If you want to spend Christmas a little differently this year then take a look at these five incredible beach destinations – you won’t be disappointed!
Playa Blanca Beach, Lanzarote
Where
Playa Blanca Beach can be found in the south of the island, in Playa Blanca and is just a short drive from Lanzarote’s main airport.
Dine & wine
The promenade, on the edge of the beach, is full of great places where you can grab a quick bite to eat or a drink in the evening. If you’re a real foodie who loves friendly service then a meal at traditional Greek restaurant Sebastyn’s is a must. Alternatively, if thick cuts of meat are your thing then you’d be a fool to miss a trip to El Argentino’s Steak House.
Why so special?
This beach is the perfect place to relax as well as a great place to have fun with family and friends. The sea is calm and therefore perfect for swimming in and the beach itself couldn’t be any better situated as it’s so close to everything you could need, including souvenir shops, bars and restaurants and the main shopping centre of Limones. If keeping fit is your thing then you’re not limited to a run on the beach here as there’s a free exercise area between the popular areas of Playa Blanca and Playa Dorada.
The beach is positioned exceptionally close to the tourist information office where you can find out everything you need to know about Playa Blanca and the surrounding area. If you want a real treat then make sure you head a little further down the promenade where you’ll be able to take a look at the yachts at the Marina Rubimar and mosey around the designer shops and luxury boutiques.
Go if…
You like a variety of culinary delights then Playa Blanca beach is the perfect holiday destination. If you want to move away from the action packed Playa Blanca for a day of utter relaxation then that’s not a problem either as the calm, sheltered beaches of Playa Flamingo and Playa Dorada are extremely close by.
Avoid if…
You’re a water sport fanatic because the beaches are sheltered and therefore the waters too calm for any real fun, so if this is what you’re looking for then a beach further along the coast will be better suited to your needs.
Kuta Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Where
Kuta beach is a mere 15 minute drive from Bali’s main airport – Ngurah Rai (Aka Denpasar) International Airport – and is situated on the west side of the island. If you want to make your drive to the beach a little more fun then it’s really easy to hire a moped or, alternatively, you could jump into the nearest taxi and you’ll be there in no time.
Dine & wine
In Bali the choice of food is endless so there’s something to please every palate. Don’t be afraid to try food from beach vendors because it really is exquisite but if you want to broaden your horizons a little further then head of the beach and enter the maze of back streets in search of something particularly wonderful. If you like to try new cuisines then as nasi goreng – Indonesia’s national dish; babi guling – roast suckling pig and pecel Iele, which is fried catfish, should all be tried. If you’re not overly adventurous when it comes to trying new dishes then there’s always Bali’s Hard Rock Café, which overlooks Kuta beach, where you can get your hands on some more familiar food.
Why so special?
The site of Kuta beach was once nothing more than a humble, quiet fishing village that has been transformed over the years into the most popular beach in Bali. This beach really is perfect for everyone; if you’re the type who enjoys sun bathing with activities going on around you, then you’ll have no problem finding the perfect spot. If you’re into water sports on the other hand then the water is perfect for surfing people of all skill levels and you can even have lessons from one of the many instructors, for a very reasonable price.
Safety is taken extremely seriously on Kuta beach so life guards are on constant patrol and flags are often used to clearly identify areas that are suitable for swimming.
In Bali, religion is taken really seriously and everyone gets involved so you’re likely to see a variety of lively Hindu celebrations and festivals taking place on the beach while you’re there.
Make sure you spend at least one evening down on the beach waiting for the sun to set as you’ll be treated to a sight that many people could only dream of – one of the greatest skylines in the world.
Go if…
You like fun and chaos to be part of your everyday life and you’re always on the lookout for your next adventure. There’s so much to do and so many people to meet from all walks of life, you’ll never get bored and you’ll get to hear some fascinating stories while you’re there.
Avoid if…
You’re looking for a quiet spot to spend some time alone and indulge in a good book.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Where
Bondi is arguably the most famous beach in the world and is situated in the Sydney suburb of Bondi. Public transport in this area of Sydney is second to none so you can always get the bus or a train down to Bondi junction. Once you’ve reached this point you have a small walk through the lively town before you’ll be faced with the magnificent horseshoe that is Bondi Beach – the beach really is huge (about 1km) so there’s not a chance of you missing it.
