and beautiful water – nevertheless, we must warn you, it’s not warm! Even though it has recently gained a lot of attention, the beach is still very much a paradise, especially if you visit in the shoulder season.

Submitted by, and thanks to, Two Find a Way

G – Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos Islands 

Grace Bay Beach is located on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos.  It was voted the best beach in the world on Trip Advisor!  It’s 12 miles of powder soft white sand and crystal clear sea.  The full length (up to the high tide line) is public access, making beach strolls a popular choice of activity!  The water is calm, making it great for swimming and it even has it’s own reef (Smith’s Reef) which can be reached right from the beach.  With the sea temperature averaging the same as the air temperatures (84F), it makes take a dip a pure pleasure!

Submitted by, and thanks to, Between England and Iowa

H – Hulopo’e Beach, Lanai, Hawaii 

Lanai is one of the lesser visited Hawaiian Island, however it is absolutely beautiful with lots to offer.  Hulopo’e Beach is the popular beach located next to the Four Seasons Hotel.  The locals come to spend time on the beach and also to picnic.  This makes a great opportunity to meet and talk to locals, they are so friendly and welcoming.  The beach is perfect, clean, soft sand with rock formations at one end to explore.  If you are staying at the Four Seasons you will be able to enjoy a private area set up just for Four Season guests.  Showers, bar and towels are readily available.

Submitted by, and thanks to, Travel By A Sherrie Affair

H – Hyams Beach, Australia 

Australia is a country full of amazing beaches and one of the most beautiful of all lies just a few hours south of Sydney. Hyams beach is officially recognised by the Guiness Book of Records as having the whitest sand in the world. The white sand and turquoise water make it easy to feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island.

The beach is huge, which means that everyone gets a bit of space (despite its popularity) and it rarely feels crowded. For the most amazing experience head to Hyams for sunrise, the beach will be empty and it’s the perfect time to swim, with calm water and soft light. It’s not hard to see why it’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Submitted by, and thanks to, Walk my World

I – Inch Beach, Ireland 

Inch Beach is one of the best beaches in Ireland. This five kilometre stretch of soft sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and even some watersports including surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing. During the summer months, there are wetsuits for hire and even locals available for surf lessons. Plus, due to the sand dunes that surround the area, Inch Beach is also a bird habitat and therefore a good place to do some casual bird watching as well.

Visiting Inch Beach is one of the top things to do in Dingle Ireland. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or just stop for an hour or two as part of a road trip around Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. With rolling, blue waves, and rugged cliffs it’s an incredibly scenic stop and a must see when visiting Ireland.

Submitted by, and thanks to, Ireland Stole My Heart

I – Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

Ipanema Beach is in Rio de Janeiro, located just south of the more famous and more commercial Copacabana beach, but Ipanema was my favourite. It was cool, charming, a fun place to be, fashionable and accessible. Even in winter (still 25 degrees plus). Ipanema itself is a fashionable seaside neighbourhood located in the southern region of the city where we were staying for a few days at the end of a round-the-world trip before returning to the UK.

Its beach is a beautiful crescent shape, with golden sand, huge waves and a view of Sugarloaf mountain, and whatever the weather looked stunning. This picture was taken after we had visited the Veloso bar-café where the “Girl from Ipanema” Brazilian bossa nova jazz song had been inspired, then walked along the beach itself picking up a caipirinha as we ambled along. It was sunny but a storm was brewing. It is truly a beautiful beach in what is one of the world most beautiful cities.

Submitted by, and thanks to, My Boys Club

Thank you to all our fabulous contributors. We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip around the world to some amazing beaches. Please come back tomorrow for our next instalment, J-L, that will visit Spain, Malaysia, Taiwan, Maldives, Fiji, Jamaica and Italy. You can read yesterday’s post here.