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Some call this cove, positioned on the windward side of the island, Aruba’s most beautiful beach. It’s pristine and just the right amount of windswept, thanks to the towering limestone cliffs that surround the powdered sands and crystalline waters. If you’re looking for a true escape, the relatively inaccessible Andicuri is your spot—it’s reachable only by four-by-four or a strenuous hike. Once there, you’ll find mostly locals. Swimming isn’t encouraged, but surfers, boogie boarders, and kitesurfers still try to catch the impressive swells. Note: There are no beach facilities, though overhanging ledges provide some shade.

A true desert outpost, the Peruvian town of Mancora enjoys the most sunshine hours of anywhere in the country. Unlike the rest of Peru the water is warm enough to surf without a wetsuit, a welcome complement to an area already featuring some of the best waves in South America. Hemingway knew what he was doing when he set up shop in nearby Cabo Blanco, an authentic fishing village where the ceviche is some of the freshest on the planet and the days pass with a simple peacefulness unique to many coastal escapes. While outdoor activities abound around Mancora, from kitesurfing to fishing to morning yoga sessions, on this particular morning the to-do list consists of nothing more than a good book, a cold drink, and watching whales splash on the endless horizon.

Moorings Village has a setting out of an island fantasy, stretched along one of the largest private beaches in the Keys, with more than 1,000 coconut palms shading its 18 guest villas. After a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, the resort reopened in January 2018 with 100 newly planted coconut trees, a new picturesque dock, and a refurbished swimming pool—while still maintaining its eclectic design and luxurious feel. The individually styled villas—each with a wraparound veranda—have kitchens, living and dining spaces, and a selection of artwork collected during resort owner Hubert Baudoin’s travels. Ocean activities rule the day here (unless you’re lolling in a hammock) and the property offers complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes, in addition to coordinating excursions like scuba diving, kitesurfing, sailing, and fishing. And because the resort takes up both sides of the Key of Islamorada, guests can catch the sunrise and then witness sunset while dining at either Pierre’s (an upscale spot with French fusion cuisine) or the Beach Café (a casual bistro serving Caribbean-American food). Pro tip: Book your visit to coincide with the full moon to attend the Mooring’s monthly beach party for live music, fireworks, and bonfires on the beach.

The final mile of the drive from the resort town of Malindi to the secluded beachfront hotel Che Shale winds through lush vegetation and coconut-studded palms—a preview of the laid-back vacation that awaits you. The property itself is simple and stylish: guests sleep in thatched bandas made with locally sourced materials and dine with sand between their toes on soft-shell crustaceans from the hotel’s organic crab farm. There are hidden nooks up wooden ladders to read or snooze in, but the party is down on the beach, a snorkeler’s delight thanks to warm Indian Ocean waters teeming with tropical fish. This stretch of coastline also gets great waves, and kitesurfers flock here, though the staff can arrange lessons for novices. There’s also an on-site boutique filled with swimwear, beach bags, straw hats, and more should you decide to extend your stay.

Hop on a bike and cycle the Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, a 26-mile walking and cycling track that takes in some of the West of Ireland’s best views. The greenway follows the old Great Western railway line from Westport to Achill Island, which first opened in 1895 and closed in 1937. The trail meanders along through woodlands and bogs, with views of Clew Bay and the Atlantic on one side and the Nephin Mountain on the other, and it’s traffic-free. Stop off in the village of Newport for tea and scones in Kelly’s Kitchen, or drop into McLoughlin’s in the seaside village of Mulranny for a drop of something a bit stronger and to take in the amazing views across Clew Bay to Croagh Patrick. Clew Bay Bike Hire has four bases along the trail, so you can drop your bike off along the way and the company will either bring your bags to your end point or collect you and return you to where you started. The greenway ends at Achill Island, where you can enjoy five Blue Flag beaches, go horseback riding, or try surfing or kitesurfing.

There was once was a time when the Palawai Basin teemed with acres of pineapple. In 1992, however, when the last commercial pineapple was plucked from the island of Lana’i, these dusty plains on the outskirts of Lana’i City reverted to an empty field. Well, almost. As it turns out, about a half mile from the highway in the Palawai hinterlands is a small hill which is covered in petroglyphs. Estimated to be at least 200 years old, these rock etchings make the island’s pineapple era look like a recent fad. While the Luahiwa petroglyphs are similar in appearance to those which are found elsewhere on the island, (such as those at Kaiolohia and Kaunolu), what makes the etchings at Luahiwa so special is not only their proximity to town, but the staggering number of individual drawings which number close to 1,000. Set only 10 minutes outside of Lana’i City, a zig-zagging series of former pineapple roads leads to the base of the conspicuous bluff. After ascending a small hill and bushwhacking through brush, the search for the carvings is like an archeological Easter egg hunt where an ancient drawing could appear at any moment. Despite the number of etchings, however, modern graffiti and recent alterations have marred many of the largest carvings. Nevertheless, those who scramble along the red dirt scree slope can still find carvings which have sat undisturbed since the days of the original Hawaiians.

