5 Best: Beaches
Don't fight for a spot on the sand - stretch out in comfort, says Adam Barnes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
The fourth-largest island in the Seychelles, La Digue is more tranquil and more primitive than the larger Praslin and Mahé. Its transport is based on the ox-cart and the bicycle. (You can, however, fly in some luxury from Heathrow to the Seychelles aboard Air Seychelles or British Airways.)
La Digue's glory is Anse Source d'Argent, site of countless Bounty and Bacardi adverts and one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It is stunning. The white-sand beach is dotted with massive granite rocks sculpted by wind and sea. There are palm trees at your back and a reef creates shallow waters ideal for swimming.
To have the beach to yourself, stay on the island: day-trippers visit from Praslin, but once they've gone, the beach could well be all yours for the night.
Seychelles tourist office: 020-7202 6363; www.aspureasitgets.com
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
One of Africa's great inhospitable tracts, the Skeleton Coast is two million hectares of pristine wilderness, the ultimate deserted beach. Coastal fogs, heaving grey seas and the hulks of the wrecked ships that give the park its name all add a haunting flavour.
Desert and rocks characterise the southern section, while sand dunes appear to the north.
The lichen is magnificent, and there are seals, desert elephants, oryx and, rarely seen, brown hyenas. In years past, coastal lions were known to attack seals on the beach.
You can drive the southern part of the coast road in a day, but to access the northern section, you need permits and a plane. To reach the nearest international airport, Windhoek, fly via Johannesburg or Frankfurt.
Namibia Tourism Board: 020-7636 2924; www.namibiatourism.com.na
Shi Shi Beach, USA
If you prefer to hike rather than stroll along your beaches, Shi Shi is perfect. Pronounced "Shy Shy", it comprises two miles of sand at the northern end of Washington's Olympic National Park. You can reach it by flying from London to Seattle, or from London or Glasgow to Vancouver and then crossing the border.
Here you can spot raccoons, otters, eagles and, less frequently, elks, bears and cougars. It's a 13-mile hike to the beach from the southern access point, including a river crossing and rope-ladders for the tricky bits. The Point of Arches, a headland of sea stacks and jagged arches, welcomes you to Shi Shi. Entering from the north requires permission from the local Makah tribe. Difficulty of access makes this one of the least visited parts of the park.
Olympic National Park: 001 360 565 3130; www.nps.gov/olym
Calgary, Scotland
As the best beach in Mull, Calgary deserves a far wider audience, although that might remove much of its charm. One reason for its isolation is the difficulty of access; first, travel to Oban on the west coast of Scotland; next, take a Caledonian MacBrayne ship to Craignure, the ferry port for the island of Mull. Then hitch or rent a car.
You will be glad you made the effort. This curve of sand is five miles from Dervaig on the isle's north-western corner. It was the point of departure from the island during the Highland clearances. Nowadays, a combination of remoteness and a less-than-tropical climate keeps the crowds at bay. You can explore the headlands, caves and burial ground, or visit the gallery in nearby Calgary House. Ideal for Garbo types who want to be left alone, especially out of season.
Craignure tourist office: 01680 812377; www.isle.of.mull.com
Englishman's Bay, Tobago
One of the most secluded beaches on the island, Englishman's Bay offers ample reward to the inquisitive tourist. These 800 metres of pristine, honey-coloured sand are reached via a dirt track off the main road on Tobago's leeward side. There are shallow offshore reefs for snorkelling, and the rainforest reaches down to the sea. Giant bamboo plants abound, palm trees fringe the bay, and you can sunbathe to a backing track of parrots in the trees and frogs in the stream behind the beach. There are no hotels, shops or jet skis, just a beach café, and if you're not staying nearby, you can reach the beach on day-trips. Tobago now has a non-stop link with Gatwick on Virgin Atlantic, and other services on British Airways and BWIA.
Trinidad and Tobago Tourism: 020-8350 1009; www.visittnt.com
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments