Travel Guides
Guides & dispatches
Where to go and how to do it right — destination roundups, seasonal timing, packing, and the practical detail most travel pages skip.
destination guides
Ksamil Approved a €42 Umbrella: 5 Albanian Riviera Beaches to Go to Instead
Albania capped beach prices to stop the gouging at Ksamil. In June 2026 Sarandë's council used that power to approve a top tier of 4,000 lek, about €42, for an umbrella on Ksamil's island beaches. Five quieter Riviera beaches, and two that will not help.
9 min read
seasonal guides
The 15 Best UK Beaches to Visit in August 2026
August is the UK beach month that punishes bad planning: dog bans, full car parks by 9am, two different bank holidays and one festival that swallows a town. The 15 beaches that actually work in August 2026, with the practicalities nobody else prints.
9 min read
seasonal guides
The Mediterranean Is Warmer in September Than July: 8 Beaches Worth the Wait
The sea's warmth lags the sun by about six weeks, so across the eastern Med the water in September is warmer than in July, while the crowds halve. Where that's true, where it isn't, and 8 beaches that hit their sweet spot after the schools go back.
8 min read
destination guides
The 18 Blue Flag Beaches in Wales for 2026 (and Why Tenby North Lost Its Flag)
Wales has 18 Blue Flag beaches for 2026, and one famous absence: Tenby North, out for the third time in five seasons after its water rating slipped. The full list by region, what the award really means, and where the map is empty.
9 min read
destination guides
Cruise Ships Are Cancelling Santorini: 6 Greek Islands to Choose Instead in 2026
Santorini spent June turning cruise ships away: an 8,000-a-day cap, a disputed new port rule and a strike that cancelled every call in a day. Six Greek islands to swap in for 2026, with better beaches than the caldera ever had.
7 min read
destination guides
9 of Spain's Quietest Beaches for 2026 (Far From the Crowds)
As Spain's crowds and anti-tourism protests peak in 2026, most of its coast stays calm. Nine genuinely quiet beaches, from Cabo de Gata to the green north, and how to reach each one.
10 min read
destination guides
6 Best Albanian Riviera Beaches to Visit in 2026
The Albanian Riviera has the same Ionian water as Corfu, just across the strait, at a fraction of the price. The six best beaches, from sandy Ksamil to empty Borsh, and the honest catch.
8 min read
destination guides
The 7 Best Beaches in Istria (2026)
Dubrovnik gets the cruise ships and the crowds. Istria gets the actual beach coast. The 7 best beaches in Istria, from Rovinj to Medulin, who each one suits, and how to visit.
9 min read
destination guides
We Ranked Croatia's 6 Best Beach Islands in 2026 (Hvar Didn't Win)
Hvar is the island everyone names, but ranked on their beaches alone, Croatia's big six finish in a different order. Krk to Brac, counted up to the winner, and why Hvar came fourth.
7 min read
destination guides
Every Beach Cap, Fee and Closure in Europe for 2026 (and Where to Go Instead)
Cruise caps, tourist taxes, booked-in-advance beaches and outright closures are rewriting the European beach holiday in 2026. Here is every major rule, country by country, with the official source for each, and where to go instead.
8 min read
destination guides
Ionian vs Cyclades: Which Greek Islands Have the Better Beaches?
For a beach-first trip to Greece, the Ionian islands quietly beat the famous Cyclades: sandier, calmer and more sheltered. Here is the case, the honest exceptions, and how to choose.
6 min read
destination guides
The World's 50 Best Beaches for 2026 (and the 8 We've Reviewed)
The 2026 World's 50 Best Beaches are out, with Entalula in the Philippines crowned number one. Here's the full ranked list, how it's decided, and our honest verdict on the eight we've actually stood on.
11 min read
destination guides
The 7 Best Beaches in Boracay, From White Beach to Puka and the Quiet Coves
The 7 best beaches in Boracay, ranked by what each is actually for: White Beach for the strip and the sunsets, Puka for quiet, Bulabog for kitesurfing, and the east-coast coves for the island's best shore snorkelling. Which to pick, and when to go.
8 min read
destination guides
The 11 Best Beaches in Sicily: From San Vito lo Capo to Lampedusa
The 11 best beaches in Sicily, coast by coast: San Vito lo Capo and Scopello in the west, Mondello and Cefalu in the north, the white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi in the south, and Lampedusa's Rabbit Beach offshore. Which to pick, the lido reality and when to go.
8 min read
destination guides
The 11 Best Beaches in Sydney: Bondi, Manly and the Quiet Ones
The 11 best beaches in Sydney, grouped by area: the Eastern Suburbs surf strip from Bondi to Maroubra, the Northern Beaches reached by ferry, and the calm harbour coves families love. Which to pick for surf, swimming, snorkelling and skipping the crowds.
