There's something irresistible about the pull of the ocean. The sound of waves hitting the shore, warm sand between your toes, and that endless blue horizon stretching out to meet the sky.
Whether you're after dramatic clifftop views, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, or bustling beach towns packed with character, the world's best seaside destinations deliver experiences that landlocked holidays simply can't match.
Choosing the perfect coastal getaway isn't always straightforward, though. Maybe you're after family-friendly beaches with gentle waters, or perhaps you're seeking that vibrant beach culture where the party never stops.
The destinations in this guide represent the very best of what seaside holidays can offer. From the wild beauty of Cornwall's dramatic coastline to the laid-back luxury of Caribbean paradise, each brings something completely different to the table.
Here are four of the best holiday destinations by the sea to inspire your next beach trip.
Cornwall
Stretching along England's southwestern peninsula, Cornwall boasts some of the most dramatic and beautiful coastlines you'll find anywhere in Europe, with over 300 beaches dotting its shores. What sets the region apart is how it balances wild natural beauty with genuine charm, offering a wide range of different beaches to visit.
Porthcurno Beach transports you to what feels like the Mediterranean, with its pure white sand and turquoise waters framed by dramatic cliffs. Meanwhile, Sennen Cove delivers that quintessential Cornish experience – a crescent of golden sand perfect for both surfers and families, with the dramatic backdrop of Land's End nearby.
Fistral Beach in Newquay serves as Cornwall's surf capital, where Atlantic rollers create perfect conditions for both beginners and championship surfers. But venture beyond the famous names and you'll discover hidden gems like Pedn Vounder, often called Cornwall's most beautiful beach, where crystal-clear water and soft white sand create a Caribbean-like paradise that's hard to believe you're still in England.
The best time to visit Cornwall is from May through September, when you'll enjoy the warmest weather and longest days. July and August bring peak summer conditions but also the biggest crowds, so consider June or September if you prefer a quieter experience and want to take your pick of properties offering luxury self-catering in Cornwall.
The Caribbean
When most people picture the perfect beach, they're probably imagining somewhere in the Caribbean. This region has practically written the book on tropical paradise, with over 7,000 islands scattered across crystal-clear waters that shift from deepest sapphire to brightest turquoise.
Grace Bay Beach on Turks and Caicos consistently ranks among the world's best beaches, and once you see those powder-soft white sands meeting impossibly clear water, you'll understand why. Barbados brings something different to the table with Bathsheba Beach, which showcases the Caribbean's wild side.
Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman offers that perfect blend of natural beauty and resort luxury, where you can parasail and jet ski during the day, then sip cocktails as the sun sets. Meanwhile, places like St. Lucia combine stunning beaches with dramatic volcanic landscapes and the famous Pitons, which create a backdrop that's pure magic for any photographer.
The Caribbean's peak season runs from December through April, when you'll enjoy the driest weather and calmest seas. The shoulder seasons of May through June and November can offer excellent value with still-beautiful conditions, though you'll need to watch for hurricane season from June through November.
Florida
What makes Florida special is how each region offers something completely different when it comes to a holiday by the sea. The Keys feel more Caribbean than American, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. The Panhandle's Emerald Coast delivers some of the whitest sand beaches you'll find anywhere, while the Nature Coast offers pristine wilderness and excellent manatee-watching opportunities.
The Gulf Coast steals the show when it comes to pure beach beauty. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key boasts sand made of 99% pure quartz that stays cool even on the hottest days and has recently earned recognition as America's best beach. The shallow, calm waters make it perfect for families, while the nearby village offers that classic Florida beach town charm.
Florida's Atlantic Coast brings a completely different energy. Miami's South Beach pulses with art deco architecture, world-class nightlife, and a beach scene that's as much about seeing and being seen as it is about sun and surf. Cocoa Beach attracts serious surfers with consistent waves and that laid-back surf culture, while the nearby Kennedy Space Centre adds a unique twist to any beach holiday.
Timing your Florida beach holiday depends on what you're after. December through April brings the most comfortable weather and the fewest afternoon thunderstorms, making this peak season for snowbirds escaping colder climates.
Late spring (May) and late fall (November) strike the perfect balance of good weather, smaller crowds, and reasonable prices. Summer means hot, humid conditions and daily afternoon storms, but also the warmest ocean temperatures and peak family vacation season.
The Greek Islands
What sets the Greek Islands apart as a seaside travel destination is how they combine spectacular beaches with incredible history and culture. You can spend your morning exploring ancient ruins, your afternoon lounging on pristine beaches, and your evening dining on fresh seafood in charming fishing villages.
Scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas, these islands have been inspiring travellers for thousands of years. The best time to visit runs from late May to early October, when the weather is hot, the skies are blue, and there's very little rain.
Crete, Greece's largest island, showcases incredible diversity along its coastline. Elafonisi Beach creates an almost otherworldly experience with its pink sand and crystal-clear lagoons, while Balos Beach offers dramatic views from towering cliffs.
Mykonos brings that famous Greek island party atmosphere, where beach clubs like Paradise and Super Paradise keep the energy high from sunrise to sunset. But even party-focused Mykonos offers quieter alternatives – Agios Sostis provides powder-soft sand and a more relaxed atmosphere, perfect if you’re visiting on family holidays to Greece.
Hit The Beach on Your Next Holiday
What's brilliant about these four coastal destinations is that they each excel at completely different things when it comes to holidays by the sea. Cornwall delivers that rugged, authentic beauty, the Caribbean provides that tropical paradise experience, Florida offers unmatched variety, and the Greek Islands serve up that perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and rich culture.
The beauty of seaside holidays is how they force you to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures. Whether you're watching waves crash against Cornish cliffs, floating in Caribbean waters so clear you can see your toes, building sandcastles on Florida's sugar-white beaches, or sipping wine while watching the sun set over the Aegean, these moments have a way of putting everything into perspective.
