The COVID-19 pandemic has poured cold water on any travel plans you may have had this year. With the virus set to stay, there is very little chance of countries being opened up to tourists any time in the near future. However, while it may not be physically possible to visit your dream locations, you can still experience them, as long as you have a good Wi-Fi connection and a decent imagination.
Some of the best beaches in the world are offering immersive 360-degree tours to allow people to have some sort of beach experience this summer. So without further ado, here are the top 7 beaches in the world to visit from the comfort of your couch.
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
This is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Greece, with white sands and turquoise-blue waters providing a stunning vista. The tour allows you to gaze at the horizon with the sun beating down, making you practically feel its warmth on your skin. Myrtos is located on the northwest part of Kefalonia, between two mountains, Kalon Oros, and Agia Dynati, which are both visible clearly from the beach, making it an even more beautiful sight.
The Maldives, South Asia
The Maldives have become one of the most sought-after beach vacation destinations in the world, and with good reason. The island chain has some superb resorts, and the emerald waters make for some of the most scenic beaches in the world. The virtual tour takes you around the Amilla Fushi resort in the Baa Atoll, with the water so clear that you can see the aquatic life right beneath you. What’s more, you can make yourself feel even more at home by organizing an online blackjack or poker tournament, to truly capture the experience of living in one of those super-expensive resorts.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
Another ridiculously popular beach destination, especially during this time of the year. Spring break may have been cancelled, but that does not mean that you cannot make your way down to Florida. South Beach is the heart of Miami, and the tour offers a 360-degree view of this iconic location, with a stroll down the packed beach. You can even play a virtual version of Where’s Waldo?, if you’re feeling particularly needy for human interaction.
Cala Millor Beach, Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic island group, and Cala Millor is the best beach on there. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore will surely help with relaxation, whether it is with a good book or just as a break from all the stress going around right now.
Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Island, California
Back to the States, where this beach has some truly sparkling waters juxtaposed against the beautiful sandy shore. Use the tour to explore the beach, with its hidden caves and snorkeling opportunities, while you can also go high up and get a bird’s-eye view of the bluest water you have ever seen in your life.
Trunk Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands
This is considered to be the most famous beach of the Virgin Islands, and the most photographed too. It is actually part of the Virgin Islands National Park, along with Francis Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay. Again, the contrast between the white sand and the deep blue water looks stunning, and the virtual tour manages to do it justice, even if it is nothing compared to actually being there.
Fitzroy Island, Australia
Australia is no stranger to beaches, but this one is an absolute corker. Set among the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island is a small island filled with some amazing resorts and restaurants, while the surrounding reefs make snorkelling a no-brainer. The tour allows you to get onto the peak of the island, called the summit, and look out onto the Reef, the island’s lighthouse, as well as the aptly-named N*dey Beach.
natures gift. Keep it up. Kindly do not pollute it