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 J to L, showcasing beaches from Spain, Malaysia, Taiwan, Maldives, Fiji, Jamaica and Italy. Kick off your flip flops, pop on your sunglasses, relax on your lounger, and drink in these heavenly contributions …
J – Jugadora Beach, Costa Brava, Spain
Cala Jugadora (Jugadora Beach) is a small cove situated in Cap de Creus, a small peninsula located at the northeast tip of Catalonia, very close to Cadaqués, one of the most picturesque villages in Spain. This area has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Costa Brava, as this part of the coast is referred to. Cala Jugadora is a pristine cove with the most transparent sea you can imagine, not surprisingly very popular amongst snorkelers and divers. In addition, this cove is also very special for its location. While you lie down on the beach or swim in the water, you can admire the Cap de Creus Lighthouse (often mentioned as the lighthouse at the end of the world) that stands as a guard of the barren rocky landscape.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Surfing The Planet
J – Juara Bay, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Juara Bay in Tioman Island, Malaysia, is the most beautiful beach we have ever been to. The water is clear and calm, the beach is clean and quiet, and the bay is surrounded by lush green rainforest. We felt so lucky to experience it in 2017, as it felt like a place that would not be such a well-kept secret for much longer.
Juara Bay is safe with no predators in the water, and its calmness makes it a great beach for families. There are also several really good snorkeling areas not far from the shore, blessed with coral and plenty of aquatic life to discover. We loved the whole little town of Juara too, and would definitely go back again!
Submitted by, and thanks to, Small footprints, big adventures
K – Kenting Beach, Taiwan
Kenting Beach is located on the southern end of the subtropical island of Taiwan. This stunning beach is popular with visitors from all over Asia and the world for its aquamarine waters, picturesque sunsets, and the nearby night market. Pristine waters and a clean beach make it relaxing to read and enjoy a book or take a morning walk along the edge of the waves. What I enjoy most about this beach is the location. From Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s 2nd largest city, it is a 2-hour drive south along Taiwan’s beautiful coast. The small town of Kenting has an excellent and vibrant night market within walking distance of the Kenting Beach, but you feel as if you’re on a secluded and private beach. The water is swimmable in marked areas but there can be strong currents and winter on the beach is quite windy. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in this area of Taiwan. The best time to visit Kenting Beach is spring and summer when you have the best temperatures and little chance of typhoons. For a truly relaxing beach vacation in Taiwan, visit Kenting Beach on your next trip!
Submitted by, and thanks to, Enchanted Vagabond
K – Kandima, Maldives
The beautiful tropical island of Kandima is located in Dhaalu Atoll, 170 km from Male International Airport. This 3km long island is blessed with a calm lagoon along one side, and the ocean on the other. We stayed at Kandima in August 2017, and we still mention it on most days – it was so beautiful. We’ve all seen photographs of the Maldives in travel brochures, with the incredible white sand and amazing blue water – I always thought it had been photoshopped, that nothing could be like that in real life. I was wrong! Arriving by seaplane, looking down at the island below, the beach and blue water was overwhelming. You have to see it to believe it.
We swam in the lagoon daily. The water was warm and it was very calm. At waist depth, you could clearly see your feet, it was that clear. In the evenings, when the sun goes down, the beach comes alive with teeny tiny hermit crabs.
Submitted by us, PackThePJs 🙂
L – Leleuvia Beach, Fiji
One of the most beautiful, picture-perfect places I´ve been to is the beach on Leleuvia Island, which is located on the central eastern coastline of Viti Levu, Fiji. With not many people traveling all the way to the east of Fiji’s main island, this tiny paradise is a real hidden gem with stretches of white sand, crystal-blue water, and hammocks gently swinging between palm trees. There’s not much to do apart from lazing in the sun, swimming, snorkeling (the reef off the beach is beautiful!), diving in a nearby coral reef, kayaking, stand-up paddling or playing volleyball with the staff of Leleuvia Beach Resort, which is the only accommodation on the island.
Getting to this off-the-beaten-path spot, you’ll have to take a bus from Suva to Bau Landing via Nausori Town. At Bau Landing, a member of staff will pick you up by boat.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Lena On The Move
L – Lime Cay, Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica is internationally well-known for its white sand beaches. Tourist destinations like Ocho Rios and Montego Bay draw millions of tourists yearly but as a local I’d have to say my favorite beach on the island actually resides in the island’s capital city of Kingston.
The name of this gem of a beach in my home city is Lime Cay and, like the name suggests, is less of a traditional “beach” but actually a cay off the coast of Kingston. To get to this small islet you can either catch a ride in a fisherman’s boat or rent a personal catamaran or boat for the day. The white sands of the beach is really only outmatched by the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Submitted by, and thanks to, The Swiss Freis
L – Lama Monachile Beach, Puglia, Italy
Flanked by steep sea-battered cliffs in the historical town of Polignano a Mare, Lama Monachile is one of the most stunningly unique beaches you’ll ever visit. Originally the site of an ancient river, a beautifully preserved Roman arched bridge frames the beach from behind and completes the striking scene perfectly.
Located on the eastern coast of Puglia, Italy, the narrow beach gives way to the calm turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. The warm water makes it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling – as there are many sea caves to discover in the vicinity. It also sets the stage for the Red Bull cliff diving championships – an event that sees the beach heaving with visitors in September. A visit to Lama Monachile is a must-do if you’re visiting Italy’s heel, and is rounded off nicely with a stroll through the old town to see the beach and dramatic cliffs from another angle.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Le Long Weekend
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, M-O, that will visit Portugal, Sri Lanka, Panama, South Africa, Australia, the USA and Turkey. You can read yesterday’s post here.
Fantastic collection! I’m pinning this to make our next beach plans with the kids.