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 V to X, showcasing beaches from India, Greece, Hawaii, Australia, China and Mexico. Kick off your flip flops, pop on your sunglasses, relax on your lounger, and drink in these heavenly contributions …
V – Varkala Beach, India
Varkala is one of the most scenic beaches in Kerala due to its unique natural structure. The beach is surrounded by the high cliff which opens picturesque views from above and from the shore. It is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a relaxed and a social stay.
There are numerous cafes with a nice design and laidback ambiance, ayurveda centers offering diverse treatments and a huge variety of local shops selling everything you might need. Varkala caters to travelers with different budgets. From backpacking hostels to luxury resorts, signature restaurants to street food, you can choose what suits your taste and style! Varkala is well-connected with the neighboring towns by both trains and buses which makes it easy to reach.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Mytriphack
V – Voidokilia Beach, Messinia, Greece
The Voidokilia beach in southern Peloponnese is without exaggeration one of the most stunning beaches in Greece. It’s perfectly round shape, fine golden sand and shallow, crystal clear sea would be enough to make Voidokilia a dream summer destination but there is more.
The surrounding area of Gialova wetlands, home to more than 270 spices of migratory birds, is protected as part of Natura 2000 making it the perfect place for any nature lover. It also means that the beach, despite its popularity, remains completely undeveloped and pristine. Voidokilia lies on the western coast of Messinia north of Pylos. It can be easily reached by car or even on foot from the closeby seaside town of Gialova. For the best views of the beach climb to the ruins of Paleokastro of Pylos sitting on a rocky outcrop on the southern edge of Voidokilia beach. It is a steep climb to the top but the stunning panorama is well worth the effort!
Submitted by, and thanks to, Just for one summer
V – Vrika and Vroutoumi Beaches, Antipaxos, Greece
Pearly white sand, crystal clear waters that ripple with every shade of blue from turquoise to indigo, no shops, no discernable traffic except of the sea-going variety: this is what makes Vrika and Voutoumi beaches special. Antipaxos is a tiny island off the coast of Paxos in the Ionian islands of Greece. Paxos itself is a laidback sort of place, an hour by boat from Corfu. But Antipaxos has the beaches to go to for serious unwinding. There are no hotels on the island and the only access is by sea. Many visitors sail there and anchor off-shore, others use the taxi boats from Paxos which drop passengers at the beaches. There’s nothing to do except soak up the scenery, swim, relax – and eat at the seriously good tavernas!
Submitted by, and thanks to, Map and Family
V – Vijayanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Vijaynagar is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in India. The white sandy Vijaynagar Beach belongs to Havelock Island, the popular tourist destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. There are many beaches in Havelock, but this particular beach is not that touristic yet and merely excellent to explore during the monsoon time. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing beach destination, then you shouldn’t miss exploring uniquely beautiful Vijaynagar Beach.
Vijaynagar Beach is just 7 km away from the ferry ghat of the Havelock Island. The big trunks of many tall Mahua trees is the main attraction of this beach. You’ll get a forest feel in the beach and walking is the best activity here. There are some resorts and hotels nearby the beach area. You’ll love the picturesque scenery and sunrise view from the beach.
Submitted by, and thanks to, My Own Way To Travel
W – Waikiki, O’ahu, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach, on O’ahu, Hawaii, may be the United States most iconic beach, and of all places I have curled my toes in the sand, Waikiki is the most beautiful. Waikiki Beach is blessed with 2 miles of golden sand edging the Pacific, and of course, there are palm trees, surf shops, and plenty of other “beachy” attractions.
