What is your idea of a great beach? White powder sand, majestic coconut palm trees and warm crystal clear water all around you? Well, this is what most people would say. And that’s right, these beaches are really cool. There are plenty of locations where you can find these “tropical paradise” types of beaches – whether it is the Dominican Republic, Maldives, Thailand, Hawaii, Seychelles, Tahiti, Philippines etc. In fact, some of these beaches like the Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, Copacabana Beach in Brazil or Nai Harn Beach in Thailand, have become known and popular all over the world. But have you ever heard of the Giant Causeway Beach? No? So how about the Sopot Beach? Or the Vama Veche Beach? Actually, if these names are not familiar to you at all, you don’t need to be ashamed of your geographical knowledge. These beaches are practically unknown to public awareness as they are located in countries that few tourists pick as their summer vacation destinations. Yet, many of them are surprisingly beautiful, which is why they totally deserve our attention. From the beautiful Rhosilli Beach in Wales to the mesmerizing black-sand Vik Beach in Iceland, here are 25 Amazing Beaches From Countries You Would Never Expect.
Palanga Beach, Lithuania
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
Located in northern Europe, Lithuania is one of the Baltic States that have a reputation of cold and rainy countries. Yet, Lithuania is home to some picturesque beaches such as the sandy beach at Palanga, a busy seaside resort in the western part of country.
Giant Causeway Beach, Northern Ireland
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
Northern Ireland is famous for its green valleys and rocky cliffs but this little country also has some astonishing beaches to offer. Located in the County Antrim, the Giant Causeway Beach is covered with unique basalt columns.
Samcheok Beach, South Korea
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
In Asia, countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka or the Philippines usually get all the attention of the beachgoers but in fact, South Korea can also boasts some brilliant beaches. Found in Gangwon Province, the Samcheok Beach, for example, looks very attractive.
Rugen Beach, Germany
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: pixabay.com
Tourists traveling to Germany usually want to see the most famous sites of the country such as the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Cologne Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate etc. but few visitors know Germany also has some superb beaches like those at the Rugen Island.
Jokulsarlon Beach, Iceland
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
Located near the Arctic Circle, Iceland is anything but a country where people go to spend their summer holiday. Some of this country´s beaches would leave you in a state of complete astonishment though. The Jokulsalron Ice Beach is definitely one of them.
Crimean Beach, Ukraine
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
Ukraine is usually associated with long snowy winters and generally cold weather. While this reputation is valid in most of the country, the very southern part of Ukraine (known as Crimea) has subtropical climate and several stunning beaches, crowded with local and Russian tourists in summer.
Long Beach, Canada
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: flickr.com
Canada is not just about ice, snow and winter sports. As surprising as it might be for you, you can also head out to a beach and enjoy some nice surfing there. Located on the west coast of the Vancouver Island, the Long Beach is one of the most popular surfing locations in the country.
Sopot Beach, Poland
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
Poland might not be a popular summer destination but the country does have an access to the sea (the Baltic Sea) and it does have cool beaches. One of the greatest Polish beaches can be found in Sopot, a little seaside resort in northern Poland.
Diani Beach, Kenya
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
For decades, Kenya has been mostly known for its safari tours and national parks but this exotic African country can also offer some breathtaking beaches and seaside resorts. Located just 30 km (19 mi) from Mombasa, the Diani Beach is a great spot for diving and snorkeling.
La Serena Beach, Chile
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
In South America, Brazil is by far the most popular beach destination but Chile can also boast some nice seaside spots. One of the greatest Chilean beaches is the one in La Serena, a coastal city in northern Chile that is home to almost 200,000 people.
Porthcurno Beach, England
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
England is packed with tourists all year round but few of them know this country also has some amazing beaches to get some tan (if the sun happens to shine). Found on the south coast of Cornwall, the Porthcurno Beach known for its fine white sand is one of most beautiful beaches in the country.
