The definitive list of the best beaches in the world. Think powder white sand, turquoise seas, permanent sunshine and only the lightest of breezes wafting through the palms that fringe the beach and you’re there. But that’s not the whole story; we’ve also included some of the most amazing beaches on earth that don’t tick all the usual boxes…
From the endless white sands of remote Australian beaches to palm fringed tropical idylls we have compiled (with your help) the finest beaches on Earth. Whilst some might argue there is a fair and accurate way of ranking the World’s best beaches into some kind of order we have chosen our very own system. Basically, as far as we are concerned, the more mentions of words and phrases such as crystalline, azure, fine sand, turquoise, pristine, etc, the better!
But it doesn’t stop there. We have left the final decision up to you, the users of the World Beach Guide. You too can rate every beach we have listed on the website with our infallible, patented five star rating system. So you can forget your Blue Flag awards, Trip-Advisor polls and whatever else you might have read on the internet. If you want to know which is the finest, greatest and downright coolest beach on the planet, look no further!
#100. Guincho Beach // Portugal
Guincho beach, near Cascais, is not what many people imagine when thinking of the archetypal Portuguese beach. Despite being within an hour of the capital, Lisbon, Guincho has a wild desolate feel. Well, except for the summer months when it doesn’t!
This wide stretch of fine, golden sand sits in the shadow of the forested hills of Sintra, one of Portugal’s most beautiful towns. To the north are high cliffs… read more »
#99. Coffee Bay // South Africa
Coffee Bay is situated on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape and the beach’s name in a way reflects this. The story goes that in 1893 a ship carrying coffee beans was driven ashore here during a storm. Somehow a fair few of these beans managed to take root and so the bay was named. Unfortunately you’ll be wasting your time looking for said plants as the soil was… read more »
#98. Santa Rosa Beach // USA
Powdery white sand and the clear waters of the Gulf are all par for the course along Florida’s Emerald Coast and Santa Rosa beach is no exception. Situated less than ten miles away from the ever popular beaches of Destin, what you get at Santa Rosa is a more laid back, and dare I say, upmarket experience. You can instantly tell there is money here from the fine beachfront properties… read more »
#97. Henne Strand // Denmark
Situated on the west coast of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula is the infeasibly long sandy beach of Henne Strand.
Despite being one of the most popular beaches on this stretch of North Sea coast it never gets crowded here. In fact, outside of sunny days in the summer holidays it is generally quiet allowing you to appreciate the vast open space here.
The beach is backed by an extensive network… read more »
#96. Manuel Antonio Beach // Costa Rica
While the central Pacific coastal region of Costa Rica may not rank uppermost for its beaches, the four found in the Manuel Antonio National Park are definite exceptions. Manuel Antonio Beach is the best of them from a safe swimming view and is certainly one for your beach bucket list. It is a short and scenic drive south of the regional city of Quepos.
Picture a dazzling white sandy… read more »
#95. Playa Paraiso // Cuba
Playa Paraiso is a fabulous stretch of beach where soft, powdery white sand runs parallel to a turquoise sea, all under an almost eternally clear blue sky. It is sandwiched between Playa Blanca and Playa Sirena beaches to the east and west respectively. These and a number of other top-rated beaches are dotted around the resort island of Cayo Largo, just off the Cuban southwest coast. Access to the island… read more »
#94. Turquoise Bay // Australia
The white sands and stunning aquamarine waters that Turquoise Bay is known for, make this one of the best places for relaxing in Western Australia. About 60 km northwest of Exmouth, it’s part of the Ningaloo Marine Park.
The clear waters make it is a top spot for snorkelling with an amazing diversity of corals, fish and marine life reasonably close to shore. The best time to snorkel on the… read more »
#93. Baia do Sancho // Brazil
The volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha off the north eastern coast of Brazil is home to many fantastic beaches. However, it is Baia do Sancho that takes the crown of, not only the finest beach on the island, but possibly the best beach in Brazil. That’s pretty good going considering there are well over 2,000 other great beaches in Brazil.
What gives the beach at Baia do Sancho a… read more »
#92. Laguna Beach // USA
Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is the archetypal Southern Californian beach town. This is one of the most fashionable seaside towns in Orange County and as such has attracted the wealthy and famous for many years. Laguna Beach has a long established reputation as a cultural hotspot and is home to any number of art festivals, most notably the Pageant of the Masters.
But it is… read more »
#91. Bathsheba // Barbados
One of the island’s more laid-back beach destinations, Bathsheba lies amid the fishing village of the same name on the east coast of Barbados. Immediately south of the larger Cattlewash Beach, Bathsheba Beach comprises a good length of golden sand dotted with unusual coral rock formations carved by the action of the waves over centuries.
The beach is named after the wife of the Bible’s King David, since its white-topped waves… read more »
#90. Saint George Beach // Greece
Agios Georgios, better known to pretty much everyone as Saint George Beach, is perhaps the most visited beach anywhere on Naxos. Taking its name from an attractive little chapel at its northern end, it lies just south of Naxos town, only 300 metres from Plateia Protodikiou, the town’s main square.
Easily reached on foot, Saint George Beach sits firmly within the town’s boundaries, so visitors are always in close proximity to… read more »
#89. Forno Beach // Italy
The third and smallest of three beaches in Biodola Bay, Forno beach is also the best. Set in a picturesque little cove surrounded by forested hillsides and overlooked by fine villas this little beach also manages to escape the worst of the summer crowds.
The beach here is fine golden sand and the warm Mediterranean water crystal clear, but what gives the cove its particular charm is the way the… read more »
#88. Little Salmon Bay // Australia
Situated on the southernmost tip of famous Rottnest Island, about 18km off the coast of Perth, Little Salmon Bay is a must for keen snorkellers. It has a wealth of colourful fish species milling around the bright Pocillopora coral in the bay waters.
Serene Little Salmon Bay is popular with families as it offers soft white sand and calm, sheltered waters that are crystal clear. The beach descends quite steeply… read more »
#87. Baker Beach // USA
Situated between San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge to the north, Baker Beach is a flat, wide expanse of golden sand approximately 800 metres in length.
In the city’s Presidio area, its natural vistas are improved by views of the entirety of the Golden Gate Bridge on all but the foggiest of days. Within Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it also boasts a coastal trail that leads up onto… read more »
#86. Kaputas Beach // Turkey
This tiny, but perfect stretch of sand sparkles against the beautiful,clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is surrounded by steep golden cliffs, and the views out over the beach are something to behold. You do need to climb down a long set of steps to reach the beach, but it is worth the effort.
Once you reach the beach itself you’ll want to cool off in the sea.… read more »
#85. El Papagayo Beach // Spain
Set in Los Ajaches Nature Reserve near the southern tip of Lanzarote is El Papagayo beach. Actually there are four beaches collectively termed the Coasta de Papagayo but it is Playa de la Cera that is the best known. Frequently described as the most beautiful beach on Lanzarote Papagayo comprises a small crescent of white sand protected by cliffs to either side. Unlike many of the islands beaches Playa de… read more »
#84. Durdle Door // UK
Durdle Door is the name of the limestone rock arch at the eastern end of this sand and shingle cove. Located on Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast this is just one of several geological curiosities within a stone’s throw of each other. The beach sits at the base of high, white limestone cliffs and is only accessible from neighbouring Lulworth Cove via lots and lots of steps. This ensures it… read more »
#83. Porthcurno Cove // UK
Porthcurno is one of the most westerly beaches in mainland Britain, just a few miles around the coast from Land’s End. This cove is stunning in so many respects; the near white sand which is made from ground up sea shells, the clear turquoise water and the rugged granite cliffs that form a natural amphitheatre. The cove is not only a natural gem but is overlooked by the Minack, an… read more »
#82. Ramla Beach // Malta
The beautiful and pristine Ramla beach is situated on the north coast of the island of Gozo. Its full name is Ramla il-Ħamra, which is Maltese for «Red Sands» — this refers to the rich fiery golden hue of the beach which contrasts beautifully with the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean.
The wide, gently curving Ramla Bay is bookmarked by rocky headlands while the back of the beach gradually slopes… read more »
#81. Garie Beach // Australia
The Royal National Park, just south of Sydney is home to more than ten beautiful, pristine beaches of which Garie beach is widely recognised as the finest. A one km stretch of golden sand backed by the steeply rising forested vallies of the park this beach has changed little over the centuries.
Despite its stunning natural beauty Garie Beach is not without its dangers and strong rip currents can make swimming unsafe.… read more »
#80. Primorsko // Bulgaria
One of Bulgaria’s premiere beachside resorts, Primorsko also has an illustrious history stretching back to the Bronze Age. The town also served as a medieval fortress and valuable port between Western and Ottoman traders. That legacy of international exchange remains vivid in Primorsko’s vibrant café and nightlife culture.
Regardless of the areas historic credentials, these are just a backdrop to Primorsko’s natural beauty. Long stretches of verdant green frame… read more »
#79. Las Teresitas // Spain
Sitting at the foot of the Anaga mountains in the north west of Tenerife is Las Teresitas beach. Despite the mile long sweeping curve of golden sand Las Teresitas manages to just slip under the tourist radar — strange when it has probably featured on more postcards than any other beach on the island!
That isn’t to say it doesn’t get busy; it is popular with locals and plenty of visitors… read more »
#78. Querim Beach // India
Querim Beach, often referred to as Keri Beach, is the northernmost beach in Goa. As such it has something of a remote feel to it and never gets busy like nearby Arambol Beach to the south. Querim Beach is a place you can enjoy relaxing walks on the beach, sunbathe, go surfing and watching the sunset. This is the place you head to for peace, tranquility, and natural beauty.
It… read more »
#77. Caleta Cóndor // Chile
Sitting at the mouth of the Río Cholguaco river in the Los Lagos region of Southern Chile is what is possibly the most stunning beach in the country. A crescent of bone white sand meets the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, all backed by thick, lush forest. Caleta Cóndor certainly has the appearance of a paradisical tropical beach, however the temperature doesn’t quite support this and it can be distinctly chilly(!)… read more »
#76. Vestrahorn Beach // Iceland
Vestrahorn, on the Stokksnes peninsula is one of those extremes of natural beauty that make Iceland such a fascinating destination. A wide, flat plain of volcanic black sand, backed by the still waters of a lagoon, suddenly rises up to the phenomenal heights of a series of jagged peaks of snow-capped gabbro rock. This is a photographer’s paradise and even if you are not familiar with the name you will… read more »
#75. Venice Beach // USA
When thinking of Los Angeles it is hard not to picture the city’s iconic Venice Beach. Whilst many beaches are exactly that, and nothing else, Venice Beach is much more than that; a beach, cultural institution, vibrant community and international tourist destination to name a few. What goes on along the beach front is as important to Venice beach’s character as the sand,ocean and palms trees that physically define it.
… read more »
#74. Nudey Beach // Australia
Nudey beach is the archetypal tropical beach; pristine powder white sand, crystal clear azure water and coral reefs teaming with marine life. Behind is a verdant backdrop of rainforest containing Nutmeg, Tamarinds, Turpentine, Sheoak and Indian Beech whilst dotted along the beach are time-worn granite boulders which create the feeling of an ancient paradise.
It isn’t hard to see why Nudey beach has made it to the top spot on several surveys… read more »
#73. Cossies Beach // Australia
The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a remote goup of 27 tiny islands located nearly 1000km off the coast of Western Australia in the Indian Ocean. Made up of two coral atolls the islands are known for their white-sand beaches, palm trees and lagoons. They are in essence the very picture of paradise.
Of all the beaches on the Cocos Keeling Islands it is said that «Cossies» beach is the lovliest of… read more »
#72. Hout Bay // South Africa
Hout Bay (in English, it means ‘Wood Bay’) is a picturesque resort and fishing port that lies 25 kilometres (16 miles) south of the city of Cape Town. Surrounded by magnificent mountains on all but one side, Hout Bay backs onto the famous Table Mountain National Park to the north and majestic Chapman’s Peak range to the south. The dramatic Sentinel watches over proceeding to the west and protects town… read more »
#71. Crane Beach // Barbados
Crane beach is everything you expect a Caribbean should be. A stretch of pristine white sand with clear, azure waters; it is little wonder this palm-fringed idyll is frequently cited as one of the best beaches on earth. The name of the beach dates back to the days when the beach was used as a harbour and a large crane was located here to load and unload the ships.
read more »
#70. St Paul’s Bay // Greece
Despite its diminutive size, Saint Paul’s Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the Greek island of Rhodes. Located on the edge of the historic village of Lindos, St Paul’s Bay is almost entirely enclosed by rocks on all sides with just the smallest of gaps for boats to come in and out of. This spectacular setting is further enhanced by a small, typical Greek Orthodox chapel down… read more »
#69. Clifton Beach // South Africa
Sitting right next door to Cape Town’s other premiere beach (Camps Bay) is Clifton beach. The backdrop here is equally stunning with one of Cape Town’s best known mountains, Lion’s Head, rising up directly behind and the Twelve Apostles looming to the south. The sugar-white sand that forms Clifton is dived up into four, just about distinct, beaches. These are rather imaginatively named 1st to 4th beaches and are basically… read more »
#68. Little Cove — Noosa // Australia
Located just a stone’s throw from Noosa’s Main Beach is the aptly named Little Cove. Far more secluded and intimate than it’s bustling neighbour the beach here has a completely different vibe to it.
With crystal clear turquoise water and backed by the steep, lush pandana and palm lined slopes of the Noosa National Park, Little Cove beach exudes natural beauty. Despite its proximity to one of Australia’s most popular… read more »
#67. Greenwich Point Park // USA
Greenwich Point Park Beach is located on a narrow peninsula of land that juts out from the northern shoreline of Long Island Sound. A private beach with public access via a day pass system costing around $10 per person plus parking, it was known to the Siwanoy people as Monakewego, or ‘shining sands.’
Visit at low tide and you’ll see exactly why, although most beachgoers choose to wear beach shoes or… read more »
#66. Playa Meloneras // Spain
Tucked away in Gran Canaria’s southwestern corner, just a short way up the coast from Maspalomas’ sand dunes, you’ll find the soft golden sands at Playa de Meloneras.
This 500-metre stretch of family-friendly beach rarely gets too crowded, with most tourists opting for the larger, busier spots along the coast, so it’s ideal if you like plenty of wriggle room while you’re catching the rays.
The waters are warm and calm,… read more »
#65. La Concha // Spain
The beach of La Concha is a large crescent of fine golden sand with the city of San Sebastián as a backdrop. The beach is set in a spectacular semi-circular bay between the forested headlands of Monte Urgull and Igueldo. This vista is further enhanced by the tree covered Isla de Santa Clara rising out of the middle of bay. La Concha is often cited as one of the best… read more »
#64. Four Mile Beach // Australia
As the name suggests, this golden strip of sand stretches for roughly four miles along North Queensland’s tropical coastline.
The biscuit-coloured sands are wedged between sparkling blue waters and a tropical backdrop of palm trees, which separates the beach from the adjacent town of Port Douglas.
