15 stunning beach destinations to travel to that don't have Zika

Publish date: 2024-08-04
2017-03-06T21:09:00Z

We now have to take a serious health concern into consideration when planning our next beach getaway.

The mosquito-borne Zika virus ravaged Latin America and the Caribbean over the past year — and is now being locally transmitted in the continental US, as well as Singapore.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel warnings for more than 40 countries that have seen local Zika transmissions, in addition to releasing a map showing just how far the mosquitoes that transmit the virus may spread within the US. 

Here are 15 awesome beach vacation spots where you won't be at risk for Zika, as per the latest projections. 

Lisa Ryan contributed to an earlier version of this post.

Horseshoe Bay Beach in Southampton Parish, Bermuda

Shutterstock.com / V. J. Matthew

Out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is far enough from the Caribbean to stay out of Zika's way. Known for its namesake shorts, the island packs a wide range of activities into its 21 miles.

Its national bird, the cahow, is one of the rarest in the world, and its famous pink sand beaches make for some stunning scenery.

Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece

Anna Oates/Flickr

Navagio Beach, otherwise known as Shipwreck Bay, is one of the most popular beaches in the Greek island of Zakynthos.

Why? Because there's a literal shipwreck on the island, and to get to it, you have to take a boat.

Tourists stay on the main part of the island, and often travel to the beach for the day.

Gozo Island in Malta

Rinaldo Wurglitsch/Flickr

Between Sicily and the North African coast, this Mediterranean island contains both gorgeous beaches and historical sites. Some of its fortresses, temples, and burial chambers date back to 4000 B.C.

Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre, Italy

Giancarlo Liguori/Shutterstock

Monterosso al Mare is one of the most beautiful towns in all of Italy, located right at the western tip of the picturesque Cinque Terre coastal region.

The town has a huge sand beach that's really popular with locals and tourists alike. There are also several resorts and hotels within walking distance to the beach.

Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Shutterstock

Dubai's climate isn't tropical, but its dry air and desert sands keep tourists coming back.

Many of Dubai's beaches are attached to luxurious resorts and come with a hefty entrance fee for non-guests. Jumeirah Beach is free and open to the public, and includes showers, lifeguards, and picnic areas for families.

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii

HIROSHI H/Shutterstock

Waikiki is one of Hawaii's most famous beaches. Visitors can take surf lessons or sip a refreshing cocktail at one of the many resorts dotting the coast, or hike up to the Diamond Head volcanic crater, which can be seen in the background

Basin Head Beach in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Vadim.Petrov/Shutterstock

Prince Edward Island may be best known as the home of Anne of Green Gables, but it's also an insanely beautiful spot packed with gorgeous beaches, including Basin Head Beach

Located in a provincial park, the family-friendly beach has gorgeous white sand, and is close to campgrounds and rental cottages.

Banje Beach in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Shutterstock

Banje Beach is just outside of the Old Town area of Dubrovnik, the stunning stone-walled city in Croatia.

The beach sports crystal blue water, and is surrounded by several resorts and hotels. A lot of tourists rent lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for the day.

Wasaga Beach in Ontario, Canada

Steve Nicholson/Flickr

Very few people associate Ontario with "beaches," but for those in the know, Wasaga is on the top of their list. 

Located just about two hours outside of Toronto, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, nestled on the shores of Nottawasaga Bay.

Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Shutterstock

Visiting the south of France is on a lot of people's bucket lists, largely because of the region's gorgeous beaches, including Plage des Marinières in the fishing village of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The beach is more quiet than the heavily-visited beaches in nearby Nice and Cannes, which are both just short car rides away. A number of cute cafés are within walking distance.

Seaside Beach in Seaside, Oregon

Rigucci/Shutterstock

Most of us associate Southern California with west coast beaches, but the CDC has said that the region is within the range of mosquitoes that could transmit Zika.

Luckily, there are other great beaches located on the West Coast of the US, including Seaside Beach in Oregon.

The Pacific Northwest beach is known for its family friendly activities, as well as its landmark mile-and-a-half-long oceanfront promenade.

Ca’n Picafort Beach in Majorca, Spain

Majorca, arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, is home to several beaches, including C'an Picafort.

The super popular beach has white sand and clear water, and looks like something straight out of a postcard.

Long Beach in British Columbia, Canada

Canadastock/Shutterstock

Nestled in Tofino, a city on beautiful Vancouver Island, Long Beach is a top surfing destination. It's the longest beach in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

There are resorts, hotels and rentals nearby, and beach-goers can enjoy stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and other water activities.

Umhlanga Rocks in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Shutterstock

Africa has been free of Zika so far, and there's no shortage of vacation opportunities across this diverse continent. One South African favorite is the beach at Umhlanga Rocks. Its warm waves come with a scenic boardwalk and small-town atmosphere.

Reñaca Beach in Chile

Shutterstock

Reñaca Beach is packed during the summer months, but in the wintertime, tourists can have the area to themselves. The water might be a bit chilly for swimming, but the breathtaking views, charming shops, and friendly locals provide plenty to do.

Read the original article on INSIDER. Copyright 2017.

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