24 Secluded Beach Paradises Around the World

With overtourism triggering the closure of some of Southeast Asia’s most famed and picturesque beaches, finding your own idyllic slice of paradise may seem like an increasingly challenging prospect. But not to worry, there are still plenty of secluded stretches of sand to be found around the world, places that don’t require staying at an exclusive private resort to gain access. While these off-the-beaten-path destinations may not necessarily be easy to reach, the reward is peaceful and pristine beach experience, far from the crowds.

Related: 50 of the Best Beaches in America

Located in a coffee- and cacao-producing region of Cuba, Baracoa is a city and municipality at the eastern tip of the island that’s home to dozens of small, solitary beaches, says Boaz Sobrado, who runs the site Why Not Cuba. His personal favorite is Maguana, an extremely secluded white-sand beach visited by only the most dedicated of travelers. Airbnb lists rooms in the Baracoa area for as little as $17 per night.

Having visited more than 73 countries, Jeff Miller and his wife, Kristen, creators of the site Our Passion for Travel, particularly love coming across hidden beaches. Among their favorites on the planet is Australia’s Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, a place known for brilliant white silica sand that’s among the purest in the world. The island is accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter from nearby Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. “Anyone visiting this region of Australia, famed for its endless sunshine, would do well to jump on a day trip or cruise to see this narrow strip of sand and enjoy playing in the azure colored waters,” Jeff Miller said. Budget accommodations can be found in Airlie Beach, where prices at the Airlie Beach Hotel start around $96.

An accessible and affordable beach paradise, Koh Rong is described as nothing short of magical by Alex Waltner, creator of the popular travel blog Swedishnomad. “It has the finest white sand and turquoise water,” Waltner said. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, there are four small villages on the island and more than one dozen guesthouses and bungalows. Waltner recommends White Beach Bungalow, where 17 bungalows are located on the beach and prices start around $36.

Bonaire is an island that’s been overlooked for far too long, says Yasmin Parsloe, who runs the website Beach. A destination of understated charm, Bonaire is home to about 22 mostly secluded beaches, according to Parsloe. “My favorite is 1000 Steps. You have to climb carefully down a limestone staircase to get to the sand, but the scenery is well worth it,” Parsloe said. Those who make the trek down will find white sand, bleached chunks of coral and a cove ringed by limestone cliffs. The beach is also a good place for diving and snorkeling as turtles can often be spotted in the shallow turquoise waters. Parsloe recommends staying at Delfins Beach Resort, where prices are around $170.

A beach that comes highly recommended from the operators of Barcelona Eat Local Food Tours, Cala Fonda is locally known as Waikiki Beach, says company co-founder Marina Manasyan. “It’s one of the best-preserved beaches in Spain, totally unspoiled, accessible only by foot through Platja Llarga following a signposted path, crossing a pine forest,” Manasyan said. If you want to stay in the area, there’s a variety of Airbnb listings, some starting at just $28 per night.

One of Greece’s less well-known islands (at least among tourists), Sifnos is fringed by sandy beaches. But to get even further off the grid, make the drive to the tiny little harbor town of Vathy. To protect this little slice of paradise, there are no roads inside Vathy, you’ll have to park in a lot at the edge of town. The beach here stretches for about 1 mile and the water is shallow, making it a good option for those traveling with children. Aerides Boutique Rooms offers accommodations here for about $42 per night, and is one of a handful of hotel options.

One last option is another beach that proves you don’t have to travel the world to find sun-drenched solitude. Driftwood Beach on Georgia’s Jekyll Island has been repeatedly voted one of America’s “Ten Most Romantic Beaches.” Nestled between cool blue waters and majestic life oaks, visitors will find a swath of sand dotted with pieces of ancient driftwood, making the entire place resembles a hauntingly gorgeous tree graveyard. Rooms at the Quality Inn & Suites are available for about $157.