From secluded inlets on Italy’s volcanic coastlines to white sand paradise in Tasmania, BBC journalists love these unique and unexpected beach holidays.

The word “beach” likely conjures up scenes of sunny stretches of sand. But a myriad of fantastical landscapes around the world qualifies for the title, from moody cliffs to sugar sand coasts and pebble-strewn volcanic shores. 

Each year, BBC editors travel far and wide. Here, they share the beach escapes that stayed with them – experiences that encapsulate the thrilling diversity of the world’s shores and might just reshape your idea of the perfect beach holiday.

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The Andaman Islands, India

Although my heart is Mediterranean, I have to say the best beach ever is in the Andaman Islands. Specifically, the little beach by the Full Moon cafe on Havelock Island. The shallow, luminous water, the unreal beauty of white sand and surreal brightness of the moon at night. Utterly serene. But also, the café, an owner-run bamboo shack between the palm trees, serving a rather sophisticated menu. When I visited, they offered their own variation of Massimo Bottura’s “Oops I dropped the lemon tart”; freshness served with love. There’s also a keen attention to the environment. Here, I met young people working to keep plastic out of the islands. A writer friend tipped me off to this beach, saying that’s where she started writing her novel, which turned out to be a bestseller. So, I’d say this is the best beach ever in terms of water, Moon, trees, overall serenity and environmental awareness – but also, crucially, little tables and grand conversations. – Anna Bressanin