Unlike some of Australia’s better known beaches, such as Bondi and Surfers Paradise, this one’s not so tourist-focused, and as such there’s not a… read more »
#63. Playa Varadero // Cuba
Within easy reach of the Cuban capital, Varadero Beach is just two hours west of Havana along good roads. The near-white sand stretches out into the Caribbean Sea on a thin peninsula of land for a staggering 20 kilometres (12 miles).
Also known as Blue Beach (Playa Azul) because of the colour of the sea at this point, which laps it with warm waters all year round. No surprise then that… read more »
#62. Cannon Beach // USA
Look for Cannon Beach on a map of Oregon and you’ll find its not only the name of a stunning stretch of west coast shoreline, but also a city in Clatsop County. Named one of the world’s most beautiful places by none other than National Geographic (and they should know), Cannon Beach also featured in the last scene of the 1991 cult classic Point Break.
Face out from the soft sands… read more »
#61. Lanikai Beach // USA
Situated on the windward coast of Oahu in Hawaii is Lanikai beach, which translates as «heavenly sea». With its fine white sand and brilliant aqua blue water this name seems quite fitting. Lanikai is fringed with palm trees and with water temperatures rarely dipping below 75° F (24° C) there is no mistaking you are in the tropics. Unlike many of Oahu’s other great beaches, Lanikai is not designated a… read more »
#60. Hoddevik // Norway
Set at the foot of a green valley between towering cliffs on the far western coast of Norway is Hoddevik. This little fishing outpost with its weatherboard huts sits in front of one of the regions finest beaches. With almost a mile of fine white sand and clear blue waters this is an idyllic spot to (literally!) chill out and relax.
Hoddevik is widely considered to be Norway’s best surfing… read more »
#59. Zapallar // Chile
The small town of Zapallar is located on Chile’s Central Coast a few hours drive north of the capital, Santiago. This is where Chile’s wealthy and famous like to spend a weekend by the sea in any one of the fabulous old villas which cling to the hillside overlooking the beach. As a result visitors are particularly well catered for with some good shops and cafes. The town has something… read more »
#58. Cala Saona // Spain
Small but perfectly formed Formentera is known for its superb beaches and being a relaxing getaway from its noisy neighbour Ibiza.
The beach of Cala Saona sits within a small bay surrounded by red rocks where the soft white sands are gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is very much a haven for peace and relaxation, although there are a few beachside restaurants.
read more »
#57. Big Beach // USA
As the name suggests, Big Beach is in fact the largest beach on the south coast of Maui. There is nearly a mile of golden sand along this section of Makena Beach State Park which unlike neighboring beaches is largely undeveloped.
Backed by lush tropical forest this Big beach feels a lot more remote than it actually is; in fact it is right next door to the resort of read more »
#56. Varkala Beach // India
Set in the south of Kerala Varkala Beach is a truly beautiful spot. From the long stretch of cliff there are views out over the Arabian Sea and the beach below. This stretch fine white sand is outlined in coconut trees and bamboo huts giving it a totally tropical feel. Whilst there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and shops nearby this is still less commercialized beach than many others in… read more »
#55. Byron Bay Main Beach // Australia
Byron Bay is situated in the far north of New South Wales and on the very eastern tip of Australia — Cape Byron is the easternmost point of mainland Australia. This small beach town was put on the tourism map back in the 1970s when it was on the hippy trail later becoming a popular backpacker destination. It is to a large extent the legacy of Byron’s early days that… read more »
#54. Arashi Beach // Aruba
Located on the west coast of Aruba, towards the northern tip is the small, but lovely Arashi beach. Unlike much of the west coast the area around Arashi is virtually undeveloped with few facilities. Combined with the fact it is a little out of the way this is a perfect get-away spot. Arashi is well known among divers with the calm crystal clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling too.
read more »
#53. Oludeniz Beach // Turkey
Ölüdeniz or Olu deniz is the Turkish for «Dead Sea» and this refers to the still waters of the lagoon that lies behind the beach. A more fitting and commonly used translation is the Blue Lagoon.
The lagoon has crystal clear waters and provides an ideal safe place for children to play. It is separated from the sea by a curving spit of sand which is backed by pine… read more »
#52. Beit Yanai // Israel
Beit Yanai («House of Yanai») is a small settlement and community of farmers with a population around 450. Formed in 1933 by settlers from Poland and Lithuania, this settlement is in the Sharon plain in central Israel. Known for its beach of the same name, this coast ranks among the best in Israel thanks to its long and wide stretches of white sand along the eastern shores of the Mediterranean… read more »
#51. Bottom Bay // Barbados
Located on the south-east coast of Barbados, Bottom Bay is just along the coast from the ever popular Crane beach. Unsurprisingly it shares many features with Crane beach; the fine white sand, abundance of palm trees, and azure waters. It can also have powerful waves. Where it differs is in the high coral cliffs which the beach backs onto, giving the beach a more enclosed feel. Sightings of turtles and… read more »
#50. Red Beach // Greece
Red beach, so named because of the pinkish hue of the sand, is located just south of the better known beach of Matala. Both were firm favourites on the 1960s and 70s hippy trail and whilst Matala may have gone mainstream, Red beach still retains some of its laid back credentials.
It’s a lovely little beach set at the base of arid hillsides and limestone cliffs. The red sand is… read more »
#49. El Castillo // Mexico
The beach at Tulum is pretty much your standard Caribbean coast beach; crystal clear turquoise waters, soft white sand and low limestone cliffs draped in tropical vegetation. However, the beach at El Castillo can do even better than this.
Located on what has been dubbed the Riviera Maya, the beach here is backed by the ruins of an ancient Mayan port of Zama. The Tulum ruins are believed to date… read more »
#48. Playa Norte // Mexico
Located on Isla Mujeres is the beach of Playa Norte, a tropical island getaway that seems worlds apart from the resort town of Cancun just 20 minute boat ride away. Here the crystal clear aquamarine waters meet the soft white sands and lush palm trees sway gently in the breeze. Playa Norte really does offer its tranquil, relaxing atmosphere that you won’t find on most Mexican beaches.
Despite being located… read more »
#47. Cala Violina // Italy
Backed by the hilly pine grove and lush vegetation of the protected Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve (Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino) the beach at Cala Violina is completely pristine. This good-sized crescent of soft white sands looks out over the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. A nature lover’s paradise, this beach is not only among the top-rated in Tuscany, but has been voted the best in all Italy.
In… read more »
#46. Noosa Main Beach // Australia
With Noosa National Park to one side and the boutiques, cafes and bars of Hastings Street to the rear Noosa Heads Main Beach is in a prime spot. An expansive stretch of sun-soaked pale-golden sand this is one of the finest beaches on the Sunshine Coast.
Despite being one of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations Noosa manages a perfect balancing act with the beaches here remaining unspoilt by over-development. The beachfront is… read more »
#45. Sorrento Back Beach // Australia
Sorrento Back Beach is named after the town of Sorrento approximately 1.5 kilometres away. A part of Mornington Peninsula National Park, it is a beach known for its swimming, surfing and rockpools.
Swimmers should stay within the flagged area to avoid rip currents, an additional precaution to the lifeguards on duty during the easter and summer holidays as well as weekends between these dates.
To explore its rockpools, you’ll want to visit… read more »
#44. Ao Tanote Bay // Thailand
While just a couple of hundred metres in length, the beach at Ao Tanote Bay on the Thai island of Koh Tao still manages to make for an exquisite escape. Combining sun, soft sand and warm shallows, coconut palms edge the plant-covered hills providing a quintessential tropical backdrop.
The fact it is a short walk from the nearest roads makes the biscuit-coloured sands all the more tranquil. It also has the… read more »
#43. Carters Beach // Canada
A dreamy mix of white sand, gently dunes and light blue waters, Carters Beach reminds many who visit it of the Caribbean. Just off Highway 103 close to Port Mouton, where there are plenty of picks when it comes to accommodation, the beach remains entirely uncommercialised and is free of facilities beyond a small car park.
Usually without crowds, the beach consists of three separate crescents of sand. Each faces… read more »
#42. Psarou Beach // Greece
Golden sands and family-friendly shallows of clear blue waters have made Psarou Beach a Mykonos favourite for decades. Just ten minutes’ drive time south from Mykonos International Airport, its large protected bay often plays host to the yachts of the rich and famous anchoring immediately offshore.
Although Psarou Beach is a good size at 150 metres in length, this means it still gets crowded during the peak summer season. There can… read more »
#41. San Josef Bay // Canada
Located at the northern end of Vancouver Island within Cape Scott Provincial Park, San Josef Bay boasts a beach of near-white sand in natural unspoiled surrounds. Lacking cell phone coverage, you’ll need to be prepared for all eventualities, which include a 45 minute easy hike along a well-maintained gravel trail from the nearest parking, as well as regularly sightings of bears and wolves.
The most accessible of Cape Scott’s beaches, it… read more »
#40. Horseshoe Bay // Bermuda
Backed by South Shore Park, Bermuda’s Horseshoe Bay Beach is the best of a string of beaches which line the island’s Atlantic coast. Gently curving from one end to the other for about 300 metres, entry into the waters from the pinky-white sands is gentle, making it ideal for families.
In the summer, when Horseshoe Bay Beach is at its busiest, there is also a manned lifeguard station, café and toilets… read more »
#39. Chesterman Beach // Canada
Chesterman Beach is on the west side of the Tofino peninsula on Vancouver Island, just south of Tofino town. It is divided into two main sections, Chesterman Beach South (or «South Chestie» as the locals call it) and Chesterman Beach North. Totalling 3 km in length, Chesterman Beach is divided in the middle by Franks’ Island, a tombolo which is an island attached to the mainland by a narrow causeway… read more »
#38. Cala Gonone // Italy
#37. Poipu Beach // USA
Poipu is the most popular beach on Kauai’s South Shore and by all accounts one of the most highly rated in all Hawaii (or at least according to Dr Beach). The island of Kauai itself is the least developed and with its abundantly lush interior is often referred to as the Garden Isle. So, despite the fact Poipu borders a number of resorts it still has plenty of pristine, tropical… read more »
#36. Zlatni Rat // Croatia
The beach of Zlatni Rat is one of Croatia’s best known with the most familiar view probably being from above. From here you will be left in very little doubt as to why the beach is often referred to locally as the «Golden Horn». Zlatni Rat juts out into the Adriatic Sea forming a triangle of beach fringing pine forest which is home to the ruins of a Roman villa.
… read more »
#35. Elafonisi Beach // Greece
The beach here is a strip of sand that just connects the tiny island of Elafonisi off the far western coast of Crete. This area has a wild, unspoilt feel to it and development has been restricted leaving the pristine beaches a beautiful spot to unwind. Whilst the sand at Elafonisi appears white at first glance you may notice a pink hue. This is due to it containing traces of… read more »
#34. Yyteri Beach // Finland
Yyteri Beach is a magnificent 6-kilometre stretch of golden sands on Finland’s west coast. It looks out over the chilly waters of the Gulf of Bothnia, which merges with the Baltic Sea at its southern end. Backed by extensive sand dunes, and woodland beyond, the beach at Yyteri has a wild feel.
This beach resort is one of the most popular summer destinations with Nordic residents, thanks to its position… read more »
#33. Torrent Bay // New Zealand
Set within the Abel Tasman National Park, Rākauroa / Torrent Bay consists of not one, but two sandy beaches. The main beach is a curving spit of sand which goes some way to separating a large lagoon from the sea. However, there is also a beach on the lagoon side of Torrent Bay.
Torrent Bay is a lovely spot, backed by the lush, forested landscape of Abel Tasman. If it… read more »
#32. Lopes Mendes Beach // Brazil
Of all the beautiful beaches on Ilha Grande, it is Praia de Lopes Mendes that is perhaps the closest to perfection. Making regular appearances in World’s best beaches articles, the beach is something of a darling of the travel media. But does it live up to the acclaim? We think so.
The beach itself is a gorgeous expanse of fine golden sand which stretches for 3 Km along the clear,… read more »
#31. Hidden Beach // Mexico
The Marietas Islands, off Mexico’s west coast are home to one of the most unusual beaches you will find anywhere. Whilst it wouldn’t rank on a top 10 list of beaches for its modest stretch of (albeit very nice) sand it is has to get a mention just because of how weird and wonderful it is.
Imagine a large cave with a beach in it — difficult I know! Now imagine… read more »
#30. Cayo Santa Maria // Cuba
Connected to Cuba’s main island at Caibarien by a long causeway, Cayo Santa Maria is one of a series of small islands lining the country’s northern shores from Matanzas in the west to Camalote in the east.
Little more than a sand bank which rises just four metres above the waves of the Caribbean, Cayo Santa Maria has exquisite white sand beaches totalling 13 kilometres in length, alongside warm turquoise shallows… read more »
#29. Diani Beach // Kenya
Regularly riding high in polls to find Africa’s top beaches, Diani Beach stretches for a generous 11 miles. A short distance south of Kenya’s second largest city, Mombasa, it is a quintessential Indian Ocean beach. Verdant forest, which is home to all manner of native monkeys and birds, gives way to a phenomenal ribbon of near white sand that appears totally untouched by man. This in turn slopes gently… read more »
#28. Miami South Beach // USA
South Beach is perhaps the ultimate urban beach. It has it all; history, style, quirkiness, class and as much partying as you want, not to mention a vast swathe of white sand beach bordering clear blue ocean. This is where the beautiful and rich come to play in the sunshine before hitting the nightlife of Ocean Drive after dark. South beach is brash, colorful and even a little crazy -… read more »
#27. Ffryes Beach // Antigua
Considering the relatively small size of the island of Antigua (footprint is 108.5 mi² about the size of a small city), it boasts a remarkable 365 beaches, yes — one for each day of the year, and they are all public spaces. What more could a beach lover ask for?! Ffryes Beach is one of the more popular, with Sundays and holidays busy times for family picnics and local musicians… read more »
#26. Gjipe Beach // Albania
Gjipe beach is set along the same stretch of the Albanian coast as some of the other most popular, highly rated beaches on the Riviera. Located between the resort beaches of Drymades and Himara the beach at Gjipe has barely been touched by development.
Obscured by the mountainous terrain, the beach here sits at the end of the Gjipe Canyon, an impressive natural feature with the rock formations reaching up to 70… read more »
#25. El Bollullo Beach // Spain
El Bollullo beach is located on Tenerife’s north coast, a world away from the package-tours and resorts the island is often associated with. This small cove has a wild, natural feel right down to the black volcanic sand — there’s no sprinkling golden sand imported from the Sahara here like on some of Tenerife’s beaches.
Set in the island’s picturesque La Orotava Valley, the journey to El Bollullo involves navigating… read more »
#24. Kynance Cove // UK
It is a surprise not to see Kynance Cove in Cornwall on more best beach lists. It isn’t exactly a secret and can be summed up in one word — stunning!
