Our favourite beaches

As spring is edging nearer, and the chance of some sun might finally be on the cards, we’ve been talking beaches at TravelSupermarket this week.

So, we’ve compiled a list of our favourites. How many have you been to?

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands

Danielle Petrie: This beach is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. It is located on the tropical east coast of Australia and has white silica sand, crystal-clear waters, lovely warm weather and it’s a fun place to spend the whole day until the sun sets (another must see). You could swim to the sand bank islands caused by the tide or spot huge stingrays like we did.

Kendwa Beach, Zanzibar

Laura Swire: Kendwa Beach was absolute paradise after the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro. I’ve never seen a beach like it. Crystal-clear waters, perfect white sand, palm trees and authentic African boats made this the perfect place to relax.

SS Maheno shipwreck, 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island

Cathy Toogood: 75 Mile Beach on Fraser Island offers so much more to visitors than a spot to sunbathe. It’s also used as the island’s main highway and an airport landing strip, and as you drive down it you can stop to see sights such as the shipwreck of SS Maheno (pictured), Eli Creek and then scramble up Indian Head – where we were lucky enough to see dolphins.

Pacific Beach, San Diego

Laura Howard: This long, straight and wide beach is great for an early morning run (or cycle. or rollerblade) before the heat really kicks in. Rather than being a tourist trap, this part of Pacific Beach is lined with charming hippie-style residential cottages where relaxed and happy Californians tend to their plants or sit in the shade of the porch reading a book or quietly playing guitar. It’s slow, laidback, friendly and there’s always a big fat yellow sun in the sky. California at its best!

Jumeirah Public Beach, Dubai

Mark Hooson: I’m actually not a big fan of beaches, but there aren’t many in the world where you can turn around and see such amazing architecture. There are lots of nice beaches in Dubai, but this quiet, well-kept one is my favourite.

Bathsheba Beach, Barbados

Bob Atkinson: Bathsheba Beach in Barbados is on the rugged east coast. It has crashing Atlantic waves and is known as one of the best surfing beaches in the world. This is not something I connect with Barbados, but shows that the island has a flip side to the normal expectation of calm tropical beaches.

Costa Adeje Beach, Tenerife

Charlotte McCulloch: This beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, is one of my favourites. Although black sand isn’t always the most popular, the view from this very comfy looking seat was fantastic. It was such a peaceful setting, I can’t wait to go back!

Turtle Bay, Coopers Island Nature Reserve, Bermuda

Clare Francis: Bermuda’s beaches have to be among the best in the world – you’re spoilt for choice, and because it’s such a small island none are far away. But, perhaps one that could be missed as it is a bit off the beaten track is Turtle Bay. Yet it’s stunning – white sand, turquoise sea. Bliss. I feel relaxed just thinking about it. Oh to be back there…

Lake Tahoe, California

Andrew Griffiths: This beach has amazing views of mountains (although you can’t really see them on this picture), it’s really quiet and there’s lots of wildlife to spot such as chipmunks and Steller’s Jay birds.

Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall

Clare Walsh: Trebarwith Strand in North Cornwall is one of my favourite beaches. It is set in a deep valley, with soaring cliffs either side and looks out to Gull Rock. It’s  a popular spot for surfers, but my favourite time to go is early evening, when you can experience some amazing sunsets.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands

Gareth Morris: Located just a short boat ride off the coast of Central Queensland, the Whitsunday Islands are home to the most beautiful beach I have ever wiggled my toes through. There’s enough open space to lie back and relax away from the crowds and a lookout point to snap an impressive shot of the coastline. The white sand is so fine and pure that only two types have ever taken it from the island – thieving backpackers and the boffins at NASA to create the lens for their Hubble Telescope.

Cala Galdana, Menorca

Lucy Mather: This is one of my favourite beaches as, even in winter, it’s beautiful and full of life. There are plenty of small cafés and bars including a fabulous one overlooking the bay from an outcrop of rocks where you can look down over the stunningly clear water to watch the sea life. It’s a perfect beach for couples or families as the gorgeous sand is kept clean and it’s perfectly sheltered by the high rugged cliffs surrounding the bay.

Oahu, Hawaii

Les Roberts: This is an unknown beach I stumbled upon while driving round Oahu, Hawaii. The water was a bit choppy but I spent an afternoon there without a single other person turning up.

Lonnoc Beach, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, South Pacific

Dominique Hardy: This is perhaps the nearest you can get to a picture-perfect beach. And the best bit… you are likely to be the only person enjoying the wonderfully clear waters, snorkelling over beautiful coral and chilling out under the coconut palms. One to beat!

Have we missed somewhere great? Have you got a better snap yourself? Let us know by leaving a comment or sending your own beautiful beach pictures to yourquestions@travelsupermarket.com