Ramla Bay, Gozo near Malta
Easy to miss south of the Italian boot, Malta but more specifically its little sister island Gozo, breaks the European beach mould. The curving fiery orange beach of Ramla Bay on Gozo’s north shore is virtually undeveloped and according to Homer’s epic, Ulysses spent 7 years being entertained by a nymph here… Photograph: Jorge Planas.

WHEN: May - Sept
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Hayling Island, England
A stone’s throw from the mainland, little Hayling Island off the English south coast is like stepping back in time. A haven of British seaside charm, the beach at Bound Lane is the quietest on the island and our choice for a low-key beach hop. Backed by colourful beach huts, grab yourself an ice-cream and take a stroll along the pretty shingle beach. When the weather inevitably changes (trust us it will) swap the cornetto for a cuppa.

WHEN: June - Aug
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Papakolea, Hawaii
Papakolea, or Green Sands Beach to you and me, is down near the Big Island’s southern tip. The olive-hued beach here is unique – if the grains were any bigger they’d be classed as gem stones. One for the spritely – swap your flip flops for hiking boots and tackle the 4-mile trek through the (now cooled) lava fields. By the way, sunset here is breathtaking. Photograph: Stacy Lein.

WHEN: Apr - Oct
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Trellis Bay, near Tortola, British Virgin Islands
We love the BVI’s main island Tortola for its arty flair. Trellis Bay, not only a blissful Caribbean beach, boasts a hot hub of creativity. Aragorn’s Studio - a workshop and general hangout for local artists, coconut carvers and batik craft makers - adds an authentic West Indies feel to the Caribbean beach hop. Fear not, the bay’s monthly full moon party couldn’t be further from a Thai bucket fest – don’t miss the beach illuminating steel sculptures set ablaze on the water’s edge after sunset.

WHEN: Nov - May
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Vik Beach, Iceland
From white to black - Iceland’s volcanic beaches are famed for their dark sands. Up near the Arctic Circle, Vik Beach on Iceland’s south coast may not be typical tanning territory but the bracing Icelandic breeze and clear blue sky certainly blew away the cobwebs and refreshed our minds. That’s what it’s all about right? Photograph: Thomas Bourgery.

WHEN: July - Aug
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Pink Sands Beach, The Bahamas
The stunning Pink Sands Beach runs the entire eastern coast of Harbour Island in The Bahamas and is our rosy pick of tan topping sands. Quieter than other Bahaman beaches, Pink Sands is perfect if you want to get away from it all, just make sure your tan doesn’t end up matching the sand. Photograph: Polly Teller.

WHEN: Feb - Apr, Nov - Dec
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Sabang, Palawan, Philippines
The Philippines is an Asian archipelago jam-packed with sublime beaches. Rumour has it Leo’s “Beach” was inspired by these islands and not their Thai counterparts - Sabang on the island of Palawan certainly fits the bill. Flanked by verdant green jungle and lapped by clear blue water, here the sand is heavenly. Sabang’s X factor though is the underground river Puerto Princesa – UNESCO has given it a nod and paddling in a canoe through the cave really is awe-inspiring.

WHEN: Dec - May
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Lakka Beach, near Freetown, Sierra Leone
Stunning sands might not spring to mind when you think of Sierra Leone but we can’t get enough of these West African seafront stretches. Just south of the capital Freetown are a handful of bustling beaches with the first - lively Lakka - being our pick. Head here with the locals and be a part of the vibrant beach vibe – it’s not just multi-coloured sand that brightens up a beach.

WHEN: Nov - Apr
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Kaihalulu, Maui
Another tinted Hawaiian treat is Kaihalulu Beach just off Maui’s oh-so-scenic Hana Highway. The result of a crumbling volcanic cone at one end of the cove, Kaihalulu’s deep red sand is one of the island’s most secluded spots so bathing in the buff isn’t unheard of. Mix together red sand, blue ocean, a tropical green backdrop and surrounding black lava - you’ve got the kaleidoscope of colours at Kaihalulu. Photograph: Bill Sharpsteen.

WHEN: Apr - Oct
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Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Australia
You guessed it, Fraser Island’s Rainbow Beach is a swathe of colours. 70+ hues can be seen here, all depending on the mood of Mother Nature. The cliffs backing the beach look just like rainbow sherbet so watch the waves crash, winds blow and get snap happy on one of the world’s most colourful beaches.

WHEN: Dec - Mar
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WHAT TO WEAR: Get inspiration on what to wear with Beach Tomato's fashion features.