Your first priority on your Bermuda vacation
probably will be to kick back at the beach. But which beach? Hotels
often have private stretches of sand, which we've described in each
accommodation review. There are many fine public beaches as well.
Here's our top-10 list, arranged clockwise around the island,
beginning with the south-shore beaches closest to the City of
Hamilton.
Elbow Beach (Paget Parish): The pale pink sand stretches for
almost a mile at Elbow Beach, one of the most popular beaches in
Bermuda. At least three hotels sit on its perimeter. Because
protective coral reefs surround it, Elbow Beach is one of the safest
beaches on the island for swimming. Around Easter, it tends to be
packed with college students who invade Bermuda for spring break.
Astwood Cove (Warwick Parish): At the bottom of the steep,
winding road that intersects with South Road, this beach is so
remote that it's rarely overcrowded. Come here when you want to be
alone. The trees and shrubbery of Astwood Park provide a verdant
backdrop.
Warwick Long Bay (Warwick Parish): This popular beach, on the
south side of South Shore Park, features a half-mile stretch of sand
against a backdrop of scrubland and low grasses. Despite frequent
winds, an offshore reef keeps the waves surprisingly small. Less
than 60m (200 ft.) offshore, a jagged coral island appears to be
floating above the water. There is excellent snorkeling here -- the
waters are clear and marine life comes in close to shore.
Chaplin Bay (Warwick and Southampton parishes): At the
southern extremity of South Shore Park, straddling the boundary of
two parishes, this small but secluded beach almost completely
disappears during storms and particularly high tides. An open-air
coral barrier rises from the water, partially separating one half of
the beach from the other.
Horseshoe Bay (Southampton Parish): This is Bermuda's most
famous beach, and it's one of the best for families. Unlike most
island beaches, Horseshoe Bay has a lifeguard on duty from May to
September. The Horseshoe Bay Beach Cafe (tel. 441/238-2651) offers
complete facilities, including watersports equipment rental.
Church Bay (Southampton Parish): If you like to snorkel, this
southwestern beach is for you. The relatively calm waters, sheltered
by offshore reefs, harbor a variety of marine life. Sunbathers love
the unusually deep, pink sands of this beach.
Somerset Long Bay (Sandys Parish): The waters off this beach
are often unsafe for swimming, but its isolation will appeal to
anyone who wants to escape the crowds. With about a quarter-mile of
sand, the crescent-shaped beach is ideal for strolling. The
undeveloped parkland of Sandys Parish shelters it from the rest of
the island.
Shelly Bay (Hamilton Parish): On the north shore, you'll
discover calm waters and soft, pink sand -- and you'll want for
nothing else. This beach is well known among beach buffs, but it's
rarely overcrowded and there's always a spot in the sun just waiting
for you.
Tobacco Bay (St. George Parish): A popular stretch of pale
pink sand, this is the most frequented beach on St. George's Island.
It offers lots of facilities, including equipment rentals and a
snack bar.
John Smith's Bay (Smith's Parish): The only public beach in
Smith's Parish is long and flat. It boasts the pale pink sand for
which the south shore is famous. There's usually a lifeguard on duty
from May to September -- a plus for families. There are toilet and
changing facilities on-site.
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