Situated just along the coast from Lizard Point (the most southerly point in Britain) this beach has been painted and photographed countless times over the past couple of hundred years. With near white sand, turquoise waters and incredible serpentine… read more »
#23. Šunj (Lopud Island) // Croatia
Located on the island of Lopud, one of the Elaphite Islands close to Dubrovnik, Šunj Beach offers an enticing tranquillity amid rich blue waters, Mediterranean forest, and appealing sands with a shallow draft into the sea. Famously, visitors to Šunj can have to walk up to 100 metres to reach a depth where it is possible to swim, making the beach a tip-top destination for families with younger children, as… read more »
#22. Pink Beach // Indonesia
Set in the natural wilderness that is the Komodo National Park, Pink beach requires a little more effort than most to get to. This however does not put a steady stream of visitors to the beach off, which speaks volumes about how special this place is.
There are only a handful of pink beaches around the world with other notable ones in the Bahamas and on Lombok. However neither of these… read more »
#21. Laem Had Beach // Thailand
Koh Yao Yai Island sits in the sparkling blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The name translates as «big long island» — but this is only comparison to the other islands of the Phang Nga Bay archipelago. Largely undeveloped, i.e. not blighted by mass tourism, this island has a number of idyllic beaches that could be straight out of Robinson Crusoe.
Few would argue that the best beach on the island… read more »
#20. Ile aux Cerfs // Mauritius
Île aux Cerfs, or Deer Island, is a small 87-hectare private island off the east coast of Mauritius. If you thought the beaches of the main island where stunning, wait until you see Île aux Cerfs Beach for yourself.
While Île aux Cerfs Beach has the white sands typical of Mauritius, backed by indigenous casuarina trees and fronted by warm turquoise waters of a lagoon, its private nature means it is… read more »
#19. White Beach // Philippines
They call it White beach for a reason — several kilometers of brilliant white sand to contrast with the swaying palms behind and the turquoise ocean in front.
Now, many people will say that Boracay has been somewhat spoiled by too much tourism. Whilst there is no arguing that it is probably the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines, I think White beach still has plenty of charm. One thing… read more »
#18. Freedom Beach // Thailand
Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful with a 300m crescent of soft white sand and clear blue water backed by lush green mountains. Located on the west coast of Phuket, you can reach this private beach by longtail boat from Patong which lies just to the south. You can also take a strenuous hike down the cliffs path from the beach parking lot at the top of Patong… read more »
#17. Radhanagar Beach // India
Radhanagar Beach also takes the alternative name of Beach No 7. Its white sands, which gently slope into the waters of the Bay of Bengal to a backdrop of verdant forest, are regularly voted one of the best in Asia and the world.
Radhanagar Beach lies on the western side of Swaraj Dweep, which is still often known by its colonial era name of Havelock Island, part of the Andaman… read more »
#16. Anse Lazio // Seychelles
Anse Lazio in the Seychelles is the archetypal tropical beach that sets the standard for all others.
Set in Chevalier Bay on the north western tip of Praslin island, Anse Lazio is a broad swathe of soft white sand flanked by granite boulders at each end and a thick fringing of palm and takamaka trees behind. The inviting clear blue water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Often cited as one… read more »
#15. Reynisfjara beach // Iceland
Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most iconic and spectacular beaches. Located around 2 hours from the capital Reykjavik, Reynisfjara is near the village Vik in Myrdalur on Iceland’s South Coast. To the southern end of the beach is the 120 meter high promontory of Dyrhólaey, Iceland’s most southerly point.
This black sand beach is a geologist’s wet dream with hosts of incredible rock formations and features. Rising up out of… read more »
#14. Cala Goloritze // Italy
Perhaps one of Italy’s most iconic beaches, Cala Goloritzè is beautifully positioned at the base of a ravine on the north eastern coast of Sardinia. As with other beaches in the vicinity, the water here is a brilliant azure blue and crystal clear whilst the beach is bleached white by the sun.
But it is the stunning limestone cliffside and rock formations that really sets Cala Goloritzè apart. Most notable of… read more »
#13. Egremni Beach // Greece
There is little doubt that Egremni beach is one of the finest on the island of Lefkada, which by default makes it one of the best in Greece. It is a beautiful spot with the long white sand beach backed by high limestone cliffs. However, it is the water colour that sets Egremni apart, a fantastic milky blue yet crystal clear. The 325 steps down to the beach don’t seem… read more »
#12. Hyams Beach // Australia
Situated on the northern shores of Jervis Bay, Hyams beach is one of a number of stunning beaches. To put things in perspective, Jervis Bay is around 4 times the size of Sydney harbour and much of it is lined with unspoilt beach.
Here you will find lush forests spilling onto white sand beaches which are gently lapped by the crystal clear azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. And when… read more »
#11. Luskentyre // UK
Despite being located on the Isle of Harris in the north of Scotland, Luskentyre beach could almost be Caribbean in appearance. The vast expanse of silvery white sand and the crystal clear aquamarine / turquoise sea all combine to create what is often cited as the best beach in the British Isles. In the distance are the mountains of North Harris which further add to the beauty of this spot.… read more »
#10. Kelingking Beach // Indonesia
If the beaches of Bali aren’t quite stunning enough for you then hop on a boat and make the short trip over to the island of Nusa Penida, you won’t be disappointed. Although it’s a tough call, in terms of sheer wow factor, Kelingking Beach is possibly the best on the little island. The competition is pretty stiff with spots like Atuh and Suwehan beach being jaw-droppingly beautiful,… read more »
#9. Railay Beach // Thailand
Railay is a narrow peninsula that is cut off from the surrounding area by high limestone cliffs. Whilst these cliffs are very popular with climbers it means that Railay is only accessible only by a short boat ride from Ao Nang or Krabi. This should be seen as a blessing as it has protected the resort from the tourist frenzy in nearby locations such as Ao Nang. The other benefit… read more »
#8. Camps Bay // South Africa
Camps Bay is without doubt Cape Town’s premiere beach. Located in an upmarket suburb of this South African city, the beach here is as spectacular as it is popular. The palm fringed stretch of white sand that make up Camps Bay sits between the towering Lion’s Head and equally imposing Twelve Apostles. This is the Atlantic coast and the ocean here is both beautiful and powerful; sparkling and turquoise often… read more »
#7. Anse Source d’Argent // Seychelles
Located in the North of La Digue island is Anse Source d’Argent beach, a little slice of tropical paradise.
Powdery white sand is offset by towering granite boulders worn smooth by the passage of time. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze and the water is clear and blue.
Protected by an offshore coral reef the sea here is always calm making it ideal for swimming. This makes Anse Source… read more »
#6. Anakena // Chile
It’s not often you get to mix up a day at the beach with a viewing of some of the world’s most iconic archaeological monuments, but this is exactly what you get at Anakena beach on Easter Island.
Anakena is home to a set of moai; these are the huge carved stone figureheads that Easter Island is famous for. The Ahu Nao-Nao stones at Anakena are a set of 7 such… read more »
#5. The Baths // British Virgin Islands
Gigantic boulders and beaches caressed by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea combine to make this an idyllic setting in what has to be a top tourist destination. We are describing the stunning beach frontage of the fabulous area known as «The Baths», on Virgin Gorda, the third largest of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. We forgot to mention caves and caverns, which add to the mystical… read more »
#4. El Nido // Philippines
El Nido is an unspoilt tropical paradise often referred to as the Philippines’ last frontier. Situated towards the northern tip of Palawan island El Nido is much more than just a single beach. In fact it comprises around 50 beaches set among a series of small islands, towering marble cliffs, lush tropical vegetation, ancient caves and enchanting lagoons.
As if that wasn’t enough, El Nido is the largest marine sanctuary… read more »
#3. Whitehaven Beach // Australia
Know for its beautiful 7 km stretch of white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, Whitehaven Beach is without doubt of of Australia’s finest. It is located on Whitsunday Island, part of a group of islands just of the tropical Queensland coast.
Accessible only by boat Whitehaven Beach is never busy but always stunning.
read more »
#2. Matira Beach // French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a lush, tropical South Pacific atoll. It lies to the northwest of the bigger islands of Taha’a and Tahiti, in French Polynesia. Encircled by sand-fringed islets, this paradisiacal island is protected from the swells of the greater ocean. A stunning turquoise lagoon holds centre stage as a natural swimming area, within a magnificent coral reef to boot. It is little wonder that Bora Bora claims to be… read more »
#1. Koh Kradan // Thailand
Thailand is well known for its beautiful beaches and to some extent this has meant that many of the most amazing beaches are now over-crowded and heavily commercialised. However, you don’t have to go to far off the beaten track to still find a pristine gem and the island of Koh Kradan is home to just such a beach.This stunning stretch of powdery white sand remain a relative haven despite… read more »
Sun, sea, sand and serenity, what more could you ask for? These are the world’s very finest stretches of coastline in 2023
Beaches. What more needs to be said? They’re picture-perfect definitions of paradise, stunning spots of land where the only demand is a place to lie down (and a decent bit of sunscreen coverage, of course). There is a unifying feel to the these places that is readily apparent, but no two beaches are the same. Nature just doesn’t do it like that. Secret coves are every bit as magical as more famous contemporaries, textbook tropical paradises the equal of urban equivalents. Beaches are magnificent things, and these are the best this beautiful planet has to offer.
RECOMMENDED:
✅ Our full guide to the best things to do in the world in 2022
🌊 The most spectacular places to swim in the world
🤿 The 11 most beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK
Best beaches in the world
1. Shipwreck Beach | Zakynthos, Greece
Known as Zante to those in the party scene, the Greek island of Zakynthos draws crowds every year to its notorious Laganas strip. But you’d be remiss not to wander off the strip and onto some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Shipwreck Beach. Only accessible via boat, Shipwreck boasts white cliffs, turquoise waters and Zakynthos Marine Park – home to slippery seals and savvy turtles.
Discover the best things to do in Greece
2. Hanalei Bay | Kauai, Hawaii
One of Hawaii’s lesser-visited islands, Kauai is home to stunning beaches. Located on the island’s north shore, Hanalei Bay is the largest bay in Kauai and offers more than two miles of soft white sand, a calm bay, and a mountainous backdrop. The beach is rarely crowded, and in the summer, the bay offers excellent mooring for sailboats, stand up paddleboarding and swimming.
Discover the best things to do in Kauai
3. Hyams Beach | New South Wales, Australia
Three hours south of Sydney, the pine forest parts to reveal the quintessential Australian white-sand beach. Snorkelers won’t be pummelled by waves as they paddle up to the Hyams Point looking for stingrays. But they may feel the ripple from a pod of romping dolphins. Pack a picnic and take the shady, half-hour White Sands Walk to the picnic tables at Greenfield Gully.
Discover the best things to do in Australia
4. Anse Source d’Argent | La Digue, Seychelles
If La Digue, Seychelles’ smallest inhabited island, had a penny for every screensaver of Anse Source d’Argent… The prototypical bucket-list beach is the ultimate point of Seychelles travel, with private niches among the boulders and the clearest water on earth. From here, you can hike over the hills (and through shallow surf) to Anse Marron, where handy buoy-like boulders embrace the cove, creating a pool.
5. North Bay Beach | Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales (Provo for short) is one of those incredible Caribbean beaches that gets plastered on billboards and screensavers alike (and even gets named the best in the world, depending on the year). You’ll find crystal-clear water, powdery sand and a colourful coral reef just begging to be explored. Paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing, jet-skiing, and water skiing are all popular pastimes, but we recommend just relaxing on a towel and soaking in the sun.
6. Cala Llombards | Majorca, Spain
Majorca’s rugged coast is a gift to cliff-jumpers, and this skinny southern cove has a rocky plateau at every height. If the secret is out, it hasn’t been translated from Spanish. Mostly locals head here, having a blast, whether they’re doing the leaping or simply watching from the beach. With all the golden sand, golden stone and golden skin, every #nofilter photo looks awash in sepia.
Discover the best things to do in Majorca
7. El Matador State Beach | Malibu, California
Small and dominated by rocky outcrops, El Matador may not fit your typical idea of a beach day in Los Angeles—but it is far and away SoCal’s most beautiful beach. Wear shoes and don’t bring too much gear; the western Malibu spot is only accessible via a steep gravelly path. And should you arrive early or late, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable dawn or sunset.
Discover the best things to do in Los Angeles
8. Llandudno Beach | Cape Town, South Africa
If you can’t find a decent beach in the fantasy landscape of the Western Cape, shame on you. But you’d be forgiven for missing Llandudno. Scooped out of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, the dollop of sand slips surreptitiously between two nature reserves south of Cape Town. When the sunset chasers arrive, pack your tote and follow the scrubby footpath 30-minutes south to even more secluded Sandy Bay.
Discover the best things to do in Cape Town
9. Marimegmeg Beach | Palawan, Philippines
What’s there to do at this pristine beach? Dive and, er, dive. It is the Philippines, after all. And more than 100 species of fish flicker about sunset-coloured coral – along with swaying nudibranch and the odd lumbering dugong (native molluscs and mammals, to the uninitiated). Hook up with one of the 20 diving outfits stationed along the El Nido coast for your daily fix.
Discover the best things to do in the Philippines
10. Barafundle Bay | Pembrokeshire, Wales
Wales has some beautiful beaches, arguably the best in the UK, and those in the know will point you in the direction of Pembrokeshire for the best of the best. Barafundle takes the proverbial biscuit, accessible only by a gorgeous half-mile walk and worth every drop of sweat expelled along the way. The calm water is safe for bathing, and the tranquillity of it all makes for a truly lovely experience.
11. Arco Magna | Calabria, Italy
A blink and you’ll miss it slice of paradise in Calabria, Arco Magno is pretty much as idyllic as it gets. It looks for all the world like it was painted by a maestro, an incredibly inviting stretch that will make the stresses of the modern world fade away in warm water and intimate seclusion. That stone arch is something else entirely.
12. Ipanema | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cariocas are hardcore, and they’re what make this golden coastline such a trip. They divide the beach into territories: jocks here, surfers there, hippies, gays and exhibitionists in between. Choose your tribe. Just keep in mind the limited amenities. If you can’t take the heat without a shower and cold drink, book a hotel behind the Portuguese-tiled boardwalk.
Discover the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro
13. Elafonisi | Crete, Greece
Yes, that sand is pink. The rosy hue of this gorgeous beach in southwest Crete has become something of a social media superstar, but don’t even think about being cynical about that. Elafonisi is so much better in person that it doesn’t really deserve the discussion, so go ahead and book your flight to Crete already. Keep an eye out for the white sea daffodils when you arrive too.
14. Railay Beach | Krabi, Thailand
A few spa hotels have tucked themselves among the palm forests of Krabi, but they haven’t spoiled the charm of Railay Beach – flashier crowds prefer Phuket anyway. The stalactite-dripping limestone cliffs that bookend Railay’s wisp of a beach make it inaccessible by road, and the shallow bay precludes anything larger than a longtail boat from coming in. Hire one from nearby Ao Nang for next to nothing, then get thee to a hammock.
Discover the best things to do in Krabi
15. Siesta Beach | Siesta Key, Florida
As its name implies, Siesta Key is the place to relax. The expansive beachfront rarely feels overcrowded, and the fine quartz-crystal white sand stays cool to the touch, so be sure to dig your feet in whilst reading your favourite magazine. Pack your cooler with your adult beverages (no glasses allowed), and should you feel the need to exert yourself, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rental.
