10 beach destinations you absolutely must visit
10 beach destinations you absolutely must visit
Whether you are looking for a remote tropical island in the middle of the Ocean, or a coastal surfing town to try your hand at conquering the waves, Qatar Airways flies to an array of tropical havens that every traveler can enjoy. Take a look at our recommended list of beach destinations that you must absolutely visit in your lifetime.
Phuket, Thailand
Whilst it is one of Thailand’s most popular islands to visit, Phuket is also home to some of the most exotic and secluded beaches in the world. Head to any corner of the island and enjoy clear turquoise waters alongside powdery, white sand. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities to undertake in Phuket thanks to the warm, clear waters and tropical marine life. Head out to Banana Beach to see the immaculate contrast of crystal waters and the flourishing Phuket jungle. The beach is appropriately named, as it is home to plenty of banana boats you can ride around the bay.
Discover PhuketMykonos, Greece
Located off the shores of Greece, Mykonos is home to sun-bleached beaches and glistening waters. A great destination for both solo travelers and families, Mykonos is abundant with water activities for all ages and beautiful beaches of all vibes. Spend your days relaxing in the blue waters, enjoying one of the many water sports, or stroll around the quaint island exploring all of its nooks and hidden gems. By night the island comes alive - you’ll find traditional Greek tavernas, fine-dining restaurants and plenty of quaint cafes. Visit Psarou Beach to browse a plethora of beautiful, chic restaurants that are all situated along the coastline.
Mykonos, Greece
Located off the shores of Greece, Mykonos is home to sun-bleached beaches and glistening waters. A great destination for both solo travelers and families, Mykonos is abundant with water activities for all ages and beautiful beaches of all vibes. Spend your days relaxing in the blue waters, enjoying one of the many water sports, or stroll around the quaint island exploring all of its nooks and hidden gems. By night the island comes alive - you’ll find traditional Greek tavernas, fine-dining restaurants and plenty of quaint cafes. Visit Psarou Beach to browse a plethora of beautiful, chic restaurants that are all situated along the coastline.
Male, Maldives
The low-lying coral islands of the Maldives are popular amongst travelers, due to their prime conditions for snorkeling, diving and simply relaxing. If you are traveling to the Maldives for the coral, ensure to visit the HP Reef located in the North Male Atoll. It’s a protected area, therefore the reef and fish are some of the most colorful you will find. With approximately 1,200 islands to explore in this tropical archipelago, you certainly won’t be short of beaches to enjoy. We recommend a trip to Reethi Rah in the North Male Atoll - it’s one of the larger islands and is much less crowded than some of the others.
Discover the MaldivesDenpasar, Bali
If surfing is on your agenda, Bali is an ideal beach destination to add to your bucket list. Take a trip to the islands of Kuta or Nusa Lembongan for your chance to take on some of the best waves in the world. Surfing isn’t the only activity to enjoy in Bali though; the country is also home to incredible dive sites where you can explore beneath the waves and around old shipwrecks. If simply relaxing is on your travel itinerary, Bali also caters for this with its local yoga retreats, spas and health and wellness centers. A trip to Bali will give you the opportunity to unwind in complete tropical serenity.
Denpasar, Bali
If surfing is on your agenda, Bali is an ideal beach destination to add to your bucket list. Take a trip to the islands of Kuta or Nusa Lembongan for your chance to take on some of the best waves in the world. Surfing isn’t the only activity to enjoy in Bali though; the country is also home to incredible dive sites where you can explore beneath the waves and around old shipwrecks. If simply relaxing is on your travel itinerary, Bali also caters for this with its local yoga retreats, spas and health and wellness centers. A trip to Bali will give you the opportunity to unwind in complete tropical serenity.
Davao, Philippines
Travel to the unexpected tropical haven of Davao in the Philippines. Although a fairly large city, it is also a short drive or boat ride from some of the world’s most exotic beach destinations. Talikud Island is located in the Island Garden City of Samal, and is home to protected coral reefs, fish sanctuaries and some incredibly photogenic tropical scenes. The jungle meets the shore at Talikud, providing some great trekking conditions and other adventurous land-based activities. But make sure to bring your snorkeling gear to take advantage of the crystal clear waters – we’re almost certain you’ll spot some marine life you’ve never seen before!
