Lonely Planet 50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind

Family // Calm, safe all-rounders for all comers

Brandinchi Cove / Sardinia, Italy

I WAS EXPECTING STUNNING MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE BEACHES, BUT THIS LOOKS NEXT LEVEL!

This is known as ‘Little Tahiti’ in Sardinia, and throughout the rest of Italy, because of its shallow, cyan-coloured waters and fine white sand. It’s true: Cala Brandinchi is more reminiscent of the South Pacific than an Italian island.

OH. SO MUCH FOR MY MEDITERRANEAN HOLIDAY, THEN. BUT I CAN WORK WITH THIS!

You won’t be alone. The 700m of pristine sand is very popular with locals (and tourists), especially families with little ones in tow, because of the calm, shallow water.

AFTER THE SANDCASTLE WORK, WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Snorkelling is a very popular pastime considering the quiet sea, but if you’re looking to get your heart rate beyond floating speed it’s possible to rent paddle boats and kayaks to cruise around the beautiful bay. If you really want to leave the crowds behind there are motorboats for rent which means you can explore further afield around some of the nearby hidden coves.

NACHOSUCH © GETTY IMAGES

Koh Kood (Koh Kut) / Trat Province, Thailand

WHY ARE WE HOPPING ALL THE WAY OVER TO THIS LITTLE ISLAND?

It’s true that there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to beautiful beaches and stunning tropical islands in Thailand, but it is rare to find one that retains some of that elusive undiscovered vibe.

SO NO BOATLOADS OF TRAVELLERS FLOCKING TO FULL MOON PARTIES HERE?

You won’t have the island to yourself but we can guarantee you won’t be sharing it with 700 backpacking mates. This is a more family-friendly place with little night life to speak of.

WHAT IS THERE TO SEE AND DO ON THIS SLEEPY-SOUNDING ISLAND?

On the west coast of the island you will find the best of the island’s beaches. They’re often bordered by undeveloped plots of land and have a remote and private feel. This means that you have a chance of getting the whole place to yourself. If you feel the need to break up the tedious routine of lying around on a private beach on a tropical island then consider a hike to one of the spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes. Klong Chao is the largest of all the falls and sometimes has tour groups visiting in the afternoons. Klong Yai Ki is smaller and quieter.

RYASNIK © GETTY IMAGES

Porthcurno / Cornwall, UK

THIS LOOKS LIKE QUITE THE SUNTRAP.

Indeed. Seeing a gorgeous little bay like Porthcurno makes you think that the Brits may just be keeping schtum to the rest of the world to get their stunning beaches all to themselves.

THIS BEACH LOOKS LIKE IT COULD BE IN THE RIVIERA OR OFF THE CROATIAN COAST.

Doesn’t it just? Instead, it’s a little cove just 4km from Land’s End, the most westerly point of the English mainland.

SO CAN I ASSUME IT’S A HIDDEN GEM?

Not exactly. While the world goes about thinking all British beaches are windswept and rugged, the people of Cornwall and surrounds are happily sunning themselves in their slice of coastal paradise. The beach is popular with families: kids love to play in the freshwater stream that runs down into the surf.

THAT’S A PRETTY IMPRESSIVE ROCK FORMATION AROUND THE COVE.

The 65-tonne rock you can see balancing on the Treen Castle cliffs is known as Logan’s Rock. It used to sway back and forth in fierce winds but after it was pushed into the sea by some unruly soldiers in 1824 it was raised back to its resting place and secured to prevent it from being dislodged.

JEREMY WALKER © GETTY IMAGES

Praia de Mira / Mira, Portugal

YOU DON’T HEAR MUCH ABOUT PORTUGAL’S BEACHES.

Shhh, let’s keep it that way. Locals know all about this beautiful location but it’s not on the tourist trail, so it has a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere.

LET ME IN ON THE SECRET.

The long, soft-sand beach is 300m wide and is dotted with brightly-coloured fishing boats and painted wooden huts. In fact, you’ll know you’ve found the right place when you spot the striped wooden fisherman’s chapel perched at the edge of the beach. The whole place is picturesque and unpretentious.

UNPRETENTIOUS? YOU MEAN SIMPLE?

Not at all. Part of the appeal of the area is the mix of coastline and the quiet lagoon which gives you plenty to do. It’s perfect for paddle-boating, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and swimming. The pine forest around the lagoon has several trails and is a charming spot for an afternoon stroll. You can also hire a bike and cycle the flat paths.

I’M GOING TO NEED SUSTENANCE AT THIS RATE.

Then it’s fortunate that there are several cafes lining the beach. They can supply you with fresh seafood that comes in right off the water is a speciality and goes perfectly with a cerveja as the sun starts to set.

Will Rogers State Beach / Malibu, California, USA

THIS SOUNDS GLAMOROUS ALREADY.

It may be named after a silent movie star, but that’s just the start of it. You are about to dip your toes into a genuine star of film and TV. Recognise it? The lifeguard towers. The red one-piece bathing costumes on the female lifeguards. The hairy chest of the red-shorted boss lifeguard. Are you feeling it…?

NO! BAYWATCH?! GET OUT!

If nothing else, I expect there to be a few shots of you taken running along the beach in slow motion. (For the record, Baywatch eventually moved to Hawaii for filming, but this is where it all began.)

IT LOOKS LIKE A VERY PLEASANT BEACH.

You know what, it really is. It’s beautiful and long, the swimming is great, it’s not crowded, there are plenty of facilities, you can learn to surf, play volleyball, kayak, kitesurf…you can even fish! And it’s popular without being overcrowded (unlike Santa Monica Beach up the road), giving it a bright friendly vibe. Pleasant indeed.

AND THE HOFF?

Your human Baywatch star is unlikely to make an appearance, but Will Rogers quietly makes up for the absence. You won’t miss a beat.