Winter is nice for five minutes: cosy jumpers, hot chocolates and Christmas films. But let's be honest, when the sky turns concrete grey and our noses turn to ice, a ticket to a heavenly beach becomes an emergency. But don't panic! I've selected 15 incredible beaches for you, perfect for recharging your solar batteries. With grains of sand like grains of sugar, waters clearer than an emotional tear, and juicy anecdotes to slip into your conversations. So get your sun cream and your sense of humour ready, we're off on a trip!
Playa Blanca, on the island of Barú, is a little gem around thirty kilometres south-west of Cartagena. Accessible by boat or car (even if the road shakes more than a badly mixed mojito), this beach welcomes you with sand as white as the toothpaste in the adverts and turquoise waters perfect for sunbathing or snorkelling.
At Playa Blanca, you can enjoy freshly prepared ceviche directly from the fishermen's boats, before settling into a hammock for a siesta under a palm tree. This is not a beach for those seeking absolute silence: it's lively and colourful, and the locals love coming here with their families.
One day, I decided to be adventurous and set off in search of one of these famous ceviche vendors. After exchanging a few words in broken Spanish, I discovered that this incredible recipe came from an 82-year-old granny on a boat. She told me that she had learnt to cook at sea with her father. "It's not fish, it's love in a bowl", she told me. And I agree.
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On the island of Komodo (yes, the island of the famous dragons), Pink Beach is a real treasure. Its sand gets its pinkish hue from fragments of red coral mixed in with the white sand. It's an almost unreal place, with calm, clear waters ideal for scuba diving.
I saw clownfish, rays and even a curious dolphin that seemed to want to play. I once tried to take a photo of the beach with no one on it. After three hours of waiting and patience (and a good sunburn), I succeeded. But in another visitor's photo, guess who was the intruder? Me, of course. Ironic, isn't it?
The Maldives are the stuff of dreams, and Maafushi is the accessible version of this paradise. You don't need to break the bank to enjoy fairytale beaches. Located just 30 minutes by boat from Malé, this small island is ideal for swimming in unreal blue waters, snorkelling with manta rays or simply sipping a coconut under a palm tree.
I wanted to try paddle yoga on the lagoon. Imagine me, concentrated, on an unstable board, trying out an elegant posture. In reality? I fell into the water at the first upside-down dog. Fortunately, the water was so warm that I could have stayed there all day.
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Hidden away in a cove on the island of Zakynthos, Navagio Beach is an incredible sight. Also known as Shipwreck Beach, it owes its name to the wreck of a boat that ran aground in the sand in the 1980s. It can only be reached by boat, which adds to its exclusivity.
The water is so blue it seems to fluoresce. You can climb the surrounding cliffs for a breathtaking panoramic view. I ventured out, determined to play explorer. But after five minutes in the wreck, I realised that "hidden treasure" rhymed mostly with "rusty tin can". No pirate in sight, but a great memory nonetheless.
In the Whitsundays, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, lies Whitehaven Beach, legendary for its sand of unrivalled purity: 98 % of silica. It's so fine and soft that it never gets hot, even in the blazing sun. It's also the beach where I realised that you can literally hear the sand crunch under your feet, like a soft carpet.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane (chic, isn't it?), Whitehaven is protected, so there are no buildings, just nature in its raw state. You can venture out into the crystal-clear waters to spot rays and small, harmless sharks.
A little personal anecdote: I wanted to bring back a handful of this magic sand as a souvenir. As a result, at customs I was stopped by an agent who gave me a full course on preserving the ecosystem. I ended up putting it down with a sheepish look on my face, but hey, at least I've got a good story to tell.
Head for Brazil, to the paradise archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, to discover Praia do Sancho. Regularly voted the best beach in the world, it combines everything a lover of the tropics could wish for: golden sand, verdant cliffs and water so transparent you can see the fish swimming from the shore.
Access to this beach is an adventure in itself: you climb down a metal ladder embedded in the cliff (don't panic, it's more impressive than dangerous). Once at the bottom, the rewards are total: a preserved environment, exceptional biodiversity and a rare feeling of exclusivity. It's also an ideal spot for diving and snorkelling: turtles, rays and dolphins are often to be seen.
When I went there, I was lucky enough to witness an incredible natural spectacle: the laying of sea turtles. As the hatchlings emerged from the sand and ran towards the ocean, I tried to contain my emotion while remembering that my camera was still in my bag. The result? Lots of memories in my head, but very few clear photos. Magic can't always be captured, but it can be fully experienced.
