The World’s Most Underrated Beaches

When it comes to vacation destinations, most people prefer beaches. From a quiet rest under the sun and strolling in the sand to surfing or snorkelling, beaches are versatile enough to offer enough fun.

Beaches are also perfect for picnics with their breathtaking sceneries and beautiful shorelines. In all, beaches are good vacation spots and there are thousands of them in the world from the popular ones in Bahamas, Hawaii and those glitzy beaches you enjoy in most South American Travels.

But what about  the underrated ones nobody talks about?

Here is a list of some of the world’s most underrated beaches to consider for your next vacation.

1) Curaçao

Curaçao is described as “The Caribbean’s best  kept secret just waiting to be further discovered”.

Unlike Aruba which readily comes to the mind of many as their next Caribbean vacation spot,  Curaçao, its lesser known cousin, is a less crowded option located in Dutch Caribbean with a perfect weather almost every single day of the year. This makes it a perfect vacation spot no matter the time of the year.

This beautiful island has 35 whole beaches which can be described as fairly untouched by humans. This destination  may not be on every beach vacation package, but it sure is perfect for windsurfing, snorkeling, deep sea diving and all forms of underwater exploration due to its warm waters and constant trade winds.

Curaçao rightly earned it’s spot as home to some of the most beautiful yet underrated beaches in the world.

2) Pyla Sur Mer, France

Located on the west coast in the south of France, Pyla Sur Mer is only an hour away from the great city of Bordeaux. It is popular for its beautiful white sand that stretches for roughly a mile and half. It also boasts of the largest sand dunes in Europe.

Its environment together with the cultural and leisure activities around the area especially during the summer easily gives a beautiful experience.

3) West Bay, Roatán, Honduras 

This beach is located on the northern coast of Roatán, one of the safest and friendliest islands in Honduras.

From quiet and gated resort villages to stunning views and soft, white sand, the beaches at Roatán West Bay are perfect relaxation spots.

It also has the second largest coral reef topography in the world and The Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine ranked it the fourth best beach for snorkeling. Its extremely visible and calm waters makes it ideal for freediving.

It may not pop up in the minds of most tourists looking for vacation destinations but West Bay Beach is one of the best  white sand beaches in Central America.

4) Capo Sant’Andrea, Elba

Capo Sant’Andrea is a small island inside the island of Elba, where Napoleon was exiled to in Tuscany, Italy. This part of the island is the most beautiful and naturally preserved based on the union between the sea and the mountains.

Capo Sant’Andrea is a small stretch of white sandy beach bordering crystal clear waters with an abundance of marine life and spectacular climbable cliffs. Because of its size, it can easily go unnoticed, but it remains a very beautiful and relaxing beach.

5) Second Beach, Washington

There are three breathtaking beaches on the Olympic coast of Washington, USA. The first is easily accessible and can get crowded, the third requires a difficult mile and a half hike through a thickly forested trail but the second beach is in between and just right.

It’s a great site for hikers with its canopied forest. Its creeks, spruce trees, beautiful wildlife and amazing shoreline would easily leave anyone mesmerised. The faint sound of crashing waves and breeze around your face welcome you as you approach the sea.

This beach, although underrated, gives one of the best beach experiences.

6) Sombrero Beach, Marathon, Florida
 Sombrero Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys and it is the closest you’ll find to a traditional Caribbean beach in the United States.

It is a perfect spot for picnics with its shades, pavilions and pet friendly playground.

Its soft white sand, swaying palm trees and beautiful turquoise waters make this beach a beautiful and exciting spot. This beach offers a beautiful Caribbean experience without having to leave the United States.

7) Cumberland Island, Georgia

Cumberland Island is described as a secluded paradise with a wildly untouched beach. The beach is 18 miles of pristine marshes, dunes and woodland with wild horses roaming it.

This is one of the most incredulous attributes of the Cumberland Island beach. A 45 minute ferry ride from St Marys Georgia, gets you  on this beautiful beach with untouched sand and wild horses.

8) Windansea Beach, San Diego 

Windansea beach is a stretch of coastline located in San Diego, California. It is known for its charming scenery and surf breaks created by underwater reefs.

It has served as a home break to many reputable surfers. Its location, far enough from the tourist hustle and bustle but close enough to town for a quick day’s trip is just perfect.

Whether you want to surf or you just want a relaxation spot with a nice scenery, Windansea beach, San Diego is a perfect destination.

9) Ballyholme Beach, Northern Ireland

However, the pick of the bunch and my favourite by far is wee Ballyholme Beach in Bangor, Northern Ireland. I grew up just a few miles away. This beach is great for walking dogs, watching boats go by and just relaxing. Further to the east is the village of Groomsport and to the west is the Jamaica Inn and a yacht club.

Beaches at the Bahamas and Hawaii may be popular but they are not the only beaches to get your feet wet and enjoy a sandy experience.

These world’s most underrated beaches may not be on your travel guides but they are as exhilarating as the ones you often hear about. They even offer the bonus of being more affordable and less crowded. Though underrated, these beaches offer endless options for a memorable visit.