Looking to visit the best beaches in the world? We’ve got you covered!
From white sand to dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, and crystal blue waters, there are tons of beautiful beaches in the world you could possibly visit!
But we want to make sure you are visiting the best world beaches! This list will tackle the most epic of beaches. Places that feature unique features like black sand will have you want to stay forever!
Thus, we present the best beaches of the world list. Visit one or all– these top 15 will be an experience you don’t want to miss!
15 Best Beaches in the World You Must Visit
1. Navagio Beach
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is hands down one of the great beaches in the world. Located in Zakynthos, Greece, this beach features a sand cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
And lets not forget the remains of an old shipwreck! With the stunning, brilliant blue water, many travelers add this beach to their itinerary to experience it.
When visiting, check out the postcard and Instagram worthy viewpoints: climb to the top of a 200 meter tall cliff and overlook the cove. Or take a hike by the parking area and snap photos at the viewing platform!
There is also a wonderful cliff walk, but we must stress that you can only step foot on this beach by getting there on boat! Trips to the island are very busy– so make sure to plan and book accordingly. That’s what happens when it is one of the most popular beaches in the world!
2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland
Reynisfjara is a world-famous beach due to its black sand! Off the South Coast of Iceland, Reynisfjara is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with its roaring Atlantic waves and enormous basalt stacks.
In fact, this beach has continuously been voted as one of the top beaches in the world despite not being a tropical beach. With its panoramic views, local folklore, easy access and surrounding sites, guests flock to this beach often.
The charming village of Vik is near by and visitors love the hear the stories of the basalt columns that sit off the coast. Apparently, these large basalt columns were once trolls who tried to pull ships from the shore! They turned to stone when staying out too late.
Getting to this beach is fairly easy– just take Route 1! At the end of the day, a day trip is worth taking for one of the great beaches in the world. Although this is not the only black sand beach in Iceland, the volcanic activity on this shore creates a simmering and shimmering touch you don’t want to miss.
3. Dry Tortuga’s National Park
Dry Tortuga’s National Park is about 68 miles west of Key West. This park is composed of seven islands, coral reefs, and its surrounding shoals and water. While the Park is famous, so are the beaches.
Guests love to have a day full of activities here, since this beach is one of the beaches with the clearest water in the world. From diving to snorkeling, the marine life and shipwrecks that surround the islands keep people entertained at all times.
In addition to this, visitors love to explore Fort Jefferson. This fort is the park’s central feature. It is one of the nation’s largest 1800s masonry forts. The fort and islands are open 24 hours a day, but do realize that some islands are closed to the public!
So whether you are visiting at sunrise or sunset, the islands like Loggerhead Key and Bush Key keep people coming back! We highly recommend taking ferry rides from Key West to the Dry Tortugas as many tours– that also feature water activities– are worth the exploration!
4. Anse Source D’Argent
If you want to spend a day on one of Seychelle’s most famous beaches, make sure to visit Anse Source D’Argent. This is one of the top beach spots in the world to see your classic tropical rustling palms and gigantic boulders.
The sandy beach you’ll come to know and love has been used in a variety of campaigns before, so it may be recognizable. But to see it in person is even better. No more just starting at the Bacardi Rum ads!
This beach does require admission– about 8 dollars. But we promise it is well worth the trip! Considering this is one of the great beaches in the world, don’t be surprised if there is filming going on here.
With the stretch of sand that is iconic, guests come here every day! Yes, you can come here any day as long as the L’Union Estate permits entry. Make sure to call ahead to make sure you can visit.
But while here, also make sure to enjoy the plantations facilities, like their to die for restaurant! The world’s most beautiful beaches– including this one– will have you relaxed in no time.
5. As Catedrais Beach
As Catedrais Beach– which translates to Beach of the Cathedrals– is on the Northwest coast of Spain and is hands down one of the best beaches in the world. In fact, of all beach rankings in the world, we had to put this in our top five.
Known for its natural arches and caves, the ever changing push and pull of low and high tide reveals secrets of the sea. No matter what tide we are in, you can swim here. Even if at high tide the sandy strips may see a bit smaller.
At low tide guests love to explore the sand deposit delimited that is made from slate and schist. This rocky wall helps form the 30 meter aches that helped give this beach its name.