Discover DavaoMahe, Seychelles
Made up of 115 granite and coral islands, the Seychelles is one of the most luxurious island archipelagos to travel to. No matter which island you decide to visit, each one is a delight to explore - from the beautiful Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve where you can see an array of fauna and flora, including the largest seed in the world; to the stunning Aldabra Atoll, where snorkeling and diving are an absolute must. Look out for the local tiger sharks and manta rays which like to swim through the coral atoll.
Mahe, Seychelles
Made up of 115 granite and coral islands, the Seychelles is one of the most luxurious island archipelagos to travel to. No matter which island you decide to visit, each one is a delight to explore - from the beautiful Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve where you can see an array of fauna and flora, including the largest seed in the world; to the stunning Aldabra Atoll, where snorkeling and diving are an absolute must. Look out for the local tiger sharks and manta rays which like to swim through the coral atoll.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
For a less than remote beach vacation, head to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. It is home to many exotic, tropical beaches that also have the atmosphere of a vibrant, urban city. Relax on the pristine shores of Kigamboni, which is known for its great swimming conditions, white sands and cosmopolitan attractions. The shoreline is dotted with food stalls and cafes to resort to once you’ve had enough sun. For a taste of Zanzibar’s immaculate beaches, take a short boat ride to one of the islands off the mainland – ideal for relaxing in seclusion and indulging in fresh seafood.
Discover Dar es SalaamMombasa, Kenya
You will never be far from a beach in Mombasa. It is the perfect beachy place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, or even venture to after a safari vacation in the African jungle. Close to the nearby island of Zanzibar, the waters in Mombasa are just as pristine, making it idyllic to spot sea-turtles, starfish, crabs and coral of all sorts. Take a dhow boat out from Diani Beach to explore the shoreline, which is highly regarded as the best beach in the area.
Mombasa, Kenya
You will never be far from a beach in Mombasa. It is the perfect beachy place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, or even venture to after a safari vacation in the African jungle. Close to the nearby island of Zanzibar, the waters in Mombasa are just as pristine, making it idyllic to spot sea-turtles, starfish, crabs and coral of all sorts. Take a dhow boat out from Diani Beach to explore the shoreline, which is highly regarded as the best beach in the area.
Langkawi, Malaysia
Known as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’, Langkawi’s 105 islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, paying homage to the incredible biodiversity and geology that occupy the area. Along with the array of wildlife that Langkawi is known for, visitors flock to the archipelago to admire the spotless beaches along the coastline. Relax on the soft sands and spend your evenings in one of the many high-end resorts or chalets. Make sure to visit Pentai Cenang, it is the most popular beach in Langkawi and also one of the liveliest in the evening, with plenty of beachfront restaurants and lounges to enjoy.
Discover LangkawiZanzibar, Tanzania
It is certainly not a surprise that Zanzibar ended up on our list of top beach destinations, but perhaps you didn’t know all that this tropical archipelago has to offer. The beaches by far are amongst the finest in the world regardless of where you venture to, but the east of the island are known as the best. Zanzibar is also home to some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving spots, with Pemba Beach being especially popular – travel by dhow boat for a truly authentic experience. Visit Paje Beach for one of the best places to stay, abundant with cool coffee shops, lounges and tasty local cuisine.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
It is certainly not a surprise that Zanzibar ended up on our list of top beach destinations, but perhaps you didn’t know all that this tropical archipelago has to offer. The beaches by far are amongst the finest in the world regardless of where you venture to, but the east of the island are known as the best. Zanzibar is also home to some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving spots, with Pemba Beach being especially popular – travel by dhow boat for a truly authentic experience. Visit Paje Beach for one of the best places to stay, abundant with cool coffee shops, lounges and tasty local cuisine.