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From remote Italian coves to Tasmanian white sands, BBC reporters highlight beaches that offer more than just sun and surf.

When people think of beaches, visions of endless sun-drenched sand often come to mind. Yet the world’s coastlines offer far more variety—from rugged cliffs to sugar-white sands and volcanic pebbled shores.

Each year, BBC journalists travel extensively, seeking memorable coastal experiences. They share their top picks, highlighting unique beach escapes that redefine what a perfect seaside getaway can be.

The Andaman Islands, India

“Although my heart is Mediterranean, I have to say the best beach ever is in the Andaman Islands. Specifically, the little beach by the Full Moon cafe on Havelock Island. The shallow, luminous water, the unreal beauty of white sand and surreal brightness of the moon at night. Utterly serene. But also, the café, an owner-run bamboo shack between the palm trees, serving a rather sophisticated menu. When I visited, they offered their own variation of Massimo Bottura's 'Oops I dropped the lemon tart'; freshness served with love. There's also a keen attention to the environment. Here, I met young people working to keep plastic out of the islands. A writer friend tipped me off to this beach, saying that's where she started writing her novel, which turned out to be a bestseller. So, I'd say this is the best beach ever in terms of water, Moon, trees, overall serenity and environmental awareness – but also, crucially, little tables and grand conversations.” – Anna Bressanin

Icacos, Puerto Rico

“The uninhabited island of Icacos is the stuff of idyllic beach cliche: turquoise waters, white sand, inviting waves and unending sun. Situated much closer to mainland Puerto Rico than well-touristed Culebra or Vieques, it's an experience that's much further from the norm. A woozy, 20-minute boat ride from Fajardo leaves you stranded on the shore to play Swiss Family Robinson for four hours until a boat returns to fetch you, salty and blissed out. You may encounter a handful of families or friend groups spread around but no noise or crowds – or businesses or bathrooms. You'll need to bring food, water, suncream and a sun tent or umbrella. Without exaggeration: you won't encounter a second of shade until you disembark back in town. But the experience of whiling away a day on an unspoilt sliver of beach more than pays for the days of aloe application that may follow.” – Laura Norkin

El Nido, Philippines

“Why choose just one? In El Nido, on Palawan Island, there are a number of beaches on the islands and archipelagos where the wet sand grains slip like silky butter through your fingers. My family, friends and I booked a tour with a local speedboat crew, spending the day cutting across the crisp blue waters of Bacuit Bay in search of secluded beaches and lagoons. Among these limestone island clusters, we swam, kayaked and snorkelled before anchoring in a solitary beach cove where our guides set up a meal of traditional Filipino meat and seafood dishes. You can book an island-hopping tour with a speedboat, catamaran or a Filipino bangka (medium to large-sized outrigger boats) run by local tour guides.

After a long day at sea, you can explore other white sand beaches on the mainland like Las Cabanas, Lio or Corong Corong. There's nothing like cracking open a cold bottle of San Miguel and watching the deep red and golden skies as the sun sets.” – Francis Agustin

La Baia di Ieranto, Sorrentine Peninsula, Italy

“Most tourists to the Amalfi Coast envision sandy shores, only to find that its beaches are typically craggy, scattered with sharp pebbles. For me, that wildness is the appeal. The Amalfi Coast and the neighbouring Sorrentine Peninsula hover over a volcanic caldera, resulting in a topography full of dramatic inlets where swimmers strew beach towels and the atmosphere is pure unbridled joy. I love La Baia di Ieranto, a secluded bay accessible via a 1.5 mile (2.5km) hillside trail from the village of Nerano. The going is steep (bring water, head out early), but the reward is a sublime panorama of ink-blue water, green cliffs and cerulean sky. Homeric legends rule Southern Italy; the bay is said to have been home to the treacherous mermaids who tempted Ulysses with their song. Avoid those – just relax by the water, dive off the cliffside promontory and enjoy a panino caprese, bursting with buffalo mozzarella, basil and tomatoes. The shore is indeed pebbly, so bring water shoes. I always forget and sputter like Yosemite Sam while charging to the water. Worth it.” – Eva Sandoval

Grand Case Beach, St Maarten

“Every great beach has three main ingredients: soft sand, crystal clear water and idyllic scenery. Grand Case Beach has all three, with the warm and calm turquoise water staying in my dreams for months after I return home to the concrete of New York. Just off the beach, however, is the true showstopper. A short walking distance from Grand Case is some of the most diverse French Caribbean food that exists anywhere in the world – from high-end, white tablecloth meals of duck liver and bouillabaisse to Caribbean lobster served in a beach shack.” – Geoffrey Rogow

Achmelvich Beach, Scotland

“Scotland isn't the first place you'd think of for a beach holiday, but the jagged West Highland coastline is one of the most spectacular in the world. Hidden among its many coves, you'll find Achmelvich beach, tucked into a bay. On the right day, you'll find turquoise waters to rival the Mediterranean and a glorious quiet 200m stretch of white sand that feel strangely out of place amid the craggy landscape.

At the height of summer there might be a few families paddling (even swimming) in the shallow, brisk waters of the Atlantic Ocean but in spring and autumn it isn't unusual to have the bay to yourself. The weather here can change quickly – one visit I made a few years back saw blue skies and emerald-green water, but that night our tent blew down in a vicious storm. Paired with the dramatic Scottish scenery on the drive through the highlands, it's worth making the journey to this hidden gem (you can get public transport but be prepared for a much longer travel time). Pause along the way at Lochinver's famous pie shop before making the 20-minute journey to the beach. Nearby, you can also visit Hermit's Castle (Europe's smallest). Remember to take a hat and waterproof, just in case.” – Richard Gray

Brighton Beach, New York

“Coney Island may be synonymous with Brooklyn summers, but follow the boardwalk east and you'll discover a true New York City time capsule: Brighton Beach.

Nicknamed Little Odessa because of the many Russian and Ukrainian immigrants who settled here in the 1970s, the beachfront nabe's mix of former Soviet settlers and more recent Central Asian communities is arguably the best place in NYC to glimpse the city's history of immigration. What's more, its rickety, wood-planked promenade and sandy shoreline offer one of New York's best people-watching opportunities. Pink-haired babushkas chain smoke as they walk their Pomeranians, accordion-playing folk bands belt out Ukrainian polka and Uyghur vendors peddle hand-made dumplings.

After a swim, enjoy a Slavic, Caucasian and Turkic food crawl at places like Kashkar Cafe, Little Georgia, Beyti Turkish Kebab and Tashkent Supermarket. Then head to either Tatiana or SET Lounge for a Cirque du Soleil-inspired performance at night.” – Eliot Stein

Bay of Fires, Tasmania

“Australia is defined by its beaches, which is why it might seem odd that I've chosen one in Tasmania. But I fell in love with this place for the feeling of being at the edge of the world.”