Winter sunshine: Perfect beach picks
Date Posted: 05/11/2019
Thinking about jetting off for a well-deserved break over the winter period? When we think sunshine-filled holidays we often think of what we consider to be our summer months, which are May leading through to the end of August. However, there are still plenty of sensational destinations blazing with heat from October up to February. As well as this, these spectacular locations also boast some of the best beaches across the globe. Let’s find out exactly where they are…
Dubai
Home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai there are stretches of sand for miles that can be enjoyed at no cost whatsoever or for a minimal charge. You’ll discover pristine sand, lifeguards, showers, and changing rooms along most beaches.
Sunset Beach is one not to miss, backdropped by the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, it is a popular spot for families and serves as the perfect selfie location when the sun sets. It’s known as Dubai’s only real surfing beach, so prepare to catch those waves!
One of Dubai’s best-kept secrets is the stunning Black Palace Beach, which is nestled between Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. Discover this peaceful hideaway settled between the Royal Fortresses. The beach is pretty low-key, which makes it a favourite among locals.
For thrill-seekers, Al Khan Beach just north of Dubai, is the best place to try your hand at a range of exhilarating activities, including kitesurfing, parasailing, water skiing, jet boarding, and surfing. There’s also a floating Aquapark and playground perfect for the kids. A comfortable day can be had here with the addition of comfy sun loungers, washrooms, and a quaint café.
Cuba
A beautiful country with so much to attract visitors year-round, you’ll find Cuba’s beaches are a generous shoreline of powdery, white sands freckled with shady palm trees and complete with turquoise waters. There are so many to see and experience, but we’ve picked a few we think are particularly amazing!
The ultimate package holiday resort of Cuba, Varadero is a paradise of all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. And they’re all there for one reason… the beach. One of the absolute best in the Caribbean, its size is so extensive that there’s space for nearly everyone to recline for some down-time. It stretches nearly the whole length of a 25km peninsula that shoots straight out from the mainland and really fits the traditional Caribbean image.
If boating is your sort of thing then Cayo Jutias will be right up your street. North west of the popular Vinales Valley in south west Cuba, you’ll discover the driftwood coastline that’s perfect for hiring a boat to sale out to uncover giant starfish floating in the shallows.
Playa Ancon is considered one of the best of Cuba’s south coast, as its white sands arc around the glistening blue waters. The sea bottom is home to sea fans, black coral, small tropical fish, and gorgonians while the water is perfectly calm for a swim at any time of the day. If you’d like to snorkel or scuba dive Trinidad isn’t too far away either.
The Canary Islands
Ideal for the perfect sunshine break all-year-round, The Canary Islands are still exceptionally beautiful and sunny even in the winter months. With a mix of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, we investigate which exactly are the best shores to enjoy your time away.
Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria is formed by picturesque sand dunes and with a dreamy blend of desert and beach, a very unique landscape is made as a result. This beach provides one of the most iconic views on the island and is the best place for a spot of privacy.
It’s been said that Cofete in Fuerteventura promises the most dramatic vistas across the island and was actually listed in TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Best Beaches in Europe – so, it’s pretty spectacular! The scenery is believed to be completely out of this world…
The ultimate surfing spot of Lanzarote is Famara. Its shimmering waters and soft sands are guarded by big cliffs on one side and with its constant winds and roaring waves many surfing schools actually bring students here for lessons. It’s time to get riding those waves!
Consisting of sensational black sand, Playa La Arena is a great pick to see breathtaking views of La Gomera and palm trees making their way backwards and forwards in the breeze. It’s not a fantastic beach if you’re an avid swimmer and the prominent red flag on the sands will indicate this. However, for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as its views, it’s a lovely find.
Miami
Miami’s beaches are probably the biggest attraction for people travelling to this neck of the woods. Whether you’re looking to party, enjoy a serene setting, or are a thrill-seeker for water sports… There is a chance for every type of beachgoer to enjoy themselves in the south of Florida.
Live a life like the movies from the moment you step onto the powder-white shores of Lummus Park Beach. You can expect an overwhelming swarm of bright colours and a variety of eye-popping sights all around you. Laid-back beach days are best had here but for a little more of a lively scene the LGBT beach at 12th street is recommended.
Home to a 17-acre park with numerous picnic areas, children’s playground, fishing pier, and fantastic views of passing cruising ships, South Pointe Park Pier makes a perfect spot for respite away from the bustling madness of Miami. Notice the locals collecting bags of claws during crab season to enjoy a waterfront picnic.
Windsurf, jet-ski, or sailboat along the shallow waters of Hobie Beach – a thrill-seekers absolute paradise. This stretch of sand and water is also on of Miami’s few dog-friendly beaches.
If you’re lucky enough to be booking a last-minute winter getaway we hope you’re now feeling prepared to scope out the best beaches!
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