50 Best Beaches in the World

50. Karon Beach – Thailand

Found on the Thai island of Phuket, Karon Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island. Situated further south than its busier and more party-filled bigger brother, Patong Beach, Karon offers a quieter, more relaxing experience. Sip on a fresh coconut from one of the local vendors while you watch the waves gently lap up against the shore under the beautiful Thai sunshine.

49. Las Cuevas Beach – Trinidad & Tobago

Las Cuevas Beach is found on the tiny Caribbean island of Trinidad, and this list could easily have been filled with 50 beaches in the Caribbean, so you know this is a real gem. While not as popular as other Caribbean beaches to visit, Las Cuevas Beach has a hidden gem charm about it. Expect a peaceful beach set against a backdrop of lush greenery – the perfect tropical escape.

48. Long Beach – Cambodia

Another gem in Southeast Asia, Long Beach is found on the tiny Cambodian island of Koh Rong. Just off the mainland and surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, this tropical island paradise is the perfect place to spend a whole day. White sands, turquoise waters and lots of marine life make this the ideal place to spend a morning snorkelling and an afternoon relaxing under the sun.

47. Chumbe Island – Zanzibar, Tanzania

The island paradise of Zanzibar, found off the eastern coast of Africa, is home to Chumbe Island, which in turn is home to some of Africa's best beaches. It is a dedicated nature reserve, and an animal-lover’s heaven. After a morning of exploring the colourful tropical fish and stunning coral reefs, sit back and relax on the glistening white sands with your favourite book and an ice-cold drink.

46. Waikiki Beach – Hawaii, USA

One of the better-known beaches on this list, Waikiki Beach is easily one of the best beaches in the world. If volleyball or beach football under the sunshine in the day and partying well into the night is your scene, then you’ll love it here. Island vibes and American hospitality combined into one unforgettable stretch of beach that you’ll want to return to time and time again. No shoes, no shirt, no problem!

45. Barceloneta Beach – Spain

As far as urban beaches go, few can top Barceloneta Beach, which marks the end of the city of Barcelona and the beginning of the Mediterranean Sea. Sip an ice-cold Estrella on the beach from one of the many shacks selling bottles of this premium Spanish beer, while you’ve got the glorious waters of the Mediterranean in front of you, and one of the world’s most iconic cities behind you. An Instagrammable hotspot!

44. Tsambika Beach – Rhodes, Greece

With around 6,000 islands making up the country of Greece, it's little surprise that a Greek beach has made this list. Tsambika Beach can be found on the east coast of Rhodes, surrounded by the waters of the Aegean Sea, and is perfect for all types of holidaymakers. Its soft sand and shallow waters make it child-friendly, while it has also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award for recognition of its environmentally friendly and sustainability efforts.

43. Santa Monica Beach – Cape Verde

The beautiful African island nation of Cape Verde is found off the west coast of Africa, approximately 750 kilometres from both Senegal and Mauritania on the mainland. These volcanic islands are home to some incredible beaches, but none more impressive than Santa Monica Beach. This 15km stretch of long, unspoiled beach on Boa Vista is also characterised by the sand dunes which it backs onto, ideal for exploring, as well as the several shacks which sell ice-cold beer and snacks.

42. Bavaro Beach – Dominican Republic

If someone asked you to conjure up an image of a perfect Caribbean beach, the image that you have in your head is probably not too dissimilar to what Bavaro Beach, found in the popular tourist resort town of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, actually looks like. Swaying palm trees, crystal-clear waters, and pearly-white sands stretch seemingly endlessly across this Blue Flag-certified beach. It is an ideal beach for watersports as well due to the strong winds that arrive off the Atlantic Ocean.

41. Delray Municipal Beach – Florida, USA

Delray Municipal Beach is a Blue Flag beach on Florida’s southeast coast, and attracts over 4.1 million visitors every year. It is in a convenient location – not far from West Palm Beach, the Everglades and Miami – making it an attractive location for locals and holidaymakers alike. The beach itself is known for being clean and tidy, with easy access to parking facilities and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.

40. Playa de Mónsul – Spain

Easily one of the most recognisable beaches in the country thanks to the distinctive rock which sits in the middle of the sand, Playa de Mónsul can be found in the province of Almería, in southern Spain. Located in a natural park, the beach is one of the few unspoiled areas of Spain, and an insight into Spain’s wild natural history. Expect warm waters and excellent opportunities to go swimming and snorkelling.