Dine & wine
In Bondi there are loads of great places to eat and drink so there’s always somewhere to refuel after an action packed day at the beach. Campbell Parade lines the edge of the beach and is packed full of great places to eat – a lot of them even allow you to take your own drinks, which makes dining out with the whole family a lot more affordable. If you’re a meat lover then you’ll fit in well in the land where BBQs reign supreme. Roscoe Street is the home of the must-try Hurricane’s Grill where you can tuck into their meaty Christmas menu – which includes a full rack of juicy ribs – for around $65 AUS per head. The Bondi Social is a particular favourite for tourists and locals; they serve excellent food, including a particularly tasty breakfast, and they have happy hours every day so it’s a great place to frequent after a tiring day at the beach.
Why so special?
Bondi Beach really is beautiful and has all the facilities you could possibly need, including indoor showers, changing rooms and lockers – these can all be found inside the Pavilion, which is just opposite the centre of the beach. Safety is taken exceptionally seriously at Bondi and there are always lifeguards on duty who will continue to warn you of any dangers to look out for that day. Bondi Beach is a surfing hotspot – for the experienced and beginners – so if you fancy trying it out then this is definitely the place to do it, you can even enquire about lessons back at the Pavilion. The fact that Bondi is great for surfers means choppy waters, which sometimes means it’s not great for swimmers. If the warnings suggest that the water could be particularly dangerous that day or you don’t feel confident tackling the choppy sea then head to Icebergs Club – which is situated at the beginning of the coastal walk. Here you’ll be able to enjoy watching the waves crashing onto Bondi Beach beneath you while you swim in much calmer waters – (a 50m Olympic swimming pool) – for as little as $5.50.
Go if…You want to have fun with your family this Christmas – or any time of the year for that matter – at one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in the world. Bondi Beach also has an amazing atmosphere because everyone – locals and tourists – is exceptionally friendly.
Avoid if… You’re not a great swimmer as the current at Bondi can be particularly strong. Kids should definitely avoid the water – unless they’re having a surfing lesson with a trained instructor – because even paddling can get interesting in these waters.
Cottesloe Beach, Perth in Western Australia
Where
Cottesloe beach can be found on Marine Parade where there’s always plenty of space to park. The beach is just 15 minutes outside Perth, Australia and can be driven to along the coast road – head north from Fremantle.
Dine & wine
Marine Parade runs parallel with the ocean and alongside the edge of Cottesloe beach and it is the perfect place to find food and drink to suit all taste buds and budgets. If you’re looking for a high end meal then be sure to check out the Restaurant Indiana, or if you’re just looking to have some fun and enjoy the atmosphere then the Ocean Beach Hotel shouldn’t be missed. The Ocean Beach Hotel is always packed with a healthy mixture of tourists and locals, there is a large beer garden so you can make the most of the weather and drink as much as you like by taking regular trips to one of their three bars. If you want to enjoy some great food while you’re there then be sure to check it out on a Sunday when everyone lets loose and enjoys a great BBQ for a really reasonable price.
Why so special?
If you’re a lover of great water sports then this is the place to be – particularly for kayakers and kite surfers. There’s no chance of feeling overcrowded on Cottesloe beach because it really is huge and if you’re not a fan of the sand but don’t want to miss out on a good day at the beach then there are also raised, lawn terraces which means you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Just for the novelty value make sure you don’t miss a trip to the drive through alcohol cash and carry.
Go if…
You want to make the most of the weather on a clean, safe beach while eating some amazing food in great company.
Avoid if…
You don’t want to let your hair down and have fun.
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand
Where
On the east coast of Thailand’s island of Koh Samui lies Chaweng beach which is a huge 6km long. Flights regularly leave the UK for this part of the world – flying via Bangkok – so you shouldn’t have any issues getting there.
Dine & wine
In Chaweng there’s no shortage of places to eat or drink with over 100 bars and restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine – including everything from traditional Thai to the classic American cheeseburger. A lot of people are afraid to try food that’s being sold on the street but it’s absolutely delicious and something you must try. The food and drinks on offer are generally pretty affordable and in order to create a sociable atmosphere a loft of the bars on the sea front put out tables and cushions so that you can enjoy a few drinks under the moonlight on the beach – watch out though because this creates a great nightlife so you’re likely to find yourself still sipping cocktails on the beach at dawn!
Why so special?
Everything is always going on at Chaweng beach and you can buy everything you need from the beach vendors. There are loads of water sports to try and there are plenty of massage parlours where you can relax with a traditional Thai massage.
Go if…
You like to party and meet like-minded people. Chaweng beach is descended upon by tourists and back-packers, between the ages of 18 and 35, who are looking for a good time on one of the liveliest beaches in Thailand.
Avoid if…
If you don’t like to party and you’re looking to relax on your holiday, read a book and not be disturbed.
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