Head for Cayo Guillermo, a small island in the King's Gardens in northern Cuba. Playa Pilar, named after Hemingway's boat, is a peaceful beach bordered by dunes up to 15 metres high. Here, everything is forgotten: stress, socks, even the time of day. All that matters is the warmth of the sun and the gentle sound of the waves.
The water, as clear as a tear of joy, is perfect for snorkelling. I spent hours watching the multicoloured fish, completely fascinated. Afterwards, I indulged in a mojito served right on the beach. The straw was a piece of bamboo as thick as my wrist. It's impossible to look distinguished drinking that, but that's part of Cuba's charm, isn't it?
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Located in Negril, on Jamaica's west coast, Seven Mile Beach is a tropical paradise with miles of white sand and water as warm as a bathtub. The atmosphere is laid-back, with beach bars playing non-stop reggae and local food stalls serving unforgettable jerk chicken.
One evening, while sipping a rum cocktail, I took part in an impromptu limbo contest. Spoiler: I'm not very good at it, but the collective laughter was well worth the humiliation.
Welcome to the island of La Digue, in the Seychelles, and discover Anse Source d'Argent. With its granite rocks sculpted by the wind, this beach is one of the most photographed in the world, and for good reason: it's absolutely unique. The water is shallow, and the protected lagoon is perfect for a leisurely swim or paddle session.
To get there, you have to cross a vanilla plantation (an adventure in itself). Once there, prepare to be amazed by the play of light between the rocks and the turquoise water. I had the (let's face it, not brilliant) idea of climbing onto one of the rocks to take a photo. I ended up slipping and ending up flat on my back in the sand, under the amused gaze of a few tourists.
On the island of Culebra, Flamenco Beach is an oasis of tranquillity, often described as a giant natural swimming pool. The sand is soft, the water translucent, and the bay is protected, so there are no big waves.
While exploring the beach, I came across an old abandoned tank, a relic of past military exercises. It's rusty and covered in graffiti, but it adds an unexpected and photogenic touch to this heavenly spot.
Welcome to Trou aux Biches, a postcard-perfect beach in the north of Mauritius. Its lagoon is so calm that it looks like a giant mirror. It's the perfect place to learn how to snorkel: I came face to face with parrotfish so colourful they looked like something out of a Pixar film.
The village next door is adorable, with little stalls where you can buy sliced pineapple and seafood kebabs grilled à la minute. And the sunset? A firework display of reds and oranges that almost brought a tear to my eye.
The only problem was when I tried to feed the fish a piece of bread. In two seconds, I was surrounded by a swarm of hungry fish. I panicked, lost my snorkel and ended up drinking the cup. But hey, it was a heavenly cup.
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Grace Bay, on the island of Providenciales, is regularly ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its white sand, crystal-clear water and miles of calm make it the perfect place for absolute relaxation.
I tried paddling here and it was like walking on water. Until a curious turtle ran under my board and I lost my balance and jumped. I fell, but what a memorable fall!
On the south coast of Sri Lanka, just two hours from Colombo, Mirissa Beach is a nugget. This crescent of golden sand, fringed by palm trees, attracts travellers for its relaxed atmosphere and waters that are perfect for surfing or floating.
In the morning, the fishermen return with their catch, and you can sample grilled fish fresh from the ocean. And if you're lucky, it's also a perfect spot for spotting blue whales.
One evening, I saw a giant turtle emerge from the water to lay its eggs. I was fascinated, almost in tears. But a devious crab decided to steal my towel. Moral of the story: never turn your back on a crustacean.
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Head for An Bang Beach, near Hoi An, a village famous for its lanterns and tailors. Here, the atmosphere is zen: comfortable deckchairs, waterside cafés and a breathtaking view of the Cham Islands.
I discovered the simple pleasure of drinking an iced Vietnamese coffee while watching the fishermen return with their basket-shaped boats. And as always, I wanted to try everything: grilled fish, spring rolls... The result? A three-hour nap on the beach, full and happy.
Ah, Kelingking Beach, that hidden treasure on the island of Nusa Penida, 45 minutes by boat from Bali. Seen from above, the cliff looks like a giant T-Rex plunging into the ocean. But to get down to this spectacular beach, you have to earn your keep: a steep path and stairs made from bamboo. Believe me, the calves heat up just as much as under the Balinese sun.
At the bottom, the rewards are immense: fine sand, impressive waves and the feeling of being cut off from the world. Swimming can be a bit sporty because of the currents, but resting on the sand is enough to recharge your batteries.
I once had the bright idea of doing this descent in sandals. Bad strategy: I slipped three times before a local guide dubbed me "Miss Cascade". I survived, and frankly, the view was worth it.
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And that's all there is to it! These beaches are just waiting for you to turn winter into eternal summer. So, which one appeals to you most? 🌴
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