Each of the Island’s three major resorts have their own unique character and charm, but all provide exceptional settings in which to take a much-needed break from the rigors of day to day life.

by visitgreecegr on Flickr

Skala

Skala is one of Kefalonia’s most popular resorts, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t escape the crowds and find that elusive peace and tranquillity that you crave.

While the resort has all the amenities that you would expect to find, such as a long, sweeping sandy beach, an abundance of water sports and a host a delightful restaurants, taking a boat trip from Skala beach to Ithaka is your best bet for escaping the throngs of tourists.

It’s fairly straightforward to arrange a boat, and they leave for Ithaka on a daily basis. Most tours tend to take in the town of Vathi, where you can saunter through the charming streets and enjoy a coffee or a spot of retail therapy, but Melissani Cave is the real highlight of the trip. As the sun beams down, it shimmers incandescently on the surface of the turquoise water, creating a picturesque image and an feeling of serenity.

Lourdas

If you’re not fortunate enough to possess a pair of sea legs, and prefer the sanctity of dry land, the tiny resort of Lourdas is a hiker’s paradise.

While the resort is endowed with a fantastic beach, hiking up into the pine forest-covered mountains is the only way to really appreciate the majesty of Lourdas Bay. The views from atop the peak of Mount Ainos are the perfect accompaniment to the deafening silence of the lonely mountains.

Lassi

Situated just three kilometres south of Argostoli, the island’s capital, Lassi is the resort that made Kefalonia holidays famous.

Despite the fact that much development has been undertaken over the last couple of decades, the resort is still relatively quiet, making it popular with families who are looking for excellent facilities, but a little more peace and quiet than some other resorts are able to offer.

Lassi’s two stunning beaches are the perfect place to unwind with a good book, while the resort’s restaurants have successfully managed to retain much of their Greek authenticity, proving popular with tourists and locals alike.

For wine aficionados, Lassi is the perfect place to put down roots. Situated between Lassi and the airport of Kefalonia, the Gentilini estate is a stunning, 10 hectare vineyard, which produces flavorful and aromatic, organic wines. Taking a tour of the vineyard and sampling some of the finest wines that the island has to offer is the perfect way to unwind this summer.

Perhaps you want to get away from the crowds and see a bit of the unseen beaches of this fascinating country. Well you’re in luck! Grab your sunscreen, insure your travels with a company like DU Insure, and enjoy the following:

by tomsteiner on Flickr

Tsitsikamma Nation Park

Along the Garden Route in the southern part of the country is the national park of Tsitsikamma which means “clear water.” Here you can enjoy sunning your buns on the dramatic coastline this park offers, however there is far more to do. Should you be feeling adventurous there are multiple trails to trek through that offer wildlife spotting and waterfalls. Here you can also find the world highest bungee jump at over 200 meters!

Diamond Coast

If you want to experience something a bit different and aren’t afraid of the cold then head to the Diamond Coast. Here you can organize a tour to see the pristine beaches of Alexander Bay which used to be restricted because of the diamond mining. Now it’s open for all to enjoy, but don’t think you will be able to get your hands on any of the sparkling gems that are being sucked out of the ocean floor! If you travel to the Northern Cape Coastline you can enjoy hikes and tour shipwrecks from previous fallen mariners who were trying to mine diamonds. Swimming along these ocean waters will be a chilling experience for sure! The water here remains rather chilled but a quick dip wouldn’t hurt.

St. Lucia

Hopping over to St. Lucia on the southern coast you will find plenty to do. These stunning beaches are unspoilt and teeming with wildlife! Here you can kayak on the clear water, play various beach sports, go horseback riding and go fishing.While getting bronzed at the beaches don’t forget about looking out for wildlife. You can go whale watching and birding, and there is even a cruise to take you along to see hippos and crocs! This World Heritage sites offer much more and shouldn’t be missed on your path for seeing the unseen.

