The best destinations for beach lovers

With the summer holidays on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start planning your vacation - and nothing says ‘summer holiday’ like golden sand, crystal clear waters, and glorious sunshine. Whether you’d prefer to lie back on a lounger while sipping something sweet or up the adrenaline with watersport activities, the perfect beach holiday is just a plane ride away. At flynas, we’ve carefully picked some top summer beach holidays for you - with options to explore local gems or foreign shores.

Jeddah

Jeddah is renowned for its historical and cultural attractions, but it’s also a laid-back beach paradise that blends the best of both worlds. With the stunning Jeddah Corniche stretching for 30 kilometers and a plethora of public and private beaches to discover, you’re bound to stumble on the perfect spot to spend your day before basking in the sunset over the Red Sea. Corniche Beach, Obhur Beach, and Al Nawras are among the most beloved beaches. For those seeking beach club vibes, consider exclusive venues like the Balinese-inspired Indigo or the Greek-inspired OIA Beach. Check out our guide to Jeddah for even more inspiration.

Dammam

Dammam is situated on the stunning shores of the Arabian Gulf. Visitors are particularly drawn here from October to April when the temperatures are mild, indulging in a range of beach accommodations from luxurious resorts to panoramic villas and suites. One of the area’s highlights is the Half Moon Beach nearby to the city, prized for its crescent-like shape. Beyond offering a serene escape, it serves as an ideal setting for boat trips, barbecues, and encounters with vibrant marine life - possessing some of the region’s best scuba diving spots. Want to find out more? Take a look at our full guide to Dammam.

Yanbu

Yanbu showcases a dreamy selection of beaches, proving you don’t have to go far to discover a slice of paradise in Saudi. With beaches like Barracuda Beach, Al Bahr Beach, and Yanbu Waterfront, you’ll be spoilt for choice for where to set down your sunlounger - but the chances are, you won’t even have time to! That’s because you’re in the capital of snorkeling and diving here, with a mesmerizing underwater world waiting to be seen. Dive in to find an ocean that’s teeming with colorful fish, corals, and marine creatures, or venture out on a dolphin-spotting boat trip. Finish your trip by dining on some of the freshest seafood the country has to offer for a truly unforgettable aquatic adventure. Read our Yanbu destination guide to find out more.

Dubai

Looking to go slightly further afield? Either fly to the fabulous capital of the UAE Abu Dhabi and take a 1 hour 15 minute taxi to Dubai to tick two beach destinations at once, or simply head here directly. Dubai’s beaches are just one of the many draws that tempt tourists to the Emirates. Set against iconic skylines that frame the Arabian Gulf, Dubai and its white beaches exude a surreal charm that captivates visitors time and time again. Whether you’re seeking family fun in the sun, indulging in fine dining along the Palm’s coastline, or unwinding at some of the world’s most luxurious beach clubs, you’ll find an abundance of everything here - check out our Dubai destination guide for details. The Beach at JBR stands out as one of the most popular destinations, featuring inflatable obstacles, fairground rides, cinemas, and shopping centers, making it the perfect day out for the whole family.

Sharm El Sheikh

Our top tip: Start in Cairo to squeeze in some cultural sights before taking the seven hour bus ride through towards Sharm El Sheikh where total and utter relaxation awaits. Here you’ll find a haven of specially designed world-class beaches. Whether you’re inclined to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or enjoy windsurfing, kiteboarding, or jet skiing, this coastal gem offers it all against a backdrop of rugged mountains and sparkling waters. Beneath the ocean’s surface, Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its exotic fish and vibrant coral reefs, making it a dream destination for scuba divers looking to tick off those bucket-list experiences. Plus, being on the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, you can expect some extraordinary sunsets.

Antalya

Whether you’re coming from the capital Ankara and taking the stunning 6-hour road trip, or flying directly, Antalya offers a winning combination with its Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and ample opportunities for sport-based activities. Spend days on gorgeous beaches like Konyaaltı Beach, Lara Beach, and Patara Beach, before unwinding with Turkish meze and fresh seafood dishes from the range of restaurants lining the coast. As you’ll see from our Antalya guide, the city’s known for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts, so you can finish off days at the beach with upscale dining and entertainment for a truly unforgettable vacation.

Marseille

Pretty as a picture and on the prestigious southern coast of France, this European retreat promises a memorable vacation. Marseille is home to a beautiful selection of beaches, alluring travelers with its vibrant promenades, bustling beach clubs, fresh seafood stalls, and charming seaside villages. Among the sun-soaked spots, Prado stands out as a popular trio of beaches - ideal for sunbathing or playing watersports. For a more serene experience, head to the secluded coves of Calanques National Park, celebrated for its breathtaking views from the limestone cliffs with lots of magical marine life.