39. Alum Chine – England

Warm weather and warm waters are a rare occurrence on English beaches, but the best chance of getting both is by visiting Alum Chine in Bournemouth, Dorset, on the south coast of England. Visitors to the Blue Flag Certified beach can partake in watersports, enjoy fish and chips and an ice cream on the sands, or walk along to Bournemouth Pier for some local sightseeing.

38. Manly Beach – Australia

Found in Sydney, Manly Beach is the quieter sibling of other, more famous Sydney beaches like Bondi Beach and Bronte Beach. Tucked away between natural rocky formations, Manly Beach is the perfect beach for a day out with the family. The small suburb of Manly is behind to multiple restaurants, bars, coffee shops and hotels, while the warm waters make for excellent swimming in the summer and surfing in the winter.

37. Klein Bonaire Beach – Bonaire

The minute island of Bonaire is found in the Caribbean, forming one of the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) islands, 80km from the Venezuelan coast. Regarded by some visitors as one of the best – if not the best – beaches in the Caribbean, the blue waters are too tempting to spend a full day in. Tropical fish dart underneath you as you swim and snorkel, and when you’re all out of energy, the white sands act like the most comfortable warm bed you’ve ever come across. For holidaymakers who want somewhere quiet, secluded and beautiful, this is the one for you.

36. Radhanagar Beach – India

Once voted the best beach in Asia, Radhanagar Beach is found on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Andaman Sea, off India’s west coast. The beach itself is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and more – and when you see the jungle backdrop and the crystal clear waters, it’s easy to see why it won this award in 2004. It is also Blue Flag Certified, making it arguably the best Indian beach to visit, and is known for its breathtaking golden sunsets. 

35. Boulders Beach – South Africa

While sharks might be the first thing you think about when visiting a beach in South Africa, it’s not the mighty great whites that you’ll see at this beach – it’s penguins! The Blue Flag Certified beach is home to some 3,000 African penguins, who call Boulders Beach home. The summer months are the best time to see these friendly little characters, and the drive to the beach along the Cape Peninsula is one of the most scenic on the continent.

34. La Jolla Cove – California, USA

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Golden State, La Jolla Cove, can be found near San Diego, California. While it is not a Blue Flag Beach, it is a part of the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve, which helps protect the marine life from pollution and human threats. The visibility in the water is excellent, making it ideal for snorkelling, swimming and other watersports, and the resident sea lions are always an attraction for visitors who come to La Jolla Cove for a day at the beach.

33. Playa Grande – Costa Rica

A stunning Blue Flag beach on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, Playa Grande is a beautiful jungle-backed beach. Whether you want to spend time exploring the jungle before relaxing on the beach, or head out snorkelling to see some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures – leatherback turtles, who nest at Playa Grande – in the wild, Playa Grande is a perfect beach for those who want to explore nature while enjoying a day at the beach.

32. Phra Nang Cave Beach – Thailand

Phra Nang Cave Beach, in the province of Krabi on Thailand’s southwest coast, is a unique and charming beach to explore. Characterised by its caves, visitors can relax on the warm, golden sands before heading out either swimming, snorkelling or kayaking through the illuminated caves, which are home to numerous species of fish and other marine life. The jungle-lined islands around the beach, which are home to the caves, are also havens for native Thai birds and other wildlife, and an iconic feature of southern Thai beaches.

31. Plakias Beach – Crete, Greece

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, approximately halfway between the southern Greek mainland and Turkey. On the island’s southern coast is Plakias Beach, a Blue Flag Beach which is known for its turquoise waters and warm weather, year-round. At 1.3km, it is not the largest beach on this list, but the soft sands and beautiful weather make it popular with both locals and tourists. Visit one of the local markets for some authentic Greek food, and enjoy a cold beer on the beach as the sun goes down.

30. Grace Bay – Turks & Caicos

Grace Bay, found on the island of Providenciales, is part of the Turks & Caicos islands in the Caribbean, is another simply beautiful Caribbean beach. Arguably the country’s most famous beach, Grace Bay is characterised by its long, white sands which stretch endlessly, and the glorious blue waters which are perfect for swimming in. A real tropical dream.