8 min read
destination guides
The 11 Best Beaches in Wales: Gower, Pembrokeshire and Beyond
The 11 best beaches in Wales, grouped by region so you can plan a real trip: the Gower's Rhossili and Three Cliffs, Pembrokeshire's Barafundle and Tenby, wild Harlech in the north and the quiet coves of Cardigan Bay. Which to pick for surf, families and scenery.
9 min read
destination guides
Is Scala dei Turchi Still Worth It? The 2026 Verdict on Sicily's White Cliffs
Scala dei Turchi reopened in 2026 with timed tickets, a daily visitor cap and a climbing ban after years of erosion, vandalism and closures. Is Sicily's famous white cliff still worth visiting? The new rules, how to see it for free, and the verdict.
6 min read
destination guides
Puka Beach vs White Beach: Which Boracay Beach Should You Pick?
Puka Beach vs White Beach, Boracay's two headline beaches compared: powder sand and party versus coarse shells and quiet. How they stack up on sand, crowds, swimming, food and sunset, and exactly who should pick which.
5 min read
destination guides
The 12 Best Beaches in Cornwall: Which One to Pick for Your Trip
The 12 best beaches in Cornwall, split by coast so you can pick the right one: Kynance Cove for the clearest water, Fistral for surf, and Hayle's three miles of sand for space. Each gets a one-line verdict plus the parking, tide and lifeguard reality, updated for 2026.
11 min read
destination guides
The 10 Best Beaches Near Lisbon, and Exactly How to Reach Each One by Train, Bus or Ferry
The 10 best beaches near Lisbon, ranked by how you actually get there: Carcavelos is 19 minutes by train, Galapinhos has turquoise water and a summer car ban, and the wild Sintra coves take a cliff scramble. Every beach comes with real travel times and a swim-safety check.
11 min read
destination guides
The 10 Best Beaches in Okinawa: Where to Swim, Snorkel and Skip the Crowds
The 10 best beaches in Okinawa across the main island, Kerama, Miyako and Ishigaki. Which island clears the water, where the shore snorkelling beats the rest, plus swim season, jellyfish nets and ferry times that actually decide your trip.
12 min read
destination guides
The 10 Best Beaches in Scotland: Caribbean-White Sand From Harris to the Highlands
The 10 best beaches in Scotland, ranked by what each one is actually for, from Luskentyre's white shell sand to the Local Hero cove at Camusdarach. How to reach each beach, where the water is calmest, and the best months to dodge the midges and the campervans.
12 min read
destination guides
The 10 Best Beaches in Western Australia, From Lucky Bay to Cable Beach
The 10 best beaches in Western Australia, ranked by what they're actually worth driving for: Australia's whitest sand and beach kangaroos at Lucky Bay, a drift snorkel over Ningaloo at Turquoise Bay, and 22km of camels and sunset at Cable Beach. Plus the clearest water, the safest swim, and how to dodge the crowds.
11 min read
destination guides
10 Best Beaches in Corfu for 2026: Hidden Coves to Family Sand
Corfu has the most varied beach geography of any Greek island: dramatic limestone cliffs on the west, golden sand on the south, and the historic Venetian harbours on the east. 10 best beaches for 2026 across all four coasts, with the hike-in hidden coves and the family resort beaches separated.
8 min read
destination guides
10 Best Beaches in Kefalonia for 2026: Myrtos and the Quieter Coves
Kefalonia has more dramatic Ionian beaches per kilometre than any other Greek island, with Myrtos taking the photographs and a dozen quieter coves doing the work. 10 picks for 2026, organised by coast, with the swim-safe calls and the parking realities baked in.
8 min read
destination guides
10 Best Beaches in Rhodes for 2026: Where to Swim Out of the Wind
Rhodes has 220 kilometres of coast split between a calm east shore (sandy resort beaches) and a windier west shore (rocky bays and windsurfing). 10 best beaches for 2026 across both coasts, with the swim-safe family picks separated from the windsurf-only zones.
7 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Split for 2026: Marjan Coves and City Sand
Split's beaches are mostly inside the city, which is the practical truth most travel guides bury. 8 best beaches for 2026 across the Marjan peninsula, the central city, and the island day-trips, with the pebble-vs-sand reality and the parking realities baked in.
7 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Zakynthos for 2026: Shipwreck, Turtles and Quiet Coves
Zakynthos has the most photographed beach in Greece (Navagio), the most strictly protected (Gerakas turtle nesting), and a dozen quieter Ionian coves the social-media crowd skips. 8 picks for 2026, with the access reality and the marine-park rules baked in.
7 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Cabo San Lucas for 2026: Where You Can Actually Swim
Cabo has dozens of beaches and only a handful you can safely swim at. The Pacific side kills people every year. The Sea of Cortez side is calm and crystal clear. Here are 8 Cabo and Los Cabos beaches that work, plus one cautionary pick to know exactly what to avoid.
