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by vdmagdalen@gmail.com
A hidden beach is a landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river that is difficult to access because of its remoteness or because the surrounding terrain is inaccessible. Hidden beaches are increasingly being sought out by tourists who want to spend time away from the crowd they live with everyday. Here are some of the best hidden beaches from around the world.
1. Honopu Beach, Hawaii, USA
It doesn't get anymore secluded and remote than Honopu Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. No road or even a hiking trail leads to it. In fact, the only legal way to access it is to swim to it.
Honopu actually consists of two beaches, which are backed by majestic 1200-foot (365 m) high sea cliffs and separated by the Honopu arch. Around the corner is a large waterfall, cascading down the sea cliff, through the arch and into the ocean.
Honopu means “conch shell” in Hawaiian. It got this name because of the conch shell-like sound that the arch makes when northerly winds blow into the valley. Another nickname of Honopu is Cathedral Beach.
Trying to reach Honopu Beach is an adventure that is certainly not for everyone. Since swimming to the beach is necessary to set foot on it, one must be a very strong swimmer to reach it (and wear fins). Also, currents can be present even if the ocean appears calm. During summer when the ocean is calm, some people walk from Kalalau Beach on the exposed rocks and sand along the cliffs to Honopu Beach for most of the way. [link, map]
2. Navagio Beach, Greece
Navagio Beach or the Shipwreck, is an isolated sandy cove on Zakynthos Island and one of the most famous and most photographed beaches in Greece.
Navagio Beach is often referred to as the Shipwreck Beach or just simply “The Shipwreck” because it is home to the wreck of a ship called Panagiotis that is believed to have been a smugglers ship. The presence of alleged smugglers ship gave Navagio Beach yet another nick name – Smugglers Cove.
The area is defined by its sheer limestone cliffs, white sand beach, and clear blue water, which attract thousands of tourists yearly. The best views of the bay can be seen from a viewpoint platform at the top of the cliffs.
Island tour trips stop off here regularly. It is also interesting that the Beach is accessible only by boat. [link1, link2, map]
3. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) is a narrow white pebble beach on a promontory near Bol, located 2 km (1.25mi) west of Bol harbour, on the southern coast of the island of Brač, Croatia.
The shape of the beach shifts with the changes in tide, currents and wind, veering out into the sea 634 m (2.080ft) long. A reliable afternoon westerly wind known as a Maestral, together with clear and somewhat cool water make the beach a destination for windsurfers.
Despite its less than appealing name (although 'Zlatni Rat' actually means golden horn), it really is a little slice of paradise. Jutting out into the water off the island of Brac and surrounded by lush pine groves, it’s all flour-white sands and the bluest of waters around its shores.
If you want to be the only ones on the beach, then a languid stroll round the bay will find you any number of secret coves to while away a lazy sun-drenched Croatian afternoon. [link1, link2, map]
4. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is a definite "must-see" in the Whitsundays. The crystal clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres (4.3mi) along Whitsunday Island , the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. It defines nature at its best and provides the greatest sense of relaxation and escape.
At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach is Hill Inlet, a stunning cove where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a beautiful fusion of colours. As the tide shifts, the white silica sand and turquoise shades of the inlet blend seamlessly to create a breathtaking view of swirling Whitsunday colours.
For the best view, journey to the lookout at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island. Time your lookout experience on low tide to fully experience the beautiful fusion of colours that surface.
There are several ways to experience the beauty of Hill Inlet. Many companies offer day trips to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet by ferry, power boat or luxury yacht. Most overnight sailing trips also stop here. [link, map]
5. Cala d’en Serra, Spain
Cala d’en Serra is a beach in the northern part of the Spanish island of Ibiza. It is in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja and is 4.3 miles (6.9 km) north of the village of Sant Joan de Labritja, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of the beach resort of Portinatx. The beach of Cala d’en Serra is a small horseshoe bay with a further satellite coves near by. The sandy beach has clean clear water and was once named in The Guardian newspaper, one of Europe’s best beaches.
The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs cloaked in vegetation. The water transparent and quiet and safe for bathing. Within the cove there is a small beach bar and several dry-dock fisherman’s stalls. To the south of the main beach there is another small secluded satellite beach which can be reached by a short swim. Behind the beach there is an abandoned building site, once planned to be a hotel beach resort. [link, map]
6. Hidden Beach on Marieta Islands, Mexico
Protected from the intrusion of the world outside, the hidden beach of Marieta Islands, Puerto Vallarta is a world of its own. Located just a few miles off the coast of Mexico, close to Bandera bay, Marieta Islands are archipelagos that were formed as a result of volcanic activity. The islands have remained almost secluded ever since. It was only recently that recreational aspect of the place was discovered following development of an extremely exclusive marine ecosystem that makes this place just as unique as thrilling.
The water along the hidden beach Marieta Island, Puerto Vallarta is a crystal clear blue mass of pure bliss. Of the marine wildlife available to view in the place, Humpback whale, sea turtles and dolphins are just a few of the most magnificent examples. Travelers can also enjoy a powerboat trip to the hidden beach, Marieta Island, Puerto Vallarta taking in the scenery along the way.
The hidden beach, Marieta Islands, Puerto Vallarta is an intriguing site in its own accord. The beach remains cut off from rest of the group of islands. And for those who stumble across the place, the surprises held are immense. The beach is considered to possess an abundance of reef fish, with about 103 different species moving around in the clear blue waters of the beach. [link, map]7. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia
Wineglass Bay is one of the most secluded, remote beaches in the world and consistently ranked as one of the best and most beautiful. Its fame for seclusion is well-earned, as the walk to the beach through woodlands takes about an hour, but is very much worthwhile. Wineglass Bay is actually located near Hobart, Tasmania, an island off the southern tip of Australia, right below Melbourne, Victoria.
