A white sandy beach, turquoise sea waves, delicate sand, stunning black sand, coconut palm trees or steep cliffs and amazing bays, and clear water and hot sun rays – it sounds inviting, isn’t it?
After a long wait, we can finally set off on the long-desired vacation. So, if we rest after a pandemic, it is where nature takes us to a true paradise. Heavenly beaches are a perfect holiday destination. Beautiful beaches are located in many places in Europe, as well in almost every tropical and exotic part of the world. What are the most beautiful beaches in the world?
Well, everyone has a slightly different taste, which beach is the best or the most beautiful. Some people looking for peace and quiet almost abandoned places, some other ones crave the beach crowds and beach party life. However, in this comparison, every sea lover will definitely find something worth planning for the next summer getaway. So, what’s are we waiting for…?
Zlatni Rat beach in Croatia
Zlatni Rat translates into “Golden Horn,” is not only one of the most beautiful European beaches but also the undisputed symbol of Croatia. Zlatni Rat is over half a kilometer long beach arranged perpendicular to the shoreline. Instead of golden sand, it has tiny, white gravel that fits nicely under your feet and is a great playground for children and adults. The beach is located on the southern part of the island of Brač, right at the foot of the Vidova Gora peak, considered to be the highest point on the Adriatic islands.
Its triangular shape is one of the most recognizable places on the map of the world’s beaches. The clear sea and the changing shape of the Golden Horn, changing under the influence of wind and waves, make this place worth visiting. The interior of the peninsula is made of a green pine forest that provides shade and shelter for those who are fed up with the sun’s hot rays. Zlatni Rat offers ideal conditions for windsurfing and diving, as well as extensive hotel and catering facilities.
Praia da Marinha in Portugal
One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and by far the best attraction on the Algarve coast. Turquoise, transparent waves crashing against the orange limestone coast are an unforgettable beautiful memory that will be remembered for a long time by every tourist visiting this region of Portugal. The most recognizable point, and in fact, the symbol of Praia de Marinha beach, are large cliffs that form the shape of the letter “M.” The beach itself is wide, long, and sandy, surrounded by cliffs that can be walked on. It is worth mentioning that Praia de Marinha is actually a few smaller, secluded beaches in bays sheltered by cliffs, so you can find a secluded place to rest.
The sea off Praia de Marinha is the perfect place for diving. Clearwater and rich life in its depths will surely satisfy every lover of underwater expeditions.
Navagio in Greece
Navagio Beach is perhaps the most famous beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos, surrounded by massive limestone walls. Navagio is also known as “Shipwreck Beach” because the huge ship that once belonged to smugglers ran aground. This is the characteristic sign so recognizable by every lover of seaside expeditions. The neighborhood of Navagio is extraordinary, and its paradise climate invites you to go hiking and relax in the heart of nature.
It is only available by sea. If you can avoid rush hour, the beach is very crowded. You must also go to the viewpoint located on the top of the cliff. Contrasting with the white sand and steep walls, the color of the water here is almost unreal. An azure that we have not seen anywhere else in the world.
The landscape of Navagio Beach is a typical element of Greek postcards. At the foot of a high cliff are the remains of the Panagioti pirate ship. The steep cliff surrounding the bay is an excellent vantage point, from which there is an amazing panorama of the entire area. Navagio Beach is also an ideal place for diving enthusiasts. The sea ground here is gravely covered with sand and pebbles, so in order to explore them, you need to equip yourself with special shoes.
Anse Source d’Argent in Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent is a beach located on one of the most natural and wild islands in Seychelles. One of the most photographed beaches in the world. Greenish-blue water combined with white, fine sand creates an amazing contrast that stays in your memory for a long time. What distinguishes the beach from other similar beaches is granite, huge rock blocks that create a unique, extremely aesthetic atmosphere. On the snow-white beach, there are huge granite boulders with strange forms, which are the result of water and wind erosion. The underwater reef offers protection from the waves, making the turquoise water the perfect swimming spot for people of all ages. The beach is located on the small Seychelles island of La Digue, inhabited by huge turtles weighing up to 400 kg! Interestingly, there is no road transport here. You can get there by boat, which means that the infrastructure in the vicinity of the beach is poor. However, the place is protected by a coral reef, making it a perfect spot for diving enthusiasts.
Reynisfara in Iceland
Reynisfara Black Beach is located in the south of Iceland and is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Volcanic, black dust covering the entire area, basalt columns and cliffs, and rock formations protruding above the water surface – all these create an unforgettable, unique atmosphere of this typical tourist place. The result is unusual, elongated basalt columns that are unique in other places. These usually hexagonal stone columns are the effect of cooling down the liquid lava, which, on cooling down, gradually cracked, which eventually resulted in groups of columns arranged parallel to the cooling surface. Mount Reynisfjall, which stretches along the beach, was formed by a post-glacial volcanic eruption. The beach is located relatively close to Reykjavik. There are also numerous cavities resembling caves in the area of the beach. The most picturesque of them is the Hálsanefshellir cave, with basalt blocks rising from the bottom up. An interesting phenomenon is also the Hálsanefshellir rocks protruding from the ocean – Reynisdrangar, which are up to sixty meters high.
Ipanema beach in Brazil
The two kilometers of white sand — and the suntanning bodies scattered along with them — are the star attractions here. Yet the name Ipanema also refers to the surrounding neighborhood — a compact, easily navigated mixture of upscale shops, frenetic nighttime hot spots, and hip restaurants. The second, next to Copacabana, the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro. The birthplace of thongs – in the seventies of the last century, it was here that women exposed their buttocks for the first time. Made famous thanks to the bossa nova of all time – The Girl from Ipanema, which conquered the music world in the 1960s.
Skeleton Coast in Namibia
The locals called them “the land that God created in anger” and the sailors called “the gates of hell” Even when one of them managed to reach the shore safely, it was not able to swim away later due to the strong waves. All that remained was the march through the Namib deserts. To this day, there are dozens of shipwrecks on the coast, and in the desert sands – whitewashed skeletons of animals. This beautiful and extremely unfriendly place took its name from them.
Phi Phi in Thailand
Phi Phi is another of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Wonderful wooden houses on stilts, azure water, and fine sand make this place unique. Interestingly, it was here that the movie “Heavenly Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. The islands are hot all year round, so be sure to bring sun protection products with you to protect yourself from sunburn.
Karekare in New Zealand
It is thirty-five kilometers from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Despite the proximity of the metropolis, it has retained its wildness – fewer people reach it than its larger neighbor, Piha beach. Karekare is famous for its black sand and deceitful deep-sea currents that have already swallowed many human lives. For safety reasons, it is best to swim only in designated areas. This beach was immortalized in the movie “The Piano”.
Mudhdhoo in the Maldives
Called the glowing beach of Maldives. It is distinguished by postcard scenery, the clear emerald sea, and the presence of beautiful palm trees. However, the most interesting thing is that sometimes you can observe the amazing phenomenon of bioluminescence here. It is based on the fact that the fine sand on the beach glows in the dark! This is due to the presence of specific microorganisms. It is definitely worth going to this beautiful beach for this reason alone.
Uttakleiv in Norway
Rocky cliffs falling straight into the sea and deserted beaches with peaks over 1000 m high – the Lofoten archipelago is the site of the most spectacular meeting of land and water beyond the Arctic Circle. They are called the Caribbean of the North for a reason. The British newspaper The Times named Uttakleiv beach on the island of Vestvåg as the most romantic beaches in Europe.
Goa in India
This is a state on the west coast of the Indian Peninsula, on the Arabian Sea, tourist region of India, 500 km south of Mumbai. In modern times, one of the main centers of European influence in Asia called the Rome of the East. It was acclaimed as a cult beach in the 1960s when it became the mecca of hippies. Some flower children, now with gray hair, still live here, trading on stalls or running pubs. In addition to the cloudless sky, you can find here picturesque bays and try exotic fruits straight from the tree.
Ruby Beach in the USA
This is the crown jewels of Olympic National Park. Ruby Beach is the northernmost beach in the Kalaloch area, and it’s slightly less than 10 minutes north of Kalaloch Lodge. To get there, just take Highway 101, the same road that runs by Kalaloch Lodge. Famous for the reddish sand that occasionally gathers and large, rock islands known as sea stacks, Ruby Beach is one of the most well-known and highly anticipated beaches to visit along the Olympic coastline. It is famous for rock pillars protruding from the sea and great trunks carried by the waves of the Pacific on its gray-black sands.
Here, flip-flops are optional, but highly recommended; you’ll need to wear something on your feet because Ruby Beach is a rocky beach, not a sandy beach
Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas
Grace Bay in the Bahamas is the winner of many rankings of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Clear turquoise water, fine powdery sand, and the closeness of a wonderful coral reef make this place an ideal choice for lovers of tropical climates. Due to the strong sun, be sure to wear sun protection sunglasses.
Boulders Beach in South Africa
The beach is located in the small coastal town of Simon’s Town in the east of the Cape Peninsula. Granite boulders protect it from waves and wind, which makes it a wonderful place to relax. The main attraction for tourists from all over the world, however, are the penguins, which first came here in 1983 from Dyer Island. Boulders Beach consists of several small, stone bays inhabited by penguins. Tourists visiting this place can observe penguins in their natural environment from special platforms created in the reserve. Boulders Beach takes its name from the huge granite rocks that have been scattered between water and sand. What attracts tourists to this place, however, are not only picturesque views
Copacabana in Brazil
Located in the South Zone of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Morro do Leme, located in the capital of the carnival – Rio de Janeiro, it is the main tourist attraction of the South American coast. It is most prominently known for its 4 km (2.5 miles) Balneario beach, which is one of the most famous in the world. Copacabana is one of the most wonderful and beautiful beaches in the world. Sandy and full of the sun for many years it has delighted tourists from every corner of the world with its charm. Copacabana is very popular with locals and visitors alike. It is not only a pop-culture symbol but also a dream destination for paradise holidays. Belonging to Rio de Janeiro, the beach is famous above all for the friendly disposition of its inhabitants. The typical tourist climate is also associated with many attractions and a well-developed club and accommodation base, , bustle with nightlife full of entertainment until dawn. Sandy terrain, crescent shape, and typical tourist infrastructure distinguish Copacabana from other beaches in Brazil.
Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh
Cox’s Bazar is a city located in Bangladesh on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, right on the border with Burma. The main tourist destination in this region is the world-famous longest uninterrupted sandy beach with a length of 125 square kilometers. The most famous point on the beach is the Laboni Point, which attracts most of the tourists. It is an ideal place for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. It is a perfect destination if you want to spend your vacation in a picturesque, and at the same time largely unspoiled, natural scenery, among extraordinary nature and tourist attractions.
Whitehaven Beach in Australia
Whitehaven is a beautiful beach located in Australia. It is distinguished by extremely white, delicate sand. It belongs to the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world. The average annual air temperature in this place is over 25 degrees. However, when it is winter here, it is sizzling summer in Australia. That is why Whitehaven is the perfect travel destination for a winter vacation.
Elafonisi Beach in Crete, Greece
Elafonisi Beach is another one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, located in Greece, in our ranking. What makes it stand out? The sand on this lovely beach is slightly pink thanks to the seashells mixed in it. Together with the azure clear water, it creates a beautiful landscape. If you are looking for a beautiful beach in Europe, Elafonisi is the destination for you. Due to the presence of sea urchins and rocks deep in the lagoon, it is worth taking water shoes for the trip.
