As the dark, cold days of January loom, the dream of sugar-white sand and rippling azure waters becomes a powerful antidote. Whether you're craving winter sun or planning a summer escape to brighten the bleakest month, a beach holiday offers undeniable benefits: fresh air, connection with nature, and vital space to unwind.
Global Beach Paradises for Every Traveller
To fuel your wanderlust, we've curated nine of the world's most spectacular coastal spots, from lunar-white shores to quaint village coves. These destinations, celebrated by travel experts and awards bodies, promise to inspire your next trip.
Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands: Crowned number one on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list in 2024, this Caribbean gem is a protected part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Its unspoiled soft sand and 27°C waters, sheltered from trade winds, offer a pristine paradise. The vibrant reef is a snorkelling treasure trove, home to schools of fish and Leatherback turtles. Fly to St Thomas via London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic (connecting via New York), then take a ferry to St John.
Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal: Voted the world's best beach by Tripadvisor in 2024, this Portuguese stunner is famed for its dramatic red cliffs and golden sand, with breathtaking Atlantic views. The Algarve itself, a ten-time winner of Europe's best beach destination, boasts over 100 beaches and 88 Blue Flag awards. Reach it via budget flights to Faro with Ryanair or easyJet, followed by a 40-minute drive.
Unexpected Gems Closer to Home
You don't need to travel far for a breathtaking coastal experience. The UK and Europe host some world-class and surprisingly serene shores.
West Beach, Berneray, Scotland: For those who don't mind cooler climes, this remote Outer Hebrides beach offers three miles of unbroken white sand, often mistaken for tropical locales. Named one of Lonely Planet's best beaches in Europe, it remains refreshingly unspoilt. Fly to Inverness with easyJet, then drive to Skye and catch the ferry from Uig to Berneray.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire A perfect UK staycation choice, this Welsh beach gained fame as the site of Dobby's death in Harry Potter. It was also a winner in Beach Atlas's 100 Golden Beaches Awards. Visitors can surf, swim, and pay respects at Dobby's grave, with food vans onsite in summer. Travel via train to Swansea, then connect to Pembroke Dock and a local bus.
Pasqyra Beach, Albania: Dubbed 'the Maldives of Europe', Albania's coastline is booming. Pasqyra Beach was recently named home to the world's bluest sea by CV Villas. For a quieter alternative, try Durrës, named Europe's least crowded beach by Wizz Air. Multiple budget airlines fly to Tirana; from there, it's a short trip to Durrës or a 3.5-hour drive to Pasqyra.
Nissi Beach, Cyprus: Despite being near Ayia Napa, Wizz Air research highlights this 600-metre stretch as a quieter spot. It's a hub for water sports and is famous for the Nissi Bay Beach Bar and its legendary DJ sets. Fly to Paphos with Ryanair, Jet2, or easyJet, then drive two hours to Ayia Napa.
Unique and Award-Winning Coastal Experiences
For those seeking something beyond the classic sun-lounger holiday, these destinations offer unforgettable and unique settings.
Lucky Bay, Australia: With summer temperatures exceeding 30°C, this is a guarantee of warmth. Previously top of the world's best beaches list, it's renowned for Australia's whitest sand. Visitors can paddle in the Indian Ocean, spot roaming kangaroos, and explore Cape Le Grand National Park. Fly to Perth with Emirates or Virgin Atlantic from the UK.
Aharen Beach, Japan: Ranked 13th in the world for 2024, this Kerama Islands beach features colourful, Maldives-rivalling waters, soft sand, and lush hills, offering a secluded escape. Fly to Okinawa with Japan Airlines (from London Heathrow, with one stop), then take a ferry to Tokashiki Island.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland: Voted one of the world's most relaxing beaches, this unique Reykjavík spot uses an artificial hot spring to create warm seawater for summer bathing, despite winter temperatures of -1.9°C. With 'therma tourism' a key 2026 trend, it's a unique geothermal escape. Direct flights to Reykjavik are available with easyJet and Icelandair from several UK airports.
From geothermal dips to Caribbean snorkelling, these nine destinations prove there's a perfect beach to banish the January blues for every type of traveller in 2026. Start planning your horizon today.
