Beaches
Emerald Coast, Florida,
United States
Enjoy some of America's most pristine white sands and turquoise water. Chill
out amid nature reserves and artists communities, go diving, snorkelling and
sailing or sample some great fishing off the resorts of Destin and Fort Walton
Beach. This largely undiscovered gem is characterised by rolling dunes fringed
with graceful sea oats (grass). Beaches include uncrowded Navarre and historic
Pensacola.
Taba Heights, Egypt
With a mountain backdrop which shifts colour from mauve to orange depending
on the time of day, the five kilometres of beaches along the wild desert coast
of Egypt's Sinai peninsula lead into the clear waters of the Red Sea, known
for its coral reefs. Snorkel close to shore or take a boat out to dive the underwater
drop-offs. Water-skiing, parasailing and sailing are all popular. The sandy
beaches offer safe swimming for children.
Costa De La Luz, Andalucia,
Spain
The long, wild and beautiful white sand beaches between Cadiz and Tarifa is
known as the Costa De La Luz because of the quality of the light that's made
it a favourite with artists. Strong winds make it a top spot for kitesurfing
and windsurfing. Close to Tarifa is the Ensenada de Valdevaqueros with its massive
sand dune and the bay of Bolonia, which boasts the ruins of a Roman town. The
area is dotted with seafront cafes.
The Whitsunday Islands,
Queensland, Australia
The 74 Whitsunday Islands sprinkled off the coast of Queensland are almost all
national park, and offer a back-to-nature experience with pristine white sand
beaches, coral reefs, lush wooded hills and some of the best sailing waters
in Australia. Whitsunday Island's six kilomentre long Whitehaven Beach is among
the finest in Oz. Check out the eight, palm-fringed beaches at the unspoilt
seaside town of Bowen.
Ostriconi, Corsica, France
Ostriconi is one of the many unspoilt beaches on the French island of Corsica.
With very fine sand and clear, safe waters, it's popular with families. Other
top beaches on Corsica include Mare e Sole on the south side of the Gulf Of
Ajaccio. Palombaggia, south of Porto Vecchio, is another good choice, while
Marinella has shallow sloping sands. More difficult to get to is Plage de Saleccia,
which boasts talcum white sand.
Cozumel, Mexico
Mexico's own Caribbean island has coral-fringed sandy beaches famous for diving
and snorkelling. Even if you're not a diver you can explore the marine life
during a glass bottom boat ride. Among the best beaches on the island are Playa
San Francisco and Playa Palancar. Cozumel has plenty of watersports and is ideal
for both couples and families. After a day's activities, take a romantic stroll
on the beach at sunset.
Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand
Ao Nang is one of Thailand's longest and loveliest beaches with shallow waters
and a seascape dotted with fascinating rock formations. It's in Krabi province,
which also offers rock climbing, diving and forests with caves and waterfalls.
Ao Nang has become fairly developed in recent years, but has managed to avoid
becoming a high-rise hell. It's easy to visit neighbouring beaches - just hop
on a water taxi.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira has a beautiful beach that curves for several kilometres. Popular
with independent travellers, it's a real haven for those seeking to get away
from the buzz of Morocco's cities. Windsurfing is popular so hire equipment
or book some lessons. Otherwise, just kick back and relax on the sand or go
for a stroll to see the forts of the old city. You'll be following in the footsteps
of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, who liked to hang out there.
Pelion Peninsula, Greece
In Central Greece, it's dominated by a mountain range and is lush, green and
dotted with charming villages. Its beaches are set in pretty rocky coves and
wooded inlets, and are a mixture of sand and shingle. The water is perfect for
swimming and snorkelling. Pelion is a taste of traditional Greece and ideal
for a quiet getaway. Many Greeks take their holidays here and you're less likely
to find yourself surrounded by Brits.
Langkawi, Malaysia
With some of the world's most pristine and secluded beaches and many spectacular
bays, this tropical island paradise is a honeymoon hotspot. If you like your
hotels to be on the luxurious side too, there are several to choose from. The
snorkelling is excellent and the lush vegetation covering the island is teeming
with wildlife and rare species. If you get fed up of one stretch of picture-perfect
beach, simply find another.
Source: Teletext Holidays - September 2006