Last of the ‘lost paradise’ islands

It is one of the last parts of Asia to see the sunset, it has some of the finest white-sand beaches in the world and its coral reefs are teeming with fish. But there is one big difference between the beaches on this tropical island group and Gisborne’s Midway, Waikanae and Wainui beaches: there are no people.

Coastal Spit, Lake Erie

Sediment has piled up to build this sand spit over thousands of years. Now covered with vegetation, Presque Isle State Park includes dozens of beach ridges—with each line representing a coastline from the past.

The Birth of a New Island; 2 videos by NASA Goddard Space Center

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is the first island of this type to erupt and persist in the modern satellite era. It was initially projected to last a few months. Now it has a 6- to 30-year lease on life and gives scientists an unprecedented view from space of its early life and evolution.

Ranked: The World’s 50 Best Beaches

Welcome to paradise: the 50 best beaches in the world. To create this spectacular list, FlightNetwork — Canada’s largest online travel website — consulted with 632 top travel professionals, including journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies and had them vote on their favorites.