Trou-aux-Biches in Grand-Baie, Mauritius
Trou-aux-Biches is a small town with a public beach on the northern coast of Mauritius in the district of Pamplemousses. According to the World Travel group, the beach is one of the most beautiful on the island on the island of Mauritius. Warm water, gentle waves and wonderful coral reefs create a fabulous landscape. It is also a perfect place for all diving enthusiasts, including children. Water toys will surely encourage your child to explore underwater.
Saharun Beach in Dugi Otok, Croatia
Another beautiful beach in Europe in the ranking is Saharun on the Croatian island of Dugi Otok. It is characterized by turquoise water, a beautiful view, and a soothing vegetation setting. Good to know that one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is located in Croatia, not so far from our country. Croatia will be the perfect family vacation. With your child, you will go on a trip around the island, a shared boat trip, or a swimming course.
Rhossili Bay in the United Kingdom
And now something for fans of long walks and almost deserted beaches. One of the most beautiful beaches in Great Britain is located in the western part of the Gower Peninsula, near Swansea. Set in a picturesque bay boasting nearly five kilometers of white sand and beautiful grassy cliffs, Rhossili Bay is perfect for both sunbathing and water sports. When visiting this beach, however, it is worth knowing that in this area there are high tides, and the difference in sea level during the day can reach up to several meters – so, if you do not want to stay on the beach for a long time, pay attention to the signal announcing the time to leave the beach. However, this phenomenon also has advantages: at low tide, the sea reveals shipwrecks close to the shore.
Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands
An ideal place for snorkeling and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Its crescent shape and relatively large surface mean that the giant cruise ships that come here can be viewed from a distance. In addition, the extensive infrastructure allows you to rent deckchairs or umbrellas and relax away from the most tourist hustle and bustle.
Railay Beach in Thailand
There are four beaches under the name Railay Beach: Tonsai, Railay East, Phranang Cave Beach, and Railay West. The longest and the widest, and therefore the most tourist-friendly, is the latter. You can even say that it is a real holiday paradise because there is everything that we associate with exoticism: palm trees, yellow sand, warm blue-colored water, and monkeys jumping on trees. Unfortunately, the beach is usually very crowded, so with tourists in mind, numerous bars and small hotels have been created along the tree line. The beach is sheltered on both sides by picturesque limestone cliffs, so access is only possible from the sea.
Matira Beach in Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just eighteen miles long, this lush little slipper of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by fine white sandy shores — the best located at Matira Point. It owes its unearthly to the spectacular view of the mighty Mount Otemanu rising from the sea surface to a height of 771 m above sea level. The nearly 2-kilometer-long beach with fluff-fine sand slopes gently into a shallow lagoon with clear water. This is one of the few public beaches in Bora Bora. The others, just as beautiful, belong to luxury hotels.
Anse Lazio in Seychelles
One of the most beautiful beaches of the Seychelles archipelago is located on the island of Praslin. Surrounded by huge granite boulders and lush greenery (palm trees, takamaka trees), this beach is the perfect place for sunbathing tourists in a slightly more secluded location. Wide and long, with beautiful white sand – it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for a reason, and the clear turquoise water and the rich underwater world only add to its charm.
Kihavah Beach in Maldives
Choosing the most beautiful beach in the Maldives was not the easiest one. Here we can find hundreds of tiny coral islets with insane snow-white beaches, azure water, and palm trees. Our choice, however, fell on the Kihavah beach, which surrounds the entire island, creating a wide sandbank in one place. Its great advantage is the lack of the diminishing charm of the breakwaters, which are created with increased islands, and the wonderful underwater world with colorful fish and large manta rays.
