Summer is on and thousands of people are headed towards the beaches to enjoy the sand and water. White soft strips and clear warm sea are mostly what everyone desires. But if you are looking for something different, check out these ten beaches that are off the wall!
10. Glass Beach, California, USA
Situated near Fort Bragg, the beach is a result of pollution. These chiseled glass pebbles once were simply garbage, dropped to the sea and later shaped by the water. Today it is a popular tourist attraction.
Why go there?
See a unique beach, walk on the glass pebbles, but do not collect them.
How to get there?
A relatively short walk from Elm Street.
Photo by Floris van Breugel
Photo by Tina Mitchell
9. Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat), Brac Island, Croatia
The beach juts out 530 meters (580 yards) into the crystal clear Adriatic Sea. The unique location attracts many vacationers, who love to enjoy the sun, warm sea, and water sports. The island also is a famous windsurfing spot.
Why go there?
A hip beach, with a lot of action and warm clear water.
How to get there?
It is a short drive or walk from the harbor town of Bol.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
8. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
This might be one of the most remote beaches on Earth. The totally unspoiled pristine coast is found far away from the mainland and attracts true adventurers. There are a few lodges, that will ensure an unforgettable stay in Bazaruto.
Why go there?
Divine nature, various activities: from fishing, sailing safaris, water skiing, paragliding to dolphin, flamingo and whale watching.
How to get there?
By plane from Johannesburg. By boat or plane from Mozambique.
Photo by Jody MacDonald
Photo by Jody MacDonald
Photo by Unknown
7. Menorca, Spain
The tiny island in the Mediterranean Sea has 120 amazing beaches! It is certainly one of the most exciting spots from the Balearic Islands group: look at that ridiculously clear water. Besides swimming in the crystal clear water, canoeing and kayaking are other popular activities.
Why go there?
A great place to enjoy perfect beaches and crystal clear water.
How to get there?
By ferry from Barcelona, Valencia or Mallorca.
Photo by Pawel Kazmierczak
Photo by Carles Alonso
Photo by Basilio Ochando
6. Black Sandy Beaches, the Big Island, Hawaii
Black sand is a result of the constant volcanic activities on the islands. There are several of those on the Big Island, Punaluʻu being the most famous one. Besides of the unusual color, visitors come here to have lunch in the picnic area and watch basking turtles.
Why go there?
See the unique beach and turtles. Also, camping is allowed in the area.
How to get there?
From Hawaii Belt Road take Ninole road or head towards the Sea Mountain Resort.
Photo by Evan Gearing
Photo by Michael Paravano
Photo by Michael Paravano
5. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles
The iconic beach is a postcard-beautiful and a signature site of Seychelles. The beach features soft white sand, crystal clear warm Indian Ocean, and huge granite boulders, scattered around, forming coves and caves.
When to go there?
All year round.
How to get there?
By ferry from the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé island.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Erez Marom
Photo by Unknown
4. Cathedral Cove Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
The beach is a popular attraction, often credited to be one of the most beautiful beaches. Photographers especially love it for the rocky coves, that make it look differently from various angles. Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are among popular activities.
Why go there?
A very picturesque beach, with stunning caves.
How to get there?
There are various walking trails that lead to the beach from Hahei.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
3. Algarve, Portugal
The southernmost region in the country has a striking coastline, which is rich with spectacular limestone caves and grottoes. The dramatic shore can be explored by hiking or on a boat tour, which enables to explore sandstone pillars, soaring from the water.
Why go there?
Stunning beaches, coastline, and caves.
How to get there?
Algarve Seafaris cruise collects tourists from Marina de Vilamoura and Albufeira.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Tramont_ana
Photo by Joel Santos
2. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California, USA
The site is famous for McWay Falls, that cascade from a steep cliff and plunge right into the ocean. The cave is really gorgeous. And although the beach is hard to access, it attracts a lot of tourists, who approach the beach from a viewpoint.
When to go there?
Anytime – the waterfall flows all year round.
How to get there?
Drive Highway 1 and then hike the Waterfall Trail, which begins from a parking lot.
Photo by Helena W
Photo by David McCurry Photography
Photo by Robert Schmalle
1. The Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Beaches in the area are stunning at night: due to the chemical reactions, plankton becomes luminescent. Therefore, the marine creatures emanate this dazzling blue glow. The sites like the Hyams Beach are indeed very romantic at night.
Why go there?
Besides this rare natural phenomena, the Jervis Bay is a popular tourist destination, providing various fun water activities.
How to get there?
It is a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney.