#beaches

#beaches

Barbados's vibrant mix of breathtaking beaches, Colonial-style architecture, botanical gardens, and characteristic Caribbean hospitality makes it a natural beacon for those seeking sun, sand, rum punch, and a warm island breeze. Despite a slim 21-mile radius, there's a surprising number of excellent hotels here bringing historical charm, plush beds, and unrivalled sea views to restore peace to weary travelers. But for a proper pulse-slowing immersion into island time, a private villa is best.

The district has 20,000 inhabitants according to the 2021 census, and a long history. In April of 1500, the Portuguese docked on the Bahian coast and first encountered the Pataxo, an Indigenous people who lived in harmony with the Atlantic jungle. In 1586, the Jesuit missionaries founded a town here by the name of Trancoso. Over the centuries that followed, the community remained isolated and rural, dedicated to fishing and agriculture, disconnected from the rest of the country until well into the 20th century.

Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach sports a sweeping, kilometer-long curve of golden sand, between two headlands, lashed by surf waves. What makes this Eastern Beaches wonder even more unusual is it's an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz. Locals love it, tourists flock here, and Bondi's massive on Instagram. Even on crowded summer weekends, you'll find a spot on the shore or lawns fringing the beach (there are barbecues at the northern reserve).

Soft breezes ripple through the sea grapes, and sunlight glints off the aquamarine shallows that surround Bahia Honda State Park. Here, at Mile Marker 37 in the Lower Keys, the pace of life slows to match the gentle rhythm of the waves. The 500-acre island, wrapped in three stunning beaches and framed by the historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby Key West.

But San Diego, which is the state's oldest city, having been established in 1769, has much to offer travelers. America's Finest City has a sunny, mild Mediterranean climate that makes it a perfect destination year-round, whether you're escaping a cold winter or a hot, humid summer. And there's much to enjoy here besides perfect weather-there's rich history, world-class museums, golf courses, theme parks, hotels, breweries, restaurants, and 70 miles of breathtaking beaches.

The island of Sifnos, nestled in the famous Cyclades archipelago, is a beautiful Greek gem that remains under the radar. With its gentle, laid-back atmosphere and charming villages, it's the perfect place to escape and feel time slow down. The island is known for its beautiful landscapes and historic pottery traditions, but there's also an incredible culinary scene showcasing Sifnos' invaluable contributions to Greek cuisine that's well worth your attention. Here's everything you need to know for a perfect trip to this Aegean Sea paradise.

A European holiday in March can take many forms. The slopes are still open for business in the highest ski resorts - at the start of the month, at least - where pros make use of fewer crowds to whizz down mountainsides to their heart's content. There are city breaks in beloved destinations, where the peak summer crowds are yet to descend on the streets of Rome, Copenhagen and Dublin (to name a few favourites),

From its best Airbnbs, visitors can tap into that lifestyle and soak up South Florida's essence for as long as their trip allows. Whether tucked away in historic neighborhoods, perched on serene canals, or situated steps from the vibrant pulse of Las Olas, these stays are all about escape. With artful interiors, design-forward amenities, and resort-style outdoor spaces, they are designed to delight, recharge, and connect you with the rhythm of coastal luxury.

I've traveled to more than 20 countries, but Mexico continues to be one of my favorite destinations to visit. One Mexican city in particular has stolen my heart: Puerto Vallarta. Located on the country's west coast, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a classic resort town. It offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, a bustling downtown scene, and plenty of outdoor adventure.

I'm a New Yorker, so my summer weekends are usually chock full of trying the latest restaurants, hitting the beach, and taking strolls in the park right within my own vibrant city. However, this summer I decided to venture a little further from home and explore a beachside escape a few hours away: Atlantic City, New Jersey. I've been to Atlantic City just once before, to attend a concert at Ocean Casino Resort in Ovation Hall.

Coopers Beach is... shielded from the cold Labrador currents in the beautiful village of Southampton. Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand.

Indiana Dunes National Park offers a beautiful blend of sandy beaches and the Chicago skyline, making it a unique beach destination in the Midwest.

Wailea features cabana-skirted shores that provide a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, while Hana offers hidden coves ideal for low-key relaxation.

Britain's best beaches curve and cradle the coastline of North Wales, where Snowdonia's mountains cascade down into cliffs, dunes and the rolling Irish sea.

Kefalonia, located in the Ionian Islands, is an undercover gem with 755,929 international visitors in 2024, far fewer than the more famous Santorini.

Anglesey beaches are among not just the prettiest beaches in Wales, but the best beaches in the UK, crafted daily by the tides, revealing stunning landscapes.

Akti Vouliagmeni Beach provides an ideal blend of relaxation and activity, with well-maintained facilities and stunning views, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

According to The Natural Resources Defense Council, 35 New Jersey beaches were able to meet water quality standards 98% of the time over the last five years.

Bell Wharf Beach in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex is Time Out's best beach within an hour of London for summer 2025. The quaint stretch of sand is a quick 10 minute walk from Leigh's train station and offers a much quieter alternative to the likes of Brighton Beach and Camber Sands, which tend to get packed with Londoners come summertime.