Discover the best things to do in Florida
16. Praia da Rocha | Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve deserves more respect from hardened travellers, and spots like the gorgeously golden Praia da Rocha are a case in point. This is where nature and nurture combine with magnificent results, a stunning stretch of land that turns into nightlife central once the sun goes down, partying hard from late at night until shepherd’s delight. Once the party stops, the beach becomes an idyllic paradise all over again.
17. Tortuga Bay | Santa Cruz, Galápagos Islands
The beach at Tortuga Bay has been perfectly preserved, so don’t even think about swimming here and making a mess of that. You can’t, such actions are forbidden, but any selection of the world’s best beaches must mention the wildlife extravaganza that is the Galapagos. Tortuga Bay is on Santa Cruz Island and is home to iguanas, crabs, pelicans and the rest. If you absolutely must swim, there’s a small cove nearby where such things are allowed, although keep your eyes open for tiger sharks.
18. Stokksnes | Stokksnes Peninsula, Iceland
Stokksnes is a little bit different to the rest of the beaches on this list, but then that’s par for the course for Iceland. After all, beaches don’t need to be swathed in sunshine to be gloriously photogenic. The jet-black volcanic sand of this beach is a sight to behold, an initially jarring aesthetic that soon becomes bizarrely soothing. A beach from another world? Stokksnes is just that.
19. Pink Beach | Komodo Island, Indonesia
Your eyes are not deceiving you, that beach is indeed pink. That’ll be why it is called Pink Beach, right? The hue comes from thousands of broken coral pieces, shells and other materials, giving off a vibrant light that practically drags your camera out of your pocket and demands a bazillion photos be taken. There are only 10 pink sand beaches on the planet and Indonesia has two of them.
20. Zlatni Rat | Brač, Croatia
Croatia’s most famous beach? Zlatni Rat might just take the crown. Found on the gorgeous island of Brač (a 50-minute ferry from Split), this shapeshifter changes size and length depending on the tide. That is amazing enough in itself, but all thoughts of natural curiosity tend to subside when faced with the sheer beauty of it. Get in the shade of the pine trees and enjoy a lazy afternoon of watching the kite-surfers do their thing.
21. Kynance Cove | Cornwall, England
Looking for mermaids? Get yourself to Kynance Cove, pronto. Tucked away on the Lizard peninsula at the very southern tip of the UK, this Cornwall charmer is much-loved and much-loved for a reason, with its sweeping sands, tall rocks and hidden coves. Oh, and the mermaids mentioned above, of course. Get your cream teas at the eco cafe next to the beach, and remember your Cornish etiquette; jam first on those scones.
22. Weligama Beach | Weligama, Sri Lanka
Make your trip to Sri Lanka count at this under-visited splash of brown-sugar sand 20 miles from Galle. Swimming is safe here – calmer and shallower than other south coast beaches. Or curl up in a hanging chair under a bough until noon, when the fish shack fires up its barbecue to serve mackerel and prawns that arrived on longboats at dawn.
Discover the best things to do in Sri Lanka
23. Moshup Beach | Aquinnah, USA
Those in the know here head to Moshup Beach, tucked away in the small community of Aquinnah. Formerly known as Gay Head, the white sands here provide something of a sanctuary away from the crowds at Martha’s Vineyard, although more and more people are finding this little nook of wonder with every passing year. Clothing is optional.
24. Punta del Este | Punta del Este, Uruguay
When is the rest of the world going to catch onto the majesty of Uruguay? Actually, scratch that, we’ll keep it to ourselves a little longer, although the increasing popularity of coastal cities like Punta del Este suggest those days aren’t long for this world. Choose between Playa Mansa (calm) and Playa Brava (turbulent) while here, and the two names should give you a good idea of what to expect. Keep an eye out for the hand sculpture.
25. Ocracoke Island | North Carolina, USA
The days of Ocracoke being run by pirates are long over (or are they?), and the southern tip of the Outer Banks has become one of the premier beaches in North Carolina. Ocracoke has a reputation for being one of the best shelling destinations on the planet, although we’re more likely to be found lazing the day away on the stress-free beaches, shooting the breeze with the equally stress-free locals.
26. Kendwa Beach | Zanzibar, Tanzania
If you close your eyes tight and try to imagine the most idyllic of beaches, there’s a good chance that you’re going to conjure up an image of Kendwa. White sand, shimmering turquoise water, views for days. What more could anyone want from a beach? Swimming is possible (nay, encouraged) here all day long, and there’s something about a sunrise swim that really sings to the soul.
27. Hidden Beach | Marieta Islands, Mexico
Is it possible for something to be hidden and famous all at the same time? Ask Marieta Beach in Mexico. Okay, you can’t ask a beach, but still, this curious cavern is one of the most unusual beaches in the world. It isn’t the easiest to get to (the Marieta Islands themselves are an hour away from anywhere), but the beauty of the so-called Love Beach makes it very much worth it. Make sure to get the correct permits before visiting this eco-paradise.
28. Essaouira Beach | Essaouira, Morocco
Marrakech’s sister city has a sun-bleached Moorish marketplace and a 500-year-old fort, but the two-mile beach eclipses them both. Pick up a fresh orange juice at one of the painted wood kiosks by the old ramparts, then pay for a lounger and umbrella. The cool factor climbs in the late afternoon, thanks to the Alizé winds – and the shirtless students from the university who come to play football by Bar Miramar.
Discover the best things to do in Morocco
29. Long Beach | Vancouver Island, Canada
For the record, it’s 10 wind-swept miles. But size doesn’t matter here on the edge of Canada, where you’ve already got more wild, whale-inhabited, pine-studded coastline than you’ll know what to do with. It’s a five-hour trek over land and sea from Vancouver city, so take full advantage with a rainforest hike along Combers Beach Trailhead before pitching your tent at Green Point.
Discover the best things to do in Vancouver
30. Plage Sainte-Barbe | Brittany, France
Did somebody yell ‘fire’? Because this caramel stretch of Breton beach shouldn’t be this deserted. Well, what the people clogging the motorway toward Quiberon don’t know won’t hurt them. More space for you to practise your surfing skills on the cranking waves, then flake out against the dunes until the spectacular sunset. Just make sure you pack your own gear, water and a snack – there are no amenities for a mile.
Discover the best things to do in France
31. Metsitsim Beach | Tel Aviv, Israel
Past Tel Aviv’s famous party beaches and the gender-segregated areas, you’ll find a clean, clubby strand delightfully short on beefcake and boobs – and that’s despite a busy beach volleyball court. Day-drinkers rejoice at obliging staff bringing frothy cocktails to shaded loungers. Neat freaks delight at the brand-new shower complex. After your rinse, follow the boardwalk to the farmer’s market by the port.
Discover the best things to do in Tel Aviv
An email you’ll actually love
Get into a relationship with our newsletter. Discover the best of the city, first.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you’re subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Skip to main content
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Getty Images / Alamy
For many people, the beach is the whole point of a summer holiday – a place to sunbathe, swim, read and dream, but also a place of adventure and intrigue, of beginnings and endings
There’s something about a good beach that enlivens the senses: the briny scent of salt in the air, the calming murmur of waves, the gentle nip of sand whipped up by the soft breeze. A favourite beach is like a favourite poem – individual, important and something that makes our hearts sing, and now more than ever we are dreaming of days spent wriggling our toes in the sand and wallowing in salty water.
Instead of the typical sandy spots dotted with sun umbrellas and gaggles of tourists, we’ve sought out spaces that you may have to venture a little further for, but that remain incredibly beautiful and very often crowd-free. From the most exquisite beaches in Europe to far-flung stretches in Asia, Africa and more, these are the best beaches in the world.
-
Alamy
1. Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Cast away in the protected Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of southern Mozambique, Benguerra is a place where sandbars shimmer like nacre and leggy flamingoes pick their way delicately through the channels. A short sail by dhow east of the town of Vilanculos, the fine sand here is fringed by a two-mile-long coral reef, while migrating humpbacks and huge whale sharks pass majestically further offshore. The shot-silk waters are also home to the largest dugong population in the western Indian Ocean, and inland you’ll find congregations of crocodiles and all manner of bird species. But best of all, its marine-reserve status means there’s only a handful of lodges on the island, so once the day-trippers depart, you’ll have the beach all to yourself. Stat at andBeyond Benguerra Island, a classy but unpretentious beach retreat.
Read more about the best beaches in Mozambique
-
Getty Images
2. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cuba
It’s likely that Playa Paraiso – stretching across a small island just off Cuba’s southern coast – still looks much like it did in 1494, when Christopher Columbus sailed to Cayo Largo on his second expedition to the New World. Its sieved-flour sand and crystalline waters remain pristine, while the nearby reefs offer some of the finest diving in the Caribbean. Warm, calm waters make the beach ideal for paddlers and swimmers, while wildlife-lovers should keep their eyes peeled for iguanas and giant sea turtles. Shade can be hard to come by though, and naturists head to the east end of the beach – so stay west if you prefer to keep things covered up.
-
Getty Images
3. Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
A busy day at Uig is when two people show up at once. Lying some 20 miles west of Stornoway on Lewis’s surf-battered Atlantic coast, this is a big, dramatic beach watched over by tussocky dunes and grizzled mountains. The beach itself is famous for being the place where a set of Viking chess pieces – dating back to the 12th century and made from the husks of walrus teeth – were unearthed,, but it has a lot more going for it than just its history. The surrounding machair flower meadows erupt into bloom in June and its enormous uninterrupted stretches of sand are a playground for kite-buggy enthusiasts. Check into 19th-century country house Lews Castle.
We’ve rounded up the best secret beaches in Scotland
-
Getty Images
4. Al Mughsail, Salalah, Oman
There’s something Mad Max-esque about Al Mughsail, with its unflinchingly white sand, parched frankincense trees and cinematic blow holes (especially impressive during monsoon season) which erupt every couple of minutes, shaking the earth and spewing out seawater with a deafening sound. Stretching for four unbroken miles and fringed with sheer limestone cliffs, the beach is lapped by gleaming turquoise water which can get a little choppy at times. That said, it’s a wonderful spot from which to watch fishermen pilot traditional dhows just offshore; catch them at dusk for the most dramatic photographs, when they are silhouetted against the treacly Omani sunset.
-
Getty Images
5. Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides
At the end of a winding road on the wind-battered west coast of the Isle of Harris, you’ll find something to make your eyes pop. Luskentyre Beach is a paint splash of brilliant white, surrounded by almost impossibly azure water. On a sunny day, it’s so unerringly blue you may find it hard to believe you are at a beach in Scotland at all. But regardless of its paradoxically tropical feel, it’s at its most beautiful when eel-coloured storm clouds roll in and seas turn flinty, turning this dramatic landscape an eerie monochrome.
-
Getty Images
6. Dune du Pilat, France
In the warmer months, Europe’s tallest sand dune, just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, is cloaked in a constant, shimmering heat haze, giving the illusion that this sprawling French beach is scattered with gleaming treasure. The sand here, which forms peaks as high as 300 feet, is as finely milled as fresh flour, perfect for sausage-rolling your way down to the tussocky Atlantic shoreline and standing to gaze back at the pine forests behind the beach. The surrounding Arcachon Bay holds miles of beaches ripe for exploring, and you’ll find a jumble of huts nearby where fishermen set up tables to sell oysters, pâté and prawns. Book a night at Les Sources de Caudalie, an elegant country retreat.
-
Getty Images
7. Ora Beach, Indonesia
With a higgledy-piggledy 37,000-mile coastline (the world’s second longest), Indonesia has a glut of beautiful beaches. One of its finest is Ora, snuggled away on the north coast of sparsely populated Seram island. The area is known as Indonesia’s Little Maldives due to its agate seas and white-sugar beaches, but the island still retains something of a wild feel. Seram sits amid several tectonic plates, meaning that the surrounding landscape varies cinematically, from lush, bird-speckled tropical rainforest to ogre-like mountains.
-
Alamy
8. Awaroa, South Island, New Zealand
Set deep in the heart of New Zealand’s glorious Abel Tasman National Park, Awaroa is hemmed in by clover-green native bush and seas that sparkle like freshly blown glass. Most visitors come here either by water – swooshing in on kayaks or small boats – or on foot, to ramble around the park’s lush forests. It has an important place in the hearts of the locals, who banded together to crowdfund the purchase of the privately held beachfront when it came up for sale in 2016, thus giving this pretty part of the planet the nickname the ‘People’s Beach’.
-
Alamy
9. Die Plaat, Walker Bay Nature Reserve, South Africa
Don’t be surprised to spot the occasional southern right whale wallowing offshore at Die Plaat, a ruggedly beautiful swath of sand fringed by rocky limestone outcrops near Hermanus, South Africa’s whale capital. Chubby seals slouch on the rocky shoreline here, and you’ll find the ground littered with huge, pearlescent abalone shells. There’s history to be courted in these wind-whipped sands as well; the beach is home to Klipgat Cave, a bat-filled cavern where late Middle Stone Age people lived up to 85,000 years ago (keep your eyes peeled – you may even spot ancient tools on the ground). Stay at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a 6,177-acre lodge.
-
Getty Images
10. Grand Anse, Grenada
You’ll find no shortage of beautiful beaches in Grenada, but tranquil, sheltered Grand Anse is one of the best. Two miles of milky-white sand on the western, leeward side of the island, it’s a short water-taxi ride from the capital of St George’s, and is overlooked by some of Grenada’s finest hotels. You won’t want for anything here, whether it’s goblet-sized G&Ts, market stalls or seahorses that swoosh around snorkellers.
-
Getty Images
11. Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
The only (legal) way to reach remote Honopu is by water, meaning you have to swim from an offshore boat, or from neighboring Kalalau Beach, a quarter of a mile away (fins are a must). But given that the cayenne-coloured cliffs and smooth sands of this isolated spot provided the backdrop for Raiders of the Lost Ark and King Kong, the schlep is cinematically worth it. Since the valley is so isolated, it is also believed to be spiritual, and served as an ancient burial ground for local chiefs. Sleep over at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, a sunshiny retreat.
-
Getty Images
12. Keem Bay, Achill Island, Ireland
It’s a windy road to Keem Bay, but the staggering cliff-top views are worth it. This sheltered inlet, on Achill Island in County Mayo, is almost unknown to visitors, but its clear malachite waters and soft biscuit sand make it a family-friendly spot – that’s also wonderfully crowd-free. Bring binoculars for spotting basking sharks; in warmer months you’ll find herds of ice-cream vans in the car park.
Read more about the best beaches in Ireland
-
Getty Images
13. Fakarava, French Polynesia
With its collection of easily accessible white and pink sand beaches, Fakarava – one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia – is one of the best snorkelling locations in the world, with consistently warm waters. While the sea is a safe haven for rare fish, fluorescent corals and ‘walls’ of sharks that pass close by the shore, the unblemished beaches have a claim to fame as the inspiration for Matisse’s bleu period. The artist spent three months in nearby Tahiti in 1930, and was enthralled by the lagoons’ infinite blues.
