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Not all beach holidays are created equal.
If your idea of paradise is a quiet cove and a book, you probably don’t want to end up somewhere packed with watersports and all-day beach clubs.
Skyscanner’s new Paradise Guide is designed to help travellers find the right kind of beach break, matching destinations to everything from your budget and travel plans to the sort of holiday you actually enjoy.
The new interactive tool on Skyscanner’s website allows you to choose the month you’re planning to travel, then what your “ideal beach vibe” is. Travellers can pick between “quiet and relaxed”, “lively and social”, “family friendly”, and “adventurous”.
Next up, you’re asked which amenities – like sun loungers, lifeguards, bars and restaurants and watersports – matter the most to you.
You can then choose which airport you’re flying from, and if you’d prefer to travel short or long haul, or if you have no preference, and how long you’re happy to travel from the airport.
Last up is budget before your choices are revealed, with the best months to visit, average temperature and flight duration listed.
As part of the launch of the tool, Skyscanner has also revealed some of the most popular beaches in the UK and worldwide for various different reasons. These are the spots to know now.
The UK’s best beaches
The UK’s beaches might not be obvious choices for international tourists, but they are very varied – from unspoiled swathes of sand to hidden coves – and there’s something for everyone.
Skyscanner looked at metrics ranging from the average air and sea temperature to sun lounger availability and reviews, and came up with a top three.
Sandbanks Beach, Dorset, England
On the south coast of England, you’ll find Sandbanks Beach known for its gently sloping, clean sands which are ideal for swimming and watersports as well as families.
The popular Dorset spot has held Blue Flag status for years due to its impressive water quality and facilities.
It has an average peak-season temperature of 20.8°C and a Tripadvisor rating of 4.6, it’s also very easy to reach, as it’s just 25 minutes from Bournemouth Airport.
Botany Bay, Kent, England
Over on the Kent coast, Botany Bay is known for its striking white chalk cliffs and golden sands, making it one of the UK’s more distinctive seaside spots.
At low tide, the beach reveals rock pools and shallow pools which are ideal for exploring, while walkers can follow part of the Viking Coastal Trail for views across the bay and surrounding coastline.
Peak-season temperatures average 20.3°C, while the sea reaches a surprisingly warm 22.5°C, making it one of the best options in England for a dip. It also has a solid Tripadvisor rating of 4.6.
St Andrews West Sands, St Andrews, Scotland
Just a short walk from the centre of St Andrews, West Sands is a huge two-mile stretch of golden sand backed by rolling dunes.
The beach is perhaps best known for its starring role in the opening scene of ‘Chariots of Fire’, but these days it’s a popular spot for long walks, beach games and soaking up the coastal views.
It has a Tripadvisor rating of 4.7, although temperatures are considerably cooler than some of the other beaches on the list, reaching an average of 15.8°C in peak season. The nearby boardwalk also makes it easy to explore the dunes and coastline.
The world’s most talked-about beaches
Sometimes, a beach is popular for a reason. Skyscanner analysed reviews, search data and ratings to reveal the beaches travellers are searching for and talking about around the world.
Palm Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba
Palm Beach is a classic Caribbean escape, with warm seas, year-round sunshine and plenty of restaurants, beach bars and watersports close by.
The Aruba favourite attracts more than half a million global Google searches a month, proving its popularity goes well beyond the postcard views.
La Jolla Cove, California, USA
La Jolla Cove offers something a little more unusual than a typical Californian beach, with rugged coastline, clear emerald waters and plenty of marine life to spot.
Close to San Diego, it’s a favourite for snorkelling, kayaking and seeing sea lions, while its 4.6 Tripadvisor rating from almost 14,000 reviews shows just how popular it is.
Siesta Key Beach, Florida, USA
With powdery white sand and turquoise water, Siesta Key Beach is one of Florida’s best-known seaside escapes.
It scores a very decent 4.7 on Tripadvisor and attracts around 135,000 Google searches every month, and offers watersports, restaurants and plenty of space to relax.
The world’s most underrated beaches
Skyscanner also looked at beaches which are a little more off the beaten path, ideal for travellers who want a well-reviewed place, but aren’t bothered if it’s among the most popular.
Embleton Bay, Northumberland, United Kingdom
Backed by dunes and overlooked by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Bay is a wild stretch of golden sand that feels a world away from busier seaside resorts.
Visit between June and September for the best chance of sunshine, coastal walks and plenty of space to yourself.
Rendezvous Bay, Montserrat
Getting to Rendezvous Bay is part of the adventure, as the secluded beach is only accessible by boat or on foot.
Once there, expect white sand, clear blue water and none of the usual beach crowds, but just a peaceful slice of Caribbean coastline.
Castlerock Beach, Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Castlerock Beach stretches for around a kilometre along Northern Ireland’s dramatic Causeway Coast, with golden sand and sweeping Atlantic views.
It’s an ideal spot for a long beach walk or simply taking in the scenery away from the crowds.
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