Sun, sea
and sand, the beach holiday is
the icon of summer vacations for people all over the world. Mankind has
worshipped the sun since the dawn of time and the lure of basking in
its glory, on warm soft white sand, the sound of the sea and a cool
drink in hand captivates us all. But where are the top destinations?
Bondi Beach
Say
beach and the word Bondi will immediately come to mind. Bondi
beach the leisure mascot of Australia is located on the
suburbs of Sydney, New South Wales, just 7 kilometres from the city
centre. Established in 1855 the beach is 1 kilometre of golden sand,
safest at it northern end with a hazardous rip current nicknamed the " Backpacker Express
" dominating the south, a domain for the serious surfer. Whales and
dolphins are common visitors in the migration season and even fairy
penguins come to play. Beach volleyball dominates the recreation on the
sand with Bondi hosting the 2000, Olympic Championship. The Lifesavers
Club and Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club are legendary, having many world
champions past and present as members. The beach is also home to much
popular culture, skate board competitions, beauty pageants and music
concerts are all common events. Needless to say the beach is served by
a wealth of accommodation from 5 star luxury to simple guesthouses.
Restaurants and bars also abound in the streets adjacent to this
Australian National Heritage Site and world icon.
Still
in the southern oceans, but on another continent with a very different
culture, can be found the world renowned beaches of Thailand.
The most famous among them must be those of Phuket
Island. The white sand and the calm crystal clear opal green
sea are in contrast to the drama of Bondi. However, a pace to suit all
can be found here. Patong beach full of activity in the day and vibrant
with nightlife after dark, seems a world away from the remote stretches
of sand to be found in the north of the island. Here the true feel of
the South Seas can be experienced. The idyllic palm fringed, bleached
white sand gives way to warm clear ocean abounding with stunningly
beautiful sea creatures, make this paradise on earth.
"
Let`s go surfing now,
everybody`s learning how, come on a safari with me. " The
immortal words of the Beach Boys sum up the beaches of the southern California
coastline. From the surf dudes of Rincon to the muscle men of Venice
Beach, this is the place to be seen. The location that tops them all,
sitting at the end of Sunset Boulevard is Malibu
Beach. Littered with high class clubs, restaurants and
properties reflecting unimaginable wealth it is the beach home of some
of the most famous people in the world. It is also easy to see why. The
beach of beautiful golden sand is met by the dramatic deep blue of the
Pacific, its rolling waves picture perfect. With Beverly Hills and
Hollywood a short drive up Sunset Boulevard this must be the glitziest
of beach destinations.
Europe
too has its jewel in the crown. The Algarve region of
southern Portugal has some of the most dramatic coastline in the world.
Long sandy beaches are mingled with treasured little coves dotted among
the rocky outcrops, caressed by the sparkling Atlantic Ocean. In the
holiday towns of Faro, Vilamoura and Albufeira
hotels to suit all budgets abound affording welcome comfort
to the visitor of this little piece of European paradise.
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