Escape to still-undiscovered sands the world over, from Mexico to Madagascar.

Maybe you’re in search of an unexpected, crowd-free beach, where you can stroll along secret sandy stretches and stumble upon lesser-known fishing villages and gentle waves. Or perhaps your go-to beach hideaway overflows with tourists, swimmers and sunbathers, and you would rather trade popular powdery sands for abundant marine life, pristine diving spots or secluded areas for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and other recreational activities. To help you find a tucked-away oasis to savor sunny, lazy summer days, we’ve pinpointed 12 stretches of sand for a secluded beach break.

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12 Beautiful Beaches You’ve Never Heard Of originally appeared on usnews.com