Simply wandering around the sand corridors, or exploring between the cave’s slate walls will leave you awestruck. This place is a work of art. And factor in the fact that you can swim too, of course you’ll never want to leave! It’s one of the nicest beaches in the world!
6. Grace Bay Turks and Caicos
Grace bay in Turks and Caicos is one of the classic best beaches in the world. Upon stepping on its white sand, you’ll look out to see one of the beaches with the clearest water in the world and you won’t want to look away.
Grace Bay is open to the public and has multiple access points. Nine in total! It is a child and family friendly beach, noted by the nearby eatery, washrooms, and even the all exclusive Grace Bay Club: Turks and Caicos Resort. Despite being family friendly and having resorts, this is also one of the cleanest beaches in the world!
The water is always clear and clam meaning it is perfect for swimming. With its calmness, guests will often see marine life gathering here too. From stingrays to barracudas and even dolphins, you can be one with the ocean here!
And don’t be surprised if you see destination swimmers practicing for triathlons. This environment has a way of teaching everyone in some way. And what more could you ask for?!
7. Elafonissi Beach
Located in Crete, Elafonissi Beach may be one of the best beaches in the world that you recognize from instagram. Elafonissi has been on nearly every list of beaches in the world that are worth visiting.
Elafonissi’s beauty alone has people traveling from all over to visit one of the prettiest beaches in the world. With its pink sand– yes you heard us right– PINK SAND, shallow water and clear water, this is a place you want to visit. And take pictures of!
We will note that Elafonissi has gotten more and more crowded over the years. As people keep it high on the beach rankings in the world, it is no longer the small, secret gem it once was.
This means traveling in summer– specifically August– can leave you with long lines of cars populating the narrow roads. It takes about an hour and forty five minutes to get to these sandy shores, and that’s without traffic.
But this place is super popular for young couples. Its romantic landscape is to die for, and guests also adore backpacking through the shore, in addition to the nearby Kedrodasos. Overall the pristine beach with find sand, junipers, cedar trees, and turquoise water is one worth checking out.
8. WhiteHaven Beach
Year after year travelers have voted Whitehaven Beach as one of the best vacation beaches in the world. From its white sand, and clear, shallow water, it may just seem like a traditional tropical shore at first, but there’s more than meets the eye.
WhiteHaven is first and foremost one of the cleanest beaches in the world. Despite guests coming back day after day, the sand says (as the name reveals) white!
In addition to the sand’s color, the sand is also part of some of the softest shores you will ever find. Taking this, and the shallow waters into consideration, guests feel safe and comfortable swimming here.
On occasion, guests can seem lemon sharks close to shore! But overall, this is a great place to visit. All tourists really enjoy the Whitsundays. The rugged, green clad islands are a nice contrast to the shores themselves.
So after swimming or tanning, don’t be afraid to go explore. Tours are common here, as is the comfort of relaxation. Just keep an eye out for the complex ecosystem this island and beach brings. You may even see a rate and endangered species if you look hard enough!
9. Nissi Beach
Nissi Beach is always included on the beaches of the world list because it is popular amongst the younger crowds. Located in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, this shore stretches for 500 meters.
Being a “blue flag destination”– which just means it is super clean– this beach also is used by tons of music programs. Each summer there are beach parties, including foam parties too!
Famous DJs, loud music, and dancing are not uncommon here. It is easy to access by foot, bike or car. There is always parking seemingly available by the water too!
But if you don’t want to party, you can avoid the summer seasons and simply enjoy the flat, white sand and stunning blue waters Enjoy that “blue flag” and know that this is the highest quality of qualities.
10. Ora Beach
Pantai Ora, or Ora Beach, is located on the island of Seram, Maluku Tengah. This beach is one of the best beaches in the world because of its peaceful atmosphere and unique natural landscape. Most actually consider it the most beautiful beach in the world!
A total of six cottages, all made of wood, sit on the one resort of the beach. We consider these cottages one of the best beach towns in the world! The nearby village brings people to the beach itself, but for the most part, this location is quiet and uncrowded.
There is magnificent sightseeing here: witness the coral reefs and their diverse color beneath the water. Swim next to fish. You’ll be able to see the marine life beside you at all times.
