With unused vacation days rolling over from previous years and hybrid working arrangements allowing for more flexibility, many people are looking for options to extend their time away this year. In fact, more than half of Hong Kong travelers (65%) want to make the most of their budget with one or two longer vacations in 2023*. Considering that 60% also say that great beaches are an important factor in deciding where to travel**, finding the perfect coastal getaway to stay a little longer and squeeze the most out of an upcoming trip is top of mind for many. From soaking up the sun year round along Australia’s Gold Coast to one of Brazil’s most beloved beaches, digital travel platform Booking.com has rounded up a list of top endorsed beach destinations where travelers can stay for a month or more, perfect for catching a wave between video calls or simply savoring multiple sunsets with the sand between your toes.
Gold Coast, Australia
With a reported average of more than 300 days of sunshine a year, warm temperatures year-round and loads of activities, including surfing classes for beginners, shopping and great places to eat, it’s obvious why the Gold Coast has been an Australian favorite vacation destination for decades. With around 44 miles (70km) of sandy beaches to enjoy, it’s a paradise for surfing and other water sports, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top 10 destinations most endorsed by Booking.com travelers for ‘beach’, ‘surfing’ and ‘beaches for kids’. As one of 2023’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth, visitors can also expect a healthy dose of Aussie hospitality throughout their stay.
With a multitude of different options to suit groups of different sizes, the apartments at Nirvana By The Sea are located right on Coolangatta Beach and a convenient short drive away from Gold Coast Airport. All the apartments have balconies or terraces with sprawling views of the beach and ocean, and for those that want to splurge, there are even a few luxe units with their own private plunge pools. All the apartments have their own kitchens, as well as spacious living areas to chill out or catch-up on a few emails. And as a Travel Sustainable Level 2 property, in addition to utilizing water-efficient showers and toilets and serving mostly locally-sourced food, they also invest back into local sustainability and community projects, as well as connecting guests with tours provided by local guides and businesses.
Corralejo, Fuerteventura, Spain
Just 60 miles (97 km) off the coast of northwest Africa, Fuerteventura is one of the oldest of Spain’s popular Canary Islands, often referred to as the ‘land of eternal spring’ because of the consistent warm temperatures. The former small fishing village of Corralejo has become an increasingly popular hub on the northern tip of the island, with its many bustling shops, restaurants and bars, as well as its close proximity to the island’s iconic sand dunes and pristine beaches. The famous trade winds that create the pleasant climate on the island, also contribute to favorable conditions for surfing and windsurfing, for which it is highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers. Renting a car is highly recommended for those wanting to take some extra time to explore all the island has to offer, from its rugged landscapes, historic villages and famous stargazing spots to a quick ferry ride to visit neighboring island Lanzarote and a wine tasting at one its unique volcanic vineyards.
The whitewashed houses at Villas Veaco Bahiazul come with their own private pool, covered parking spot and a rooftop terrace complete with a pergola, barbecue, outdoor dining area and a jacuzzi. The layout ensures a thoughtful balance between privacy and large communal areas to meet the needs of different kinds of groups, as the rooms have their own en suite bathrooms, as well as their own entrances to the pool area. The fully equipped kitchen is perfect for whipping up a feast, particularly with two grocery stores just a short walk away. Corralejo’s harbor, beaches and dunes are just a quick drive from the villas, which are located in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of town, ideal for rest and
relaxation whenever it’s needed.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
With 60 miles (100 km) of surrounding sandy beaches to explore, gentle waves and southern hospitality to spare, Myrtle Beach is one of the top-endorsed beach destinations for kids by Booking.com travelers. Aside from its famous boardwalk, the area is renowned for its many excellent golf courses, lively nightlife and plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. For those looking to really immerse themselves in all there is to discover, the historic city of Charleston is a scenic, two-hour drive away along the South Carolina coast and makes for an excellent day trip.
The Cozy Condo Magnolia North is just a short drive from Myrtle Beach’s bustling boardwork, as well as numerous local golf courses and parks. After a day on the green or playing in the sand, guests can return to their own spacious sanctuary, with its large open plan kitchen, dining area and living room, fantastic for kicking back and relaxing together. With a big communal pool and a breezy balcony, there’s more than one way to cool off during the steamy summer months. Although rest assured, the two-bedroom unit is fully air conditioned for maximum comfort.
Nazaré, Portugal
Famous the world over for its gigantic waves and a top-endorsed destination for ‘surfing’ by Booking.com travelers, it’s no secret that the Portuguese town of Nazaré is home to some of the most epic surfing opportunities in the world, particularly during the months from October to March. That being said, the town has plenty on offer for all visitors all year round, including suitable waves for beginning surfers, historic architecture, notable landmarks, and excellent seafood, as well. Just a 90-minute drive north of Lisbon, Nazaré is an ideal choice for those that want to really improve and test the limits of their surfing game, but is also a convenient choice for those wanting to explore further off the beaten path and immerse themselves in local Portuguese culture, language and cuisine.
With panoramic views out over the Atlantic Ocean and tons of space for large groups to come together and share a meal, stream a movie or simply enjoy a stunning sunset, this Ocean View Villa is just minutes away from Nazaré Beach and the center of town. With four bedrooms, there’s plenty of space for everyone to claim as their own – essential for an extended adventure together along the picturesque Portuguese coast.
Búzios, Brazil
Three hours to the east of Rio de Janeiro by car, Búzios is beloved by Brazilians and Booking.com travelers for its stunning array of more than 20 beaches, including hidden horseshoe coves with sparkling turquoise water perfect for wading. Travelers can navigate through the 
clear waters by joining a Boat Tour in Búzios and explore many highlights around Búzios, including the old fishermen’s village of Praia dos Ossos, Ilha do Caboclo, and Praia dos Búzios. With so much choice along the picturesque peninsula, it would take nearly a month to properly experience and savor each one, which makes it an ideal home base for beach lovers looking to extend their time along Brazil’s Atlantic coast. The chic Rua das Pedras is the epicenter of activity for the fishing town, with plenty of galleries, boutiques, restaurants and trendy bars along the street to keep visitors with even the most discerning taste busy for a few weeks.
Housed in a lovingly restored villa in the heart of the town of Armação dos Búzios, the Pousada Blanca Mar is just steps away from the beach and the famous Rua das Pedras. With suites of different sizes to meet the needs of different travelers, the villa also has multiple spacious common areas for guests to gather, including indoor and outdoor terraces, a garden and even a pool. Although with all the beautiful sandy beaches on offer within such close proximity, most guests will likely be spending the bulk of their extended stay beach hopping to find their favorite one.
For travelers inspired to enjoy summer a little bit longer, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the “Getaway Deal” badge and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 28 September 2023. In addition, Booking.com is making it easier for travelers to level up their trip with Genius. Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime. As travelers continue to book on the platform – whether it’s a car rental for a family road trip or a coastal cottage for a beach getaway – Genius helps travelers to earn more rewards as they go for a lifetime of discounts that never expire. Travelers simply need to create a free Booking.com account or log into an existing one to earn more and more rewards that will help level-up their travel experience – from free breakfast to free room upgrades, and with discounts starting from 10% on selected car rental and places to stay.