-
Getty Images
14. Marathonisi, Zakynthos, Greece
Better known as Turtle Island, the spotless white-sand islet of Marathonisi is a vital nesting spot for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, meaning visitors must stay within five metres of the water to avoid disturbing them. Fill your lungs with the pine-scented air before exploring the surrounding sea caves by snorkel or boat but be sure to bring supplies: you’ll find nothing on this Greek Island beach but seals, turtles and forests. Calm, smart design hangout Olea All Suite Hotel reflects Zakynthos’s more relaxed side.
-
Getty Images
15. Praia do Sancho, Brazil
Found on Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of volcanic islands between Brazil and Africa, Praia do Sancho is consistently voted one of the world’s best beaches. It’s also one of the hardest to access. Flights from mainland Brazil take about an hour, then you must hike, scooch down narrow rock tunnels and descend steep ladder steps to reach the golden palm-fringed sands. You have to pay an environment tax to get in, as the area is a National Park (head to the park’s offices, a 15-minute drive away), but once you’re there, its deserted shoreline, giant lumbering iguanas and fish-flecked shallows are worth the sweat.
-
Getty Images
16. Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island, Canada
Another wild beauty, Chesterman’s wide stretch of smooth sand – dotted with huge driftwood logs and fringed by wolf-filled forest – is popular with die-hard surfers and windswept strollers when the tide recedes. It’s overlooked by the fantastic Wickaninnish Inn, an atmospheric place to shelter and keep an eye out for passing sea otters when bloated storm clouds roll in.
-
Getty Images
17. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Possibly one of the most photogenic places in the world, Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is the original Bounty advert beach, cloaked in pure white sand and strewn with hefty granite boulders. It is not, by any stretch, deserted, but visit in the early morning] and you’ll get there before the daytrippers from Mahé and Praslin. For your own pocket of paradise, walk southwards through the shallows past the first set of boulders. The bay opens up for added breathing space.
-
Getty Images
18. Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji
Covered in sultry tropical jungle and accessible only via guided walking tours or horseback safaris, the private-island hideaway of Laucala is an unfathomably beautiful spot, home to some of Fiji’s rarest birds, hordes of marine life and spellbinding beaches. Seagrass Bay is the quietest and prettiest, but if its real adventure you’re after, head slightly further off-shore to get up close to the magnificent sea-life in a submersible.
-
Getty Images
19. Hidden Beach, Palawan, Philippines
It’s not quite so hidden any more, but this beach still makes its mark as one of the world’s best. Palawan is filled with pristinely beautiful spots but Hidden Beach – surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs and with startlingly bone-white sand – is separated from the turquoise ocean by a small keyhole-like opening, through which visitors must climb in order to access the lagoon. Stay at El Nido hotels.
-
Getty Images
20. Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius
Named for the cerfs, the stags imported from Java for hunting, Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius has become something of a victim of its own famous beauty, much of it overrun with obtrusive crowds and pesky beach touts. But you need only hike half a mile down the beach and you’ll be rewarded with some incredible island sands that you can keep all to yourself. This place is popular for a reason.
-
Getty Images
21. Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
With ghost-white sand, black lava rock and gaggles of marine iguanas, Tortuga Bay is an almost surreal place. It’s two miles out of the main town of Puerto Ayora, and the hike can be hot and sticky, but once there allow yourself to be distracted by sharks patrolling the shallows, apple-red crabs scuttling across the sands and the swoop of blue-footed boobies coming into land, then cool off with a spot of breaststroke among the mangroves.
-
Getty Images
22. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Australia
Launch yourself into the crystalline waters of Turquoise Bay and you’ll be swimming within a few feet of the pristine Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage-listed site that’s home to the largest congregation of whale sharks on the planet. A 40-mile drive from Exmouth on Australia’s Western coast, it’s a beach of blindingly white sands and impeccable snorkelling – you’ll descend to see rainbow corals, peaceful turtles and more than 500 fish species.
-
Alamy
23. Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda
This endlessly photogenic, often empty beach is made from crushed corals that have been ground into fine silk-like sand. Barbuda, Antigua’s sister island, is less crowded than most of the Caribbean islands, meaning you may find you have this eight-mile swathe of sand – which glows candy-floss-pink in the sun – entirely to yourself. There are no public facilities per se, but you’ll find a few beachy cafes scattered alongside the surf for a cooling cocktail.
-
Getty Images
24. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
This popular family beach borders the wildlife-filled Manuel Antonio National Park, where three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys emerge from the coastal rainforest to the delight of tiny beachgoers. It’s a 30-minute hike from the entrance to the park (keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys crashing through the canopy), but once there you’ll find soft sands, excellent swimming and honey-hued sunsets. Book a room at Arenas del Mar, spread across 11 leafy acres of a nature reserve.
-
Alamy
25. Gantheaume Point, Broome, Western Australia
With a backdrop of saffron-coloured cliffs and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, this rugged beach is one of the southern hemisphere’s most photogenic. Cast your eye across the robin-egg-blue waters and you might spot the snouts of rare snubfin dolphins breaking the surface, then turn back to the old lighthouse tower to see ospreys nesting in the framework. When the tide is at its lowest, a smattering of 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints are unveiled, preserved impeccably in the amber-coloured reef rock.
-
Alamy
26. Dolfynstrand, Namibia
Set on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park – the oldest desert on the planet – and a 15-minute drive from seaside hub Walvis Bay. The primeval Dolfynstrand is not a soft-waves-and-sand-between-your-toes sort of place – instead there are eerie shipwrecks strewn on the sand and a stinking, snoozing seal colony up the coast. But given its remote location in one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, any beachcombers are unlikely to have to jostle for space.
-
Alamy
27. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, North Carolina
More of an unpolished gem than a screensaver beach, the wind-pummelled Ocracoke on the Outer Banks of North Carolina has been described as one of the USA’s wildest. Once the temporary home of Blackbeard the pirate and his fellow buccaneers, it rocks some seriously big surfing waves in the late summer, while more tranquil waters earlier in the year (plus changing facilities and ample parking) are ideal for salt-water-seeking families.
-
Getty Images
28. Rauðasandur Beach, Iceland
Glowering below the rocks of Iceland’s western fjords is the moody Rauðasandur Beach, distinguished by its copper-red sands, a result of billions of pulverised scallop shells. Reached by winding gravel road, this is edged by formidable mountains and dramatic cliffs. But you’re unlikely to see another human here – only a tenth of Iceland’s visitors ever make it as far as the Westfjords.
-
Shutterstock
29. Jibei Island beach, Taiwan
Found in Penghu County, among the remote western islands of Taiwan, Jibei is an almost untouched spot, out of reach of most city-going travellers. Getting here involves taking a boat from the North Sea Tourist Centre to the main part of the island, where there are plenty of watersports, sun umbrellas and wooden cabins for an overnight stay. But it’s the secluded, often deserted sandspit, a 15-minute walk away, that’s truly special. There are no man-made intrustions here – just the murmur of the ocean and a mile of untrodden sand.
Like this? Now read:
The best beaches in Europe
The best beaches in Italy
The best beaches near London
There’s nothing in this world like a beautiful beach. Whether you are seeking serenity, perfect Instagram photo, or just a getaway, going to the beach is always a great idea. From the most famous beaches in Europe, to the sandy beaches of Thailand and Hawaii, these are the 100 best beaches in the world. Keep scrolling to get inspired for your next trip!
1. Bora Bora
French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a group of islands located in the western part of the Society Islands, one of thirteen French administered territories outside of France. This beautiful, worldwide known tourist destination is located in the middle of the Pacific ocean.
…
Read more about Bora Bora
2. Source d’Argent
Seychelles
The Source d’Argent beach on the La Digue island of Seychelles is a natural wonder that is not to be missed. Located on the western coast of the island, this breathtaking beach is known for its huge granite boulders that form caves and coves, c…
Read more about Source d’Argent
3. Whitehaven Beach
East Coast of Australia
Whitehaven Beach is a true paradise located in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. This beach is known for its incredibly white sand that stretches out as far as the eye can see, and the crystal clear turquoise water that shimmers in the sunlight. O…
Read more about Whitehaven Beach
4. Navagio Beach
Zakynthos
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is found on the west coast of Zakynthos island – the southernmost of the Ionian Islands in Greece. The beach lies in an exposed cove that can only be reached by boat. Aside from the obvious shipwreck in t…
Read more about Navagio Beach
5. Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach)
Cabo San Lucas
If you’re seeking a secluded and romantic getaway, look no further than Playa del Amor, also known as «The Hidden Beach.» Located on the Pacific Coast near San Patricio, about 300km from Guadalajara in Mexico, this stunning sand beach is nestled with…
Read more about Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach)
6. El Nido
Philippines
El Nido is a beautiful municipality located on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. It is known for its stunning lagoons, towering green cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches. With a total of 100 beaches, El Nido is a paradise for beac…
Read more about El Nido
7. Honopu Beach
Hawaii
Honopu beach, located on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i. This beach is located in Honopu valley which is isolated and is not accessible by land. This is one of the beaches you’ve probably already seen even though you don’t know about it. Many Hollywo…
Read more about Honopu Beach
8. Stiniva
Vis Island
Stiniva Beach is a wild beach on Vis island, Croatia. White, blazing pebbles cover the whole beach. The water on Stiniva beach is clear and pure blue. It is a little cove surrounded by high, steep cliffs, so it is better to access it by the sea than …
Read more about Stiniva
9. Railay Beach West
Krabi Province
Railay West beach is the main beach on the Thailand peninsula of Railay. The golden sands of Railay West beach are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, so it is no surprise that the beach is considered child-friendly. There is no need to…
Read more about Railay Beach West
10. Starfish Beach
Panama
Starfish Beach, located in the Bocas del Toro province of Panama, is a hidden gem that is known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful white sandy beaches. This secluded paradise is the perfect spot for visitors who are looking for a peaceful and…
Read more about Starfish Beach
11. Praia Dona Ana
Lagos
Praia Dona Ana is a charming beach located in Lagos, Portugal that is perfect for families with children. The beach provides a lifeguard service during the summer season to ensure the safety of its visitors while they enjoy a swim in the crystal-clea…
Read more about Praia Dona Ana
12. Praia do Sancho
Brasil
Praia do Sancho is located in Pernambuco, Brasil. The beach is covered in beautiful white sand that meets crystal clear turquoise water. Landscape is breathtaking, the beach is surrounded by hills which are covered in vegetation. Tourists like taking…
Read more about Praia do Sancho
13. Cocoa Island
Maldives
Maldives’ Cocoa island, located just 40 minutes from Male’s airport, is the ideal destination for luxury Water Villas, private beaches, a coral reef, diving and snorkeling, and a relaxing Como Shambhala Spa. It is situated on Makunufushi, the souther…
Read more about Cocoa Island
14. Nungwi Beach
Tanzania
Nungwi Beach is located on the Zanzibar’s northernmost tip on the island of Unguja in Tanzania. The soft white sand and a beautiful calm water is a perfect blend of modern and traditional. Near the beach is Serengeti National Park which has endless s…
Read more about Nungwi Beach
15. Awaroa
New Zealand
Awaroa beach is situated in the Awaroa bay in New Zealand. Awaroa is also known as the “People’s Beach”, after about 39000 natives bought this privately-held stretch of land in 2016 and made it one of the most beautiful public beach…
Read more about Awaroa
16. Playa Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Playa Manuel Antonio is located in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica within the Manuel Antonio National Park. The beach is rich with biodiversity. Visitors may explore the rainforest or go birdwatching. The waters are pristine clear and blue. T…
Read more about Playa Manuel Antonio
17. Baga
Goa
Baga beach is located in the Indian seaside town of the same name in North Goa. This sandy beach is one of the liveliest and most visited destinations due to a dazzling nightlife with signature places such as Britto’s, Titto’s and Mambos. The beach w…
Read more about Baga
18. Turquoise Bay
West Coast of Australia
Turquoise Bay is a beautiful and serene destination located on the west coast of Australia, near the Exmouth town. The beach is renowned for its white sandy shores and the stunning turquoise sea, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind.
