12 Best Unexpected Beach Destinations

Discover the unexpected beach paradise of Peru, where the sleepy surf town of Máncora enchants with world-class breaks, rustic beach bungalows, and a chilled-out bohemian vibe.

The beach is a dream for wave chasers or those eager to spend their days lounging beneath swaying palms sipping cold drinks from the comfort of a hammock. It's the epitome of relaxed coastal living.

If you're more of an adventurer seeking dramatic landscapes, Paracas National Reserve is a protected coastal area home to the stunning Ballestas Islands. The rocky islands teem with diverse marine life like sea lions, penguins, and birds. A boat tour to experience the cliffs and sea caves up close can give you a different perspective on beach life.

With a reputation for sexy beach cities like Punta del Este, Uruguay is beginning to enter people's radar as an up-and-coming beach destination. But beyond the glitzy resort scene, this small country is home to some hidden seaside wonders.

Venture to Cabo Polonio if you prefer wild, rustic beaches. This isolated village, only reachable by driving across sandy shores, feels like it was taken from another time. Simple, brightly colored wooden houses, colonies of sea lions sprawled on the sand, and the blend of sea breezes and bohemian history will immerse you in a remote paradise.

For an upscale atmosphere, glitzy Punta del Este beckons with elegant blonde-sand beaches, dazzling yacht clubs, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Known as the "St. Tropez of Uruguay,” this resort town features a seaside promenade perfect for an evening stroll.

Iceland is home to wild and striking stretches of coastline. The beaches are less about tanning and more about rugged, dramatic scenery.

The volcanic Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach has an incredible coastline created from solidified lava. But the real draw is the unique basalt rock formations that look like towering stone columns jutting out from the sea. The power of the crashing waves will simultaneously mesmerize you and remind you of Mother Nature's intense force.

On the southern edge of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula lies Djúpalónssandur, another jaw-droppingly beautiful area studded with worn, smooth pebbles that almost glisten in the light. Spot the remnants of a late 1940s shipwreck, visit the nearby rocky cliffs and peaks of Snæfellsjökull glacier, and feel as if you’ve landed on another planet.

Germany has many underrated beach destinations that provide majestic yet wildly different experiences and expectations.

The country's largest island, Sylt, is known as one of the trendiest corners for beach lovers in the country. Despite its North Sea setting, you can find dreamy stretches of soft, golden sand and towns adorned with traditional thatched roofs. Michelin-star restaurants and exclusive accommodations keep the luxurious ambiance around Sylt alive and well.

For a much calmer experience, Usedom will introduce you to the skinny Baltic Sea island belonging to Germany and overlooking the Polish border. However, both sides offer miles of blissful tranquility with wide sandy shores, traditional piers, and old-world resort towns for seaside leisure away from the crowds.

This Middle Eastern treasure has unexpected hidden gems along its scenic Red Sea coastline perfect for an exotic beach getaway.

Sharm El-Sheik is a popular resort town that draws major crowds to its dazzling turquoise waters, incredible snorkeling, and world-class diving. With luxury hotels, buzzing nightlife, and an energetic ambiance pulsating through the streets, it has a very unique flavor compared to most beach towns. You can spend your days hitting the incredible dive sites or lounging around in the luxury beach clubs.

For a more mellow ambiance, swanky El Gouna tempts with sugar-white sands, lavish beachside cabanas, PGA golf courses, and stunning marina views accented by sleek mega-yachts.

From the candy-colored buildings and boutique hotels of Zanzibar to the sleepy coastal charm of Pangani, Tanzania has some truly magical seaside destinations brimming with East African flavor.

Zanzibar is the star of this Indian Ocean paradise. This enchanting island is world-famous for its enticing white-sand beaches lined with overhanging palm trees. It's the epitome of tropical bliss. Your hardest decision will be whether to spend the afternoon snorkeling the crystal-clear turquoise waters, exploring old-world Stone Town, or sipping locally-grown spice coffees at a sidewalk café.

A lesser-known gem is the sleepy beach town of Pangani. Boasting a mix of Swahili and German colonial architecture, including still-standing ancient fort ruins, Pangani will transport you back in time. There's a relaxed, historic seaside allure among the sandy promenades and al fresco seafood restaurants decorating the town's port.  From here, you can lounge on secret stretches of sand like Ushongo Beach or take day trips to nearby Maziwe Marine Reserve.

