Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close
Beach lovers, rejoice. TripAdvisor have published their Top 25 Beaches in the world, as part of the Travellers’ Choice Awards. Though you’ve probably thought about disappearing to one of these idyllic locations in Europe and beyond, hold fire. They’re all sure to be busy this year, so we’ve compiled a list of alternatives to the best beaches in the world. They’re just as impressive, but won’t be so crowded. Take a look at our summer deals and find out for yourself…
Nestled on the edge of Spain’s eastern coast, Playa de Racó de l’Albir is an award-winning beach in its own right. It’s claimed Blue Flag status for almost 20 years, and stretches half a kilometre along the coastline. Check out the local film festival during the summer months, or sample dishes from around the world at the bars and restaurants dotted along the promenade. Best of all, Albir is only a 20-minute bus journey away from Benidorm.
If you’re really looking to escape the crowds, how does 11-kilometres of soft white sand sound? Travellers often remark on how quiet Druif Beach is, and with only a smattering of hotels nearby, it’s one of Aruba’s hidden gems. Whichever gorgeous stretch you commandeer for the week won’t be overrun, so you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of the calm, turquoise waters. Why not try your hand at snorkelling?
If you’re looking to escape to your golden getaway in the winter months but don’t want to go too far, try Boa Vista, with year-round temperatures often topping 25°C. Sun worshippers should head to Santa Monica Beach, lauded as one of the most beautiful beaches across Cape Verde’s 10 islands. With 18-kilometres of soft white sand to play with, you might even forget the rest of the world exists. Why not spend the day on the beach before being picked up for a sunset dinner and party at a nearby resort?
Another Blue Flag beach, and a picture-perfect snapshot of the Caribbean. Think palm trees and crystal clear waters, as well as hints of Bayahibe’s fishing village roots. Escape to this quieter stretch of paradise for scuba diving in beautiful coral reefs, chowing down on the Dominican speciality of pollo fritto, and to avoid celeb-hunters in Punta Cana. The shallow waters here also make it a great choice for families.
The gorgeous pink sand of Elafonissi is well worth a trip if you’re in the area, but it’s a bit out of the way. So, if you’re looking for a beach-base right in the centre of things, including souvenir shopping, water sports – jet skiing, canoeing, or parascending to name a few – and a buzzing nightlife, Aghia Marina is the place for you. It’s got gold star Blue Flag status, so you’ve got another award winner here.
Feeling like embracing the quiet life?
Browse our All Inclusive holidays or check out our articles on the best beaches for holidays and culture and the best beach holiday destinations.
Author: Lizzie Butler
The adults-only Thalassa Beach Resort offers a seafront location and swish pool scene, just a short walk from Aghia Marina.
The Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive has relaxation down to a fine art, mostly thanks to its long beach and sea-view pools. It also offers full use of its sister hotel.
Thatched-roof buildings, palm-lined gardens, and a huge sandy beach are just a taste of what’s in store at the tranquil .
Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers
Holiday Types
Popular Destinations
Mid/Long haul
Short Haul
Flights To
Cruise
Hotels
More from TUI
About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & Conditions Credit card fees Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Lakes & Mountains Discover Weddings App Store for Ios Google Play Store Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Travel After Brexit Holiday Weather
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.
See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.
See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.
See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.
The advice can change so check regularly for updates.
All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.