5 underrated international beaches perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing

For some of us, a dreamy international trip includes less-crowded coastal beauties where we can bask in the sun and enjoy the sea views. Here, we have curated a list of offbeat beach locations where one can experience silence away from the crowds.

Take a look:

Grace Bay lies on the northern coast of Providenciales, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory. Providenciales is the most developed island for tourism in the territory and is renowned for its luxury resorts, powdery white sand, and stunning turquoise waters. The beach is protected by an offshore barrier reef, ensuring calm conditions ideal for swimming. Its coral reefs also support rich marine biodiversity, making snorkelling and scuba diving popular activities.

Located on the southwestern coast of La Digue, this is one of the world’s most photographed beaches. It is famous for its dramatic granite boulders, soft white sand, and shallow turquoise lagoon. Thanks to its sheltered waters, it’s perfect for swimming and relaxation. La Digue itself was once home to a coconut plantation and vanilla farm, parts of which are now protected as a nature reserve. Visitors can also enjoy Creole cuisine and explore the island on bicycles, adding to the charm of this must-visit destination.

Known as both Shipwreck Beach and Smugglers Cove, Navagio is an isolated sandy bay on Zakynthos, one of the Ionian Islands of Greece. It is encircled by towering limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat. The beach is famous for the wreck of the MV Panagiotis, a smuggler’s ship that ran aground in the 1980s, now resting dramatically on the sand. While it attracts many tourists, its raw beauty and seclusion still give it a serene, otherworldly vibe. Visitors can take boat tours, admire the views from cliffside lookouts, and capture postcard-perfect photos.

Often ranked among the best beaches in the world, Baía do Sancho lies in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Brazil’s northeastern coast. The beach is famed for its emerald waters, golden sand, and vibrant marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and reef fish. Strict visitor limits and conservation measures help preserve its pristine condition. Accessible via steep stairways carved into cliffs or by boat, it offers excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and hiking along scenic trails.

Situated at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor on the South Adriatic coast, the Luštica Peninsula is known for its olive groves, rugged landscapes, and unspoiled beaches such as Žanjice, Mirište, Arza, and Dobreč. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to escape the bustle of mainstream destinations. Visitors can relax on secluded beaches, hike or cycle along coastal trails, or hire boats to discover hidden coves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.