These Hidden Beach Gems Are On Our 2026 Holiday Hit List – And You Can Save £100s

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In this time and spatial no man’s land between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s natural for one’s mind to wander to what they want for themselves in the coming year. 

And when the weather outside is frightful, sunny, warm, sandy beaches start to sound even more delightful than usual.

If you’re the type who likes to relax far away from the maddening crowd, here are some great beach trips you can make in 2026 that’ll have you looking forward to the summer in a whole new way. 

Plage de la Figueirette, Côte d’Azur

Less than an hour’s drive away from Cannes is a quiet little white sandy beach called Plage de la Figueirette. It’s far enough away from the more popular touristy spots to make it properly tranquil, but it’s not so remote that there’s nothing to do there at all. 

You can take a break from the sun and grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants, and you don’t have to worry about parking your car or bathroom breaks either. 

Paxos, Greece

If you feel like going even further off the beaten track, the island of Paxos is around an hour away from Corfu by boat, and promises the kind of peace and quiet dreams are made of. Relax on the beach, stroll through the hills, or linger for a while at a local taverna. 

Whether you’re staying on Corfu, the mainland, or Paxos itself, it’s a great choice to properly get away from it all.

Sveti Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik

To the east of Dubrovnik’s Old Town (and a 13-minute drive away from what Google Maps says is the middle of Dubrovnik) is a beach that’s a favourite among the locals but not often ventured to by tourists. 

Nestled in a bay, this pebbly beach offers some unforgettable views, rentable sunbeds, and a beach bar for refreshments and a bite to eat. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s too early to be thinking about jetting away in 2026 already, now might actually be the ideal time.

Planning ahead can help you budget effectively for the year ahead, and travel retailers like On the Beach offer great perks for early bookings made 60 days or more in advance of departure. 

Their new 2026 perks include a range of treats – for instance, if you book one of their 5* holidays included in the deal, you get free airport lounge access (although opening hours apply, so later flights might miss out).

If you opt for one of their 4* holidays, you get gadget insurance for tech up to £3,000 for the duration of your trip (with a £50 excess).

And if you book a group holiday (for seven or more people), the lead booker gets a £50 Amazon voucher for their trouble. 

You just need to look out for the “Perk Pill” icon on the On the Beach website, and all perks need to be claimed via the app within 10 days of booking.