One …
Read more about Turquoise Bay
19. Pink Sand Beach
Barbuda
Pink Sand Beach is located on Barbuda island in the Caribbean. It is listed as one of the best destinations for holidays. Its unique pink sand which is a mixture of corals and white sand attracts many tourists. Barbuda has a small population, so if y…
Read more about Pink Sand Beach
20. Agiba
Egypt
What gives Agiba beach a unique appeal and popularity is the fact that its white sandy shores are fully untouched, making it a lovely virgin beach. For the sake of preserving this appeal, you won’t find many man-made attractions in the area. This fea…
Read more about Agiba
21. Diani Beach
Kenya
Kenya’s Diani beach is definitely one of the most beautiful on the coasts of Africa. With its pristine natural beauty and almost never ending list of activities to enjoy, it’s hard to imagine that Diani Beach could leave anyone disappointed. While th…
Read more about Diani Beach
22. Black Sand Beach
Iceland
Black Sand Beach is located near the capital city of Reykjavik on the South Coast of Iceland. This striking beach with pitch black sand creates a wonderful contrast against the white foam of the water. Rejnisfjara, the name in Icelandic, was natural…
Read more about Black Sand Beach
23. Inland Sea
Qatar
With its unique position, Inland Sea beach has developed a rather astonishing ecosystem, combining both aspects of the desert dunes and sea front views. The shores of Inland Sea beach are rich with natural and cultural history. Regarding the nature a…
Read more about Inland Sea
24. Playa Grande
Chile
Playa Grande offers both a calming and an exhilarating experience for its visitors. This is due to the fact that the waters here are very calm close to shore, but the further you go, the wilder they get. This makes Playa Grande a good spot for surfin…
Read more about Playa Grande
25. Seagrass Bay
Fiji
Seagrass bay is one of the most luxurious and elite destinations on Fiji islands. This bay is located on the western edge of the Fiji islands, on the island named Laucala. Only the decadents of the 5 star resort which contains 25 beautiful villas loc…
Read more about Seagrass Bay
26. Paradise Beach
Palaiokastritsa
Paradise beach is located on the west side of Corfu island, only 19 kilometers from Paleokastritsa town, Greece. It is also known as Chomi beach. This gorgeous sandy beach is a hidden gem of Corfu island, and can only be accessed by boat. It is widel…
Read more about Paradise Beach
27. Negril Beach (Seven Mile)
Jamaica
Negril beach is a gorgeous sandy beach in the westernmost part of Jamaica. Only 15 kilometres away from the Jamaican town of Negril, this beach is like something out of a dream. It is said to have been ruled by pirates back in the day, however nowada…
Read more about Negril Beach (Seven Mile)
28. Flamenco Beach
Puerto Rico
Flamenco beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean sea. This beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. In 2016 Flamenco beach was awarded with the Blue flag. Along the beach you can find and observe rusty tanks US…
Read more about Flamenco Beach
29. Pileh Lagoon
Koh Phi Phi Leh
Pileh Lagoon, located on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, is one of the most stunning destinations in Thailand. This picturesque lagoon is situated just south of the main island of Koh Phi Phi, which is a popular tourist destination. The crystal clear …
Read more about Pileh Lagoon
30. Clifton Beach
South Africa
Clifton beaches are located near Cape Town in South Africa. There are four beaches named in a very creative way: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. These beaches are separated with big granite boulders. Each of these beaches has its own benefits and visitors. Fi…
Read more about Clifton Beach
31. Vaeroy Beach
Norway
Vaeroy island is littered with many small beaches all along its coast. What makes the beaches of Vaeroy island is the high contrast between the tall and dark cliff sides and rocks with the white sands and turquoise waters of the beaches. This, when p…
Read more about Vaeroy Beach
32. Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
33. Long Beach
Canada
Spanning an impressive 10 kilometers, it is not hard to tell where Long beach gets its name from. The beach is part of the Long Beach Unit, which makes up one of three sections of the Pacific Rim National Park. The beach also goes by the name “the Su…
Read more about Long Beach
34. Kite Beach
Dubai
Kite Beach Dubai is a beautiful sandy beach located in the heart of the city. It’s the perfect spot for families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. One of the best things about Kite Beach is its wide open spaces of…
Read more about Kite Beach
35. Keem Bay
Ireland
If you enjoy long walks, you will most likely enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Keem Bay. While in the past there was a lively summer village called Bunowna next to the beach. Nowadays, it is abandoned and a prime subject for exploration. There is als…
Read more about Keem Bay
36. Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
Located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Copacabana beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the sun, sand, and sea. Copacabana beach is situated in the neighborhood of the same name, which is located in the southern zone of Rio d…
Read more about Copacabana
37. Zlatni Rat
Bol
Zlatni Rat is located in Bol on the south coast of the island of Brač in Croatia. Awarded with the Blue Flag with lifeguard supervision, the beach is loved by adventurers, couples and families with children. The beach is formed by deposition of pebbl…
Read more about Zlatni Rat
38. Durdle Door
Dorset
Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. The arch, along with the surrounding coastline, is part of the Lulworth Estate and is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
The name «D…
Read more about Durdle Door
39. Cossies Beach
Australia
Cossies Beach, also known as Coconut Beach is a tropical paradise getaway located in Cocos (Keeling) Islands in Australia. The beach is completely covered in white and soft sand and the water is perfectly clear and blue. Along with the coconut palm t…
Read more about Cossies Beach
40. Nusa Penida
Bali
The island of Nusa Penida is home to many stunning beaches. The mentioned beaches usually fall in one of two categories. They either fall into the category of a purely sightseeing beach, or a regular beach for fun summer activities. This is due to th…
Read more about Nusa Penida
41. Le Morne Public Beach
Le Morne
Le Morne Public Beach is located on the south-west part of Mauritius island, 25 kilometers from Black River Gorges National Park. The beach is well known for its dramatic backdrop of the Morne Brabant mountain, as well as for its clear waters, white …
Read more about Le Morne Public Beach
42. Mermerli
Antalya
Mermerli beach is located in Antalya city in Turkey. The pebbly beach has a stunning view of the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea and being a part of a secluded area creates a lovely serene atmosphere. Mermerli beach is of great importance for Antalya reso…
Read more about Mermerli
43. Astola Beach
Pakistan
The main appeal, aside from its turquoise waters, is the fact that Astola beach is very remote. But this appeal quickly becomes a hurdle as the beach is only accessible via boat. This means that you have to plan ahead and pack everything that you mig…
Read more about Astola Beach
44. Playa Gran
Tossa de Mar
Located in the center of Tossa de Mar in Spain, Playa Gran is a very popular and photographed beach. The beach is covered with gravel and rocks. It is favored by families with kids. It is also suitable for people with special needs. There are lifegua…
Read more about Playa Gran
45. Bavaro Beach
Dominican Republic
Spanning around 8 kilometers makes Bavaro beach the largest beach in Punta Cana. What attracts most visitors to Bavaro beach is the fact that it is lined with adult only resorts. This makes it a good spot for romantic getaways. Adding to this is the …
Read more about Bavaro Beach
46. Hidden Beach, Palawan
Philippines
Hidden Beach is located in El Nido on Palawan Island in Philippines. This hidden gem surrounded by limestone rocks formations got its name due to its concealed location which visitors can access by climbing through a narrow opening. The beach offers …
Read more about Hidden Beach, Palawan
47. Pasjača
Cavtat
Pasjača beach, located in Croatia, is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations on Instagram due to its stunning rock formations and breathtaking scenery. This beach is not for the faint of heart, as visitors must climb 250 meters above s…
Read more about Pasjača
48. Ein Bokek Beach
Dead Sea
Ein Bokek Beach is located in the city of the same name along the coast of the Dead Sea in Israel. This gorgeous sandy coastline mixed with salt and mud patches offer a unique experience swimming in the water which has healing properties. Near the be…
Read more about Ein Bokek Beach
49. Tulum
Mexico
Tulum beach is located in the Town Tulum in southern Mexico. Along this beach you can find plenty of beautiful hotels and resorts that make Tulum famous. Although they are all blended together, actually there are several beaches lined one next to ano…
Read more about Tulum
50. South Beach
Miami
South Beach is a famous beach in Miami Beach island city, accessed from mainland Miami by multiple bridges. It is known for being a beautiful beach for the young and fun-loving people during the day, and a rich, glamorous scene during the night. It a…
Read more about South Beach
51. Pink Sands Beach
The Bahamas
Pink Sands Beach is one of the most distinctive beaches you will encounter, and you can find it on Harbour Island in The Bahamas. Approximately 3 miles in length, this unusual beach will surely take your breath away. Its colour comes from microscopic…
Read more about Pink Sands Beach
52. Da Nang Beach
Vietnam
The coastal city of Da Nang is lined with many stunning beaches, among which the most popular one is MyKhe beach. The mentioned beach is one of Vietnam’s most famous beaches. This stems not only from its beauty, but also from the abundance of histori…
Read more about Da Nang Beach
53. Porto Giunco
Villasimius
Porto Giunco beach is located near the Villasimius town on the south-eastern part of Sardinia. The beach is a stretch of a soft light sand enclosed within a lagoon with crystal blue water. The entrance to the water is gradual so families with kids wi…
Read more about Porto Giunco
54. Turtle Beach
Malaysia
Turtle beach is a wildlife reserve which, as the name suggests, is an egg laying and preservation spot for turtles. With a shoreline spanning 30 kilometers in length, Turtle beach provides plenty of space for turtle watching and other beach activitie…
Read more about Turtle Beach
55. Maya Placencia
Belize
Maya Placencia beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere. This makes Maya Placencia beach a good spot for those who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As the waters here are very calm, they make Maya Placencia beach a good…
Read more about Maya Placencia
56. Phra Nang Beach
Krabi Province
Phra Nang beach is located in Thailand’s province of Krabi. If you are travelling with a pet, feel free to come to the sandy shores of Phra Nang beach, as they are dog-friendly. If you like exploring more secluded areas with unique history, you…
Read more about Phra Nang Beach
57. Umluj Beach
Saudi Arabia
A common and fun activity at Umluj beach is snorkeling. It is so popular that visitors often rent boats just so they can venture out and snorkel. The activity owes its popularity to the collar reefs that line the seabed of Umluj beach and the sea lif…
Read more about Umluj Beach
58. Yalong Bay
China
Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in China, Yalong Bay has a bit of something for everyone. From its pristine natural beauty to its upscale beachside resorts, you’ll be hard-pressed not to have a good time here. Lovers of golf will be happy …
Read more about Yalong Bay
59. Calabar Beach
Nigeria
Calabar beach, located in the bustling city of Calabar in Nigeria, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Known for its beautiful white sands and crystal clear waters, the beach offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors to…
Read more about Calabar Beach
60. Landaa Giraavaru
Maldives
Maldives’ Landaa Giraavaru resort offers idyllic views of the Indian Ocean, nestled on a 44-acre unspoiled island in the Baa Atoll World Biosphere Reserve, just 35 minutes by seaplane from Male. With 102 expansive beach and water bungalows and villas…
Read more about Landaa Giraavaru
61. Gokarna
India
Gokarna beach is located in the city of the same name in Karnataka, India. The beach is a part of a Gokarna town which is known as one of the seven Hindu pilgrimage centres where people offer worship and prayers to god Shiva. Gokarna beach consists o…
Read more about Gokarna
62. Haeundae Beach
South Korea
Haeundae Beach is one of Korea’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. From its breathtaking morning walks to its beachside tug of war games, its white sands have plenty of activities to keep you occupied. If the beach itself isn’t enough, there …
Read more about Haeundae Beach
63. Playa de la Concha
San Sebastian
Playa de la Concha is a popular beach located in San Sebastian city in Basque Country, northern Spain. This is a half sandy, half concrete beach. Playa de la Concha is suitable for families with kids due to the shallow entrance in the sea and fine sa…
Read more about Playa de la Concha
64. Varadero
Cuba
Varadero Beach is situated on the Hicacos Peninsula east of Cuba’s city of Havana. Long stretches of sand overlooking the glistening turquoise water and untouched nature make this place a unique tropical destination. The beach offers, among many wate…
Read more about Varadero
65. Hiriketiya
Sri Lanka
Hiriketiya beach is a part of Hiriketiya Bay near the Dickwella town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This golden sandy beach with palm trees and a gorgeous view of the turquoise water belonging to the horseshoe-shaped bay is a hidden gem. Hiriket…
Read more about Hiriketiya
66. Sun Bay
Puerto Rico
For animal lovers, Sun Bay beach is a good spot to see some of the local wildlife. There is a local herd of wild horses that visit Sun Bay beach, usually during the afternoon hours. Seeing the herd in its natural habitat can be very picturesque. This…
Read more about Sun Bay
67. Beach des Milliardiers
Antibes
Beach de la baie des Milliardaires is located in Antibes on French Riviera. It is accessible through a small path which connects the beach to avenue Mlle Beaumont. The beach is covered mostly with pebbles and gravel, with sharp rocks here and there. …
Read more about Beach des Milliardiers
68. Eagle Beach
Aruba
Located on Aruba island, Eagle Beach is a well known resort that will make your vacation unforgettable. With its white sand and clear turquoise water the beach stands for one of the most photographed ones. Families with their kids often go camping on…
Read more about Eagle Beach
69. Koekohe Beach
New Zealand
Koekohe Beach, also known as Moeraki Boulders Beach, is a smooth sandy beach in south-east New Zealand. Only 4 kilometres away from the small town of Hampden, New Zealand. What separates this Koekohe from other sandy beaches are the Moeraki Boulders….
Read more about Koekohe Beach
70. Yonaha Maehama
Japan
A fun fact about Yonaha Maehama beach is that it annually hosts the “Strongman” triathlon during its swimming trial. If you like hikes, you will be happy to know that scaling the hill which overlooks Yonaha Maehama beach rewards you with stunning vie…
Read more about Yonaha Maehama
71. Ile aux Cerfs
Trou d’Eaue Doche
Ile aux Cerfs is a small island on the east coast of Mauritius. There are tours available, as well as speedboat taxi services in Trou d’eau Douce bay that can take you to the island and back. The Ile aux Cerfs beach is known for its powdery, white sa…
Read more about Ile aux Cerfs
72. Dolfynstrand
Namibia
Dolfynstrand beach is a part of seaside resort on the South Atlantic coast of Namibia. This gorgeous sandy shore, which from Afrikaans translates to “dolphin beach”, was founded in 1970s. Just few kilometres south of Dolfynstrand is a man-made Bird I…
Read more about Dolfynstrand
73. Paraíso
Cuba
Paraiso Beach is located on a small resort island Cayo Largo del Sul in Cuba. This beautiful stretch of soft wide sand is a secluded beach which offers warm water of the Caribbean Sea. Historians believe that Christopher Columbus sailed to Cayo Largo…
Read more about Paraíso
74. South Water Caye
Belize
The waters that surround South Water Caye are rich with a vast variety of different species of fish and various plants. South Water Caye is also positioned very close to the Belize Barrier Reef, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Knowing all of t…
Read more about South Water Caye
75. Seitan Limania
Chania
Seitan Limania beach is located on a peninsula that is right next to the Greek city of Chania. The little sandy beach is nestled in a canyon, making it the perfect hidden spot for nudists. Due to its secluded nature, it is also dog-friendly. But what…
Read more about Seitan Limania
76. Khalaktyrsky Beach
Russia
When most people plan a beachside holiday, Russia is probably the last country they think of. This is a shame, because on its vast shoreline lay many hidden gems, and Khalaktyrsky Beach is one of them. Being located on Kamchatka’s eastern coast means…
Read more about Khalaktyrsky Beach
77. Ipanema
Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema beach is located in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro in Brasil. The soft white sand is considered one of the main beaches in Rio which has attracted tourists since 1960 when it became well-known due to a song “The Girl from Ipanema”. Ipanema …
Read more about Ipanema
78. Tenby North Beach
Wales
A unique and recognizable feature of Tenby North beach is the Goskar Rock, which protrudes from the center of the beach. Something to take note of while enjoying your time at Tenby North beach is that there are often jellyfish in the area, so caution…
Read more about Tenby North Beach
79. Nissi
Ayia Napa
Nissi Beach, located in the popular holiday destination of Ayia Napa in Cyprus, is a stunning stretch of golden sand and crystal clear waters that attracts thousands of visitors each year. One of the most popular beaches on the island, Nissi Beach is…
Read more about Nissi
80. Lonely Beach
Cambodia
Lonely Beach is located on the northern coast of the island Koh Rong, Cambodia. This beach is nearly untouched by people, and the resort that is found on it, prides itself on keeping it as natural as possible. There is no Wi-Fi, no hot water and thei…
Read more about Lonely Beach
81. Playa Uva
Costa Rica
Playa Uva gets its name from sea grape trees that grow along the beachside. If you’re looking for a beach that’s calm and secluded where you can just focus on relaxing, then Playa Uva is the beach for you. Due to its strict development laws and the n…
Read more about Playa Uva
82. Caló des Moro
Cala Figuera
Caló des Moro beach is set about 4 kilometers from the city of Cala Figuera, Spain. This sandy beach is very secluded in a little cove. The beach can be accessed by either a narrow set of stairs that lead down to it, or by boat. While Caló des Moro b…
Read more about Caló des Moro
83. Kynance Cove
Cornwall
Kynance Cove is a stunning sandy beach with the brilliant turquoise water and the serpentine rock formations. It is also a dog friendly beach, with a seasonal ban between 1st July and 31st August / 10am to 6pm….