South Africa is a country that could take a lifetime to explore. So while you’re here, be sure you get to the spots that not too many know about so you can make your claim that you found it first. Remember… don’t tell anyone else about our little South African secrets!

by jries on Flickr

Calibishie

First on the list is the scenic beach of Calibishie which literally translates to “nets of reef.” This beach, being the only beach that is protected by a reef, feeds this little fishing village. With a lush mountain backdrop and golden sand beaches this place is impressive. Also impressive is the famous Red Rock that you will see in the distance. (The restaurant with the same name in this area is also fabulously tasty!)

Champagne Beach

A next favorite is the bubbling beaches of Champagne beach. As you can guess from the name, this amazing beach actually bubbles! Due to the volcanic nature around this beach, gas bubbles poke out the bottom of the sands making you feel like your swimming in champagne. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear so you can see the fabulous array of fish and colorful reefs. If you’re into diving get ready to dive to the depths of the worlds top 5 diving spots!

Batibou Beach

If you really want a remote beach checkout Batibou Beach. Be careful getting down the very hidden and very rocky road to get here. With just a few beautiful mountainside cottages this place is one of the most private beaches on the island.

Coconut Beach

Last but certainly not least on this list is Coconut Beach. This beach has the town of Portsmouth just a stones throw behind you, and while looking out at the coconut tree covered beaches you can see the neighboring French islands of  Marie Galante and Les Saintes. Since there is a medical university nearby filled with foreign students you can expect plenty of fun activities to like snorkeling, horseback riding, jet-skiing and volleyball.

Dominica offers more than just beaches though! You can come here and see a new waterfall everyday and not repeat once or experience a dip in the brown and orange colored, natural sulfur springs. The best part of this place is that is still not well-known and you feel as if you are stepping on land for the first time in some places! This hidden island packs a lot of adventure, can you handle Dominica?

by mr_physics on Flickr

Negril Beach

Tourists and natives to the island alike, head to this seven mile long beach during the holidays for comfort and beauty combined. Lined with hotels, restaurants and small snack vendors, this beach is defiantly one for mingling. Many enjoy walking along the white sand and taking in this beach’s breathtaking views. This beach is also a common home to many water sports and events.

Long Bay Beach

Located on the far eastern coast in Portland, this beach is excellent for seclusion. Surrounded by small fishing villages such as Port Antonio, this beach has fewer tourists and is a great spot if you feel the need to get away. Along your walk you will also find the stunning Reach Falls waterfall. There are a few quaint quest houses on this beautiful beach, making it a real taste of Jamaica without the hustle of commerce.

Silver Sands Beach

This beautiful scenic beach is recommended for its breathtaking view. Entrance to this beach is private, so there are little to no interruptions as you soak in some Jamaican sun. The water is crystal clear and with fine sands you find yourself relaxing in no time. The view behind this beach is littered with small villas, making it the perfect spot to swim or just lay out on the sands.

Burwood Beach

This beach is known as the “lover’s beach”, located in Falmouth, northern Jamaica. This beach is said to be popular among honeymooners with a fantastic view of the ocean and sunset, white sands and plenty of space to walk along enjoying one another’s company.

Reggae Beach

This beach is family oriented and a great place for a family day out while on vacation. This beach offers Jamaica’s whites sands, beautiful ocean view and crystal clear water, as well as jerk sands and pretty trees. In-season there is reggae music, grills and family fun to be had by all.

Jamaica has many beautiful beaches for one to choose from, all with the scenic and colorful culture this island country is known for. No matter if you’re two young lovers on honeymoon or a family on vacation. Or you’re just someone getting away from it all, the beaches of Jamaica has something to offer all. One thing you will be sure to find is the beautiful white sands and crystal clear ocean waters you desired to explore.

by ilans1 on Flickr

Beit Yanai Beach

Beit Yanai is a stunning beach, located where the Alexander River meets the Mediterranean Sea, which was converted into a nature reserve in 1994. It features a walking trail that is wheelchair accessible, and it allows overnight camping. Beit Yanai is extremely popular with kite surfers and other water sport enthusiasts, but it also attracts people interested in the wildlife. Here you can see soft shelled turtles and nutria, or relax in the eucalyptus grove. There is a small entrance fee paid per car, which goes towards maintaining this pristine beach.