Clearwater Beach in Florida, USA
Clearwater Beach, Florida, is the northernmost developed barrier island along the Tampa Bay Beaches. The name Clearwater is not accidental. The water here is crystalline, and the white sand completes the paradise picture. Additionally, tourists eager for entertainment can be sure that there is no shortage of attractions or hotels around. Clearwater Beach has consistently been ranked best beach by various organizations and has garnered a reputation as an ideal vacation destination for people of all ages from all around the world. Families vacation here as do couples and young adults. From some of the best seafood restaurants that Florida’s gulf coast has to offer, to recreational activities that include boat rides.
Legzira Beach in Morocco
The south of Morocco also hides one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This beautiful beach is located between the towns of Mirleft and Sidi in Tiznit Province. Legzira Beach makes a stunning impression: a vast area adorned with huge red rock arches protruding straight from the cliff coast. Getting to the beach is not the easiest one, but it is worth the effort – paragliders who like this particular area know it especially. this 8km stretch of sand is quite rocky and not very good for swimming. The most remarkable thing about Legzira Beach were the two stone arches that opened to an amazing view of the ocean during sunset. Legzira Beach is a rocky beach and a bit less accessible to tourists, but certainly beautiful, unusual, and unforgettable.
Varadero Beach in Cuba
Playa de Varadero (Varadero Beach), also known as “Playa Azul (Blue Beach),” is one of the best-known beaches in Cuba. In reality, what we commonly known as Playa de Varadero is actually six beaches, the three largest being Varadero, Rincón Francés and La Alameda. Its crystalline waters and fine sand extends for more than twenty kilometers in the Península de Hicacos (Hicacos Peninsula), in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. This one is one of the most famous beaches in Cuba, visited, not without reason, every year by crowds of tourists. In this year’s ranking, she moved up from third to second place. Visitors praise the white sand and azure water in particular, but they also like to come here because of the history of Al Capone.
Eagle Beach in Aruba
The pristine white shoreline meshes with turquoise waves, creating a scene similar to a Hollywood interpretation of paradise. Perfect for lovers of water sports, as well as lovers of surprising nature. There are unusual, gnarled trees on this beach. Thanks to very good feedback, Aruba with its heavenly corner finally stood on the podium, while last year it was just behind it. Eagle Beach is home to two of the most photographed and renowned fofoti trees in Aruba, with its trademark silhouette pointing in the direction of the Caribbean. These trees have been starring in various Aruba advertising campaigns as unique and highly recognizable features.
Paje Beach in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Paje is a small village located in the south-eastern part of Zanzibar. The beach here is extremely wide and stretches for kilometers. There are no big hotels here, which makes it very quiet. Thanks to the high tides, i.e., daily fluctuations in the water level, at low tide you can walk not only along but also across the beach! Paje Beach is known for its excellent conditions for kitesurfing and attracts both amateurs and professionals from all over the world. In the nearby waters, you can spot turtles, starfish, moray eels, and many colorful fish. Cosmetics enthusiasts should get the natural seaweed soaps produced here, neatly packed in banana leaves. Buying a dice or two is a wonderful way to support your local community.
Tulum In Mexico
What sets Tulum apart is its proximity to one of the most beautiful Mayan ruins in all of Mexico. The location on a rocky cliff with a spectacular view of the snow-white beach and turquoise water means that Tulum could not be missing from our list. During rush hours, the beach and the archaeological site are crowded, but the area is full of long, calmer sections where you can relax in peace and quiet.
Le Morne in Mauritius
Mauritius is famous for its many beautiful beaches. For many, the number is long and wide Belle Mare on the east coast, for others the beach on Deer Island – Ile aux Cerfs. Our number one, however, is the beach surrounding the majestic Le Morne mountain, on the southwestern tip of the island, which rises to 556 m above sea level. We still dream of a walk along the white beach with a view of granite steep walls and lush green palm trees.