Read more about Kynance Cove
84. Praia de Benagil
Carvoeiro
Praia de Benagil beach is set just a 15-minute car ride away from the city center of Carvoeiro in Portugal. Similarly to other beaches in the Algarve region of Portugal, Praia de Benagil beach is completely made of sand. It is often visited by famili…
Read more about Praia de Benagil
85. Gordon Beach
Tel Aviv
Gordon Beach is located in the city centre of Tel Aviv in Israel. This beautiful sandy beach takes its name after the street in Tel Aviv which is one of the main east-west thoroughfares. The beach is popular among tourists and locals and offers many …
Read more about Gordon Beach
86. Polihale Beach
Hawaii
Polihale beach is located on the Napali coast on Kauai island in Hawaii. This gorgeous white sand beach is the most western publicly accessible area of Hawaii. The beach is known for crystal clear turquoise water and big cliffs surrounding it. This b…
Read more about Polihale Beach
87. Fakarava
French Polynesia
Fakarava is an atoll located in the western wing of the French Polynesia islands. It’s the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. This exotic location offers beautiful beaches and lagoons where occasionally locals feed friendly sharks swimming in the …
Read more about Fakarava
88. Mar Del Plata
Argentina
Mar Del Plata is one of Argentina’s traditional beach destinations, which also means that it is one of the more crowded ones. However, if you’re looking for some relative peace and quiet, then the beaches of Varese and Cabo Corrientes are the places …
Read more about Mar Del Plata
89. Arutas
Sardinia
Arutas beach is set on the west of the Italian island of Sardinia, in the province of Cabras. Like most beaches on Sardinia, Arutas beach consists of sand and big rock formations. The beach is known to be kid-friendly and thus is good for family vaca…
Read more about Arutas
90. Baia dos Golfinhos
Brasil
Baia dos Golfinhos is located in Pipa, Brazil. The beach is covered with sand and surrounded by high cliffs. Getting to or from the beach is not that easy and can only be reached by walking from Pipa Center Beach. You need to know when the tide comes…
Read more about Baia dos Golfinhos
91. Sveti Stefan
Budva
Just a few kilometres along Montenegro’s Adriatic coast from Budva, this famous beach offers amazing views of a tiny islet Sveti Stefan and is probably the most iconic destination in Montenegro. Crystal clear turquoise waters, pink pebbles, and plent…
Read more about Sveti Stefan
92. Beach Marinieres
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Beach Marinieres represents a 1km long coast in the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer in France. The beach is covered with sand and has gravel parts suitable for sunbathing. Shallow water and easy access to the beach make it loved by families with children…
Read more about Beach Marinieres
93. Red Frog Beach
Panama
If you are looking to stay somewhere secluded from big cities with beachfront views, Red Frog beach is a good pick for your vacation. Despite it being called a beach, Red Frog beach is actually a tourist complex. Red Frog beach includes many resorts …
Read more about Red Frog Beach
94. Sopot Beach
Poland
Sopot beach gained its popularity during the rule of the German Empire. This is mainly due to the fact that naval officers, which were stationed nearby, often came to Sopot beach to relax. Though the German Empire is no longer active, the popularity …
Read more about Sopot Beach
95. Praia Marinha
Carvoeiro
Praia Marinha beach is set on the south coast of Portugal, near the city of Carvoeiro. Like most beaches in Portugal, Praia Marinha beach is made of sand. This feature contributes to its reputation for being child-friendly. Because of its landscape, …
Read more about Praia Marinha
96. Binz
Binz
Binz is a beach located in the city of the same name in Germany. This sandy beach with fine white sand and the view of the Baltic Sea is a perfect destination for families with kids. Binz beach is made accessible for people with disabilities. Lifegua…
Read more about Binz
97. Choroni
Venezuela
While relaxing and having fun might be the main focus on Choroni beach, there are also a few interesting places to visit in the vicinity of the beach. Stepping away from the beach, a common tourist attraction in the area is visiting the local coffee,…
Read more about Choroni
98. Dhërmi
Vlora
Dhërmi is a beach covered with gravel and concrete located in the village Dhërmi, about 60 kilometers from Vlora in Albania. This beach has lifeguard supervision during the season and is accessible for people with disabilities. Dhërmi is covered with…
Read more about Dhërmi
99. Doctor’s Cave
Jamaica
Doctor’s cave is situated to the north of Jamaica in Montego Bay – approximately 25 minutes from Hopewell, Jamaica. This beach was once a private property of Dr. Alexander J. McCatty, who then donated it with the purpose of starting a bathing club. I…
Read more about Doctor’s Cave
100. Sunny Beach — Central
Sunny Beach
Central Beach is located in the seaside tourist resort of Sunny Beach on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria. The huge sandy beach offers enjoyment and fun for both young people and families with children. Lifeguards will make your stay safe, and the bea…
Read more about Sunny Beach — Central
Are you looking at getting away from it all? Then look no further than the best beaches in the world! Say hello to paradise!
What I wouldn’t give to be lazing on a beach. I’m not going to lie, I’ve got some serious wanderlust right now!
As the weather is starting to turn colder and the days are getting shorter and shorter here in the UK, I wanted to dream up some faraway places to make me happy.
Already it feels like ages ago that I was on a beach in Mauritius, and after going through photo after photo of golden sands and crystal blue water from my time there, I wanted to see what other beautiful beaches I could be lazing on this year.
There are so many articles on the ‘world’s best beaches’ out there that I decided to come up with my own. For me, these are the most striking beaches around the world. These are your little slices of paradise, the very best Earth has to offer.
So sit back, relax, and imagine being on these pristine beaches to warm you up. For me, these really are the best beaches in the world!
Also, if you’re looking for a little more inspiration, then check out these dreamy beach quotes that’ll make you want to book a trip immediately!
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
Paradise can be found at Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays in Australia. This is a group of islands just off the coast of Arlie Beach in Queensland and each one is utterly breathtaking. You can only get to the Whitsundays by boat making them all the more special and the real jewel in the crown is Whitehaven – it is just perfect in every sense of the word.
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Again, this is a beach that easily describes paradise. With sun-bleached giant boulders on the shore, calm turquoise waters, brilliant white sands and palm trees fringing the beach, this beach in the middle of the Indian Ocean is straight from a fairytale. It comes as no surprise that this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world!
Tulum Beach, Mexico
There aren’t many beaches around the world that can boast ancient ruins that date back to AD564 on the cliffs above but at Tulum Beach in Mexico you get beauty with history. The thing is, not only are the Tulum ruins an amazing site within their own right, the fact that the beach below is absolutely stunning really makes it a magical place to visit.
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
For sheer drama, it’s hard to beat this wide arc of sand located on the Atlantic just seven minutes from Cape Town. With the craggy Twelve Apostles mountains in the background, it’s easy to see why Camps Bay Beach is always voted in the world’s best beaches – I mean, just look at it!?
La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Spain
This one really is up there with the world’s best beaches. La Concha Beach was recently voted as Europe’s best beach and it’s easy to see why. With glorious weather all-year round and some simply sumptuous restaurants, this is a beach that has it all. Also, with the cute little Spanish town of San Sebastian framed in the background you’re never far from the action too.
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
Oregon boasts over 400 miles of public beaches but the pick of the bunch is Cannon Beach, a mecca for film enthusiasts and sun worshipers from all over the world. With Haystack Rock dominating the landscape at Cannon Beach, this was the location at the end of the 80s cult classic The Goonies. The thing is, the beach is absolutely stunning too!
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Come on, how cool does this beach look!? Reynisfjara Beach is one of the most unusual beaches in the world. With black sands and basalt sea stacks, on sunny days this place in absolutely stunning. In winter, it looks like an alien landscape, a desolate place with ice and snow. Iceland is known for its mountains and waterfalls, but it’s got some of the world’s best beaches too.
Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Nested in northern Colombia is Tayrona National Park, a place that really does have it all. Here you go from mountains to forests to beaches all within a few hundred metres, and there are some very drastic rock formations on the beach too. You can also sleep under the stars right on the beach at Tayrona National Park with the sound of waves lapping the shore in the background. Just perfect.
Makena Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Maui is one of those places that gets slammed as being Americanised and too touristy, but do you know what, the beaches really are out of this world there. With so many beaches to choose from, any of them could be in the world’s best beaches. Makena Beach, nicknamed Big Beach, is a mile and a half stretch of golden sand and offers great views of Kahoolawe Island and the Molokini Crater. Such crazy views!
Playa del Amor, Marietas Islands, Mexico
This is a beach nearly everyone’s seen an image of. A swim through an opening almost invisible from the sea reveals what locals call the “hidden beach”, a beautiful beach ringed by a rock formation forming a perfect circle. Only six people can visit Playa del Amor at a time meaning you’ve got the place practically to yourself!
Napcan Beach, El Nido, the Philippines
With over 7,600 islands in the Philippines, you’re bound to come across more than your fair share of incredible beaches. To be honest with you, it’s almost impossible to pick one over another when it comes to the world’s best beaches but Napcan Beach ticks all the boxes and Palawan is a stunningly beautiful island to travel around too.
Corniche Beach, La Teste-De-Buch, France
At 357 feet high, 1,640 feet wide, and 8,800 feet long, the pine forest-hugged Dune of Pilat is the highest in Europe and tumbles to Corniche Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. This is such an unusual beach – definitely one of a kind – and who would’ve thought France could have a beach like this? Also, if you’re into your paragliding, this is one of the best places in the world to do it!
Now who else has got some serious wanderlust?
The question is, which of the world’s best beaches here you you most like to visit? Or, if your favourite didn’t make the world’s best beaches then which one’s have I left off? Let me know in the comments below as I’d love to know which one you’d choose!
Like this post? Then make sure you Pin it!
We’ve brushed the sand off and smoothed on the aloe to present to you the 20 most breathtaking beaches in the world. Sure, we’ve factored in the requisite picks on the most superlative stretches of dreamy Caribbean, Mediterranean, Hawaiian, and South Pacific shores, but we’ve turned up finds along some more unexpected coasts, too, from Africa to Australia—and beyond. So pack that sunscreen and swimsuit, and set off to explore these 20 incredible beaches around the world.
1. Whitehaven Beach
- Location: Whitsunday Island, Australia
- Come for: access to the Great Barrier Reef and silica sand that’s as white as snow
Beaches just don’t come more photogenic than this. Head to Whitsunday Island, the largest (in size) of Australia’s Whitsundays, where Whitehaven Beach is easily the brightest and whitest you’ve ever seen. The silica in the sand is credited for its striking color, but it does double duty to ensure that it doesn’t retain heat from the sweltering Aussie sun, making it a glorious place for a barefoot stroll. The glassy, clear water—reaching out into the Great Barrier Reef—makes for a refreshing dip, and tidal currents sculpt the sand to varying depths, creating gorgeous ocean swirls of greens and blues.
Whitehaven beach, along with the rest of the Whitsundays, draws plenty of people—an estimated 870,000 visitors came to the Whitsundays from 2018 to 2019. The government is working to preserve its pristine reputation through initiatives like the Whitsunday Climate Innovation Hub, run by the Whitsunday Regional Council, whose “Healthy Heart” project works with marine tourism operators, marinas, and island resorts to lower their carbon footprint.
How to get to Whitehaven Beach
From mainland Australia, you can take a one-hour boat ride from Airlie Beach or an hour-long ride from Shute Harbour port to Hamilton Island, where a 10-minute boat ride will take you to Whitsunday Island. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns.
Tall and tan and young and lovely? Even if you don’t fit the bill, Rio’s Ipanema Beach is calling.
Photo by Pakawat Thongcharoen/Shutterstock
2. Ipanema Beach
- Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Come for: lively energy that brings plenty of fun-in-the-sun opportunities
For generations, iconic Ipanema has been pictured in travel brochures and on billboards around the world, tempting tourists to its golden sands on the edge of Rio de Janeiro. And it’s all for good reason—Ipanema is a quintessential Rio experience. You won’t find seclusion and serenity here: Residents descend in droves during any spare moment to sun themselves, play volleyball, or surf. But the views of the Dois Irmãos mountains and tangible party vibes here are simply unmissable.
How to get to Ipanema Beach
Airports in Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and New York City (JFK) all have direct flights to Rio de Janeiro. From there, take a 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute subway ride on the Metrô Rio to Ipanema.
Watch surfers take on 30-foot waves at Waimea Bay.
Photo by Mike Tiscareno/Shutterstock
3. Waimea Bay Beach Park
- Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
- Come for: the chance to see top surfers ride some mind-boggling waves
If you’re a surfer, this is the beach for you. Waimea Bay is famous as the home of “The Eddie,” a big-wave winter surfing tournament that sees the world’s top surfers compete on waves reaching heights of up to 30 feet. If you come during the winter months, when the waves are at their biggest, get a spot on the wide, yellow-sand beach to watch the spectacle of surfers tackling huge waves. In summer, as the waves subside, conditions are perfect for beginner surfers or for snorkelers to dive into the underwater world beyond the sand, where they might encounter a pod of dolphins or a solitary sea turtle. Adrenaline junkies should beeline for the huge black rock at the southern end of the beach, from which you can plunge into the cobalt blue ocean, some 25 feet below.
After you’ve had your fill of waves, consider spending some time volunteering with organizations like Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i or the Surfrider Foundation to help the vacation destination reach its sustainability goals.
How to get to Waimea Bay
More than 20 U.S. cities have direct flights to Honolulu’s airport on O‘ahu. From there, drive 30 miles north to reach Waimea Bay.
Beautiful beaches may not spring to mind when you think of Germany, but then you haven’t been to Sylt.
Photo by Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock
4. Lister Ellenbogen
- Location: Sylt, Germany
- Come for: white sands, grassy dunes, and Nordic views
At the far north of Germany, the island of Sylt proposes an intoxicating mix of glamour, luxury, and scenic nature. While it’s tempting to make way for the more popular 18-mile-long stretch of sand at Weststrand, the beaches fronting the main town of List are equally appealing, with their white sands and grassy dunes, and are far more sheltered, too, lapped by the calm waters of the Wadden Sea. Pick up a fresh fish sandwich from the Gosch Lister Fischhaus in the harbor, and head to the sands to enjoy views that stretch across to Denmark.
How to get to Lister Ellenbogen
The fastest way to get to Sylt is by plane, and several airports in Germany (in addition to Zurich and Luxembourg) fly directly to the island’s airport. Another alternative would be to take the car-ferry from the nearby Danish island of Rømo, which will take you to Sylt in about 40 minutes.
This island is also reachable by train, thanks to the Hindenburgdamm causeway connecting mainland Germany to Sylt. Buy tickets via the Deutsche Bahn booking system.
Matira Beach is one of Bora Bora’s most popular public beaches.
Photo by Lux Blue/Shutterstock
5. Matira Beach
- Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Come for: picturesque sunsets away from the busy resort scene
On the western side of a long, thin peninsula at the southern tip of Bora Bora, Matira Beach is the island’s best publicly accessible stretch of sand. It’s popular among the locals for a sunset stroll and feels a world away from the glitzy resorts that monopolize many of the beaches on the island. The white grains are silky-soft underfoot, and the calm, glittering ocean is astonishingly clear. When the sun sets, dip into one of the low-key beachfront restaurants, order a cocktail, and toast the day’s end with the fiery display on the horizon.
How to get to Matira Beach
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bora Bora outside of French Polynesia. You’ll need to fly to Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport—there are direct flights from Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles—and then take a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora’s airport from there.
Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach features almost two miles of dazzling white sand.
Photo by Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock
6. Grand Anse Beach
- Location: Grenada
- Come for: a diving experience boasting underwater treasures
Grenada’s very best beach (yes, we said it!) has almost two miles of dazzling white sand, lapped by calm, warm Caribbean tides. In between the ocean and a leafy resort area (with a good selection of hotels and beach bars), Grand Anse is a tough spot to tear yourself away from. But you must: There’s so much to see under the ocean’s surface. Get your dive certificate with Dive Grenada, or snorkel to see the stingrays, seahorses, and sea turtles. (For more advanced divers, shipwrecks on the seabed provide much exploration, too.)
