5 off-path beach destinations you need to visit this summer

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Some say a beach is a beach; it doesn’t matter where you are.

I say those people haven’t been to Galveston and Destin – two completely different but wildly popular Gulf Coast getaways that look nothing alike.

The same can be said around the world: not every Greek island is a mirror image of Santorini, and not every Southern California beach paradise is a Polaroid stereotype of skateboarders and bleach-blonde surfers.

That’s why we’re taking you on a world trip today, revealing some of the world’s best off-road beaches that are well worth the adventure this summer, from the “Maldives” of the Mediterranean to an unspoiled paradise in Asia where you’d least expect it, and let’s just say we’re finally making use of this emoji: 🗿.

1) Ksamil: the “Maldives” of Albania 🇦🇱

Can we stop pretending that the Mediterranean begins and ends as one big loop around Greece?

Albania has somewhat quietly attracted European holidaymakers (which means ugly swimwear) in recent years.

Be sure to check the latest travel warnings and entry requirements before your trip.

Clearly, Albania has become one of the most popular countries in Europe due to its affordability, history and world-class beach towns like Ksamil.

With crystal clear waters, it has earned the title ‘Maldives’ – something it undeniably lives up to without having to travel to what seems like Middle-earth.

The difference is what you’ll find once you get there: bustling beach clubs, seafood feasts, and small islands that don’t require a seaplane to reach.

Moreover, it also feels very safe, as travelers currently score it 85/100 on our safety index:

2) Bonafacio: France’s unsung paradise 🇫🇷

You don’t have to navigate the sketchy streets of Marseille, the chic beach clubs of St. Tropez, or the shoulder-to-shoulder promenade crowds of Nice to enjoy an epic beach vacation in France.

You hear of the Spanish and Italian islands, but the French island of Corsica should also be at the table.

The town of Bonifacio is located on the southern tip of Corsica, where the picturesque old town is as striking as the sparkling sea.

Perched atop dramatic limestone cliffs, this overlooked hideaway feels a world away from the usual summer hotspots of mainland France, trading flashy resorts for boutique stays, medieval streets, boat trips and nearby beaches with the kind of clear blue water that’s worth flying ‘across the pond’ for.

Bonafacio makes a great base as the town itself is a pleasure to wander around, as are its beautiful neighbors Rondinara, Pianterella and Sperone.

Travelers score France’s safety level with an impressive 84/100:

3) Sanya: Asia’s secret coastal wonder 🇨🇳

Dare we ask if China is making a comeback?

Only time will tell for perhaps Asia’s most historic and cultured nation. But one thing you don’t often think about when planning a trip to China is the beautiful coastline.

Believe it or not, I can attest to this after visiting the island of Xiamen, but Sanya is perhaps even more pristine.

Sanya is located on the southern tip of Hainan, where palm-lined beaches, clear tropical waters and forested mountains make it feel a world away from the bustling metropolises you probably first imagine.

This tropical seaside town offers incredible beaches and scenery, especially in the 4 following locations:

• Yalong Bay
• Dadonghai
• Sanya Bay
• Haitang Bay

However, if there is one place you must see, it is that Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Baywhere it is not only one of the best hotels, but also has bubble gum pink shores.

Sure, there are dozens of bucket-list destinations within China’s vast borders, from the icy city of Harbin that would make Paul Wall blush to the old-fashioned bazaars of Kashgar, but don’t sleep on China’s palm-fringed islands for a swanky beach trip that’s more than ready for the ‘gram.

Despite a notoriously strict government, travelers largely report feeling safe with an incredible score of 91/100:

4) Siargao: The Philippines’ next big thing 🇵🇭

If you want to know the best secret places in the world, ask an Australian.

That said, Aussies are flocking to one of the Philippines’ up-and-coming islands.

Americans, now it’s your turn.

Instead of following the crowds to Boracay or Palawan, little-known Siargao feels more authentic.

Well, as authentic as an Aussie-laden hotspot could be with its iconic surf spot that put Siargao on the map in the first place.

But you don’t have to hang around to enjoy this island’s white-sand beaches. Highlights from the official tourist site of the Philippines Sugba Lagoon And Magpupungko Rock Pools as natural wonders beyond the island’s surfing scene.

And its appeal is undeniable, especially as one of Asia’s most affordable countries.

Travelers score the Philippines 75/100 for safety:

5) Easter Island: the distant icon of Chile 🗿

Talk about timely. It may seem far away, but with more “UAP” files being released, is there a more appropriate place to visit right now than Easter Island?

You know what we’re talking about: we’ve all seen those iconic, stoic stone sentinels known as Moaia mystery that remains to this day one of archaeology’s great debates about how they were moved.

Many casual admirers long assumed they were just heads, but excavations revealed hefty figures buried beneath the surface, some with intricate petroglyphs carved into their backs.

As fascinating as they are to see, what is lost when visiting Easter Island is the ‘Island’ part. It’s an incredible beach destination, even without aliens’ gift to humanity.

Yes, I said it…

But our Yahoo! Reisbron pokes a hole in that theory, which makes wearing a tin foil hat a lot less fun. 👽

So just bring your swimwear and sunscreen and enjoy one of Latin America’s most unique beach destinations with no shortage of photo opportunities.

Travelers score Chile 75/100 for safety:

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Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.