Boracay In Philippines
The tiny island of Boracay is a Mecca for those who love to swim in clear waters, snorkel with colorful fish, stroll along the long beaches and enjoy a great drink in one of the many local bars. It is a place for people who are not disturbed by crowds of other sunbathers. There are plenty of restaurants, late-night bars, budget hotels, and souvenir shops. For those looking for peace, we recommend the northern part of the beach.
El Golfo in Spain
Although Lanzarote itself is a tourist attraction, the El Golfo beach located there is an unquestionable symbol of a dream hot holiday. The first place that most tourists have the opportunity to visit in this area is the observation deck, which offers an unforgettable view of the trail along the cliff. The road to Charco, or Lago de los Clicos, located at the foot of the El Golfo volcano, is a well-marked and secured hiking trail. A path fenced in with a rope leads us west on the slope, and after 3-5 minutes it will bring us to the place. The lake located here has an unusual, characteristic green color, which is due to the phytoplankton present in the water.
It is the main attraction of the area. The lake is filled with seawater to a depth of about ten meters. It was created by filling a volcanic crater with water, and its salinity is greater than that of the Dead Sea. The rock wall above it is the only remnant of the El Golfo volcano, unabsorbed by the ocean. The blue, clear waters of the ocean and the black lava particles covering the beach are a remarkable contrast. The settlement of El Golfo is a typical fishing village located close to the bay of the same name. It owes its unique shape to volcanic eruptions that shaped its area. The beach itself is black, covered with volcanic dust, and full of beautiful, green minerals from which local souvenirs are made.
Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba
Cayo Santa María is a small island off Cuba’s northern coast. It’s known for its beaches and water sports. Playa Las Gaviotas beach, in the northeast, is backed by the lush vegetation of Cayo Santa María Wildlife Refuge, which shelters birds such as the Cuban trogon. A place for lovers of long walks and a calmer atmosphere. The beach here is fifteen kilometers long and is one of the most unspoiled tourist beaches in Cuba. Playa Perla Blanca, praised by Fidel Castro himself, is considered to be the most beautiful episode.
Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
The entire island is a backpacker mecca with people from all over the world. Its beaches can amaze you, but they are often the center of local entertainment as well. Numerous beach bars and clubs in the area allow you to spend time here not only during the day, but also in the evening. Of course, there is also what we desire the most – white sand and clean water.
Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana , Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is the most popular resort in the Dominican Republic, where lovers of the sun and warm water come. The local Bavaro beach is exceptionally wide and is famous for its many all-inclusive resorts, both for families and adults. The calm waters of the Caribbean Sea are perfect for swimming, and the kilometer-long beach invites you to take longer walks among the swaying palm trees in the wind. This is how we always imagined the perfect beach.
Baia do Sancho in Brazil
The volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha off the northeastern 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 head start over many on the mainland is the fact these islands are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. With development pretty much outlawed there are only facilities for around seven hundred visitors at any one time on the island. Even if all these tourists were evenly divided amongst the island’s twenty beaches that would make for very thin crowds. But most of Fernando de Noronha’s other beaches are much easier to get to than Baia do Sancho meaning you can enjoy this pristine beach with barely another soul.
Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lamepdus, Greece
“Rabbit Beach“, because that’s how its name translates, is a gem on a small Italian island. Lampedusa, which is very advanced in the Mediterranean Sea, attracts much fewer tourists than the popular Sicily or Sardinia. However, it offers beautiful beaches, and it is worth your while to get here. Suffice it to say that a few years ago it was chosen as the most beautiful beach in the world.
In conclusion:
The places presented above are just a few examples of where you can spend your dream vacation. Of course, there are many beautiful beaches, but it is impossible to list them all in one article. We encourage you to browse through our free, comprehensive travel guides to many places around the world for other beautiful beaches!
It is worth noting, however, that each beach – whether wide with fine white sand or narrow with gravel not conducive to sunbathing on a blanket – has its own specific charm and can turn your vacation into an unforgettable experience. It can therefore be said that the beach is such a little paradise on Earth!
Informative!