Looking for your next amazing holiday destination? Take a look at some of the beaches not likely to be found on some of the popular or best 10 lists. Although they should be!

Credit : Roger de la Harpe/Africa Imagery

Thonga Beach, KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa

Imagine having a destination where only a 4x4 vehicle can get you there. Thonga Beach Lodge is such a place. This beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean offers a wide range of activities which include turtle tracking, bird watching, scuba diving, only to mention a few.

Cuckmere Haven Beach, East Sussex

Look familiar? This stretch of coastline has been used in films known to most of us. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Atonement, Green Wing, Foyle's War and another favourite, Agatha Christie's Poirot have all featured this beautiful beach. And for good reason. Here you can take long walks, sunbath and partake in some water sports sure to keep you entertained all day.Cuckmere Haven is a quiet beach in the flood plains of Sussex, sitting at the meandering Cuckmere River and dominated by the white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters. This is a great spot for walking, water sport, sunbathing and hopeful anglers. A must visit.

Palagruza – Dalmatian coast, Croatia

The remote rocky islet of Palagruza lies halfway between Croatia and Italy. There is only a lighthouse keeper living on this piece of land, but it is home to two pristine beaches – Stara Vlaka and Veli Zal. Dalmatia's name is derived from the name of an Illyrian tribe called the Dalmatae who lived around the eastern Adriatic coast in the first millennium BC. While all urban areas, both coastal and inland, were almost completely Romanised, the situation in the countryside was completely different. Both beaches are pebbly/sandy and fantastic places for swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing. Scuba diving is not allowed on this beach, and in these seas, unless organised with a diving group/club.

Scopello Beach, Sicily

Sicily has an array of soft sandy beaches with crystal clear blue waters to enjoy. If you’re looking for somewhere to really escape those summer crowds, then a trip to the south of Italy would be entirely worth your while. As Scopello is a touristic seaside resort, the best period to visit this magical beach, is from April to October. In winter, you can visit it together with the numerous nearby attractions such as: Castellammare del Golfo, Calatafimi-Segesta, Alcamo, Riserva naturale dello Zingaro and Erice as well as San Vito Lo Capo.

Beaches of Malta

The geography of Malta is dominated by water. Malta is an archipelago (meaning an extensive group of islands) comprising of coralline limestone, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Just 81 kilometres south of Sicily, Italy, the country is approximately 316 km2. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide harbours for yachts and boats. The landscape of the islands is characterised by high hills with terraced fields. The highest point, at 253 metres, Ta' Zuta is on mainland Malta. This Mediterranean Island has mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers – perfect for spending every day at the beach.

Some of the best beaches of Malta include

St George's Bay

Perfect for soaking up the sunshine, experience the ocean on jet skis or go parasailing round the bay.

Imgiebah Bay

This cove is ideal for snorkelers and sunbathing, but it is not easy getting there. There are no facilities on the beach itself, so you are almost guaranteed to have the place all to yourself.

San Blas Bay

Hidden away on Gozo island, this retreat has a remote location and not many will venture around the steep hills it offers. Considered the “secret beach” of Malta, experience the beauty and mystique that this area has to offer.

These are only a few places where you will find an array of things to do. Enjoy tranquil beaches when all you want is to isolate yourself from the rest of the world.

Escape the crowds, relax, and unwind in some of the most secluded beaches mentioned. From sandy coves to pebbled strips, gleaming in the golden sunshine.