The largest island along Brazil's coast and, literally, a “beautiful island,” Ilhabela offers visitors almost 40 kilometres of pristine beaches and a tropical island's worth of hiking trails, waterfalls and even a nascent party scene. At 207 kilometres from the city of São Paulo, Ilhabela can get crowded, so try to get your beach time in during the work week.

If you want to step off a plane and be at a mega resort 15 minutes later, Jericoacoara probably isn’t for you. But if you want an unspoiled beach town, and don’t mind bouncing along rough dirt roads for an hour to get there, you might just think it’s paradise. Kitesurfing, windsurfing, Capoeira, and, of course, just lying on the beach are popular activities.

Christ Church is located on the southern end of the island of Barbados, on the vibrant South Coast. Have fun travelling from beach to beach in a reggae boogie-bus and in the evening, charter a sunset cruise or head out to a seaside club and dance the night away. Sunbathe, snorkel or jet ski at a choice of beaches. If you prefer a quieter beach setting, it’s very easy to find one. The island has many long, isolated stretches of perfect white sand and crystal blue waters.

Cayo Coco, an island just north of mainland Cuba, has some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches—think superfine white sand and shallow, clear water. It’s popular with European travelers seeking a sunny escape at one of the island’s beach-side resorts. Snorkeling and diving are fantastic.

Costa Teguise in the Canary Islands doesn’t have a long history behind it—the resort area was developed as a tourist area in the 1980s. The sandy beaches are the town’s main attraction, but for a change of pace, visit the Fundacion Cesar Manrique, where you can see Manrique’s artwork and learn about this world-renowned local artist.

<p> Whether your favourite beach activity be lying back and enjoying the summer sun, preparing your own family picnic to enjoy on the beach, or fishing for the various local species from one of the two fishing piers, you will find it all available on your holiday doorstep. Boat trips are also readily available in the area, either purely for pleasure cruising or for fishing.You may wish to enjoy the spectacular views afforded by the large sand dune that is Jockey’s Ridge. Those interested in history may wish to go along to the Wright Brothers’ Visitor Centre, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the former keeper’s house, the latter now a museum. Taking the family on one of the nature trails will allow them to see everything from dolphins to local birds of prey in their natural environment, while the more energetic have the option of hiring bicycles to take in the beautiful countryside in a very effective fashion. </p>