Exploring coastal destinations and countries with a coastline

Whether it’s relaxing on the warm sand, hiking along wild cliff edges, or snorkeling amongst impressive marine wildlife, many people’s dream trip includes countries with a coastline. To save you time in picking which coastal vacation destinations to visit we’ve gathered together our top destinations for you to explore, including a range of different landscapes and activities.

Our top coastal vacation destinations

Luxury in Madagascar

Surrounded by approximately 5,000km of pristine coastline Madagascar is home to numerous paradise beaches including opulent resorts, remote inlets and picturesque shores. This African island is the perfect destination for those looking for a little bit of luxury with their beach vacation, with many eco-lodges and high-end hotels backing straight on to the soft, white sand of the country’s shoreline.

Spend your days relaxing atop a sun lounger reading a good book, or snoozing in the midday heat. Madagascar also offers a range of more adventurous activities, such as snorkeling or diving in Diego Suarez and even kite or windsurfing in Anakao, making it one of the most perfect coastal destinations for those who want the best of a relaxing vacation with the option for a more adventurous schedule.

If you’re a particular lover of wildlife then be sure to time your visit with the return of the country’s humpback whales from July to September. Best spotted on a boat trip off the coast of Île Sainte Marie these creatures return to the seas around the island to breed, and are known to perform magnificent acrobatic displays in the water as a means of courting.

Read more: Visit the islands and beaches of Madagascar

Conservation in Panama

Nestled amongst the narrow strip of Central American countries, Panama is a must-visit coastal destination for those interested in wildlife conservation. Head to the tropical shores of Isla Cañas, located off the country’s western coast, to observe the nesting of thousands of sea turtles who return every year and to learn about the admirable conservation efforts which go into ensuring the survival of these peaceful creatures. This spectacular display occurs between July and November, and in the later months of this period it is often possible to see the arrival of countless tiny turtles as they make the long pilgrimage towards the sea.

Island-hopping in the Philippines

Made up of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is the ultimate destination for hopping from one islet to another in search of the most perfect stretches of coastline. Start in El Nido Bay, consistently voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and snorkel amongst the cerulean waters or kayak around the towering limestone outcrops which frame the beach.

Alternatively, explore the coves of Coron Island. What these pools lack in the form of actual beaches to relax on they make up for in beauty, and there are numerous wooden jetties for you to leave your belongings on as you dive into the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.

Read more: The best beaches in the Philippines

Wild coastline in South Africa

If tropical, paradise beaches aren’t your cup of tea, then head to the wild coastline of South Africa – the ideal coastal break for those who prefer walking or wildlife spotting as opposed to sunbathing. Begin your trip in the convivial capital of Cape Town and head east from there along the striking Garden Route. Spanning over 200km, this region encompasses several national parks, safari opportunities and numerous sunny, coastal towns.

If hiking along rugged cliffs sounds like an ideal day to you then head for the St. Blaize trail, a 13km journey which runs parallel to the cliff edge from Punt to Mossel Bay. Listen to the sounds of the Indian Ocean crashing below you as you keep your eyes peeled for breaching whales or soaring buzzards overhead. Alternatively, if you’re on the lookout for land mammals then be sure to visit the Addo Elephant National Park, where it is possible to see elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards just a stone’s throw from the South African coast.

Read more: Exploring South Africa’s Garden Route

Surfing in Sri Lanka

Colonial forts, sun-baked beaches and epic surfing – Sri Lanka’s coastline is as varied as it is heavenly. No matter what you want from your coastal trip, this humbly-sized island can most likely provide it. If you’re a keen surfer then there are numerous spots around the nation’s periphery which cannot be missed, including the neighboring Weligama and Mirissa beaches in the south and Arugam Bay in the east.

Be aware that the surf seasons vary massively in Sri Lanka depending on which side of the island you’re on – the beaches in the west and the south of the island are best visited from October through to April, whereas the beaches in the east and the north are best visited from April through to October.

If surfing is a little too adventurous for your tastes, then make the most of the amazing snorkeling found throughout the country’s coastline. Trincomalee, in the nation’s northeast, is particularly special with the opportunity to swim with reef sharks as you explore the stunning coral in the surrounding sea.

Read more: Why you should go to Sri Lanka

Diving in the Red Sea, Egypt

Egypt‘s Red Sea is synonymous with diving excellence. Underwater enthusiasts from around the world flock to this phenomenal area to explore the vibrant marine world flourishing beneath the crystal-clear waters. Spot manta rays, sharks, dolphins, dugongs, and schools of colorful fish teeming among healthy beds of coral. To say the visibility is perfect, is an understatement.

Popular spots include SS Thistlegorm wreck, the Blue Hole in Dahab, and Ras Mohammed National Park. The most well-known area for diving is Sharm El Sheikh, home to over 30 dive spots. If it’s biodiversity, warm waters and unique dive spots you’re after, then Sharm El Sheikh should be your top choice of coastal vacation destinations.

Golfing along the Belek coastline in Turkey

Turkey’s coast offers world-class golf courses on the shores of the warm sapphire oceans of the Mediterranean, along with some rich cultural experiences. For golf on championship courses, you’ll need to head to the prestigious Belek region in Antalya, home to 15 courses and a chain of ultra-luxurious resorts. Most courses are situated a stone’s throw away from one another, making it easy enough to plan the ultimate golf and beach break.

The Belek region comprises endless white sandy beaches lapped by warm tropical waters. Courses offer expertly designed fairways flanked by pine forests and impeccable greens, with unbelievable sea views. Turkey is a rising star in the golfing world and hosts various noteworthy international and amateur events, one of which—until 2019—was the Turkish Airlines Open. Three popular courses to play include the challenging PGA Sultan Course; the Cullinan Links, which offers unsurpassed views of the dramatic Taurus Mountain range and the stunning Mediterranean Sea; and Pasha, an 18-hole parkland course.

From swimming to snorkeling, cultural tours, beach days, and culinary delights, Turkey is designed to thrill with all it has to offer.

Make it happen

If you’re yearning for a getaway to unique coastal destinations in any of the countries mentioned, then be sure to visit our destination pages to explore carefully-crafted sample itineraries. These can provide you with a bit of inspiration before you contact one of our many local operators, who can plan you a bespoke coastal itinerary of a lifetime.