Coral Reef Beach

Coral beach is located in Eilat on the Red Sea, and features a multicolored coral reef that is half a mile long. Walk down the pier to gaze into the water, or rent snorkeling gear and dive in to explore the wonders close up. There is a small entrance fee to Coral beach, which goes towards upkeep. The reef is home to 2,500 different species of sea life, many that you can only see in the Red Sea.

Dolphin Beach

This beautiful beach is home to a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins. Once you pay an admission fee, you can relax on the quiet beach and watch the dolphins play, or, if you are over the age of 10, you can join them in the crystal clear water. Take the opportunity to practice your underwater photography on this stunningly picturesque reef. For adults, there are also three relaxation pools where you can lay back and listen to music.

Caesarea Beach

Caesarea beach is a stunning beach of pure, clean white sand, featuring the ruins of an aqueduct ordered built by King Herod in the first century BC. Caesarea beach does not have any restaurants or piers, and so while it is a featured spot for many tours in the area, it does not attract as many people as other beaches. During the week, you will not find crowds or noise here, and on the weekend it is populated mostly by locals. Relax in peace and enjoy the view.

Platja de la Barceloneta by sibilino on Flickr

Relaxation in the Sand

The best part about walking Platja de la Barceloneta is the intriguing architecture that gives these sandy shore lots of character! Stare out into the distance at the giant fish sculpture made from gold steel that gleams in the sunlight. This elegant fish named Peix sits outside Port Olimpic, the product of Canadian architect Frank Gehry constructed for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Just on the other side of Olympic Port is La Nova Icaria, a less crowded area than that of Barceloneta. This beach comes complete with swaying palm trees and rollerbladers speeding down the pathway. La Nova Icaria is frequented mostly by families with children and makes for a quieter day on the shoreline. Next over at Playa Del Bogatell sit back with a book and relax in the quiet Mediterranean breeze. This beach shows off the cleaner side of Barcelona sands and provides a peaceful calm atmosphere to enjoy the sun.

Beachfront Entertainment

The sunbathers of Mar Bella take a more natural and open-minded approach to a day at the beach. Separated by a large sand dune, this nudist stretch plays host to an isolated hot spot that heats up into the night with wild raves. Keep walking and reach Nova Mar Bella Beach where the younger crowds gather beneath the towering skyscrapers of the city. Nova Mar Bella Beach is a fantastic location to dine along the waterfront in great restaurants and beach bars. After a long day at the beach, check out the most convenient holiday apartment options in the city with Oh-Barcelona.

Escape into Catalonia

Step outside the city skyscrapers and escape the bustling crowds into a more serene setting along the Catalonian coast. Hop a train with short half hour ride from Barcelona to the town of El Masnou, and experience a horizon of gorgeous sands that paint the open shoreline. Ocata beach is a local favorite with a wide expanse of Mediterranean that is certainly a stark contrast from the crowds found within the city. Montgat is another stop along this train journey that takes only twenty minutes to reach. The beach of Montgat like that of Ocata boasts clean waters with a solitary natural feel. Sant Pol de Mar is the crowned jewel with the most picturesque village atop the green hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  A trip to Sant Pol de Mar completes the perfect day beach excursion from the city limits of Barcelona.

Here’s a way to track down tranquility with beaches off the beaten path in France. Convenience is the key when it comes to the denser crowds. So step outside the box and take a ferry across the sea to an island or journey to the bottom of the coast to escape into the unspoiled sands of paradise.

by peterhilton on Flickr

Argeles Sur Mer

Ride the Mediterranean coast from France to Spain, and there you will find one of the last stops on the map just before crossing the border. Argeles Sur Mer is a great secluded area due to its proximity from the center. Here at the end of the Languedoc-Roussillon stretch, the beaches seem to elongate with plenty of room in between.

Le Racou is one such beach situated far at the southern tip of these beaches that translate in Catalan to ‘corner’. From these peaceful sands, it’s easy to spot the coves and rocky edges of Cote Vermeille in the distance. In the past this area of France has inspired many artists with its breathtaking views and quaint atmosphere.