8 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Mexico for 2026: Pacific vs Caribbean Coast
Mexico has two coasts and they are completely different beach holidays. The Caribbean side has turquoise water and a sargassum problem from April to October. The Pacific side has dramatic surf, no seaweed, and sea turtle sanctuaries. Here are 8 beaches across both coasts plus the Baja for 2026.
7 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Oaxaca for 2026: Surf, Sanctuary, and Slow Living
Oaxaca's 590-kilometre Pacific coast splits into three completely different beach worlds: Puerto Escondido for surf, the Mazunte and Zipolite stretch for sea turtles and slow living, and Huatulco for resort comfort. Here are 8 beaches across all three, with the swim-safe versus surf-only calls baked in.
7 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in Kauai: Where the Road Ends, Where the Water Calms
The best beaches in Kauai for 2026. Hanalei's crescent, Ke'e at the end of the road, Polihale's 17-mile west coast, and the brown-water advisories nobody tells you about. A Garden Isle guide built on actual Kauai logistics.
11 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Maine for 2026: A Cold-Water Coast Guide
Maine's 8 best beaches for 2026, from Ogunquit's three-mile sand sweep to Acadia's granite cove. Cold water, big tides, lobster towns. An honest regional guide that doesn't pretend Maine is Florida.
11 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in Oahu: A Shore-by-Shore Guide for 2026
The best beaches in Oahu for 2026, organised by shore. Lanikai parking reality, Hanauma Bay reservation system, Waimea Bay's winter rules, and where locals actually swim when the tourists are at Waikiki.
11 min read
destination guides
Closest Beaches to Orlando: Which One Wins?
The closest beaches to Orlando ranked by drive time, with honest picks for surfing, families, photo days, and quiet escapes from the theme park crowds.
9 min read
destination guides
Things to Do in Cocoa Beach: What's Worth Your Time
What to do in Cocoa Beach Florida, from the pier and Ron Jon to surf lessons in Kelly Slater's hometown, watching rocket launches, and the quieter beaches locals actually use.
9 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches on the Gold Coast for 2026: Surf, Creeks and Calm Swims
The best Gold Coast beaches for 2026, from the family-friendly calm of Tallebudgera Creek to the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks, with the rundown on crowds, surf safety, and where to go for a quieter day.
9 min read
destination guides
7 Best Beaches in the Algarve for 2026: Where to Actually Go
A close look at the best Algarve beaches for 2026, from the famous sea caves of Benagil to quieter stretches most visitors miss. Parking tips, cliff walks, and which beaches to skip when it's crowded.
10 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Bali for 2026: What Nobody Tells You Before You Go
The best beaches in Bali for 2026, from busy Kuta to quiet Amed, with real talk on swimming conditions, trash problems, crowds, and which beaches actually deliver.
11 min read
destination guides
7 Best Beaches in Cancun and the Riviera Maya for 2026: Where to Swim
The best beaches in Cancun and the Riviera Maya for 2026, with the real story on sargassum seaweed, hotel zone access, undertow risks, and which stretches of Caribbean coast are actually worth your time.
11 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in Croatia 2026
An honest breakdown of the best Croatian beaches, from hidden Adriatic coves to party strips. Plus the truth about pebbles, sand, and how to island-hop without losing your mind.
11 min read
destination guides
6 Best Beaches in Fuerteventura for 2026: What Each One Is Good For
The best beaches in Fuerteventura for 2026, organized by what each one delivers, from kitesurfing at Sotavento to the wild emptiness of Cofete, with real tips on wind, families, and crowds.
9 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in Greece: Honest Picks for 2026
The best beaches in Greece across Crete, the Ionians, Cyclades, and the mainland. Honest crowd reports, access tips, and which Greek island actually has the best beaches.
9 min read
destination guides
8 Best Beaches in Sardinia for 2026: Worth the Drive
The best beaches in Sardinia for 2026, from the famous Cala Goloritze to the quartz sands of Is Arutas, with the real story on access, crowds, and which ones are worth the effort.
9 min read
destination guides
7 Best Beaches in Tenerife for 2026: Black Sand to Resort Gold
The best Tenerife beaches from golden resort strips to wild black sand coves. South vs north, volcanic vs imported sand, and why Brits keep coming back every winter.
11 min read
destination guides
7 Best Beaches in Thailand for 2026: Which Coast, When to Go
The best beaches in Thailand from Krabi's limestone cliffs to Koh Lipe's clear water, with the rundown on crowds, monsoon timing, and which coast to visit when.
10 min read
activity guides
Best Sea Glass Beaches in the UK: Where to Actually Find It
The best UK beaches for finding sea glass, from Seaham's legendary hauls to quieter spots where you can still fill your pockets. Plus tips on tides, rare colours, and what to look for.
