Tourists and day-trippers encroaching on your favorite beach hangout? Why not seek out a more off-the-beaten path strip of sand, something hidden away from the rest of the world’s prying eyes and bothersome noise? It might take a lifetime to explore all of the world’s hidden coasts but we’ve put together a list of distant and isolated beaches you'll want to add to your list. From the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, here are some of the most beautiful and most isolated beaches around the world.
Playa de Benijo - Canary Islands, Spain
One of the most jaw-dropping black-sand beaches in Europe, Playa de Benijo is tucked away on the remote Canary Islands. Playa de Benijo’s mixture of seclusion and precipitous, rocky landscape make it a one-of-a-kind beach that you can’t miss. Set at the northern tip of Tenerife, this playa is a hotspot for experienced surfers and adventurous beachgoers looking to evade the crowds. Chances are you might have this beach all to yourself, especially outside peak season, as it’s located in the isolated and protected Parque Rural de Anaga, encompassing the entire northern peninsula that juts straight into the Atlantic Ocean. But don't worry, you won't be too cut off from society. Playa de Benijo is sandwiched between two tiny villages that both offer mouth-watering, local seafood dishes to fill you up after a long day in the water. Stick around to witness the setting sun slowly slip into the Atlantic behind the Roques de Anaga rock formation. While this beach is one of the most scenic in the Canary Islands, beware of the dangerous currents and big waves.
Praia das Bananas - São Tomé & Príncipe
At the northern edge of Príncipe Island, in the Gulf of Guinea, Praia Bananas, or Banana Beach, is an equatorial gem. Part of the archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe, Praia das Bananas feels worlds away from other popular beach destinations. Even more untouched than its sister São Tomé 90 miles south, Príncipe was entirely uninhabited when the Portuguese washed ashore in 1471 making the island historically isolated too. Praia das Bananas tropical shores are incredibly idyllic, featuring lush palm trees and a jungle backdrop . Despite the remote locale, there are a few chairs and a bar to cater to all of your beachy desires. Either end of the sand here is perfect for snorkeling and discovering the colorful sea life.
Kelebekler Vadisi Beach - Fethiye, Turkey
The beaches of Turkey's Turquoise Coast conjure up images of Swiss Family Robinson and lost treasures of old. This coastline is littered with beautiful rocky inlets and shallow swimming holes,and Kelebekler Vadisi is no exception. Literally translated to Butterfly Valley, this free-spirited hideaway is situated along the famous Lycian Way, a long-distance hiking trail that pays homage to the traditional trade route of the Lycian people and snakes its way over 300 miles along craggy cliff face. Perhaps most importantly, this particular valley is a conservation area for butterflies, hence the name, and over 100 species can be found here. The key factor that contributes to the pristine and off-the-beaten path feel is that this beach is only accessible by boat and that the Turkish government turned the area into a preserve long ago to protect the fragile species that call it home. Like many beaches in the Mediterranean, Kelebekler Vadisi Beach is pebbly but the crystal clear waters make up for what it lacks in soft sand. If you tire of blissfully floating in the calm sea, go chasing waterfalls at the far reaches of the canyon.
Cresta de Gallo - Philippines
This minuscule atoll in the center of the Philippine archipelago is everything you could want and more out of an island getaway. Cresta de Gallo is one of the most secluded beaches in the Philippines, an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands. You'll need to reach the island by traditional outrigger canoe and multiple other forms of transportation depending on where you’re traveling from. The only structure on the island is a small hut where the caretaker lives, otherwise it’s palm trees and azure ocean as far as the eye can see. Although you can spend the night, you’ll need to bring everything you need along with you, including food, a hammock, and water. The nearest inhabited island is Sibuyan, about an hour away but if you’re looking for a remote tropical island with snow white sand and turquoise water, you’ve certainly come to the right place.
Mākua Beach - Hawaii, U.S.
On the north shore of the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, Mākua Beach is cradled between the emerald peaks of the Waianae Mountain Range. This area of O’ahu, known as the Leeward Coast, is practically undiscovered compared to the rest of the island due to its location on the far western coastline, despite only being an hour drive from Honolulu. You’ll have to reach Mākua Beach by car as no public transportation stops nearby, another reason why it’s so unfrequented. Mākua Beach and the ocean surrounding it is home to an abundance of wildlife and dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales. This stunning stretch of sand is perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the summer months while winter brings large swells that attract avid surfers. There are no amenities or lifeguards at Mākua Beach, an important fact to keep in mind, and remember to leave the beach as pristine as you found it — locals have threatened to close this beautiful area if more travelers disrespect these sacred lands.
Luskentyre Beach - Scotland, U.K.
Not a fan of the heat? Head to Scotland's rugged and windswept shores. Luskentyre Beach is often touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, if not the whole of Europe, and is located in the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands off Scotland’s northern coast. In fact, you might even mistake it for an island in the Caribbean because of its characteristic rolling hills and intensely aquamarine waters, swirling with the area's rich estuaries. Summer brings sailboats that look as though they’re floating on glass, and spectators will find themselves utterly dwarfed by the sheer, wide open spaces and undulating dunes. Keep your eyes peeled for the almost-mythical twin white ponies that often appear as if out of thin air. If you’re smitten, spend the night in the Luskentyre Beach Cabins to experience this area in true solitude.