Atlantic Serenity

On the Atlantic coast, many islands break away from the mainland France to provide a spectacular getaway from the summertime crowds. What better way to avoid civilization then by throwing it off altogether. Camping Indigo Noirmoutier makes for the most fantastic isolated retreat into the great outdoors complete with scenic beaches of the Atlantic waterfront.

Enjoy cycling around the recreation area or check out the charming town of Noirmoutier nearby. Have a stop in to the markets and be sure to have a look at the castle. This campsite hosts bands in the evenings that make for relaxing entertainment into the night.

Oleron Island further down the Atlantic coast is home to great cycling and excellent beaches secluded from the mainland. The fresh and delicious seafood found on these two islands only completes the experience.

Mediterranean Bliss

The Iles d’Hyeres off the Mediterranean shoreline of France holds some of the most extraordinary beaches that see fewer travelers. This destination is certainly ‘off the beaten path’ since there’s no road in between! Take a ferry at the tip of Giens Peninsula to reach both the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros for the most exotic atmosphere and brilliant white sandy beaches.

In Porquerolles the gorgeous Plage d’Argent makes for the perfect horizon of shimmering blue sea. To the east, Plague Notre Dame seems to stretch into an endless haven of pristine Mediterranean waters. Its elongated coastline gives it the most secluded feel. The island of Port-Cros is a natural wonderland with no cars, just serene hiking trails.

This rocky and untamed island is home to a marine reserve and many small and secluded beaches scattered across its shoreline. When in France, this escape into tranquil solitude makes the journey all worthwhile.

From the quiet Southern Gulf Islands to the whale watching along Long Beach, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience in B.C. The weather tends to be mild year-long, although you may want to skip the busy season from June through September if you want some real peace and quiet.

by Kris Krug on Flickr

British Columbia Gulf Islands

The Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia are small, secluded islands located between the mainland and Vancouver Island. This community is very slow-paced and idea for the nature lover with quiet beaches, coves to discover, small shops and little villages, all waiting for you to enjoy the perfect weekend retreat.

Galiano Island is the easiest to reach from the mainland with everything from upscale resorts to art galleries, hiking trails and plenty of water activities to take in. It’s also the most unspoiled of the islands, in part because most of it was used as a tree farm until recently.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is truly one of the best kept secrets in the area and goes from Gibsons to Lund with a number of coastal towns along the way. The Sunshine Coast has a very laidback, easy-going atmosphere with fun waterfront shops to visit and kilometers of shore to explore at your leisure.

Sechelt is the largest community along the coast and it’s a great gateway to everything you could imagine, while Secret Cove is a popular summer getaway. One of the best ways to relax and enjoy the coast here is kayaking through the protected waterways bordered by beautiful mountains.

Qualicum Beach

This small town of less than 9,000 people sits along the Strait of Georgia on the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. It’s close to Vancouver and Victoria, so it does get very busy during the tourist season, although most of the time you’ll still enjoy relative seclusion on the beaches.

There are plenty of small beachside pullouts and the area was originally known as the place where the dog salmon run. Enjoy picking berries, fishing or digging for clams, or take in the local arts of Qualicum Beach, the museum or the famous Fire & Ice Street Festival every May.

Long Beach

Often considered the best beach in all of Canada, Long Beach is the place to go to explore Canada’s wild west coast. It’s the longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and one of the most scenic beaches in the country. One of the coolest things to explore here is the rocky “islands” that are formed in the mid-tidal zone. They can only be accessed during low tide; otherwise, they’re surrounded by swells.

Many of the largest islands here are surrounded by dangerous rip currents so it’s not a good idea to swim, although you can take in some great whale watching in the region. This form of eco-tourism is available from the middle of March through April when the coastline is home to thousands of Gray whales. Humpback whales can often be seen within miles of the shore and killer whales sometimes pass through in huge pods. You can also spot everything from bald eagles to sea lions.

by theo0023 on Flickr

Miami, Florida

Miami-Dade County is now home to over 1,200 multi-national corporations with dozens of foreign consulates. The city attracts business people from Europe, South America, Asia and particularly Central America yet hasn’t sacrificed its reputation for the best beaches in the United States. Miami is considered the banking capital of the U.S., with international banks offering everything from fixed rate bonds to foreign exchanges and currency.