But it is more unique features that make Waikiki Beach special. While beaches tend to be for sun lovers, there are plenty of shaded sitting areas along Waikiki. A low stone wall lines much of the beach, providing a perfect place to sit watching the waves, while stunning Banyan trees provide intriguing scenery and shade. Banyan trees are are not native to Hawaii, but they have added an alluring adornment to Waikiki Beach. Of course, it may be the most beautiful at night, with the lights of the city sparkling behind the sand.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Gypsy With a Day Job
W – Whitehaven Beach, north Queensland, Australia
Whitehaven Beach, located in north Queensland, Australia is an award winning beach. The largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays, the famous beach stretches over seven kilometres. With its clear turquoise water, brilliant white silica sand and fringed rainforest it’s an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkelling and exploring.
Whitehaven beach can be experienced in many ways, with most people taking a day trip from close islands or from mainland Airlie Beach. A variety of sailing and aviation companies also offer multi-day charters that include a memorable visit to Whitehaven Beach by catamaran or if the budget allows a helicopter or seaplane.
At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning scene where the tides shift and the sand and turquoise water create an amazing swirling pattern. The best viewing point is from Tongue Point lookout, which is reached by a short hike from Tongue Bay. Many tour companies make a stop here on their day tours to Whitehaven Beach.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Kelana by Kayla
W – Wai’anapanapa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
One of the most scenic stops on the famous Road to Hana drive on the Hawaiian island of Maui is Wai’anapanapa Beach. Otherwise known as the Black Sand Beach, the stunning expanse of black sand and pebbles framed by lush tropical green makes a striking contrast to the bright blue water. The Black Sand Beach was formed by rough waves pounding on the lava flow from Haleakala, the volcano on Maui, over millions of years. Today the beautiful cove is a magnet for visitors who come to savor the beauty and peace. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, or to swim or paddle in the waves. And, of course, it’s perfect for photos. Don’t miss this gorgeous beach when you visit Maui!
Submitted by, and thanks to, It’s Not About the Miles
X – Xichong Beach, Shenzhen, China
Xichong beach is located in the Longgang District of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. It is towards the south of the Dapeng Peninsula, on the South China Sea.
The beach is within a national park called Dapeng. This is one of the most beautiful parts of China, as rated by the Chinese National Geographic. There is a hiking trail that runs along the coast between Xichong and Dongchong. Xichong beach is popular with backpackers, hikers, surfers and horse riders. There is a small cafe on the beach where you can buy European beers and pizzas too.
Submitted by, and thanks to, PackThePJs
X – Xcalak Beach, Mexico
Xcalak beach in Mexico is an off the beaten track beach destination on the Yucatan peninsula. Xcalak is located on the Caribbean side of Mexico near the border with Belize. The area is famous for good diving – it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see giant tarpons. The beach itself is a typical Caribbean beach with soft white sand, palm trees and warm clean water. Xcalak is a quiet beach with a couple of small hotels and resorts – a good place to come if you want to skip tourist crowds of Cancun or Playa del Carmen and spend your holiday enjoying tranquility, clean water, snorkeling and diving.
Submitted by, and thanks to, Stingy Nomads
X – Xpu-ha Beach, Mexico
Xpu-ha Beach is one of Mexico’s hidden gems. It is located 16 miles south of Playa Del Carmen in Riviera Maya. Finding this place is a series of accidents. I met a local who showed me a picture of cabanas in long stretch of white sand with aquamarine water as background. My jaw literally dropped when I saw the picture so I told him I have to see the place. And I did.
Xpu-ha is the best kept secret of the Yucatan locals who are tired of the crowds from Playa Del Carmen and Cancun. The lack of commercialism makes Xpu-ha beach an idyllic place to relax and enjoy the sun without tourists stepping on you or disturbing your peace. There aren’t massive hotels in the area. But there are few and small glamping accommodations. So if you are up for camping in a secluded beach with an amazing view to die for, and away from the busy Caribbean beaches, then this place is for you.
Submitted by, and thanks to, The Travelling Pinoys
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 final instalment, Y and Z, that will visit several beaches in Australia and Mexico. You can read yesterday’s post here.
All of them sound absolutely amazing! I’d love to visit Hawaii one day!