22 May 5 Coastal Escapes for Your Next Beach Getaway
Coastal escapes can look completely different depending on where travellers go. In some places, the coastline revolves around small fishing villages and quiet bays. Elsewhere, beaches sit beside busy promenades, historic waterfront districts, or coral lagoons filled with boats and snorkellers.
From the limestone coves and harbour towns of Menorca, to the tidal beaches and spice-scented streets of Zanzibar, these destinations offer a mix of beach culture, local character, and well-known landmarks that make them worth staying in for more than a couple of days.
5 Coastal Escapes for Your Next Beach Getaway
Relax by the Turquoise Waters of Menorca, Spain
Menorca feels quieter than Mallorca or Ibiza, especially outside the peak summer weeks. Around Ciutadella, narrow streets branch into Plaça des Born towards old limestone buildings, small bakeries, and shaded courtyards that stay cool even during hot afternoons. Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana draw large crowds by midday. Meanwhile, beaches like Cala Pregonda on the northern coast remain far less busy because of the longer walk from Binimel·là.
The Cami de Cavalls coastal trail circles the island for nearly 185 kilometres and passes old watchtowers, rocky headlands, and beaches where the sea changes colour throughout the day. Around Fornells, small fishing boats still fill the harbour each morning, while windsurfers gather along the bay once the afternoon winds pick up.
Choosing the right accommodation is especially important for travellers planning longer stays, particularly during the busiest summer months when the larger resort areas become far more crowded. It’s worth looking into stunning villas in Menorca, especially in the quieter parts of the island, such as Binibeca, Son Bou, or Cala Galdana, where coastal paths lead towards smaller coves and daily life moves at a slower pace.
Experience the Tropical Serenity of Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora’s lagoon looks almost unreal in bright midday sun, particularly around Matira Point, where the water stays shallow and clear for several metres from shore. Most visitors spend time around the lagoon, though the inland roads around Vaitape reveal another side of the island with roadside fruit stalls, quiet residential areas, and small churches sitting beneath Mount Otemanu.
Boat trips around the lagoon usually stop near Coral Gardens, where stingrays and reef sharks gather in shallow water. During calmer weather, visibility stays excellent for snorkelling near the outer reef. Along the eastern motus, wooden jetties stretch out over the water beside overwater bungalows, while local ferries continue moving between the smaller islets and the main island throughout the day.
Near Vaitape, the waterfront area becomes busier in late afternoons once tour boats return to shore. Small grocery shops, market stalls, and souvenir stands line sections of the main road beside the harbour. Travellers staying for several days often rent bicycles to explore parts of the island, particularly around Povai Bay, where the roads stay relatively flat and quiet compared with the busier western side.
Discover the Rugged Coastal Beauty of Cornwall, United Kingdom
Cornwall’s coastline changes from one town to the next. Around St Ives, narrow lanes like Fish Street and Fore Street stay packed during summer afternoons while surfers carry boards down towards Porthmeor Beach. Further south near Lizard Point, the coastline becomes rougher and more exposed, especially around Kynance Cove, where white sand sits between dark serpentine cliffs.
The South West Coast Path passes some of the county’s best-known landmarks, including Bedruthan Steps, Tintagel Castle, and Godrevy Lighthouse. In Mousehole, fishing boats still sit tightly packed inside the old harbour walls while narrow granite lanes climb uphill towards small galleries and local shops. Even during colder months, walkers tackle the coastal paths around Land’s End and Cape Cornwall.
Those who prefer a more upscale coastal stay will find luxury accommodation in Cornwall near towns like Padstow, Fowey, or Port Isaac. Properties overlooking the sea around Daymer Bay and Constantine Bay remain especially popular during warmer months because they provide quick access to coastal walking routes and quieter beaches away from larger tourist centres. Staying near smaller villages also makes it easier to visit local harbours early in the morning before day visitors arrive.
Enjoy the Vibrant Shores of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio’s beaches stay busy from early morning until long after sunset. Along Copacabana, locals gather beside Avenida Atlântica for football matches, outdoor gym sessions, and volleyball games before the midday heat arrives. Ipanema feels slightly more residential once people move away from the beachfront kiosks and walk inland towards Rua Visconde de Pirajá and the surrounding side streets.
The stone promenade along Copacabana stretches for several kilometres and stays crowded during weekends, particularly near Posto 6, where beachgoers gather close to the old Copacabana Fort. From Sugarloaf Mountain, the coastline curves around Guanabara Bay with Flamengo Park visible further north beside the city centre waterfront.
Santa Teresa sits above the beaches and still holds narrow tram tracks, old colonial houses, and steep staircases covered in graffiti and tilework. The Selarón Steps connecting Lapa and Santa Teresa attract crowds throughout the day, though the surrounding residential streets remain noticeably quieter. On Sundays, sections of Avenida Vieira Souto near Ipanema often close to traffic while runners, cyclists, and families fill the beachfront roads. Rio de Janeiro still remains one of the best destinations in Chanel and Stevo’s eyes.
Explore the Pristine White Sands of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar’s coastline feels very different between the eastern villages and the western side near Stone Town. Along Paje and Jambiani, long stretches of white sand appear during low tide while local women gather seaweed from the shallow water each morning. Traditional wooden dhows continue moving along the coastline throughout the day, especially near the fishing villages further south.
Stone Town stays busy around Creek Road and the Darajani Market area, where traders sell spices, seafood, fabrics, and baskets beneath old concrete archways. The carved wooden doors scattered throughout the old town remain one of the island’s most recognisable features, particularly around Kenyatta Road and Gizenga Street, where many buildings date back centuries.
Northern beaches near Nungwi attract more visitors (like Chanel and Stevo) due to calmer swimming conditions and shorter tidal changes. Around the village centre, local football matches often take place on the beach shortly before sunset while fishermen repair nets beside the boats pulled onto the sand. Inland spice farms near Kizimbani still grow cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg that shaped much of Zanzibar’s trading history.
Which coastline will you explore next?
The destinations above just show how varied coastal escapes are. Deciding which place to visit depends on one’s interests. Menorca is best for travellers who enjoy smaller coves, harbour towns, and quieter Mediterranean beaches, while Bora Bora suits those looking for clear lagoons and long days spent on the water.
Cornwall appeals to people who prefer coastal walks, surf beaches, and rugged scenery shaped by the Atlantic. Rio de Janeiro combines beach culture with city life, and Zanzibar offers white sand beaches alongside historic streets and spice markets. Each coastline brings something completely different once travellers spend time beyond the beach itself.
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