Ten of the world’s best bad weather beaches
Forgot sunshine and swimming in calm blue waters. Here are 10 top beaches where bad weather is a blessing for travellers looking for a dash of drama while on the sands.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, US
Oregon’s coastal route (US Highway 101) is never short of windswept beaches and spectacular headlands. Sand dunes rise 150 metres, breakers pound rock stacks, forests shiver and driftwood is coughed up on the shoreline. Base yourself at pretty Cannon Beach town and you’re surrounded by state parks, golden beaches and temperate rainforest of towering Sitka spruce under moody skies. See cannonbeach.org
Cape Comorin, Kanyakumari, India
The cape on India’s southern tip attracts visitors for its geography and as a Hindu pilgrim destination. It’s also the first place in India to receive monsoon rains, which roll in between June and September. The waterfalls of rain and towering clouds are a sight to behold. When it isn’t raining you can see both ocean sunrise and sunset from the same point. See incredibleindia.org
Nazare Beach, Nazare, Portugal
Nazaré, on the Atlantic Coast 122 kilometres north of Lisbon, is a pleasant summer resort, but adrenaline-pumped, slightly insane surfers come in winter to ride the gigantic waves that break off its red lighthouse. Up to eight storeys in height, they’re likely the biggest waves ever ridden. Far safer to watch in awe (and fear) during the annual surfing competition. See visitportugal.com
Crackington Haven Beach, Cornwall, UK
Cornwall is England’s summertime escape but the mighty storms that batter its indented coastline make winter thrilling, and Cornwall is increasingly known as a storm-chasing destination. Of many beautiful beaches, Cockington Haven is especially dramatic as waves thunder into its wide bay to boom against the cliffs. Best watched from a safe distance when the weather is really wild. See visitcornwall.com
Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Nusa Penida, an island reached on a 45-minute ferry ride from southeast Bali, is just starting to get better known. Life is even more tranquil in the November-to-April wet season, when epic tropical storms roll in and waves ratchet up, especially in the north. They seldom last; you’ll be sunbathing by afternoon. Kelingking Beach is embraced in spectacular rock formations. See nusapenida.org
Kvalvika Beach, Lofoten, Norway
This northern archipelago provides outstanding scenery. Spectacular cliffs and fjords are fronted in skirts of white-sand beaches and (on sunny days) startling peacock-blue waters. Kvalvika, only accessible on foot, is one of the Lofoten’s most magnificent beaches, illuminated by midnight sun in summer. In winter, it becomes frigid and ice-encrusted, but you’re almost sure to have it to yourself. See visitnorway.com
Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Canada
Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast is billed as Canada’s storm-watching capital and suits those eager for nature at its most intense. Visitors come in winter for wind-tossed forests and spray blowing onto the rocks of the battered North Pacific coastline. On Chesterman Beach, where tree trunks lie like matchsticks, you can feel the sand shudder from the force of the waves, and the wind is exhilarating. See tourismtofino.com
Kvalvika Beach, Lofoten, Norway
This northern archipelago provides outstanding scenery. Spectacular cliffs and fjords are fronted in skirts of white-sand beaches and (on sunny days) startling peacock-blue waters. Kvalvika, only accessible on foot, is one of the Lofoten’s most magnificent beaches, illuminated by midnight sun in summer. In winter, it becomes frigid and ice-encrusted, but you’re almost sure to have it to yourself. See visitnorway.com
Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Canada
Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast is billed as Canada’s storm-watching capital and suits those eager for nature at its most intense. Visitors come in winter for wind-tossed forests and spray blowing onto the rocks of the battered North Pacific coastline. On Chesterman Beach, where tree trunks lie like matchsticks, you can feel the sand shudder from the force of the waves, and the wind is exhilarating. See tourismtofino.com
Hot Water Beach, Coromandel
Getting into hot water is a good thing here. Ancient volcanoes have produced underground reservoirs of heated water on Coromandel Peninsula. Be here at low tide and dig your own hole in the sand, then climb in and relax. The mineral salts are said to be good for you, as are the lovely views. Just the place to let off steam – literally. See thecoromandel.com
Brian Johnston has travelled as a guest of numerous tourism offices and travel companies.