29. Ee Motu Beach – Cook Islands

If peace and quiet are your idea of a perfect beach, then Ee Motu Beach on Aitutaki Island in the Cook Islands is the place to go. Found in the South Pacific, halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, the Cook Islands are one of the last truly wild paradises on Earth. In fact, there are no hotels, restaurants or shops near Ee Motu beach, so make sure you have everything you need before you go! What we can guarantee, though, is this is an introvert’s heaven – a peaceful, tropical beach, far away from bustling crowds and tourists, while you’re blessed with tropical sunshine and glistening warm waters.

28. Whitesands Beach – Wales

Arguably Wales’ best beach, Whitesands Beach is near St Davids in Pembrokeshire. This Blue Flag beach is overlooked by the hill of Carn Llidi, while the white sands curve towards the rocky headland of St Davids Head. A popular but quiet beach due to its size, it is well worth visiting next time you’re in Wales, as it is a favourite among both locals and tourists. The water quality is excellent, perfect for swimming in the summer months as well as snorkelling and scuba diving.

27. Shoal Bay East – Anguilla

Anguilla, in the Caribbean Sea, is a low-lying island sitting on a natural base of limestone and coral, so it’s little surprise that it is also home to some stunning beaches, although few can compare to the sheer beauty of Shoal Bay East. White sands stretch in front of palm trees and seem to melt into the bright blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, making this beach a true island paradise. Sip on a hand-made cocktail or an ice-cold beer from one of the nearby bars, and enjoy snorkelling around the coral reef, home to hundreds of species of tropical fish.

26. Unawatuna Beach – Sri Lanka

Bordering the turquoise waters of the Earth’s warmest ocean, the Indian Ocean, Unawatuna Beach in Sri Lanka is a hugely popular tourist beach. With golden sands and coconut palms which sway in the wind, this beach is a real gem. Moreover, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and bars where you can pick up some local food to enjoy beachside, or simply watch the waves lap up against the shore with your favourite drink in one hand and your second-favourite drink in the other.

25. Chac Mool Beach – Mexico

Easily one of Mexico’s best beaches, Chac Mool Beach – found in the tourist hotspot of Cancun, on the country’s southeast coast – is a Blue Flag Beach, and for good reason. The soft sands are perfect for a day’s sunbathing, while the inviting waters, especially in the middle of the day, make for the perfect place to cool off. We recommend arriving early to watch one of the most beautiful sunrises you’ll ever see.

24. Reynisfjara Beach – Iceland

From the tropics to the Arctic Circle, the next beach on this list might come as a surprise. Reynisfjara Beach is found on Iceland’s southern coast, near the town of Vík í Myrdal. This beach takes dramatic scenery to the next level as part of the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark. The sand is black – due to Iceland being a volcanic island – and the beach is easily recognisable thanks to its large basalt columns, sea stacks and the Hálsanefshellir sea cave. While you won’t be sunbathing here, it’s certainly worth a visit – especially with a good camera and lots of warm clothing!

23. Copacabana Beach – Brazil

Perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is loved by both tourists and locals. If beach sports and parties are your vibe, then you simply have to visit this iconic beach. Expect music and dancing well into the early hours, and games of football, volleyball and more throughout the day. The beach is lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, so you can spend an entire holiday on Copacabana Beach, let alone just a day or two. 

22. Palombaggia Beach – Corsica, France

The southeast shore of Corsica, a stunning French island in the Mediterranean Sea, is home to Palombaggia Beach, and looking at it, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re actually in the Caribbean rather than the Mediterranean. Rocky outcrops offer a private backdrop to the golden sands and beautifully warm and clear waters of the Mediterranean. The rocks in the sea are a haven for hundreds of species of fish, so it’s ideal for snorkelling, too.

21. Cala Macarella – Menorca, Spain

Formed in a natural, picturesque cove on the island of Menorca, Spain, Cala Macarella is commonly regarded as not just Menorca’s best beach, but sometimes even Spain’s best beach. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and green vegetation, this beach has the ultimate combination of being sheltered from the elements while still offering glorious white sands and turquoise waters to dive in. Visitors can rent boats from the beach, and even boats with slides on – ideal for kids, or those who are still kids at heart!

20. Porthcurno Beach – England

Cornwall is known for its beautiful scenery and its surfing prowess, and Porthcurno is no exception. Sheltered by high granite rocks, the beach essentially possesses its own microclimate, making it a nice place to sunbathe and relax even if it’s windy above the clifftops. There is also a stream that runs down to the beach, which is excellent for young children to paddle in, and the golden sands and tempting surf make it the perfect place to sunbathe or go swimming.