Freycinet Peninsula, 2.5 hours from Hobart, is the home of Wineglass Bay, and offers natural, breathtaking beauty and plenty of opportunity to bushwalk or hike. The one-hour trek through the woods empties you at the site of a lookout point above the bay. Here, you will witness the vast beauty of the region firsthand, then continue down to the beach itself, marveling at the perfection of it, for a swim in the crystalline waters. On the southern end of the beach watch the Hazards – 300-meter (990 ft) high granite rock sheers – burst into pink flame as the sun sets. [link, map]8. Anse Cocos, Seychelles
Anse Cocos is the most isolated, stunning and unspoilt beach on the East side of La Digue Island, Seychelles.
It can be reached on foot either via Grand Anse and Petit Anse (beaches) or, for the more adventurous, by trekking across the island via Nid'Aigle. The perfect beach for rest, relaxation and solitude.
Anse Cocos Beach is a white sandy beach with clear blue water with plenty of natural shade. Because of its more sheltered aspect, this beach is safe for swimmers, but there are still some strong currents. [link, map]9. Butterfly Valley, Turkey
It is a wonderful valley and a natural treasure located 5 km (3.1mi) away from Oludeniz in the direction of Kabak bay after Kidrak beach. Butterfly valley is formed on the foot hills of mountain Babadag, surrounded with steep 350 m (1.150ft) high rocky hills.
The name of the valley is derived from the 80 kind of butterfly species and basically from the tiger butterfly hosted in the valley. The crystal clear water, untouched nature, butterflies, small waterfall and sweet-scented pink oleandars create a unique and different atmosphere in the valley. There is only one installation which provides accommodation (tents, bungalows), food and beverage and basic facilities to visitors of the Valley.
Although the mountains that make up the valley can be reached by road, it is very much difficult to get into valley even by walk, therefore the only access to Butterfly valley is made by boats from Oludeniz Belcekiz Beach. [link, map]
10. Playa de Cuevas del Mar, Spain
The beach of Cuevas is a part of the Protected Landscape of the East Coast of Asturias,it is located at the mouth of the Cuevas river. When the tide is low, you can walk across the formations that the sea has built on limestone. A path to the right of the beach leads to Pria jesters, breathtaking natural spectacle where the sea gets alive. A perfect excuse for those seeking rural tourism much more than a resting place. [link, map]11. Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands, USA
Trunk Bay is a body of water and a beach on Saint John in the United States Virgin Islands. It has consistently been voted one of the Ten Best Beaches in The World by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and has received similar recognition from other publications.
Also, the National Geographic Society has labeled Trunk Bay as the most beautiful beach in the world. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island whose amenities include a snack bar, showers and restrooms, lifeguards, and, most famously, an underwater trail for snorkeling its coral reef. Trunk Bay is the only National Park beach on Saint John which requires a fee to visit. [link, map]
12. Loch Ard Gorge Beach, Australia
The Loch Ard Gorge is part of Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia, about 10 minutes drive west of The Twelve Apostles. It is a visible example of the process of erosion in action.
Loch Ard Gorge Beach is place where the Loch Ard (passenger ship) was shipwrecked in 1878. Stairs allow visitors access to the beach which is otherwise undeveloped. There are numerous plaques and a small museum detailing the sites history.
Beach offers to visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful rock formations that are on all sides, and when the ocean is restless, visitors can hear the loud roar of the waves crashing against the rocks. [link, map]
13. Furore Fjord, Italy
A small crack in the rocks, an ancient gorge that was a hidden place for the bandits in the past, an inlet where the sea can show all its power. The Furore's fjord is sort or natural port, where is possible to arrive only by the sea side, surmounted by a natural rock arch that perfectly complete the majesty of this place.
The inhabitant of this particular place have built their homes on the bare rock of this inhospitable territory, the fishermen homes also called "monazzeri", which means "living in solitude" are still on the rocks and the houses have been recently restored. The fjord hosts few rare animals thanks to its environment: the Pilgrim hawk and few other rare species. There are also few very rare ferns, this place is a natural oasis made for wilderness lovers and people who needs to relax. [link, map]
14. Glossa Beach, Greece
This small hidden beach is located in Messenia - a regional unit in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, Greece. Messenia is characterized by luxurious resorts and boutique guest houses, high mountains and mellow olive groves, historical sites of all ages and of course amazing beaches of all kinds.
Glossa beach (tongue) is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking beaches in Greece. It is considered as one of the most hidden in Greece. [link]
15. Playa de Ballota, Spain
Faced with an imposing stone watchtower, surrounded by the green characteristic of theAsturian coast, Ballota beach highlights for its heartbreaking beauty. Viewed from above, Ballota beach beauty is almost overwhelming. Framed in green, almost wild, pierced in the cliff, Ballota beach forms a perfect shell 350 meters (1.150ft) in length. Before her, the islet of Castro pretends to be a vigilant tiny carved in stone.
Open to the sea, white sand and big waves, the beach and its surroundings form a unique setting. From the viewpoint of La Boriza the views over Ballota beach is overwhelming, where the sea roars and the earth trembles. Ballota, as part of the protected area of the eastern coast, the green landscape that surrounds it and the untamed beauty of theCantabrian Sea make a stunning backdrop for anyone thinking of enjoying the charm of rural tourism in Llanes coast. [link, map]
.jpg "Honopu Beach, Hawaii, USA")
.jpg "Navagio Beach, Greece")
.jpg "Hidden Beach on Marieta Islands, Mexico")
.jpg "Hidden Beach on Marieta Islands, Mexico")
.jpg "Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia")
.jpg "Butterfly Valley, Turkey")
.jpg "Butterfly Valley, Turkey")
.jpg "Playa de Ballota, Spain")
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