8 min read
destination guides
Cocoa Beach at Night: What to Do After Dark
Everything worth doing in Cocoa Beach after the sun goes down, from pier walks and late-night shopping at Ron Jon to bioluminescence kayaking and beachside bars.
7 min read
destination guides
Things to Do in Orange Beach Alabama: Local Picks (2026)
The best things to do in Orange Beach Alabama, from dolphin cruises and deep sea fishing to The Wharf, Gulf State Park trails, and the best waterfront restaurants.
6 min read
travel tips
Beach Flag Colors Explained: What Every Flag Means
A quick guide to beach warning flag colors. What red, yellow, green, purple, and double red flags mean and what you should do when you see them.
7 min read
seasonal guides
Best Beach Holidays in October: Where It's Still Warm
The best beach holidays in October when Europe cools down. Where to find warm water, sunshine, and fewer crowds without flying too far.
7 min read
destination guides
Beaches Near London: The Best Day Trips From the City
The best beaches near London for a day trip or weekend escape. Train times, driving routes, parking tips, and which beaches are actually worth the journey.
7 min read
destination guides
Beachfront Holidays in Cornwall: Where to Stay Right on the Sand
The best beachfront holiday spots in Cornwall. Where to find cottages, hotels, and stays right on the beach with honest tips on booking, costs, and timing.
7 min read
travel tips
Best Beach Games for Groups, Families, and Couples
The best beach games that actually work on sand. From spikeball to paddleball, with tips on what to buy, what to skip, and games that need zero equipment.
7 min read
destination guides
Best Beach Holidays in Europe: Where to Actually Go
The best beach holidays in Europe from budget-friendly Albania to luxury Sardinia, updated for a summer of caps, fees and closures. Flight times, real costs, what changed in 2026, and honest takes on every coast.
12 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in England for 2026: Region by Region
The best beaches in England from Cornwall to Northumberland. A region-by-region breakdown with the real story on sand, sea, and which ones are worth the drive.
7 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in Florida for 2026: Gulf, Atlantic and Panhandle
The best beaches in Florida from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic side, with the real story on crowds, parking, water quality, and which ones are overrated.
6 min read
destination guides
Best Beaches in the UK for 2026: Region by Region
The best beaches in the UK from Cornwall to Scotland, with the real story on sand quality, water temperature, crowds, and which ones live up to the hype.
7 min read
destination guides
Busiest Beaches in the World: What to Expect and How to Cope
The busiest beaches in the world ranked, with honest crowd levels, timing tricks to avoid the worst of it, and whether they are still worth visiting.
7 min read
destination guides
Does Texas Have Beaches? Yes, and Some Are Actually Great
Texas has over 350 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. From South Padre Island to Galveston, here are the ones worth visiting and what to expect.
6 min read
destination guides
Is Daytona Beach Safe? What Visitors Should Know
Honest safety breakdown for Daytona Beach covering crime, rip currents, bike week, and the areas visitors should stick to or avoid.
6 min read
destination guides
Is Myrtle Beach Safe? What You Need to Know Before Visiting
Honest safety guide for Myrtle Beach covering real crime stats, beach hazards, hurricane risk, areas to avoid, family-safe zones, and practical tips for a worry-free vacation.
12 min read
destination guides
Nearest Beaches to Birmingham: Where to Escape the Midlands
The closest and best beaches to Birmingham UK. Driving times, train options, and honest picks for a day trip or weekend from the Midlands.
6 min read
hidden gems
8 Secret Beaches You Must Visit in 2026 (And How to Reach Them)
Eight secret beaches you must visit, from a hidden Welsh cove to a beach inside a Mexican volcanic crater. How to reach each one, and when to go before the crowds catch on.
8 min read
destination guides
What to Do in Huntington Beach: Surf City USA Guide
The best things to do in Huntington Beach from surfing and bonfires to Pacific City shopping, with practical tips on parking and timing.
6 min read
destination guides
What to Do in Newport Beach: A Local-Feeling Guide
The best things to do in Newport Beach California, from Balboa Island to The Wedge, with real tips on parking, timing, and where to eat.
6 min read
destination guides
What to Do in Pismo Beach: A Chill Coastal Guide
Everything worth doing in Pismo Beach California, from the Monarch Butterfly Grove to clam chowder on the pier, with real timing and cost tips.
6 min read
destination guides
What to Do in Venice Beach: Beyond the Boardwalk
The best things to do in Venice Beach LA from the famous boardwalk and Muscle Beach to the canals, Abbot Kinney, and street art you should not miss.
6 min read
packing guides
What to Bring to the Beach: The Only Packing List You Need
A practical beach packing list that covers everything from sunscreen to the stuff most people forget. No fluff, just what you actually need.
6 min read
★ The dispatch
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