25 Most Underrated Beaches in the World
Despite their sumptuous stretches of sand, quaint coves, snorkeling opportunities and idealistic swimming conditions, these 25 beaches are highly underrated.
25 Most Underrated Beaches in the World
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Whether it requires a little adventure to get there, it’s in a lesser-known part of the world or it’s just kept hush-hush by the locals, there are numerous beaches that fly under the radar to most of us. Despite their sumptuous stretches of sand, quaint coves, snorkeling opportunities and idealistic swimming conditions, these 25 beaches are highly underrated.
If you’re looking for your next escape from reality, you’d be remiss if you passed up a visit to any of these sensational spots.
25. Mohegan Bluffs
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Location: Block Island, Rhode Island
Where to stay: Weekapaug Inn
Why Mohegan Bluffs Is So Underrated
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Despite Rhode Island’s humbling size, it boasts plentiful coastline with an array of lesser-known beaches. One particularly secluded beach is located at the base of the 200-foot tall Mohegan Bluffs.
A whimsical set of 141 steps will lead you down to the surf and sand. Situated against a backdrop of clay cliffs, the beach is a picture-perfect way to spend a sunny, warm day.
24. Second Beach
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Location: Olympic Coast, Washington
Where to stay: Kalaloch Lodge
Why Second Beach Is So Underrated
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What makes Second Beach so underrated is the journey it takes to get there. The stunning beach can only be accessed via a scenic hike that leads you along switchback stairs until you reach the rugged Olympic Coast.
This is where Second Beach entices with seal and bald eagle sightings, sea stacks and a hole in the mainland that causes the wind to whistle as it flows through.
Why Honokalani Beach Is So Underrated
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Hawaii is home to world-class beaches, no matter where you plop yourself down. But it’s the tucked away ones in lesser-known areas that are worth the discovery.
Honokalani Beach is located on a deserted stretch of Maui’s lush Waianapanapa State Park. Its most mesmerizing feature is the jet-black sand juxtaposed by turquoise waters and a trickling of small caves to explore.
Why Limnara Beach Is So Underrated
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Located on the small island of Cyprus off the coast of Turkey, this Mediterranean beach entices with its emerald waters and rugged coastline. Also known by the name ?Kermia, the sandy beach consists of a small bay and rock pools at the edges.
It’s a quiet, peaceful place just steps from the Cape Greco National Park.
Why Emerald Beach Is So Underrated
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Located on the small Japanese island of Okinawa, Emerald Beach is often overlooked in favor of the more popular Marine base the island is known for. But one look at Emerald Beach, and you’ll wonder why it hasn’t acquired more attention.
The tropical destination features sunny, warm days year-round and glittering waters with white, sandy shores.
Why Dueodde Beach Is So Underrated
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A 19-mile stretch of sand lined with pine trees makes up the underrated Dueodde Beach in Denmark.
While far from the tropics, the beach offers something similar in feel with its mesmerizing fine, white beaches that those in the know indulge in on warm days.
Why Indian Beach Is So Underrated
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There’s a reason Cannon Beach is so popular, with its long stretch of sandy coastline. But if you want a break from the crowds while taking in immense beauty, go to nearby Indian Beach.
A drive through Ecola State Park, followed by a stretch of Sitka spruce trees opens up to a peaceful beach. Walk its slice of sandy shore, and examine the layers of seashells and many tidepools.
Why Tokeh Beach Is So Underrated
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Located on the southwest coast of West Africa, Tokeh Beach is a slice of paradise where the lush, green mountains collide with sapphire blue waters and dreamy white sand.
The long stretch of beachfront real estate makes it ideal for seclusion and relaxation.
Why Playa de Rodas Is So Underrated
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If abandoned beaches are your thing, look no further than the rocky archipelago known as Cies Islands. The crescent-shaped beach is only accessible by boat, making the numbers to the area slim.
The beach features fluffy, cream-colored sand and is dotted with quaint dunes.
Why Crane Beach Is So Underrated
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A visit to Crane Beach offers a spellbinding experience. The 1,234-acre conservation and recreation property features a 4-mile-long stretch of deep-beige sand set against a backdrop of dreamy dunes and, farther up, a maritime pitch pine forest.
It’s also home to one of the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers, a threatened bird that nearly suffered extinction due to the popularity of hunting for its eggs and feathers in the 19th century.
Why Koh Kraden Is So Underrated
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There’s no shortage of amazing beaches in Thailand, but it can be difficult to find one not inundated by tourists. Koh Kraden is the exception.
A tiny islandprotected as part of the country’s pristine Hat Chao Ma National Park, a visit here promises immense natural beauty and true relaxation. The nearly mile-long beach features a sandbar at low tide that transforms the beach into a private island for those who time their visit right.
14. Seitan Limania (Stefanou Beach)
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Location: Akrotiri, Greece
Where to stay: Villa Allas
Why Seitan Limania Is So Underrated
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Mykonos and Santorini may reign supreme for their beachside allure in Greece, but if you’re looking for something equally as beautiful without the tourists, head to Seitan Limania.
A decidedly difficult descending rocky path on foot will lead you down to emerald waters in a cove surrounded by rock formations.
