Chasing the Beach Break: Where to Head for Ultimate Beach Vibes in Each Season

Recent data suggests European beach breaks are expected to be more popular than ever this summer. Sun seekers can avoid the crowds and get their beach fix year-round with these beach holiday packages. Find seclusion in Montenegro's shoulder season, spend summer days kayaking mangrove tunnels in Florida, be one of only 400 visitors on a UNESCO island in Autumn and watch whales migrate off Los Cabos' warm shores in winter.

Spring into Shoulder Season

Experience the Adriatic’s Best-Kept Beach Secret, Montenegro

Montenegro is one of the Adriatic’s best-kept secrets, where a 300km ribbon of coastline unfolds from lively, sun-drenched beaches to quiet, hidden coves. Near Budva, Jaz Beach buzzes with energy, while further south, Velika Plaža stretches for miles, its windswept sands ideal for long walks and kitesurfing. Just offshore, Sveti Nikola island offers a castaway escape, with forested cliffs and clear turquoise waters, while the Lustica Peninsula rewards those who venture further with secluded bays and a slower, more tranquil pace. And while it shares the same drawcards as its Mediterranean neighbours, it remains refreshingly under the radar. montenegro.travel 

Ideal Months: March, April and May

Book now with easyJet for a flight-inclusive escape at the all-inclusive Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi with private beach access and multiple swimming pools. Sea-view double rooms start from £1,085 per person for seven nights.

Summer Sun

Enjoy Thrilling Summer Activities in Florida’s Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco & the Everglades, USA

Summers in Florida’s Paradise Coast offer warm temperatures, great-value stays and quieter shores, perfect for a peaceful escape to relax and soak in the sun. With over 30 miles of pristine Gulf coastline, spend days relaxing on scenic beaches like Vanderbilt Beach and Marco Island South Beach, or spotting wildlife at Tigertail Beach. Visit during the lush summer season and be immersed in nature on a thrilling airboat tour through Everglades National Park, discover the island waterways by jet-ski or kayak mangrove tunnels in Big Cypress National Preserve. paradisecoast.com 

Ideal Months: June, July and August

Book a 14-night holiday to Florida’s Paradise Coast with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, including a stay at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples and return flights from London Heathrow to Miami from £2,819 per person based on two people sharing.

Autumn Escape

Visit a UNESCO-World Heritage-Listed Island, New South Wales, Australia 

Travellers seeking a beach escape in Autumn should head downunder. Lord Howe Island, off the coast of New South Wales is a UNESCO World Heritage–listed destination that blends remarkable natural beauty with a wonderfully unhurried pace. Visitor numbers are capped at just 400 people at any one time to preserve its unspoilt feel. Mild, balmy days are perfect for exploring quiet beaches, snorkelling the world’s southernmost coral reef and wandering through lush rainforest. Wildlife encounters abound, from sea turtles and reef fish to an extraordinary array of birdlife, all within this protected sanctuary. visitnsw.com

Ideal Months: September, October and November

Book a 7-night holiday to Lord Howe Island with Trailfinders, including return flights with Qantas and accommodation at Capella Lodge from £9,599 per person and based on two adults sharing a room.

Winter Sun

Spot Majestic Whales During Migration Season in Los Cabos, Mexico

Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos offers a spectacular winter getaway with golden sands, pleasantly warm temperatures (averaging 22°C) and mesmerising backdrops. It’s during winter that majestic humpback and gray whales migrate from the Arctic to the warm, sheltered bays of Baja California Sur. Prime vantage points include El Arco, while beaches such as Cerritos Beach or Migriño Beach offer shoreline sightings. For a closer encounter, visitors can join an excursion with Cabo Adventures or opt for a private luxury charter with IN CABO. visitloscabos.travel

Ideal Months: December, January and February

Book a 7-night holiday to Los Cabos with Travelbag, including an all-inclusive stay at Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos and return from £2,449 per person.