When you envision Turkey, your mind may wander straight to the dreamy domes of Istanbul or the fairy houses of Cappadocia, but this transcontinental nation has some of the best beaches in Europe.

The famous Ölüdeniz lagoon offers a breathtaking view of vibrant blue waters enclosed by a dramatic crescent beach. The mesmerizing colors stem from the calm, shallow waters that reflect the surrounding shades of blue and green. Spend your days lounging on the sandy beach, swimming or kayaking in the tranquil lagoon, or hiking among the surrounding Taurus Mountains for scenic panoramas.

The lovely Lycian coast hamlet of Kaş boasts a picturesque harbor, whitewashed houses clinging to hillsides, and incredible ancient ruins like the Greco-Roman amphitheater. The cobblestone streets are made for wandering, eventually leading you to Kaputas Beach, a stunning stretch of sand and pebbles nestled between soaring cliffs. You can also take a boat tour to explore the surrounding islands and coves only accessible from the sea.

For those who have visited, it is no surprise that Kenya has an exceptional coastline. The famous Diani Beach, widely considered one of the best beaches in Kenya, is a 17-mile stretch of powdery white sand with swaying palms fringing the shore and vibrant blue waters begging you to dive in. The small beach towns have a charming, secluded atmosphere with excellent beach resorts and renowned spots for snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, and more.

Lamu Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Kenya's northern coast and another stunning escape that marries pristine beaches with fascinating cultural heritage. You can wander the stone alleyways of Lamu Town, one of the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa, or enjoy views of the dhows lining the waterfront before escaping to the idyllic beaches of Shela, Matondoni, or Kipungani.

With miles of coastline and new resort areas popping up, Cambodia emerges as an off-the-radar beach escape. Sihanoukville's beachfront scene caters to every type of traveler, with backpacker-friendly haunts around Serendipity Beach and upscale resorts offering secluded experiences overlooking the water.

For a quieter pace, riverside Kep charms with French colonial roots. This former resort destination has a French-infused seaside charm, and while the beaches aren't as postcard-perfect, Kep makes an excellent base for visiting nearby pristine islands and coves like Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). Spend your days swimming, snorkeling, feasting on fresh seafood, and enjoying the slow rhythm of life.

With Namibia's vast desert landscapes, the Atlantic Ocean coastline may not immediately spring to mind, but this African nation is home to unexpected yet marvelous beach destinations worth exploring embodied in Swakopmund. 

The coastal city has a delightful split personality, with one foot in Africa, and the other in Bavaria. This former German colony has a beautifully preserved downtown with half-timbered houses, quaint cafés, and German bakeries churning out obscenely delicious pastries. But it's also a prime adventure hub for quad biking through massive coastal dunes, skydiving, sandboarding, and more. Spend your days getting your thrills, then retire to breezy beach cafés serving ice-cold Namibian beer as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

With its tropical locale and nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, Sri Lanka is an undisputed beach paradise. This island country harbors incredible seaside havens like crescent-shaped Unawatuna Bay, with its laidback beach bungalows along palm-lined shores made for surfing.

Rent a bohemian cabana, feast on fresh crab curries, and embrace the carefree, barefoot atmosphere while exploring the local restaurants and nightlife. Down the coast, Mirissa offers idyllic swimming beaches and a prime whale-watching hub for glimpsing majestic blue whales and dolphins during the season.

Vietnam's tropical islands flaunt beach bliss. Phú Quốc's Khem Beach, with its soft white sands and azure waters, has earned accolades as one of the world's best beaches. Island-hop to surrounding remote coves like Hon Thom, accessible by cable car.

Up the coast, vibrant Nha Trang revolves around its more than three-mile golden stretch of sandy coast, one that’s lined with restaurants and resorts for the perfect blend of classic Southeast Asian charm and a pulsing atmosphere.

The best beach destinations can shatter our preconceived notions of where to find world-class coastlines and let us embrace the serene ambiance set by the soothing lull of the waves. Offering adventurous experiences, gorgeous scenery, and a sense of the unexpected, you can indulge in the idyllic islands of Phú Quốc, Vietnam, lounge on the white sands of Diani Beach, Kenya, or enjoy the bohemian ambiance of Cabo Polonio, Uruguay, and much more.

Find more inspiration for your next great escape to the islands and coastlines of the world with our best beach vacations and tours or our Zicasso travel guide.