South Beach offers the true Miami experience where topless sunbathing is allowed  and the beach itself is broken up into many areas with a number of paved pathways, volleyball nets and never-ending sun. Haulover Beach is another good choice if you want to try your hand at water sports during your trip, enjoy a barbeque or just lounge by the water.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is growing more every year as a major hub for international business with the business district sitting right on the mouth of beautiful Guanabara Bay. A number of state-owned companies like Petrobras made Rio their home and it began attracting even more business after the capital was moved to Basilia in 1960.

Almost 3 million visitors from around the world travel to Rio each year to enjoy their world-famous parties and beaches and you can join them, even if you are just in town for a few days on business.

Seoul, Korea

Seoul is quickly growing as a major business hub, contributing 21% of the country’s GDP with only 0.6% of their total land area and a huge concentration of international corporations, including Citigroup, Barclays, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse.

While the city itself is landlocked, the best beaches along Korea’s West Sea are nearby. The closest beach to enjoy is Eurwangni Beach, near Seoul and the International Airport with boat rentals and fishing. You can also visit Muchangpo Beach, which is famous for its Miracle of Moses, which occurs two times a month as the tides create a part in the sea, allowing you to walk to an island just off shore.

Dubai, United Arab Nations

Dubai has emerged as the leading business hub in the region and transformed from an oil-dependent state to a focus of international trade, tourism, manufacturing and banking. This global city and cultural hub has attracted the world’s attention with its innovative construction, including the world’s tallest building, but it also has some of the region’s most magnificent beaches to check out during your trip.

Consider staying at the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa, with a long beach, luxury accommodations and a world-class restaurant. Most of the beaches in Dubai belong to the hotels and resorts, although there are a few public beaches, too, like Jumeirah Beach Park. This is one of the most popular public spots right on Beach Road with brilliant golden sand and gently swaying palm trees — the perfect little getaway from a day filled with work.

by clickr88 on Flickr

The Best Time for Visiting the Pacific Coast

The best time for visiting any Mexican beach, including those on the west coast, is from November through May. You may want to avoid the tourist seasons, both during the Easter and Christmas holidays and from July through August if you want to escape the crowds and just take in the natural beauty of the region. Avoid staying from August through September, when the weather becomes terribly humid and insects are a real problem. August through November also raises the risk of rough waters from heavy storms, which may be a concern if you plan to take in some diving during your stay.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta — also known as PV or just Vallarta — is a beach lover’s dream come true. With palm trees gently swaying, mariachi music playing in the distance and the old-world charm of cobblestone streets, you can’t go wrong in this beach community that’s popular with travelers and tourists from all over the world. PV has some of the most well-known beaches on the Pacific coast, too, the liveliest of which is, ironically, Playa de Los Muertos, or the Beach of the Dead. Puerto Vallarta really became popular after it was used as the background for the 1964 film “The Night of the Iguana,” and it’s where the two stars formed an off-screen romance.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is for the slightly more adventurous traveler. This small village sits right behind a beautiful rocky beach and surrounded by jungle. Santa Cruz, like PV, is just pure Mexico with friendly locals, adobe homes and cobblestone streets. Santa Cruz beaches are ideal for kids and adults alike as the bay itself is far away from open sea with tranquil, calm waters. Santa Cruz offers, above all else, an unforgettable experience and the ideal setting for any type of water sports you may enjoy, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, swimming and diving.

Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad is a small community in the state of Jalisco along the Pacific with plenty of fun beaches to check out. You can fly directly to Manzanillo, just south of PV, and then take a shuttle to Barra de Navidad to soak up the sun on the shore. The main beach here is Playa Principal, where surfers go for great waves along the entrance to the nearby lagoon. The beach has a steep slope which causes waves to break very close to the shore. If you want to do a little beachcombing or fishing, head just south of town to Playa de Cocos.