With the remote location, the lack of urban bustle makes Ora a private, and semi-secret location. It is perfect for honeymooners and anyone looking for a little charm. Many people have compared to to other beaches like Boracay in the Philippines. Either way, this may just be one of the best vacation beaches in the world.
11. Champagne Beach
A beach named after champagne? Pour a drink and book a plane ticket! This popular beach is located in the South Pacific, on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu.
The name of this beach comes from the volcanic gas that comes up through the sand on the shoreline. This causes the sand to feel– and almost look– like bubbles of champagne. Talk about a pedicure for your feet!
Cruise boats, tourists, and others tend to come from Australia to this coast. But if you are not coming by boat, you can drive to Champagne Beach from Espiritu Santo.
When visiting, most guests love to get an instagram photo of a glass of bubbly while enjoying the bubbles of the sand. Overall, the sand is white and the water is clear, making it one of the best beaches in the South Pacific Region/
12. Bondi Beach
Imagine a sweeping white-sand crescent. That is Bondi! Bondi Beach is one the prettiest beaches in the world, and is one of the most popular beaches in the world in Australia.
Reliable waves draw surfers into the water early in the morning and throughout the afternoon. Locals swim year round. But if you are new to the area please watch out for those strong tides and pulls! Waves can be rough.
Surrounding Bondi beach are the laid-back cafes around Hall Street. This hip and new and upcoming area features pubs, shops, and more. Along the street and down to Coogee Coastal Walk you’ll find walkers and joggers.
Of the surrounding area in Sydney, New South Waves, guests love to stay here. It is close to the glimmering beach strip and world-class waves. This beach is also open year round! Enjoy the sun and surf here. And don’t forget about the pool located on the coast for those swimmers!
13. Khalaktyrsky Beach
We often don’t think about beaches being associated with Russia. But some of the best beaches in the world are there! This includes Khalaktyrsky Beach, of course.
At 30 km in length, Khalaktyrsky is well known for its black sands, sea breeze, and seals. Yes, seals! Don’t be surprised to see those beautiful babies on the shore.
It is important to note that this beach’s water is very cold. It may not be worth a swim, but the compact, volcanic, black sand makes it worth a run or walk.
The hidden gem nature of this beach keeps the location fairly remote. But being on the eastern coast lets visitors witness the Pacific Ocean in full, and the pristine black sand nearly remains untouched.
Aside from the natural beauty of the shores, guests who are avid surfers may love this location. The amazing waves bring back surfing compeitions and training sessions often, as the conditions for the waves are great year round.
14. Balneario De Escambron
E Escambron Beach is a public access beach located in the San Juan Antiguo subdistrict in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It shouldn’t be surprising that a Puerto Rico beach made it on the list of best beaches in the world!
This beach is well known for its experiences it offers, and all experiences can be categorized into three sections: beauty, exploration, and relaxation. So whether you channel your inner explore and go snorkeling, or take a romanic walk along an oceanside trail, there’s tons to do.
The city nearby is also vibrant and full of energy, so you never have to solely stay on the beach! In combination with other things– like the historic Bateria El Escambron– you will always have things to do.
On the main strip of the beach you’ll find a coral reef thriving with life. Families flock to this area. And the seem to especially enjoy the face that teh water is calm and friendly for those who want to snorkel or swim with limited risk. There is always a lifeguard on duty!
15. Pipa Beach
Pipa Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world that just so happens to be located in Brazil. It is right next to the city of Natal. While historically it was once a fishing village, when backpackers and surfers found the shore, all changed!
Most people are attracted to the natural features this Brazilian beach has: clear waters, white sands, areas of preservation of the Atlantic Forest, cliffs, and friendly locals!
Guests should be careful of the strong currents and huge waves in this area. But they should also get in the water and enjoy their warmth, in addition to the saline in it.
Nearby, Pipa has small businesses. Many of them are run by foreigners who visited and decided to stay. Other than the small businesses, the typical tourism oriented businesses are located here, so you can stay for a while!
Pipa is a good place to escape crowds and enjoy some quiet town. The international vibe and striking cliffs make the perfect instagram photo opportunity. And people always seem to return, even if to just enjoy some of the local and tourist-y tours they missed the first go around.
And there you have it folks! 15 of the best beaches in the world. No matter where you travel to, these locations offer some of the best beach vacations in the world. Enjoy the sand, the water, and the sun!
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