The remote beach has earned a reputation as being 'The Gates of Hell' thanks to the rough seas leaving its shores full of skeletons and shipwrecks that are revealed at low tide.

When you picture a golden sandy beach, often that comes with images of crystal-clear waters, colorful sun umbrellas and gorgeous views.

However, there's one stretch of golden coast that may look spectacular, but it's swerved by locals and visitors alike thanks to its creepy setting, having earned nicknames such as 'The Gates of Hell', the 'End of the Earth' and even 'The Land God Made In Anger'.

Skeleton Coast in Namibia is picture-perfect with long stretches of uninterrupted dunes, dry weather and plenty of wildlife. However with the rough seas and remote setting, it's got plenty of eerie features that make it far from a paradise.

In fact, come low tide and you'll find countless whale skeletons washed up on the shores, as well as plenty of shipwrecks that make for a pretty spectacular if not apocalyptic-feeling sight.

It's therefore no surprise that locals and visitors rarely make it to the beach - and in fact, it's generally closed to the public in a bid to protect the wildlife and eco-system. However, that's not to say it's impossible to visit; there are some 'fly-in safaris' you can book, as well as a handful of guided tours that offer a glimpse at parts of this unusual coast.

The Skeleton Coast Park is area open to visitors, near the Hoanib River, and it's a few hours' drive from the nearest inhabited towns and villages. If you're tempted to discover it all for yourself, there are travel firms which offer packages with trips to the Skeleton Coast.

Despite the harsh desert conditions there's an abundance of wildlife that calls the region home, from elephants who dig in the sand to find water from underground rivers, to the likes of giraffes, lions, hyenas and even baboons.

As it's technically a desert because it doesn't have seasonal rains, the coast boasts warm and dry weather - but that doesn't stop the stormy seas from being treacherous. It's estimated that there are over 1,000 shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast, such as the Winston, a trawler which ran aground in 1970 and can still be seen along the coast. Another famous wreck is the Eduard Bohlen, which dates back to the early 1900s, and remains partially buried in the beach's sands today.

Still, with dramatic dunes and sweeping landscapes, it's no surprise that the Skeleton Coast was ranked as having some of the world's best golden beaches by Beach Atlas.

The travel pros explained: "Skeleton Coast, known as 'The Gates of Hell,' is a desolate stretch in Namibia where the Atlantic's Benguela Current meets the desert. Its eerie name derives from the whale skeletons and numerous shipwrecks scattered along its shores. The Ovahimba people, utilizing whale bones for their huts, contribute to the region's unique cultural landscape. 

This inhospitable yet fascinating area showcases the stark beauty and relentless challenge of nature."

The Daily Star