10 best beach holidays for 2024 (2024)

By David Wickers, Sunday Times Travel Writer

The Caribbean

Even Columbus was confused. When he sailed there in 1492 he recorded in his ship’s log that there were so many islands he didn’t know which one to visit first. British first timers to the Caribbean often face the same dilemma. You could opt for Barbados. But if beaches are top of your priorities take a look at the gorgeous coral island ofAnguilla. Or you could do a lot worse than Antigua which has 365 of them, one for every day of the year. For luxury resorts at good-value prices, head to the Riviera Maya in Mexico. See our selection of the best Caribbean holidays.

Western France

From the eight mile strand at La Baule – the longest in Europe – to the surf at Biarritz and on to the Spanish border, the Atlantic coast of France is almost entirely hemmed by dandy beaches. South of the Gironde estuary, along the pine-backed, dune-heaped Cote d’ Argent, it’s virtually one long run of sand, straight as a blade. There are some attractive towns (La Rochelle, Biarritz, St Jean de Luz) as well as the trendy Ile de Ré. Best option is to rent a luxury villa with private pool. Simpson Travel also has some beautiful villas on the Ile de Ré. Families on a budget should check out siblu villages.

The Maldives

Those turquoise lagoons, sugar-white beaches and cobalt seas may look like they’ve been Photoshopped, but theMaldivesis an authentic tropicalparadise, with each resort hotel located on its own private island.You’ll struggle to find a bad beach in the Maldives, butfor a real feeling of isolation it’s best to pick an island that isn’t too close to the capital, Male: a speedboat transfer is more convenient, but a seaplane transferis an indication of a more remote island.Check out this selection of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives.

Croatia

Croatia‘s seasides are mostly pebbly but with incredibly clear blue water. The most famous exception is found on the south side of Brac, home to the Zlatni Rat or Golden Cape. It’s the beach that looks like a sharks fin and stars on all ‘Come to Croatia’ posters (although the grainy texture under your toes is a tad disappointing). We also like Cavtat, an elegant little seaside of whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs, palm trees, waterfront cafes and access to both beaches and, linked by regular excursion boats and buses, Dubrovnik. We also love the island of Hvar which has some great hotels including The Riva for boutique chic and the luxuriousAdriana.

Spain

At the last count nearly 400 beaches, on the mainland and Balearics, were entitled to hoist those coveted EU Blue Flags of purity. The bad news, of course, is that many of the 1400 miles of Spanish shoreline on which they sit have become casebook studies in how not to develop tourist facilities. So where can you go to enjoy Espana del Mar without the dross? Our answer might surprise you: the Costa Brava – also known as Catalunya. But we are referring to the northern part, where the geography gets too torturous for big hotels and the roads too cork-screwy for coaches. Instead of heaving resorts, you’ll find intimate Catalan fishing villages and beaches tucked into small coves. Personal favourites include Calella and Llafranc, Tamariu, Sa Tuna and Aigua Blava. See a full range of villas in Catalunya, plus thelatest offers. For a good-value luxury all-inclusive hotel, check out IKOS Andalusia.

Greece

On Corfu and the adjoining mainland, the Mar-Bella Collection has three gorgeous hotels set on lovely beaches. The small adult-only Nido is perfect for couples while the MarBella in Corfu ticks the family boxes, whether you have toddlers or teens. Also check out this wonderful collection ofvillas in Corfu.

Halkidiki, one of three peninsulas in the north of the country that reach down into the Aegean like Neptune’s trident, has arguably the best beaches in Greece. It used to be monopolised by Austrian and German campers but now boasts the upmarket all-inclusiveIKOS OliviaandIKOS Oceania hotels. For each of these, there’s a £250 discount exclusively for our readers.

Another option is a beach club such as Mark Warner’s new Paleros Beach Resort – see the latestspecial offers. See our pick of the best Greece holiday destinations.

Italy

Italy’s mainland beaches can be disappointing, unless you like endless rows of sun loungers and parasols. But Sardinia, second largest island (after Sicily), has a quarter of the entire Italian coastline and will definitely please those looking for magnificent beaches. For posing among the glitterati, stick to the sculpted granite coves of the Costa Smeralda in the north east. For Sahara-like sand backed by stunning sunsets, make your way to the Costa Verde in the south west. But don’t neglect Sardinia’s interior, a wilderness of mountains, oak, pine and chestnut forests and matted, knee-high macchia vegetation. The island also has many family-friendly hotels. We recommend Sardatur Holidays.

Thailand

If all you are looking for is a week or so of gorgeous winter weather, on a beach as gorgeous as a dream, all white sand, swaying palms and clear, warm waters, you will love Thailand. Choose between an island, from the well known phu*ket or Koh Samui to tiny ‘kohs’ that can only be reached by boat, or the magnificent mainland beach around Krabi. But what also makes Thailand such a wonderful destination for a holiday is it’s a rich mix of pleasures, including city sights, lush green and well contoured rural scenery, culture from exotic temples to hill tribes, terrific food, fascinating markets and friendly locals. If you want to escape the tourist traps for unique experiences, expert local guides and thrilling wildlife encounters, check out Experience Travel Group.

Florida

Aside from Alaska, Florida has more coastline – 1,200 miles – than any other state in the USA. The most popular beaches, with acres of white sand, are those on the Gulf Coast in resorts which are widely packaged as an add-on to Orlando, a two-hour drive away. They offer every water sport under the sun, a wide range of hotels and, biggest surprise of all, a brilliant museum devoted to Salvador
 Dali. St Petersburg – St Pete Beach – and Naples are among the most popular choices. On the Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale is an excellent choice – as well as having great beaches, it’s close to the Everglades, just an hour from Miami and combines easily with Orlando. Find the best fly-drive holidays in Florida.

Australia

Most of the population of Australia lives within a 20-minute drive of the coast, so it’s hardly surprising that the beach is deeply embedded in Aussie culture. There are 7,000 beaches, according to the official count, and they are among the sandiest, silkiest and whitest on the planet. There are even beaches where you can drive a car (Fraser Island), ride a camel (Broome), feed dolphins (Monkey Mia), see kangaroos (Pebbly Beach) and, of course, surf your socks off (most famously at Bondi).

Last updated: 28 February 2023

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