Why Flaherty’s Beach Is So Underrated
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Recentlydubbed “Australia’s most beautiful beach” as well as “the best beach you’ve probably never heard of,” this hidden slice of coastline near Point Turton features blindingly bright-white sands and crystal-clear water.
Its shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and fishing, while you can also drive your vehicle (4WD) along the sand. Of course, its recent fame means you better get there quick before people start to visit in droves.
12. Black Pebble Beach
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Location: Kekerengue, New Zealand
Where to stay: The White Morph
Why Black Pebble Beach Is So Underrated
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Brilliant black pebbles blanket this remarkable beach north of Kaikoura on the South Island.
Emerald green waters create a stunning contrast, while the rock formations and the distant view of the Southern Alps create a scene out of a mystical movie.
11. Plage Mala
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Location: Cap d’Ail, France
Where to stay: Hotel Normandy
Why Plage Mala Is So Underrated
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Plage Mala is a picturesque, secluded beach located among the bustling seaside resort of Cap d’Ail. While nearby beaches in Monaco are often favored over Plage Mala, this haven for R&R is the perfect escape from the crowds without sacrificing beauty.
A steep set of stone stairs take you down from the town’s center, where a cozy cove of sandy beach hidden by trees and encapsulated by cliffs awaits.
Why Furore Beach Is So Underrated
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Located on the Amalfi Coast “in a town that doesn’t exist,” this slice of beach is situated between a massive fjord. The hovering bridge allows you to descend a short walk down some steps to reach the small strip of sand.
If you’re feeling brave enough, take after the locals and indulge in some cliff jumping that lands you in the clear waters below.
Why Grand Anse Beach Is So Underrated
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Grand Anse Beach features a secluded sandy destination that’s often overlooked by tourists due to its location on the rockier eastern coast of St. Lucia. In fact, the beach is so underrated, it’s referred to as St. Lucia's "forgotten beach."
Once here, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the abundant wildlife sightings, including sea turtles nesting on the beach on multiple occasions throughout the year.
Why Pink Sands Beach Is So Underrated
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Tourists often overlook the lovely little island known as Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island, it’s dotted with adorable beachside bars and restaurants.
Pink Sands Beach is a picturesque pleasure on the island. The pale pink color of the sand is an indescribable sight to behold and comes from microscopic coral insects, known as foraminifera.
7. Praia do Forno (Oven’s Beach)
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Location: Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
Where to stay: Orlanova Hotel
Why Praia do Forno Is So Underrated
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How can a stunning beach with ideal conditions for snorkeling be so underrated? In short: accessibility.
Because it can only be reached by foot from the nearby village, tourists steer clear of the small slab of beach. Its name translates to “beach of the oven,” for its indulgently warm currents.
6. Pass-a-Grille Beach
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Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
Where to stay: Hotel Zamora
Why Pass-a-Grille Is So Underrated
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There’s no lack of beachgoing in Florida, which makes the beaches crowded with tourists and locals alike. For an equally impressive piece of real estate to chill out on without the hoards of people, head to Pass-a-Grille.
Technically part of the well-known St. Pete Beach, the beach and accompanying quaint resort town offer fluffy white sand and shimmering blue-green Gulf water. It’s more of a locals hangout, dotted with cute bungalows and charming cafes as opposed to large hotels and condos.
5. Descanso Beach
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Location: Avalon, California
Where to stay: Hotel Atwater
Why Descanso Beach Is So Underrated
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California’s own little version of the infamous Capri, Italy, Catalina Island is lesser known on the global scale. The 22-mile-long island is filled with historical charm.
Made up of two towns, Descanso Beach resides on the east end of the island — the city of Avalon. Consisting of a beach club, you can wade into the crisp Pacific or sidle up to the bustling bar beneath a cliff dotted with pastel buildings.
Why Playa Kenepa Is So Underrated
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Arguably the most underrated destination in the Caribbean, Curaçao is a hidden gem of an island consisting of 35 breathtaking beaches. Among its finest is Playa Kenepa.
Wedged between rocks resides a calming bay and a small, sandy beach. Locals relish in the swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Beachgoers can also take advantage of the beachfront bar for live music and cliff jumping for an adrenaline rush.
Why Otto Beach Is So Underrated
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Take a step back in time on Little Corn Island, where no cars are allowed and people spend their days exploring the dazzling coves, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and taking in the unique charm in the village.
Among its many pleasures are the white-sand Caribbean beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, including that of Otto Beach, where you can wade in the water and enjoy the beach bar to your heart’s desire.
2. Rhossili Bay
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Location: Swansea, United Kingdom
Where to stay: The Estuary
Why Rhossili Bay Is So Underrated
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Not all beaches offer year-round perfect weather conditions for sunbathing and swimming, but that doesn’t make them any less gorgeous. Such is the case for Rhossili Bay, which offers a 3-mile-long stretch of wide beach.
At low tide, an entirely special view is revealed: the bones of a shipwreck and the tidal island of Worm's Head.
Why Is So Underrated
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Honduras is beaming with beauty, and there’s no exception on the northern coast of Roatán. West Bay Beach, in particular, offers prime real estate, with its soft, white sand, topnotch coral reef topography and clear, calm waters ideal for snorkeling.
It maintains a quiet atmosphere despite residing nearby a bustling city.
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