19. Vivonne Bay Beach – Australia

Found on the aptly named Kangaroo Island just off the coast of South Australia, Vivonne Bay Beach is one of Australia’s most unique beaches. You can experience authentic Aussie living, by having a barbecue on the beach while watching kangaroos hop up and down the sands (yes, we’re being serious!) or cool off in the inviting waters after a day of topping up your tan. The waters are full of marine life, and a great spot to go fishing.

18. Keem Beach – Ireland

Along the lush green coast of County Mayo, Ireland, is Keem Beach. The beach itself is surrounded by grassy slopes, and its curved shape helps to protect beachgoers from the elements. This Blue Flag Beach is perfect for swimming, offering calm waters that are full of rich and diverse marine life. The Bay was a former basking shark fishery, so even now you can see these gentle giants in and around the waters off Keem Beach. If you want a quiet, secluded trip to the beach, then we highly recommend visiting Keem Beach.

17. Kelingking Beach – Indonesia

Found on the Indonesian Island of Nusa Penida is Kelingking Beach, perhaps better known as T-Rex Beach. It takes its name from the natural rock formation that looks like the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The cove is nicely sheltered, and the waters, while inviting, are very dangerous due to the strong undercurrents. The beach can be visited, but the best views are from above, where you can see how the beach gets its name.

16. Chesterman Beach – Canada

This is another location where beaches probably aren’t the first thing that comes to your mind, but Chesterman Beach in British Columbia, Canada, is Blue Flag Certified and one of the most stunning beaches on Canada’s Pacific coast. The white sands almost look out of place in Canada, but due to its proximity to the Pacific Rim National Park and natural rainforest that sits next to the beach, this is one of the most picturesque beaches in North America. It’s popular for hikers, swimmers and surfers.

15. Wakasa Wada Beach – Japan

Japan is known for a lot of things – history, culture, technology, megacities, the automotive industry and more – but beaches aren’t typically at the top of this list. However, Wakasa Wada Beach, which is located in the district of Fukui, deserves to be on this list of the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world. For starters, it was the first Asian beach to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award. The water quality is excellent, and the sands are picture-perfect. Additionally, signs at the beach promote environmental awareness to encourage eco-friendliness from visitors.

14. Temae Beach – French Polynesia

Moorea, French Polynesia, feels like you’re stepping right into a story like Treasure Island or Robinson Crusoe. These Southern Pacific Islands still have that charm of mystery, offset by the turquoise waters and glistening white sands that make the beaches so inviting. Temae Beach is exactly that – surrounded by gorgeous colourful coral, which is home to hundreds of species of even more colourful fish, this is a real-life paradise. To paraphrase Belinda Carlisle’s 1987 hit, heaven is in fact a place on earth, and it’s called Temae Beach.

13. Playa Blanca – Lanzarote, Spain

The Canary Islands are a popular destination for holidaymakers, and over 3 million people visit the island of Lanzarote annually; it’s little surprise when such beautiful Blue Flag beaches like Playa Blanca are there for the taking. The golden sands stretch beautifully along the marina, which is home to numerous restaurants, bars and hotels, while the warm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. There is also a scuba diving school on the beach where visitors can learn the art of underwater diving and exploration, right there in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

12. Luskentyre Beach – Scotland

The Outer Hebrides are probably not the first location you think of when beautiful beaches come to mind, but we’re here to prove you wrong! Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris looks like it’s been plucked right out of the Caribbean and photoshopped onto Scotland’s mountainous coast. The beach is stunning to visit at any time of year, and there are even a few days every year when the water is warm enough for a swim. The beach also holds a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts.

11. Seven Mile Beach – Cayman Islands

With a name like Seven Mile Beach, this beach found on Grand Cayman is unsurprisingly one of the Caribbean’s longest beaches. Stretching uninterrupted for 6.3 miles (10km), to say this beach is stunning is an understatement. The beach is only broken up by the occasional coconut palm, gently swaying in the wind, while the crystal-clear waters lap against the gently sloping white sands. One of the most picturesque beaches in the world, without a shadow of a doubt.

10. White Beach – Philippines

Boracay Island in the Philippines is known for its gorgeous beaches, but none are more beautiful than White Beach, which is found on the southwest coast of the island. The main characteristic of this beach is the powdery-white sand, which is so easy to walk on, and combined with the classic island backdrop of palm trees and light jungle, there are few beaches that rival White Beach as one of the best in the world. Thanks to its location on Boracay Island, the sunsets from White Beach are some of the best in the country, too.

