​5 Women-Friendly Beaches You Simply Cannot Miss This Year

 There’s something almost magical about packing a tote bag, putting on a pair of sandals and walking down to the ocean with no worries in sight. Whether you’re a solo traveler, planning a long-overdue girls’ trip with your besties or just want to unwind by the sea, not every beach is made equal. A woman-friendly beach isn’t only one where the sand is soft and the water is turquoise; it’s one where you can feel comfortable, safe and surrounded by like-minded people and no funny business. Here are five amazing beaches around the world that every woman should have on her travel bucket list.

1. Praia da Dona Ana — Lagos, Portugal

Set below golden limestone cliffs on the Algarve coast, Praia da Dona Ana seems like a scene from a postcard.

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and Lagos is a haven for women travellers.

Sheltered from the Atlantic, the waters here are calm and clear, perfect for a paddleboard or a swim. Easy wooden stairs lead down to the beach, which is staffed by lifeguards each day during the season. The town of Lagos itself is incredibly friendly and compact; you’ll find female-focused boutique hostels, sunny bakeries, and bars and cafes by the sea where you can comfortably eat on your own.

2. Santa Teresa Beach — Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waves, bare feet in the sand, and saltwater in your hair, then Santa Teresa should be next on your list. This sleepy fishing village on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has become a magnet for women surfers, remote workers, and spiritual retreats alike.

Santa Teresa is particularly unique because it’s a women’s surf destination, where the lineups are welcoming and the coaching is abundant. There’s no rush here; this town moves at a slow pace. Mornings begin with yoga on the beach, followed by a few hours surfing, then end at sunset when the town gathers to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

3. Radhanagar Beach — Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), India

Radhanagar, which is bordered by thick old rainforest instead of raucous shopping arcade promenades, is famed for its broad swaths of powdery white sand and soft blue-green waves. Tourism on the Andaman Islands is geared towards safety, hygiene and sustainable practices as well as warm, friendly reception, and it is a paradise for women traveling alone. This is the kind of place where you can lie around with a book under Mahua trees, or drift in warm water, for several hours without interruption.

4. Sanur Beach — Bali, Indonesia

Whereas Kuta and Canggu have a reputation for wild partying, there is also a more subdued beach option on Bali’s southeast coast: Sanur. Sanur’s main asset is its 5 km paved beachfront walkway. This brightly lit, car-free strip enables women to run in the morning, ride a bike during the day or walk at night without dodging a stream of scooters. An offshore reef shields Sanur from rough waves, resulting in calm waters perfect for swimming and dawn meditation. The atmosphere here is relaxed and polite, with art markets and organic sea-front restaurants scattered along the coastline.

5. Manly Beach — Sydney, Australia

Manly Beach is perfect for those seeking a beach holiday who want the convenience of being close to a big city. It is only a 20-minute ferry ride across Sydney Harbour to get to this beach town and it almost feels like it's its own little community. Australian beaches are very well patrolled by active surf lifesaving clubs all year round so you can feel comfortable swimming here. The vibe is very sporty; women can swim in the Fairy Bower ocean pool that is protected from the open waves, join female-led ocean swimming groups such as the Bold and Beautiful or just enjoy the many cafes and espresso bars that line the long sandy beach.