The beach. It's the highlight of the summer for many people across the world, as families and couples flock to coastlines everywhere to enjoy sun, sea and sand. But now, with coronavirus still affecting the vast majority of countries across the globe, the way we use our beaches has had to change. Here, we explore what some of the world's most popular stretches of sand look like in the wake of the pandemic.

One of Britain's largest stretches of sand, Bournemouth Beach has long been a favourite for day-trippers from London and beyond. The wide, sandy beach and vast Atlantic Ocean beyond lure visitors throughout the summer. And this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic, is no different. Take a look at more of the UK's most beautiful beaches from above.

In fact, Bournemouth's council had to declare a 'Major Incident' in June when nearly half a million people attempted to get onto the sands during some of the hottest days of the year. Social distancing went out the window for most, as families and friends gathered on the sand for picnics, barbecues and drinks.

The result was not only damaging for the spread of the virus, but also for the environment. Litter was left strewn across the beach and allowed to wash into the ocean. The beach hasn't been closed, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the government will do so if necessary. These images show the true impact of plastics on our oceans.

This scene is just an ordinary day on Miami's South Beach, one of the most popular in the city. Each year, over 20 million tourists come to this wide, soft stretch of white sand to party, top up their tans and swim in the warm waters. But this year, things look a little different...

After the state's lockdown, beaches across Florida reopened in June, and so visitors and locals have been slowly returning to the sands. Many are taking social distancing measures, like this woman pictured on 16 June, as the state is seeing a dramatic, devastating rise in coronavirus cases.

This opening sign comes with a host of rules and regulations to keep beach-goers safe during the pandemic. However, with one of America's most important holidays coming up on 4 July, beaches across Miami will be closed to avoid overcrowding.

This photograph was taken in July 2018 and shows just how popular Rabat's beach usually is throughout summer. Visitors and locals come to its shores to cool off in the sweltering summer heat.

This year, things are much quieter. In this photo taken on 25 June, a man wears a mask while overlooking the ocean. Elsewhere, police roam the beach on horses to ensure everyone is practising social distancing, and almost no foreign visitors can be seen on these usually popular sands.

Last summer, Málaga's main beach saw thousands of holidaymakers enjoying its sunny sands. The city and its coastline is a hugely popular destination for Brits, and in 2018, almost 120,000 UK residents visited the region for their summer vacation. 

In recent months, as Spain enforced one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, the beach had been empty nearly every day. Now, the state of emergency has been lifted and the restrictions are easing gradually, so people are returning to the sands.

As a heatwave swept across Europe in June, hundreds of people gathered along the coast to enjoy the sun and a refreshing swim. On Malagueta Beach in Málaga, social distancing wasn't too difficult as most beach-goers managed to stay six feet (2m) apart. 

In Cádiz, though, it was another story. Located on Spain's southwest coast, this fortified city has long attracted visitors thanks to its naval history and brilliant beaches. This photograph, taken on 26 April 2020, shows how quiet the city was during the country's lockdown measures.

But crowds gathered in droves to enjoy the sunshine in late June, as temperatures soared and the government ended the country's state of emergency. On 27 June, this beach had to close thanks to the thousands of people who flocked to its shores.

Thailand's beaches are known as some of the best in the world, and Bang Saen Beach in Chon Buri is one of the most popular thanks to its proximity to Bangkok. Both locals and international visitors come here for relaxing weekends away from the vast, fast-paced capital. But now, a host of new measures face families and holidaymakers if they want to come and enjoy the sand.

In the post-coronavirus society, anyone wanting to use the beach is temperature-checked on arrival by officials wearing masks. Hand sanitiser is also available at the screening points, and a check-in register is kept by officials. It's likely these protocols will exist as the country plans to lift its lockdown entirely and open up to international visitors from certain countries in July.

However, there are still teething problems in Thailand. On more than one occasion in June, authorities had to close the beach and its access road temporarily due to overcrowding. This photograph, taken on 21 June, shows crowds building up on the popular beach.

This is what a typical summer's day looks like on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Thousands of locals and international visitors come here to soak up the sun and party vibes throughout the hottest months. The 2020 summer season, though, looks rather different for Rio.

The beach and the kiosks here have seen a fraction of the visitors that usually come during summer, and so the vast majority have closed their doors. Today, the city is still seeing a huge rise in COVID-19 cases and the country as a whole has passed one million cases.

In mid-June, NGO Rio de Paz dug 100 graves on the Copacabana as a protest against the government's bad handling of the pandemic and as a memorial to the nearly 60,000 deaths so far. It's unlikely that locals and visitors will get to enjoy a day on this beach for some time yet.

In Germany, the Bay of Lübeck is a popular getaway for both domestic and international tourists, especially at the height of summer. This image, from 2016, shows just how crowded it can get here when the weather is good. But lockdown across the country meant that very few people have been able to enjoy its sands over the last few months. 

Now, despite lockdown being reinstated in one German region thanks to a localised outbreak, people are able to gather on the beach once again. The crowds aren't quite back to usual capacity though, and social distancing is generally adhered to by most. The country is now even welcoming visitors from other European nations, as its borders reopened on 15 June. Take a look at these stunning sights you won't believe are in Germany.

Independence Day is one of America's most important holidays, and this time last year thousands of revellers turned up to Venice Beach in LA to enjoy the occasion. This year, though, beaches across the States will be closing to avoid overcrowding on the sand during the holiday weekend.

While a gradual reopening in May had meant some could still use the beach and enjoy swimming in the ocean, the boardwalk and pier at Venice Beach have been closed down. Many businesses have remained shut, too, due to lack of foot traffic and stay-at-home orders from the local authorities.

This weekend, Venice Beach will be completely closed off for visitors as the government attempts to stem overcrowding as a result of 4 July celebrations. These often popular volleyball nets will remain unused, as they have been closed since lockdown began in California in March. 

The Algarve is a hugely popular summer holiday destination for both the Portuguese and other nationalities across Europe. With travel bans still in place in many countries, though, this special stretch of coastline is no longer welcoming the same number of sun-seeking crowds it usually would at this time of year.

The lack of British tourists has been described as an "absolute body blow" by experts in the region, as the UK is yet to confirm whether or not Portugal will be included in its 'air bridges' agreements or the proposed traffic light system designed to get international travel off the ground again. Cape St Vincent's beaches are unusually quiet now, as only domestic visitors are gracing their sands. Take a look at the world's empty and beautiful beaches from the above.

Elsewhere in Portugal, locals are enjoying having the beaches to themselves as international arrivals are almost non-existent. On this dog-friendly stretch of sand in Oeiras, social distancing is easy as hordes of holidaymakers from elsewhere are nowhere to be seen.

The beach was opened on 27 June as the country continues to ease its lockdown measures. The country has also implemented its new 'Clean & Safe' seal, which indicates where an attraction or establishment has been verified to be safe and hygienic.

This beach along the Athens Riviera in Greece is usually packed with locals and visitors come summertime. The parasols are pushed close together to make space for as many people as possible, and people usually spill over onto the sand with their towels where necessary.

Today, though, the coronavirus pandemic means sun loungers and umbrellas have to be far more spaced out to allow room for social distancing. The beaches in Greece are, as expected, far quieter than usual for this time of year, especially with the lack of overseas visitors.

Now discover the countries that are starting to welcome tourists back