9. Sandy Lane Beach – Barbados

The west coast of Barbados is typically known as the “Platinum Coast”, thanks to the wide range of high-end hotels and houses which adorn the beaches. Sandy Lane Beach is an example of why so many hoteliers and (very wealthy) residents opt to live here. Palm trees, turquoise waters and long unbroken stretches of sand sum up the simply exquisite imagery of Sandy Lane Beach – all you need to do is pacl your swimming gear, sunscreen, your favourite drinks and snacks and a good book or two, because you’ll be spending all of your holiday to Barbados right here.

8. White Sand Beach – Thailand

Another Thai beach to make this list is White Sand Beach, which is found on the western coast of the island of Koh Chang, not far from the Cambodian border. This island is much quieter than other Thai islands such as Koh Samui and Phuket, but it is just as beautiful. White Sand Beach is a favourite among locals as well as tourists, and it marks the end of Mu Koh Chang National Park. Surrounded by nature on one side and white sands (hence the name) and turquoise waters on the other, with year-round warm weather to round it off, it’s no surprise that this beach makes our top 50 in the world.

7. Le Morne Beach – Mauritius

The African island country of Mauritius, which is in the middle of the Indian Ocean, around 800km east of Madagascar, is home to some spectacular beaches. Le Morne Beach is found at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Brabant mountain, and thanks to its geological formation, the beach is home to an incredible amount of marine life, making it the perfect spot for snorkelling. The beach itself is beautiful and spacious, making it an ideal place to visit for your next beach holiday.

6. Starfish Beach – Vietnam

Officially called Sao Beach, and found on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, the beach is better known as starfish beach, due to the number of starfish that call the surrounding waters and sands home. The crystal-clear waters off the beach are filled with colourful coral reefs, which provide a sanctuary not just for starfish but for a whole host of other marine life, from fish to turtles. As well as the snorkelling opportunities, Starfish Beach is a perfect place to relax under the Vietnamese sunshine while enjoying an ice-cold beer from one of the local bars. 

5. Plage de Notre Dame – Porquerolles, France

If you thought the beaches in the south of France were good, wait until you see the beaches on the islands off the south coast of France! Plage de Notre Dame, on the island of Porquerolles. The beach is secluded from other, more popular island beaches, and is a quiet slice of paradise. Clear and warm waters lap up against the shore, while the sun beams down from above. For those who prefer a quiet beach, a hidden gem in fact, Plage de Notre Dame is the perfect place to visit.

4. Reethi Beach – Maldives

No list of the most beautiful beaches in the world is complete without mentioning the Maldives. In the middle of the Indian Ocean, this tiny island archipelago country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Reethi Beach. Found in Baa Atoll, the beach is accessible by either seaplane or speedboat from one of the larger surrounding islands, making the whole resort secluded and private. The beach has also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Certification for its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly efforts.

3. Ksamil Beach – Albania

Over the past few years, Albania has seen a huge increase in tourism numbers. While many people flock to Tirana (the country’s capital) in the north, one of the best hidden gems is Ksamil, on the southwestern coast of the country. Dubbed “the Maldives of Europe”, with its traditional beach huts and gorgeous white sands, it’s easy to see why. The beach can be reached in around a four-hour drive from Tirana, or via a ferry from the nearby Greek island of Corfu.

2. Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles

Another stunning African country in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are some of the most secluded islands on earth. Their nearest neighbours are Madagascar (1,110km) and Kenya (1,600km), making them a true secluded island paradise. Anse Source d’Argent beach is home to large, bright granite boulders and swaying palm trees, which sit atop the white sands, with the beautiful warm waters of the Indian Ocean at the foot of the beach. This is a beach that you’ll never ever forget visiting.

1. Whitehaven Beach – Australia

Taking the top spot is Whitehaven Beach in Australia. Part of the Whitsunday Islands, just off the coast of Queensland, Whitehaven Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in the world. Glistening white sands (which are 98% pure silica, giving them their bright white colour) and warm turquoise waters make this a hugely popular place for tourists and locals to visit. Part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park, the beach is known for its eco-friendly measures. The beach is 7km long, and the beautiful waters of the Coral Sea are perfect for swimming and snorkelling in. This beach really has it all when it comes to the most beautiful beaches in the world.