Clinging to the side of the Sai Kung Peninsula is a necklace of four bays separated by a turret of hills, each with pearly sands and mirror-clear waters. Set off from San Wan to Ham Tin Wan, crossing through grassy valleys and forest-fringed corridors. You'll know you're near when you reach the waterfalls and rock pools. Take a dip before continuing on. It's quite a journey, so set up camp overnight - you can rent surfboards, camping gear and firewood from On Kee Store. S'mores under the stars? Obligatory. For something more substantial, before you leave the city proper, pick up a ready-made picnic from Brick Lane. These aren't your run-of-the-mill sandy sandwiches; its hampers come complete with (proper) utensils, blankets and, the best bit, loaded-truffle fries.

Getting there: Head to Sai Kung Town by taking bus 92 from MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2. Once there, jump on a speedboat direct to Ham Tin or set about on the hike from Sai Wan Pavilion. It'll take you about 90 minutes depending on how many times you stop (for snacks/ snaps/ a swim in the rock pools).

Chung Hom Kok is just a 50-minute bus ride from the hubbub of city life. Most sunseekers are deterred by the 200 (or so, we lost count after that) steep steps that lead to the beach, but when compared to other multiple-ferry-crossing sandy crescents, this is fairly fuss-free to reach. Stretch out - there's little chance of shaking sand onto someone else's towel here - before firing up the free-to-use beach barbecues. We suggest stocking up Bones & Blades for a selection of cuts gathered from some of the best family-owned farms from across the world for a sunset cookout.

Getting there: From Central (Exchange Square) hop on bus 6. Walk downhill, take a left and you'll reach those stairs.

Encircled by lush, raw forest, this teeny tiny crescent is one of our favourite sun-dappled spots in Hong Kong. It's blissfully void of crowds and the water is some of the bluest around. Plus, there's little-to-no tide making it an ideal spot for morning breaststroke. Getting restless? Turtle Cove is just south of the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir - a favourite hiking spot for Hong Kongers. Venture back uphill for about an hour to reach the reservoir. There are no shacks or stalls here - plenty of barbecue pits, though - so pop to Oliver's The Delicatessen before to load up.

Getting there: Take the MTR to Sai Wan Ho, then jump on bus 14.

Despite being one of the most accessible beaches in Sai Kung, Trio Beach's tucked-away location prevents it from overcrowding. That being said, we suggest visiting during the week if you're seeking complete seclusion. Part of the beach's allure is the 3km trail that traverses by cliff-jumping spots, rock pools and views across the bobbing boats found lining Hebe Haven. Start the route at Pak Sha Wan Public Pier and follow the trail signs to the beach. You'll know you've reached your destination when you spot the Wes Anderson-style lifeguard tower.

Getting there: Take minibus 1A or 101M from Sai Kung Pier and hop-off at Che Keng Tuk Road.

Often overlooked in favour of Lamma Island's busier beaches, we're signposting this dinky, near-empty cove for its pristine sands - it regularly achieves the highest rating from the city's Environment Protection Department - barefoot appeal and the epic sunsets. Reachable only by foot (Lamma Island is car-free), head south from Hung Shing Yeh Beach and follow the flora-flecked path past two pavilions. You'll want to detour from the trail, known as the Lamma Island Family Trail, and descend a set of steps to reach the cove. There's only a single refreshment stand on the shores, so pick up water, sunscreen and beers from the hawkers lining the steps.

Getting there: Hike across the island, detouring from the Lamma Island Family Trail.

Geographically floating closer to Shenzhen, China than Hong Kong's mainland, Tung Ping Chau is a remote island with a vibrant coral reef ideal for snorkelling. Plan an urban-escape day trip, starting with a 90-minute ferry ride from Ma Liu Shui Public Pier.

On your itinerary: the 5km Ping Chau Country Trail that circumnavigates the island. It's a great way to orient yourself. After arriving at the Tung Ping Chau ferry pier, turn left. Stroll past an abandoned hamlet with vines smothering empty houses. Cross the wave-ravaged stones that resemble dragon scales and head uphill into the jungle. Dip in and out of the bamboo groves, banyan trees and even the odd cactus - two varieties of which grow on the island - before circling round to a silver stretch of beach. It's the longest sandy swathe on the island, and you'll want to don your flippers here - spot more than 100 types of reef fish darting in and out of the coral. Stop by Sunshine Store (identifiable by its rainbow-painted facade) in Tai Tong village on the eastern coast for its salt and pepper shrimp.

Getting there: Make your way to Ma Liu Shui Public Pier and jump aboard the ferry. There's only two crossings a day, one at 9am and a returning ferry at 5.15pm and the ferry service operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Schedule your day accordingly and don't miss your ferry back.

Disclaimer: we're a little bit reluctant to share this one. Floating off the coast of Sai Kung is a crescent of fine grained sands where crabs nibble the coastline, hammocks are strung between the trees and the bath-warm water shines a Tiffany-blue. In short: it's as pretty as a postcard. Yet, there's also plenty to do for those who get bored of retreating to a sun-soaked stupor. Head out on the one-hour trek through Kiu Tsui Country Park where you'll find a string of volcanic rock formations that have earned the nickname "pineapple bun" rocks thanks to the similarity between them and the baked pastries of the same name. Still got itchy feet? On the opposite side of the island there's a tombolo that connects the island to the shoreline. Visit at low tide when the naturally formed, rocky bridge is exposed.

Getting there: Hail a sampan (wooden boat) from Sai Kung Pier. It'll take about 15 minutes to reach Hap Mun's shores. Make a note of the flag flying from the sampan as this will be the same sampan you need to board for your journey back.

Hailed as Hong Kong's last hidden beach, this raw and rustic enclave offers translucent waters, powder-soft sands and an overnight campsite that beckons you to sleep under the stars. To reach the bay you'll need to follow Section 1 of the world-renowned MacLehose Trail that skirts along the coastline. Look out for the hexagonal volcanicrocks that flank one side of the bay - they are 140 million years old and make up part of the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark. Planning to camp? Stop by SEED, Sai Kung's zero-waste supermarket.

Getting there: Hail a taxi from Sai Kung to East Dam and follow the MacLehose Trail that's dotted with signs leading to Long Ke Wan Beach from here. If you want to bypass the hike, charter a speedboat from the pier.

Ok, so this sandy spot on Lantau Island can't claim to be as under-the-radar as other beaches in Hong Kong, but we're still firm fans thanks to its top-draw sundowner bar, novice-friendly swell and the wandering water buffalo that are known to join us for a dip. Make tracks to Treasure Island restaurant and bar where you'll find DJs spinning sets reminiscent of summers in Ibiza, while beginner boarders not yet ready to tackle the swell at Big Wave can also pluck up their courage. Need to sleep it off after one-too-many San Miguels? Book one of the cottages or cabanas for a sleepover.

Getting there: Board the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Change here for bus 1 to Pui O Beach.