So you want to get away from the cold this winter and head to the beach - it's a great idea, but you're not the only one who has it. How can you avoid the crowds of tourists at the coasts this winter? Simple - you just need to do your research ahead of time. Read on to find out which beaches to avoid and which you want to put at the top of your list.
Crowded beaches
If you fly first class to avoid getting squished into a small seat with limited leg room and someone hogging the armrest, you don't want to arrive at your destination only to find out the beach is more crowded than economy class. Here's a list of some of the most crowded beaches in the world:
- Samil Beach, Spain
According to the Huffington Post, this is one of the most crowded beaches in Europe. It might be good for people-watching, but this isn't the place to go if you're looking to relax. While you're at it, also make a note to avoid these other Spanish beaches: Magaluf and Benirras. They're just as packed as Samil. - Surin Beach, Phuket
This is one of the most popular beaches on the Thai island, but it's nowhere near the biggest. That's a combination for heavy crowds. Phuket has many other beautiful beaches to visit, so don't waste your time wading through crowds of tourists on Surin. - Boracay, Philippines
This in one of most visited places in the Philippines, which means you'll want to stay away during peak tourist season. This is one case where taking the extra time to go to a harder-to-reach resort is definitely worth it. - Ipanema Beach, Brazil
If you go to the beach to get some sun, this isn't the place for you. Ipanema beach can get so crowded and full of parasols that it's as shady as a dense rain forest. And you can forget about uninterrupted swimming.
Uncrowded Beaches
Now that you know which beaches to avoid, check out this list of some better alternatives. The beaches on this list are still easy to reach, but they're not huge tourist attractions. Instead of crowds, you'll find plenty of sand, surf, fun and sun.
- Kamala Beach, Phuket
Kamala beach is bigger than some of the other beaches on the island, but it's not near either of the two large towns. There is however a small village with all the comforts of home and some truly delicious food. You'll find lots to enjoy at this beach. The best part is that you can score some cheap tickets to the Phuket airport and take a taxi to the beach in less than half an hour. - Cabo de Gata, Spain
According to Lonely Planet, there are still some relatively uncrowded beaches along the Spanish coast. Cabo de Gata is a little rough around the edges, but it's that untouched feel that makes it more special than a crowded resort beach. It's the perfect end to short road trip from Madrid. - Tyrrhenian Coast, Italy
If you're looking for coves and caves, look no further than this stretch of the Italian coast. Grab your tickets to Naples and hire a car to take you to the small village of Maratea. From there, you can explore the secrets of this beautiful coast at your leisure. - Tulum beach, Mexico
If you're looking to escape the tourists in Cancun, Tulum beach is a short drive away. It's less crowded and you can find lots delicious dishes. The hour drive from Cancun is well worth it for some lazy days in the sun.