Croatia to Cape Town: world's 10 best beaches for an idyllic summer vaycay

Some of my earliest travel memories are from the beach. Swartvlei Beach, on the outskirts of the Garden Route town of Sedgefield, to be exact. With boogie boards and sand castle kit in hand, the warm(ish) waters and promise of sun-splashed days were all that we needed for our annual family escape. If the sea was rough there were rock pools at Gericke's Point - Lion Rock, we called it - to explore, and ice cream afterwards if we were lucky. Such simple ingredients, for such memorable summer holidays.

It's a seaside tale familiar to many South Africans, and a holiday recipe that never grows old. And that's the great thing about beach holidays: you really don't need much. A few neon-coloured toys help to while away the time, but largely the beach does all the heavy lifting. Watch the waves, watch the other beach-goers, and soak up the heat radiating off the sands. Entertainment and scenery all rolled into one.

Which is why choosing your beach is so important. Is it suited to kids or honeymooners? Do warm waters trump views? What about restaurants a few steps from the sand? Work out what you need before you head for the waves.

If you haven't yet planned your summer hols, here are 10 top stretches of sand to see you on your way:

1. CROATIA: ZLATNI RAT

The Dalmatian islands are having their moment in the sun right now, as travellers discover that the coastline of Croatia offers affordable European charm and magical scenery.

Many of the country's best beaches are far-flung and wild, but the much-photographed Zlatni Rat - "Golden Horn" - on the island of Brac is ideal for lazy days at the coast. There's plenty of accommodation nearby, it's kid-friendly and the waters are as picture-perfect as can be.

Avoid the July-August peak season, when demand and prices spike. If you can't make it out to Brac, Bacvice beach in the heart of Split is a popular local hangout.

2. CAPE TOWN: CLIFTON 4TH

For postcard-perfect beach scenes in Cape Town it's hard to top Clifton 4th: all white sands, azure water and the best sunsets in town. While 2nd or 3rd are better for couples seeking a quiet nook, 4th is the largest of the four beaches tucked between the granite boulders and is ideal for families. There's space to toss a frisbee, and even on the busiest days you'll usually find some sand on which to lay out your towel.

Sure, the water is freezing, but it's a small price to pay for sheltering from the summer south-easters that sandblast many other Cape beaches. You'll find beach vendors selling cold drinks and ice creams, and there are sun loungers and umbrellas available to rent. Parking can be tricky, so rather ride the MyCiti bus service: routes #108 and #109 stop at all four Clifton beaches.

3. CAPE TOWN: WINDMILL BEACH

Looking for a local secret in the Mother City? Windmill Beach is the ticket. Set alongside the ever-popular Boulders Beach (with its famous penguin residents), Windmill is a slip of sand between a golf course and the deep blue sea. With granite boulders offering some protection from the wind, and shallow waters offering safe swimming, this is an ideal False Bay hideout for families. There's also excellent snorkelling in the kelp beds just offshore.

4. GARDEN ROUTE: SANTOS BEACH

The Garden Route is packed with great beaches, from the famous Lookout Beach in Plettenberg Bay to the unsung sands of Buffalo Bay. But it's Santos beach in Mossel Bay that gets our nod.

Mossel Bay is enjoying something of a renaissance, as local travellers fall for the town's unassuming charms. There are four Blue Flag beaches nearby, but the wide sands of Santos - perfect for beach cricket - make it a choice spot to lay out your towel this summer.

5. THAILAND: KOH LANTA

In terms of demand, "Thailand's beaches are a close second to Mauritius, with lots of incredible airfare deals to get there," says Margaret Park, senior product manager at Holiday Factory.

While many travellers fly straight into Phuket, rather avoid the crowds and make the effort to get to Koh Lanta. It's an easy ferry ride from the town of Krabi, and offers a wide selection of idyllic beaches. Beautiful Kantiang Bay is the poster-child for the island, while Klong Dao bustles with restaurants, bars and B&Bs. Klong Khong draws backpackers on a budget, while Phra Ae offers more upscale digs.

6. BALI: GILI AIR

Some Balinese beaches - we're looking at you, Kuta - have been ruined by over-tourism, but it's easy enough to escape the hordes of Australian backpackers: hop on a ferry to the island of Gili Air.

With no cars on the island - pony carts are the closest you'll get to Uber - it's a laid-back spot with plenty of beachfront guesthouses to match. The diving and snorkelling are superb, and you can walk round the entire island in under an hour. Come sunset, head to the west coast for stunning views back to Bali's highest point, the volcano of Mount Agung.

7. KWAZULU-NATAL: NORTH BEACH

With so many great beaches in KwaZulu-Natal it's all but impossible to single out only one, and from Southbroom to Ballito, everyone has their favourite corner of KZN. But for an iconic seaside holiday, North Beach still delivers. Hotels line the seaside strip, with the sand just metres from the breakfast buffet.

The iconic piers are perfect for evening promenades, and the revamped seafront offers plenty beyond the beach. Did someone say Minitown? Sure, the bright lights and big city frame the sands, but that's all part of the charm. For a short break or summer escape, North Beach won't disappoint.

8. KWAZULU-NATAL: CAPE VIDAL

The polar opposite to North Beach is the sweep of beach at Cape Vidal. The coast here is as wild as the neighbouring iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and there's no shortage of empty sand to find some peace and quiet. From November to February you might encounter other visitors though: loggerhead and leatherback turtles hauling themselves ashore to lay their eggs, humpback whales and pods of dolphins.

9. MAURITIUS: ÎLE AUX CERFS

Île Maurice remains a top-seller amongst local travellers searching abroad for sun, sea and sand. While the island's resorts are no slouch when it comes to Instagrammable beaches, they can be rather anodyne. The solution? Hop on a day-trip to Île aux Cerfs on the island's east coast.

Set in the sheltered lagoon of Trou d'Eau Douce, "Deer Island" offers empty stretches of sand where you can set yourself up beneath the palms and casuarinas for the day. Rustic beach bars and restaurants take care of any hunger pangs, at prices less painful than most resorts.

10. MALDIVES: TAKE YOUR PICK!

With powder-soft sand, crystal waters, private islands and luxury on tap, the Maldives might just be the holy grail of beach holidays. And there's good news for cash-strapped locals.

Although the Maldives "has traditionally been a bucket-list spot due to its high prices for South Africans, pricing has recently become more affordable," says Megan D'Arcy, the product manager (international) for Kulula Holidays. The introduction of direct charter flights this season has also cut travel times, with a handful of resorts offering special deals to South Africans.

Where to stay then? That depends on the depth of your pockets, but you certainly won't go wrong with the likes of Constance Halaveli, Shangri-La's Villingili or Canareef Resort.