Appointing best beach is paid illusion – published by uncritical media and naïve travel bloggers!
ONE THE BEACH: As every traveller knows, a beach is so much more than a sandy edge. It´s a beacon in its own right, a focal point and destination. I’ve added few to my little red book of exceptional places and beaches. But this story is by no means a selection of the world’s best beaches, because it´s an impossible task. Until recently, such nominations were a persistent deception. When tourist authorities paid market agencies and media to emerge on the list of best beaches. In fact, it was marketing people who made the selection and none had been on these beaches.
Heaven on Earth
Some perfect stretch of coastline has been zoomed in on the Indian Ocean idylls of Mauritius and the Maldives.
Today´s tourists are following in the footsteps of those who came here more than 100 years ago. Travel writer Mark Twain once told: “You get the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
With white-sand beaches and rain forested volcanic interior, Mauritius is the perfect choice for active beachgoers. Add hiking trails, waterfalls, kitesurfing, paddle boarding and golf courses to keep the pulse up.
White powdery sand
Northeast of Mauritius, the Maldives is a perfect collection of small islands across the equator. Just 200 of 1,200 islands are inhabited. With a one-resort-per-island policy, the Maldives offers a high level of exclusivity that other can only dream of.
These coral islands have become a shining example for a brand of barefoot luxury. With almost spookily white powdery sand and stark cyan waters, beaches don´t get more idyllic than this.
The Maldives has some of the best diving and snorkelling to be found anywhere. Add marine life, coral walls, caves, tropical fish alongside reef sharks and turtles to explore under the surface at these magic islands.
Anse Lazio, the Seychelles
The most famous beach on the Seychelles Islands is Anse Lazio. Well worth the long winding drive from Côte d’Or, this strip can claim to be a tropical paradise beach. Beautifully framed by granite rocks, this dream beach has soft white sands leading gently down to calm clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments.
The Girl from Ipanema
Nowhere is more associated with the beach as lifestyle than Brazil. Brazilians can talk for hours about their favourite strip. Just a reminder of the country´s cultural icons: The Girl from Ipanema, Copacabana, and bikinis.
With thousands of beaches to choose from, with 8,000km of coastline most of them lying beneath palm trees in the tropics. From a river beach in the Amazone down to the South Atlantic Ocean. To Praia do Cassino, the longest sea beach in the world, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Beaches of Floripa
Amongst all cherry-picked Brazil’s best beaches, we have to choose one in Florianopolis. “Floripa” has 42 beaches and is one of this country´s hippest beach cities. I ended up at Praia Mole, the most popular in the heart of the city. It´s one of the most stunning surrounded by green mountains, where the young and beautiful head.
Another favourite is Lagoinha do Leste, geographic isolated south of the island. Backed by rainforest, with dunes, sandbanks, a lake and rocky coastline, and a salt lake as option for bathing.
Sands with Wow Factor
When we cherry picked Brazil’s best for golden sands, azure seas and that extra wow factor, we couldn´t avoid Jericoacoara. Located in in the Northeast coast, “Jeri” is probably the most hipped beach town of them all.
Jericoacoara attracts partygoers from Natal, Recife and beyond, and a swing of International travellers’ year-around. Expect laid-back, ecological and independent vibe, beach area with amazing dunes and winds for kite surfing.
Getting there is not easy. The closest major city is Fortaleza, and the trip by bus will take 6-7 hours.
The magical Pipa
Pristine beaches backed by tall cliffs, dreamy lagoons, surfing, dolphin and turtle-filled waters and famous for its nightlife. Pipa is one of Brazil´s magical destinations with a great selection of pousadas, hostels, and restaurants.
The scenery is simply stunning, plus the experience to swim so close to the wild dolphins was truly unique.
Beaches, palm trees and beauty
After visiting Brazil for years, I concluded; Porto de Galinhas has the natural beauties and some fascinating resorts. This is a perfect tropical corner with white beaches, coral reefs, palm trees and sun all year. In this small costal city, the good life is rolling.
Located just an hour drive from Recife, Porto de Galinhas is one of the main attractions in the Northeast. Natural pools of warm, crystal-clear water have brought fame to this corner of Brazil.
Best beaches in Europe
In Europe, we are all like to head to white sandy beaches in the Mediterranean.
Some favourites are Kleftiko beach, Milos in Greece, and Playa de Ses Illetes on the island of Formentera, and Butterfly Valley in Turkey. Don´t forget Cala Coticcio, Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia. And in England, don´t forget Saint Ives in Cornwall.
Which stretch to choose
With more than 7,000 islands, no country offers more beaches than The Philippines. You are never far from a white sand beach, and the hard work is deciding which one to choose. Many beaches offer something different, while there´s no such thing as a bad beach in the Philippines.
The island of Boracay is known for having one of the best beaches with powder-like white sand.
More to read: Happy Filipinos makes life more fun
A no-paid story
Travellers consider Marimegmeg one of the best. Located near El Nido on Palawan, this stretch of paradise is in walking distance from the city. What differs Marimegmeg from El Nido’s other beaches is that it is a place to hang out and with good range of facilities close at hand. This is not just another beautiful beach to tick off the list. And no way the best beach in the world – if such a sandy stretch has ever existed.
That said, the Girl from Ipanema was a real girl, and no tourist board has paid for this beachy-story.
Meet a High Flying Kiter North Brazil