Yyteri Beach, Finland
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: flickr.com
Yes, even Finland, a cold Northern European country famous as Santa Claus´s home, has a spot where beachgoers can enjoy some fun. Notable for its distinctive sand dunes, the Yyteri Beach is the longest beach in Finland and of all Nordic countries.
Rhosilli Beach, Wales
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: flickr.com
If you thought Wales is just about astonishing medieval castles, you probably haven’t heard of any of local beaches such as the one in Rhossilli, a little coastal village in south Wales. Covered with golden sand, the beach is popular with surfers, walkers and gliders.
Vik Beach, Iceland
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
Another Icelandic beach on the list, the Vik Beach found in the southernmost village of the country is one of the most fascinating beaches in the world. Covered with black sand and surrounded by breathtaking rock formations, the beach is definitely a must-see thing while in Iceland.
Vama Veche Beach, Romania
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
While you might know Romania has some renowned ski resorts and many popular tourist attractions such as the Dracula Castle, you probably never knew this southeastern European country offers amazing beaches like the Vama Veche Beach found on the Black Sea coast.
Scheveningen Beach, Netherlands
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
On your next visit to the Netherlands, make sure to visit one of local beaches such as the one in Scheveningen. A popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, the Scheveningen Beach is a long sandy beach in a modern seaside resort near the city of Hague.
Jurmala Beach, Latvia
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
The capital of Latvia, Riga has a continuous snow cover for up to 80 days a year, making it one of the coldest and snowiest cities in Europe. Yet, just a short train ride from the city, there is the superb Jurmala Beach where crowds of people gather in the summer to catch some sun rays.
Cox´s Bazar Beach, Bangladesh
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
A little but densely populated country wedged between India and Myanmar, Bangladesh doesn’t rank among top Asian summer destinations. Yet, several beautiful beaches can be found in this country, including the Cox´s Bazar Beach, the longest unbroken sand beach in the world.
Aharen Beach, Japan
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
Japan, a leading Asian country famous for its majestic skyscrapers, cutting-edge technologies and super-modern scientific centers, also boasts beautiful nature including some stunning beaches. Located at the Tokashiki Island, the Aharen Beach, for example, looks like a real tropical paradise.
Sandwood Bay Beach, Scotland
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
If you are lucky enough to be in Scotland on a sunny day, head out to the Sandwood Bay in the north of the country to see the beautiful local beach. With no road access, the beach can be only reached by a 4 mi (6.4 km) path leading from the car park at the hamlet of Blairmore.
Frederickshavn Beach, Denmark
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
Resembling a beach typical for some of Europe´s traditional summer destinations like Italy, Spain or Greece, the Frederickshavn Beach is actually located in northern Denmark, a thousands of kilometers from the sunny Mediterranean. The palms are out just in summer though, they would freeze in most part of the year.
Wimbe Beach, Mozambique
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
Unlike its neighbors South Africa and Madagascar, Mozambique can hardly be regarded a popular summer African destination. Yet, this poor and greatly undeveloped country can offer numerous picturesque beaches such as the Wimbe Beach in Pemba, northern Mozambique.
Utakleiv Beach, Norway
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
As surprising as it is, Norway, a country where Northern Lights and polar bears can be observed, is also home to some spectacular beaches. Situated in the Nordland County, the Utakleiv Beach is considered one of the most romantic beaches in Europe.
Manora Beach, Pakistan
Source and image: en.wikipedia.org
While India has already become a beachgoers hot spot, Pakistan, another major country of the region, receives a way less tourists in summer. However, Pakistan can also provide its visitors with some nice and clean beaches. Located on the Arab Sea coast, the Manora Beach is one of the most popular beaches of the country.
De Haan Beach, Belgium
Source: en.wikipedia.org, image: commons.wikimedia.org
Situated in the Belgian province of West Flanders, De Haan is a little coastal municipality where Albert Einstein lived in 1933. Except for that, the town also boasts some of the best beaches in the country. Easily reachable from Bruges, the De Haan Beach is a popular picnic spot for the locals.
