The beautiful and balmy Caribbean is well known for its tropical weather and stunning beaches, with swaying palm trees and gentle turquoise waters.

In the British Virgin Islands, the beaches are simply sublime, with everything from secluded bays where there's not a soul to be seen to larger strips of sand with bars providing exotic cocktails and delicious food.

There are so many beaches and stretches of coastline in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) that you won't ever feel crowded and will have the space to simply relax and listen to the waves lapping against the shore.

With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it's impossible to list them all but here's a look at some of the ones you might want to visit.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

One of the most famous places in the BVI, The Baths is located at the bottom of Virgin Gorda (making up the "toes" of the famous reclining pregnant woman shape).

The Baths is a geological wonder, being carved from many of the giant boulders that the south of the island is famous for. With a series of sea pools created by the rocks, there are tiny caves and plenty of secluded crevices. The Baths is unlike any other beach in the BVI with the natural rock formations creating a truly unique place which is simply enchanting.

A great view of the baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands 

No matter how many times you visit The Baths, you'll find somewhere new to explore. The crystal clear waters are a snorkelers paradise too because the nooks and crannies, and the underwater reef, attract fish and marine life in great numbers.

Because of the natural phenomenon that can be seen here, The Baths is part of the National Parks system, and is a popular attraction in the BVI. The National Parks have made the beach even more inviting by installing ropes and wooden ladders over the boulders for visitors to clamber over.

There's also a restroom plus a beach bar so it's a great place for the whole family to spend the day.

Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada

Although not as big as Tortola or Virgin Gorda, Anegada is one of the most magical locations in the BVI, with Cow Wreck Beach undoubtedly the jewel in its crown.

This pristine stretch of sand is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in the whole of the BVI, offering the perfect conditions for sun worshippers, swimmers, children and fishermen alike.

The waters here are still and gentle and underfoot you won't find any coral or rocks. Instead the bed of the ocean is soft and sandy, and with the water near the shoreline only going up to waist-deep, it's perfect for padding, wading or even a spot of swimming.

A group enjoying sunbathing at Cow Wreck beach, Anegada, British Virgin Islands

Fishermen is easily accessible right from the shore at Cow Wreck Beach and snapper, bonefish and other delicacies can be caught even by the most inexperienced, thanks to the great numbers present.

Just a few steps away from the ocean there's a tropical cocktail bar, and a restaurant too, with freshly caught fish, chicken and ribs cooked over an open wood fire.

Deadman's Bay Beach, Peter Island

Peter Island is privately owned, but as the fifth largest in the BVI, it's open to visitors as well, with biking and hiking trails criss-crossing over its lush tropical landscape.

Deadman's Bay Beach is the stuff legends are made of, lying just across the water from Dead Chest Island, where history claims Blackbeard marooned some of his crew. The men tried to swim across the stretch of water and are said to have failed, washing up on this now-famous beach instead many centuries ago.

Crescent shaped and stretching out over a mile, there's shady palm trees and stunning views from this beach. On the north side of the island, Deadman's Bay Beach is one of the most popular yacht anchorages but can also be reached by ferry.

Long Bay Beach, Beef Island

Although this beach is technically on Beef Island, the bridge over the water to Tortola means that it's easily accessible from both islands.

The eastern part of the beach offers bars and sun chairs, and plenty of facilities but with the white sands stretching out for more than a mile, it's the ideal place to simply stroll along the water's edge.

A great view of Long Bay Beach, Beef Island, British Virgin Islands 

Surrounded by a palm grove, the western side of the beach is far more private and secluded with excellent water to swim in. There's not too much shade on this side, so it's perfect for sun worshippers who want a bit of peace and quiet.

Offering both secluded spots and fantastic facilities at the opposite end, Long Bay Beach has it all.

Apple Bay Beach, Tortola

Not far from the relaxing leisure of Long Bay Beach lies the more energetic Apple Bay, perfect for water sports enthusiasts.

Just over the other side of the hill, Apple Bay Beach boasts some of the best waves in the Caribbean, making it the ideal spot for surfers, body boarders and other sports fans.

The famous surfer's bar, Bomba Shack, is located at this beach and there's a real community feel to this area. With private villas, guest houses and luxury hotels, there are plenty of facilities available.

The western side of the beach is better for swimmers as there are fewer rocks on the seabed but the eastern side is all about the surfing. With big waves rolling in, the area is particularly popular in the winter months when the swells in the North Sea create some fantastic breakers for surfers.

Little Jost van Dyke

A smaller islet just off the eastern side of Jost van Dyke, Little Jost as its colloquially known is part of the Diamond Cay National Park.

The beach here is white powder, but it's the crystal clear waters that attract snorkelers and scuba divers alike. Harmless eagle ray and giant tarpon fish can be found in great numbers, and established dive sites such as the Twin Towers (two giant 90 foot rock formations surrounded by smaller rocks) attract a variety of marine life.

There can be occasional swells and currents so it's not recommended for beginners, but for more experienced swimmers, the idyllic landscape and wonderful underwater sights make it a popular place.