Beaches that swim under radar

Iceland

Tourists usually take a dip in the Blue Lagoon’s naturally hot waters. Less well known is a black-sand beach with clear-blue waters at the base of Vestrahorn Mountain on the southeast coast. When waters are calm, you can snap a reflection of the mountains or, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. Info: lat.ms/vestrahorn

Greece

To get to Agiofarago Beach on the southwest coast of Crete, you have to cross a gorge ringed by steep walls on foot (or take a boat). Your reward: a fine pebble beach, azure waters and cliffs you can climb for wide-angle views. Info: lat.ms/agiofarago

Oregon

You can easily walk to Haystack Rock and other rock formations along the four miles of Cannon Beach. There are tide pools to explore, but keep walking to a waterfall and sea caves at Hug Point about three miles south. Info: cannonbeach.org

Australia

Here’s the catch with Wineglass Bay on the east coast of Tasmania not far from Hobart: You have to walk about 2 1⁄2 hours to what many guides promise is an empty beach with epic scenery. White sand at the base of pink and gray granite mountains provides the backdrop to a stretch of sparkling water where you can swim and sea kayak. Info: lat.ms/wineglassbay

Portugal

The absence of hotels, restaurants and shops at Malhao Beach in the Algarve region make this one of the more natural beaches. Golden sand and rock formations jutting into the ocean are the stars of this coastal stretch. Take time to explore the cliffs. Info: lat.ms/malhaobeach

South Africa

Info: lat.ms/coffeebay