About 20 minutes from downtown, there’s a long, flat stretch of sand called Kite Beach because local kitesurfers flock here every afternoon when the wind picks up. You can rent a kiteboard and hire a coach for the day to teach you the basics—or take it easy and bring a picnic while you watch the kites dip and swoop like huge butterflies across the aquamarine sea. Just want a swim? You can splash around until midnight thanks to two “Smart Power Poles” that light up the water.

Although Chile’s central coastline boasts a string of attractive beaches along with towns filled with visitors seeking relief from the heat, the truth is the water is freezing cold year-round due to the Humboldt Current that brings Antarctic water up the coast. You’ve got to go pretty far north to find temperate seas. Bahía Inglesa is a stretch of coastline where the turquoise waters are tranquil, the sand is white, and there are dozens of beaches—some are along waveless bays (perfect for children), and others are great for scuba diving, kayaking, and kitesurfing. The area has restaurants for all tastes, and while there are lots of lodgings, in summer crowds flock in, so reserve as early as possible.

Tel Aviv is known for its picturesque stretches of soft sand beaches filled with lively tanned locals and tourists swimming, snorkeling, and playing matkot (the Israeli version of the raquet sport paddle ball). But with a handful of different spots, including the ports of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, it can be difficult to decide where to put down a towel. A tried-and-true local favorite is Gordon Beach, with its volleyball nets set up on the sand, selection of restaurants and bars lining the boardwalk, and the adjacent saltwater Gordon Pool. A handful of water activities, such as kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, are also available at neaby beaches. Visitors often stay after hours to watch the unrivaled sunset.

One of Abu Dhabi‘s great pleasures is the ease with which one can escape to a seemingly remote paradise within minutes. If you’d like a tropical getaway without a drive or flight, take a 10-minute ferry from Saadiyat Island and stay at the luxury villas at the Zaya Nurai Island resort. Those who can tear away from the private infinity pool that comes with every villa will find nature walks, snorkeling, outdoor movie nights, and just about any water activity imaginable, from kitesurfing to Flyboarding. Nurai’s dining scene offers a variety of memorable experiences, too—from Book Cellar, a library where guests recline and read with cheese and wine, to Smokin Pineapple, an unapologetically fun beachfront pizza grill.

To experience a different side of the island, away from crowds and development, head east to Cas en Bas Beach for a quiet escape. In addition to the charms of its rustic setting and the floor show provided by kitesurfers and horseback riders, Marjorie’s ramshackle beachfront bar delights with simple and affordable meals. The owner’s warm personality has won her many fans: A photo of her posing with singer Amy Winehouse hangs in the restaurant. On the deck of the bar, loungers are set up for post-meal naps.

Although Lefkada is the only Greek island accessible by land (via a causeway first built in 500 B.C.E.), its main attractions are the incredible white-sand beaches Porto Katsiki, Kathisma, and Egremni, which are featured on countless Greek tourism posters. The annual Ionian Regatta starts in Nydri’s marina. Mild winds and a smattering of small islands with plenty of anchorages make this part of the Ionian ideal for inexperienced sailors. Strong gusts in the northern part of the island are a favorite among kitesurfers (who swoop above Agios Ioannis beach) and windsurfers (who whiz across Vassiliki Bay).

On the northeast coast in the Cap Estate area, you’ll find the lovely Cas en Bas Beach. The white-sand beach around a C-shaped bay offers some fun diversions, including horses—you can ride on the sand and even venture a bit into the water—as well as kitesurfers and windsurfers who take advantage of the steady trade winds. A visit will provide you with a contrast to the beach experience on the calmer, busier Caribbean coastline. On the weekend, locals come to fish and picnic. Another draw to the beach is one of the island’s most popular local restaurants and bars, the rustic Marjorie’s Beach Bar, which serves up local food and ambience.

If your idea of paradise includes a thatched-roof tent overlooking an azure sea, then Anegada Beach Club is the resort for you. Just don’t expect to rough it here—the beachfront and ocean-view glamping lodgings at this recently renovated property have modern canopy beds topped with crisp white linens, and wooden decks furnished with hammocks for lazy afternoon naps. The hotel also offers traditional rooms if TV and air-conditioning are musts. Drop your bags, then head out to spot flamingos or snorkel with lobsters and tropical fish on a boat tour of the island. If you’re more a daredevil, Anegada also features a full-service kite-surfing school, open from November through June.

Dingle and the southwest of Ireland has many amazing beaches, but Inch Beach is a standout, and despite its name, it’s actually three miles long. The beach is a sand spit that stretches out into the bay rather than running along the shoreline, and behind the sand is a row of dunes. Popular for swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and kitesurfing, Inch has lifeguards in the summer months. In winter, enjoy a long, bracing walk, when you might have the beach all to yourself to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounds of County Kerry.