The relaxing sounds of the sea, the irresistible feeling of sand between your toes and the undeniable draw of guaranteed sunshine are just some of the things that keep beach holidays at the top of our list. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Just to get you started, here at responsibletravel.com we’ve picked out some of our most spectacular beach holidays from around the world.

 

The UK is home to some of Europe’s most dramatic coastlines and we couldn’t possibly take you on a tour of the world’s beaches without starting right here.

 

The Dorset coastline was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 due to its unique landscape and stunning beaches. A self-catering cottage in Weymouth provides the perfect base to explore the seaside town of Weymouth, the dramatic Portland Peninsula and the World Heritage coastline.

 

Or how about a surfing holiday for the whole family further down the coast in Cornwall? Cornwall’s beaches are famed for their variety, from sandy expanses to rocky coves, and here you can appreciate their beauty from your surfboard as well as your deckchair!

 

Another great way to take in a coastline is by sea-kayak, and with a sea-kayaking holiday in Wales  you can experience at close hand the inspirational National Park coastline as you kayak beneath towering sea cliffs and into sun dappled caves - a fantastic way to spend a short break admiring the UK’s stunning coasts.

 

Moving into the rest of Europe, there are plenty of beautiful beach areas to choose from. The Brittany coast is only a stone’s throw away and can easily be reached without flying. A holiday cottage in Brittany provides the perfect base for exploring the beautiful coastline that this region has to offer.

 

Croatia provides another of Europe’s impressive coastlines with hundreds of stunning islands and miles of uninterrupted shores. Vis Island is one of Croatia’s best kept secrets and provides the perfect base for island-hopping and discovering the many hidden coves. You can take a boat trip around the island and explore the secret beaches only accessible by sea.

 

A hop, skip and jump over the sparkling Adriatic and you're in Italy, home to the famously beautiful Amalfi Coast. A walking holiday allows you to explore the coast’s beaches and famous historic sights surrounded by white limestone cliffs, deep blue seas, and the dazzling Mediterranean sun.

 

Or how about a holiday in Turkey for some of Europe’s most sought after sunshine? A beach holiday in Cirali, staying in the wooden beach chalets, can’t get much more relaxing, with private hammocks and porches located on Olympos Beach - a protected area for nesting sea turtles and tranquil haven for visitors.

 

Africa is also famed for its range of fantastic beaches, Zanzibar in Tanzania providing some of the most stunning and peaceful anywhere in the world. The West Coast of Africa, however, also boasts miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear seas and remains a relatively undiscovered retreat for visitors. A tour of Senegal showcases the best of the country’s shimmering shoreline.

 

You can also visit the tip of Africa and discover South Africa’s golden sands. A family holiday combines dramatic coastal scenery with some of the world’s richest diversity of wildlife. Or how about combining a beach holiday with wildlife, volunteering and taking one of our highly popular marine conservation trips? A wildlife project in Madagascar offers the perfect opportunity to experience Africa’s beaches whilst working towards their preservation at the same time.

 

A world tour of beaches would, of course, not be complete without the beaches of the Caribbean; probably the most famous in the world.

 

The image of white sands and coconut palms is the epitome of relaxation and escape for many of us, and the Caribbean has this in bucket (and spade!) loads.

 

Beachfront accommodation in St Vincent and the Grenadines is one of our many idyllic escapes. Or how about a tour of Trinidad and Tobago for an all- encompassing Caribbean experience?

 

Further south, the Galapagos Islands are another famous location for beaches and their stunning array of rare and unique wildlife. Staying in beach accommodation in the Galapagos, you can explore the islands and try out diving, hiking and wildlife observation among the tropical mangroves.

 

South America’s mainland also boasts a range of striking coastlines, and the beaches of Brazil are some of the most expansive on the continent. A tailor-made holiday in Brazil offers you the chance to take part in an otter conservation project along with many trips to the country’s vibrant shores. 

 

All the way across from South America, Asia also offers some exotic beach holiday options. Goa is probably the best known beach town in this part of the world and its relaxed atmosphere and sizzling sun continue to make it a hot favourite! A tour of India combines the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, with time in Goa for a great balance of relaxation and adventure.

 

Thailand is another fantastic tropical beach destination in Asia and an easy place to combine culture and sightseeing with time on the beach.

 

A wildlife and beach holiday in Thailand with responsibletravel.com includes a lively visit to Bangkok, discovering Thailand’s beautiful national parks and exploring the fantastic coastline all in one.

 

And finally, we reach Australia, the ideal destination for a longer beach holiday where you can really kick back and leave all your worries behind.

 

A responsibletravel.com tour of Queensland includes some of Australia’s most dazzling beaches in a great combination of rugged adventure and beachside recreation. 

 

 

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Exclusive PROSPEROmagazine offer - Ethical travel in some of the world's best locations. Book a holiday through responsibletravel.com and you will receive:

 

-    Free Rough Guide of your choice
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-    Entry into a competition to win a holiday from one of our members
-    Discount on travel insurance
-    We will donate £1 towards our charity for every booking

 

For further holiday information click here www.responsibletravel.com phone 01273 600 030 to book your holiday. Mention PROSPEROmagazine when booking to take advantage of this special offer.