For many of us, the word 'holiday' is synonymous with 'beach', and 'beach' is synonymous with sun, sea, and total relaxation. But whilst some beaches get all the good press (think the snowy sands of the Seychelles and Australia's iconic Bondi beach), some seem to fall under the radar. For an extra helping of peace and quiet with your sea-soaked relaxation, these underrated, little-known beaches can offer all the beauty, without the crush of the crowds.
Alonissos, Greece
When it comes to the Greek Isles and the beautiful Aegean beaches that call them home, Mykonos and Santorini tend to reel in most of the tourism. Alonissos is one of the Aegean's slightly better-kept secrets, with its beautiful old town (Chora) and endless orchards and olive groves to explore nearby. The beaches here are not only beautiful, but also offer the opportunity for a spot of diving or dolphin watching; Alonissos is proudly home to the largest natural marine park in the Mediterranean.
The beaches of Barbuda
Another example of a paradise left relatively untouched as tourism has been directed almost wholly to one of its neighbors, is Barbuda. Whilst beach bums from around the world flock to Antigua for their sun fix, Barbuda remains relatively quiet. With stunning pink sands and caves decorated with carvings by the island's original Amerindian inhabitants which you can camp in, Barbuda should not be so easily passed over. It's no wonder that this paradise, with its mere handful of hotels and well-preserved local pace, is said to have been a secret hideaway for none other than the late Princess Diana.
Koh Lanta, Thailand
The rise of Thailand's popularity in recent years has been incredible, and the result is that previously tranquil areas like Phi Phi and Phucket have become a little overcrowded, to say the least. The island of Koh Lanta, however, remains largely undisturbed by the tourist hype, retaining not only its peace, but its affordability, too. With its immaculate sands, breathtaking sunsets and the option of snorkeling through its coral reefs, Koh Lanta is the perfect spot to hit for a romantic and tranquil beach break in beautiful Thailand.
Second Beach, Washington (USA)
The Olympic Coast of Washington is home to three stunning beaches, as well as an array of wildlife and beautiful forest land. It's a popular destination for hikers, which is probably just as well since reaching this secluded beach entails a fairly decent hike. It's worth it when you get there; the scenery of this quiet beach is striking, the horizon set with sea stacks and a rocky archway known to sing with the wind. Second Beach is a rarely mentioned yet totally unmissable gem of the USA coast.
Montauk, New York
Located right at the easternmost tip of Long Island (and aptly nicknamed 'The End'), Montauk is surrounded by water on three sides, meaning miles of beach space, both rock