Beaches Just For You
If you think you aren’t a beach person, we beg you to reconsider. There are as many types of beaches as there are personality types, whether it’s a remote island in Japan for introverts or a buzzy beach town in Greece for party fanatics. Here, we’ve rounded up five beaches that fit a variety of personalities, guaranteed to turn everyone into a bona fide beach bum.
-
Laid-back lovers: Isla Holbox, Mexico
While the crowds flock to Cancun or increasingly popular Tulum, people seeking a laid-back vacation should take a detour to Isla Holbox. Conveniently located off Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this sleepy island replaces tourist shops and mega-resorts with open-air bars and hammocks swaying in the wind. Visit while you can—this spot won’t remain under the radar forever.
Introverts: Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island, Japan
Sitting on a crowded beach with hardly any space between your towel and your neighbor’s sounds like an introvert’s nightmare. Luckily for those who value their alone time, there are places like Japan’s Kabira Bay, found on Ishigaki Island. While other spots on the island are great for swimming and sunbathing, Kabira Bay doesn’t allow either. Instead, you can take a ride on a glass-bottomed boat to admire the coral reefs surrounding the beach and take some time to enjoy the quiet solitude.
Social butterflies: Ibiza, Spain
People all over the world flock to Ibiza, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, for its nightclubs, day parties, and gorgeous beaches. Pick pretty much any stretch of sand on the island, and you’re guaranteed to find yourself next to a bar, DJ spinning techno beats, or designated nudist areas—or maybe all three.
Adventurous types: Kalalau Beach, Hawaii
While some folks enjoy lounging on the sand and doing nothing, others want a little more adventure in their beach visit. Hawaii’s Kalalau Beach (found along Kauai’s Nā Pali Coast) fits that ticket. With strenuous hiking trails and rough surf not for the faint of heart, it’s a spot for those who like to get their blood pumping. After finishing the 11-mile hike that ends on the beach, set up camp on the sand and get right back to hiking in the morning.
Romantics: Big Sur, California
Stroll hand-in-hand along California’s central coastline as you revel in the breathtaking beauty of Big Sur. The vast shoreline offers romantics a place to relax, reconnect, and find a quiet spot for just the two of you. For some of the most beautiful views, head to Pfeiffer Beach, about two miles off Highway 1, and enjoy the coastal scenery and unique rock formations when you aren’t too busy gazing into your partner’s eyes.