How to get to Grand Anse Beach
You can fly directly to Grenada’s airport from New York (JFK), Charlotte, or Miami. From the airport, the beach is a five-minute taxi ride away.
No five-star hotel needed for these views.
Photo by Nina Janesikova/Shutterstock
7. Natadola Beach
- Location: Viti Levu, Fiji
- Come for: surfing conditions beloved by beginners and pros
Beautiful beaches are bountiful in the Fijian archipelago, but with yellow sand sloping into a sublime turquoise ocean, Natadola Beach is one of the finest. The fact that you don’t have to stay at one of the five-star resorts (located at the strand’s southern end) for access is a huge plus, too. There’s good swimming here, but there are also decent waves inside the bay for beginner surfers looking for practice; the outer area has bigger waves for the more experienced. Locals hawking seashells and coconuts wander up and down the beach, and for around $30, you can opt to take a slow amble along the shoreline on horseback.
How to get to Natadola Beach
The easiest way to get to Viti Levu is to fly directly from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Nadi, which is on island’s the western side. Natadola Beach is a 45-minute taxi ride south.
The seascape at Spain’s Praia de Augas Santas is marked by spectacular nature-carved sculptures.
Photo by Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock
8. Praia de Augas Santas
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Come for: spectacular landforms that disappear with the tide
Arrive at high tide, and you’ll be sorely disappointed, since Spain’s Praia de Augas Santas is nowhere to be seen. Wait until the tide recedes, though, and you’ll be rewarded with a seascape marked by spectacular natural sculptures, set atop the wet golden sands. The ocean currents and brisk coastal winds here have been carving the rocky shoreline for centuries, resulting in a series of impressive natural archways and buttresses that have given this beach its other name: Cathedrals Beach. At low tide, you can walk among the sculptures (access is via a set of steps from the cliffs above); some of them are nearly 90 feet tall. Note: While swimming is permitted here, it’s essential to be aware of potentially dangerous tidal times.
How to get to Praia de Augas Santas
Praia de Augas Santas is in the northeast corner of Galicia, which makes Asturia’s airport actually closer than Galicia’s. Get there by flying into any one of Spain’s major airport hubs, like Madrid or Barcelona, and then flying to Asturias. After landing in Asturias, drive an hour west of the airport to reach the beach.
Even if the beach isn’t actually seven miles long, there’s plenty of white sand to go around.
Photo by SCStock/Shutterstock
9. Seven Mile Beach
- Location: Grand Cayman
- Come for: a beach getaway that’s all about relaxing
Awards come easy to this Grand Cayman gem—Seven Mile Beach has been lauded as one of the best in the Caribbean on numerous occasions. For good reason—even though it’s actually about five miles long. It offers a striking stretch of bright, white, soft sand that’s well served by restaurants, bars, and swank resorts, with plenty of activities on hand, like parasailing or snorkeling excursions just off the coast, at the Cemetery Reef.
How to get to Seven Mile Beach
There are around 15 departure cities that fly directly to Grand Cayman—it might be best to go through Miami, where multiple carriers fly multiple times a day between the two destinations. Grand Cayman’s airport is a 20-minute bus ride or 10-minute drive to Seven Mile Beach.
For more help planning your trip to the Carribean: Which Caribbean Island Should You Visit?
Oregon’s Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is known for it soft golden sands, sea stack formations, and “Circles in the Sand” art.
Photo by Denny Dyke
10. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
- Where: Bandon, Oregon
- Come for: dramatic landscapes that provide some much-needed quiet and solitude
The rugged rocks strung out across the Pacific at Oregon’s Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint are certainly striking, but it’s not simply about the views here. Miles of soft golden sand stretch in either direction, affording plenty of space to set down your towel in relative solitude. Bird-watchers will enjoy scouting nesting seabirds atop those iconic sea stacks, while fishers can harvest the shellfish that cling to their crevices (be sure to purchase a license first).
Tip: Don’t miss one of the numerous Circles in the Sand events scheduled throughout the year, when visitors can walk along the stunning labyrinthine patterns in the sand, designed by local sand artist Denny Dyke.
How to get to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
If you’re landing in Portland, you’ll need to rent a car and drive about 250 miles southeast to get to the beach. But if you live in San Francisco or Denver, you’re in luck—United offers once-a-day flights on most days to the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport from these locations. From the regional airport, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint is only a 45-minute drive or hour-long bus ride away.
Embrace the white-sand beaches and warm waters of Long Beach.
Photo by JM Travel Photography/Shutterstock
11. Long Beach
- Location: Koh Rong, Cambodia
- Come for: a postcard-worthy island experience
Often compared to the unspoiled beaches of Thailand some 30 years ago by nostalgic backpackers, Cambodia’s islands have some spectacular stretches of serene and secluded sand indeed. On the island of Koh Rong, Long Beach is the star, with more than four miles of white, powdery grains. It’s a 40-minute boat ride from mainland Cambodia (at Sihanoukville), or stay on the shores at a beachfront hotel (try the bungalows at Sok San Beach Resort) to step out of bed and right onto the sand.
How to get to Long Beach
There are no direct flights from the United States to Cambodia. The best option is to fly to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Ho Chi Minh City, and then fly to the Cambodian provincial airport of Sihanoukville. Koh Rong is a 40-minute ferry ride away.
In Mexico’s remote Marietas Islands National Park, Hidden Beach is only accessible by swimming or kayaking in.
Photo by Shutterstock
12. Hidden Beach
- Location: Marietas Islands, Mexico
- Come for: a beach within a crater—need we say more?
This remote yellow-sand beach, tucked away in Mexico’s Marietas Islands National Park, is accessible solely by swimming or kayaking through a tunnel in the rock at low tide. The aptly named Hidden Beach—also called Playa del Amor—is a truly surreal spot. It’s essentially a gaping, nearly 100-foot-wide hole in the earth, rumored to have been created when the Mexican government tested weapons on the island.
Facilities are nonexistent here, but outside of peak season, so are the crowds. Come via a small group speedboat excursion (it’s about an hour from nearby Puerto Vallarta), and you might have the whole hole to yourselves.
How to get to Hidden Beach
Plenty of large U.S. cities offer direct flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR). Unfortunately, the hour-long boat ride to Marietas Islands is only possible if you charter a boat yourself or find a tour operator.
Jutting into the water, Eden Rock Hotel is a hard-to-miss establishment on St. Bart’s.
Photo by Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock
13. Saint-Jean
- Location: St. Bart’s
- Come for: sunbathing and celebrity spotting
In the Saint-Jean quarter of ritzy St. Bart’s, you’ll find not one beach, but two, separated by the luxurious Hollywood-star hangout Eden Rock Hotel. The white-sand stretches sit within a clamshell-shaped Caribbean bay with gentle waves, backed by a smattering of hotels for all budgets. The far western end of the beach is cordoned off, as the tiny St. Bart’s airport landing strip starts almost on the sand, but there’s plenty of room for sunbathing farther east, and the tranquil seas make for excellent swimming and sailing territory.
How to get to Saint-Jean
There aren’t any direct flights from the U.S. mainland to St. Bart’s, so the best way to get to the island is to fly to Princess Juliana Airport on St. Maarten, where more than a dozen airports in the eastern half of the U.S. offer direct flights. From St. Maarten, you can either fly or take a ferry to St. Bart’s.
Alternatively, you can fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and reach Saint-Jean via Tradewind.
Machir Bay, on the Scottish island of Islay, may not be sun soaked, but its dramatic skies and excellent bird-watching afford a different kind of beauty.
Photo by Shutterstock
14. Machir Bay
- Location: Islay, Scotland
- Come for: a diverse bird scene that will delight your inner bird-watcher
Backed by grassy dunes, Machir Bay proposes the best stretch of sand on the Scottish island of Islay and some spectacular coastal walks, too. Bird-watchers may glimpse geese, guillemots, gannets, golden eagles, and even puffins here. Given its northern reaches, however, sunshine is never a guarantee, and temperatures are far from balmy (rarely topping 60 degrees, even in the summer months). But dramatic Scottish skies only add to the beauty when the weather’s not on your side. A tour of and tasting at the nearby Kilchoman Distillery will warm you up: Buy a bottle of scotch and enjoy a beachfront sundowner.
How to get to Machir Bay
Take a flight from New York (JFK or EWR), Orlando, Washington, D.C. (IAD), Chicago, or Boston to Edinburgh. Once you’ve landed, drive 3.5 hours to the Kennacraig ferry terminal, where a 3-hour ferry ride will get you to Islay.
Escape from the hordes of tourists on this abundantly green part of the Cyclades.
Photo by vivooo/Shutterstock
15. Plaka
- Location: Naxos, Greece
- Come for: those Mamma Mia! landscapes you’ve always wanted to experience
Naxos has brilliant beaches, so it’s hard for sunseekers to go wrong on this Cycladic Greek island. Plaka is the best of the bunch, with its shimmering yellow sand and tempting turquoise water. The 2.5-mile stretch has a wide variety of beach bars and restaurants serving fresh grilled fish and Mediterranean salads, and there’s plenty of seafront accommodation on hand. It’s a prime sunbathing beach, but if you want to get out on the water, you can rent a paddleboat or stand-up paddleboard or learn to windsurf or wakeboard with Plaka Watersports. (Tip: For those seeking a little extra freedom, the northern end of the beach tends to be where the nudists congregate.)
How to get to Plaka
Reach Athens by flying directly from a big city hub like Chicago, Atlanta, or New York (JFK or EWR). Take a regional flight to Naxos from there for the faster route, or take a ferry from the nearby port of Piraeus for the scenic route. From the Naxos ferry port, Plaka beach is a 30-minute bus ride south.
For more help planning your trip to the Greek islands: Which Greek Islands Should You Visit?
Picture-perfect natural scenery abounds at Portugal’s Praia da Adraga.
Photo by Shutterstock
16. Praia da Adraga
- Location: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal
- Come for: a local-approved beach getaway on the Iberian Peninsula
If sun-kissed, gold-hued sand and reliable surfing waves are what you’re after, look no further than Portugal’s Praia da Adraga, which is protected within the country’s Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Idyllic scenery abounds with rocky outcrops in the ocean, sea-carved archways on the beach, and mossy cliffs. Only an hour’s drive from Lisbon, it’s a popular weekend spot for locals, but midweek, it’s a relatively quiet little cove. Try the excellent Restaurante da Adraga, serving seafood stews, grilled fish, and fresh crab to hungry sunbathers.
How to get to Praia da Adraga
A handful of U.S. airports—including San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City—have direct flights to Lisbon. Take the train or bus and go 20 miles west to reach Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. From its entrance, there are buses that drop you at points around the park, including Praia da Adraga.
Take a drive from Sicily’s capital and experience the restaurants, cafés, and mosaics of Cefalù.
Photo by IgorZh/Shutterstock
17. Cefalù
- Location: Sicily, Italy
- Come for: coastal city charm and delightful mosaics
The roughly 1.25-mile-long curve of fine yellow sand that fronts the coastal city of Cefalù is among Sicily’s best beaches. Backed by an enormous sandstone rock formation, with a medieval cathedral presiding over its northern end, it’s a picturesque place to while away the day.
Spend a morning discovering Old Town’s charms, then follow its winding lanes as they spill down to the waterfront, where you can settle in the sun for an afternoon on the beach. The water is brilliantly clear and pleasantly warm, and umbrellas and lounge chairs can be rented. When the day is done, retire to one of the traditional Italian restaurants overlooking the ocean at the strip’s northern end, where you can pair your fare with good Italian wine.
How to get to Cefalù
There aren’t any direct flights from the United States to Sicily, so you’ll want to hop on over to Europe, where there are plenty of direct flights interspersed throughout the continent. Your best bet is to fly into Palermo and then take the one-hour train to the beach.
Turkey’s mile-long Ilıca beach offers a less touristy alternative to busy Bodrum further south.
Photo by Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock
18. Ilıca
- Location: Çeşme, Turkey
- Come for: ideal windsurfing conditions
This mile-long stretch of Blue Flag beach is a preferred vacation spot for locals, offering a less touristy alternative to busy Bodrum further south. Backed by the delightful town of Çeşme and facing the Aegean Sea, the beach has plenty of facilities—lounge chairs, beach bars, and seafront hotels—and is a top spot for windsurfing, too.
How to get to Ilıca
The fastest way to reach Turkey is by taking a flight to Istanbul from the U.S. with Turkish Airlines. Take an hour-long flight to Izmir, and then get on a bus for a 1.5-hour ride to Çeşme.
Thousands of seals congregate at Walvis Bay, a mere half-hour drive from Dolfynstrand.
Photo by Jan Hendrik/Shutterstock
19. Dolfynstrand
- Location: Dolfynstrand, Namibia
- Come for: a desert and sea combo that’s hard to find anywhere else
It’s impossible to see where the beach ends and the desert begins here because the sands at Namibia’s seaside resort at Dolfynstrand sit right on the edges of Namib-Naukluft National Park—the oldest desert on the planet. Unsurprisingly with all that vastness, the beach feels enormous, and thanks to its remote location in the world’s most sparsely populated country, you’re unlikely to have to jostle for space. A morning fog often lingers here through lunchtime—hence the numerous shipwrecks strewn on the sand further along the coastline—making it a perfect destination for late morning snoozes and long afternoon beach days. Get your wildlife fix at nearby Walvis Bay, a 30-minute drive, where thousands of stinking seals slump about on the sand.
How to get to Dolfynstrand
No U.S. flights will take you straight to Namibia, so you’ll want to fly from New York (EWR) or Atlanta to Johannesburg (JNB). Airlink offers flights to Walvis Bay (WVB) from there.
Let your worries—and sins—wash away in Varkala’s waters.
Photo by travelwild/Shutterstock
20. Varkala Beach
- Location: Kerala, India
- Come for: relaxed vibes and holy waters
The Indian state of Kerala has a distinctly laid-back vibe compared to much of the country, and its beach culture is no exception. Varkala Beach, in the town of Varkala, at Kerala’s southern end, is one of the most popular hangouts for travelers and locals alike—little wonder, given that it’s believed bathing in the ocean here will wash away your sins. The wide, yellow stretch of sand is backed by orange cliffs with tufts of dark green grass. This busy little tourist town has accommodations for all budgets and a superb selection of restaurants serving South Indian dishes like dosas and piquant fish curries.
How to get to Varkala Beach
Varkala beach’s closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram, which is about 30 miles away. You can get there by taking a flight from Chicago, San Francisco, New York (JFK or EWR), or Washington, D.C. (IAD) to New Delhi, and then fly to Thiruvananthapuram from there. You’ll be able to reach Varkala via a 30-minute train ride with Indian Railways.
This article was originally published in December 2018. It was updated in June 2022 with new information.
Chloe Arrojado contributed reporting.
>> Next: Some of the World’s Best Beaches Are in Countries You May Not Expect