Top alternative beach holidays

Head to Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park to discover pristine white-sand beaches fringed by tropical forests and turquoise-blue waters. Relax in the sunshine and bathe in the warm sea, or head into the jungle to find white-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundi racoons and lazy sloths. This unusual beach holiday destination is also famous for its vibrant sunsets.

Join our Indonesia island-hopping discovery trip for the opportunity to visit the Pink Beach of Komodo Island. This flamingo-pink strip of red coral sand that stretches around the horse-shoe bay has to be seen to be believed. Although famous, the beach itself is rarely visited by tourists, so take time to immerse yourself in the tranquillity of this unique spot. Snooze in the sunshine, bathe in the warm, shallow waters or explore a vibrant underwater world of colourful fish on the reef. 

Palm trees sway in the gentle breeze, tropical fish dart about the vibrant coral reefs and manta ray glide through the emerald-green waters of Corn Island in Nicaragua. At only ten square kilometres, this little piece of Caribbean paradise can easily be explored by foot. Alternatively, pedal to the next bay by bike to dine on freshly caught red snapper and sip sundowners at sunset. 

Follow Iceland's scenic ring road to discover the basalt cliffs of Vik I Myrdal. Strong winds whip the sea into a boiling frenzy, freak sneaker waves batter the towering craggy rock face, and the solemn silhouettes of the Reynisdrangar sea-stacks rise from the dark waters of the Atlantic. Puffins can be spotted nesting in the shallow soils of the cliffs to the west, and you may even see a seal or two resting on this remote and dramatic shoreline. 

Descend under the cool shade of cedar forests before pedalling up the Belmuar Pass and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xanthos on a cycling tour to Turkey. Your efforts are rewarded with a relaxing evening on the golden shoreline of Patara Beach. With a dramatic backdrop of large sand dunes and the jagged outline of the Taurus mountains in the distance, this is a beach of rugged natural beauty.