Most Beautiful Beaches in the World lists some amazing places one must visit in the lifetime. Something about a nice beach awakens the senses: the mild bite of sand blown up by the delicate breeze, the soothing murmur of waves. We are dreaming of days spent wiggling our toes in the sand and soaking in salty water now more than ever. A favorite beach is like a favorite poem—individual, significant, and something that makes our hearts sing.
We’ve looked for locations that may need a bit more travel but are nevertheless very gorgeous and frequently empty of tourists, rather than the usual sandy beaches scattered with sun umbrellas and throngs of people. These are the greatest beaches on earth, ranging from the most beautiful in Europe to distant expanses in Asia, Africa, and more.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Benguerra Island
Cast away in the protected Bazaruto Archipelago off the coast of southern Mozambique, Benguerra is a location where sandbars sparkle like nacre and lanky flamingoes carefully navigate the waterways. Two miles of coral reef encircles the beautiful beach here, a short dhow ride east of the town of Vilanculos, while magnificently migratory whale sharks and humpbacks pass farther offshore. The biggest dugong population in the western Indian Ocean also lives in the shot-silk seas, and inland are crocodile and bird populations of all kinds. The nicest thing is that, because the island is a marine reserve, there aren’t many hotels, so you’ll have the beach to yourself when the day visitors leave. Statue at Benguerra Island, a sophisticated but understated beachside hideaway.
Cayo Largo del Sur, Cuba, Playa Paraiso
Stretched on a little island off the southern coast of Cuba, Playa Paraiso most likely still appears much as it did in 1494, when Christopher Columbus arrived at Cayo Largo on his second voyage to the New World. While the neighboring reefs provide some of the best diving in the Caribbean, its pure seas and sieved-flour sand are still unspoiled. While nature enthusiasts should keep an eye out for iguanas and enormous sea turtles, paddlers and swimmers will find the beach to be perfect because of its warm, tranquil seas. However, naturists like to go to the east end of the beach, so if you would rather have your skin covered, stay west. Shade might be difficult to find.
Scottish Isle of Lewis, Uig Sands
Two persons arriving at the same time is a busy day at Uig. Situated on the Atlantic coast of Lewis, some 20 miles west of Stornoway, this large, spectacular beach is surrounded by grizzled mountains and tussocky dunes. The beach itself is well-known for having been the site of the discovery of a set of Viking chess pieces, which date back to the 12th century and were fashioned from the husks of walrus teeth. But it offers much more than that. In June, the nearby machair flower meadows burst into bloom, and kite buggy aficionados love the huge, unbroken stretches of sand. Look around Lews Castle, a country estate from the 19th century.
Al Mughsail Oman Salalah
With its unrelentingly white sand, withered frankincense trees, and cinematic blow holes that erupt every few minutes, shaking the earth and ejecting seawater with a thunderous roar, Al Mughsail has a very Mad Max-esque quality. Glancing turquoise sea that can occasionally get choppy laps the four miles of continuous beach, which is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Having said that, it’s a great place to observe fishermen operate traditional dhows just offshore. For the most striking pictures, capture them at night when they are silhouetted against the shaky Omani sunset.
Outside Hebrides, Luskentyre
Something to pop your eyes will be found at the end of a twisting road on the wind-blasted west coast of the Isle of Harris. Luskentyre Beach is a dazzling white paint splash with a nearly unreal blue sea all around it. It might be so blatantly blue on a sunny day that it becomes difficult to realize you are in Scotland at all. Despite its strangely tropical atmosphere, this stunning landscape becomes spooky monochromatic when eel-colored storm clouds blow in and the waves turn flinty.
Plage du Pilat, France
Just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux, in the warmer months, Europe’s tallest sand dune is covered in a shimmering heat haze that creates the impression that this vast French beach is dotted with glittering treasures. Here, on peaks reaching 300 feet, the sand is as finely milled as fresh flour, ideal for sausage-rolling your way down to the tussocky Atlantic shoreline and standing to look back at the pine forests behind the beach. Fisherman put up booths to sell oysters, pâté and prawns at a jumble of huts close to the miles of beaches that make up the neighboring Arcachon Bay. Suggest a night at the exquisite country hideaway Les Sources de Caudalie.
Beach at Ora, Indonesia
There are plenty of stunning beaches in Indonesia, which boasts the second-longest coastline in the world, a jumbled 37,000 miles. Snuggled away on the north shore of thinly inhabited Seram Island, Ora is one of its best. The island still has a wild character, but its agate seas and white-sugar beaches have earned it the nickname “Little Maldives of Indonesia.” Because Seram lies between multiple tectonic plates, the surroundings range cinematically from verdant, bird-filled tropical jungle to mountains resembling ogres.
South Island, New Zealand, Awaroa
Tucked up in the magnificent Abel Tasman National Park of New Zealand, Awaroa is surrounded by native flora that is green like clover and waters that gleam like just blown glass. Most guests arrive at this park on foot to meander through the verdant trees or by water, swooshing in on kayaks or small boats. With the locals coming together to crowdfund the acquisition of the privately held beachfront when it became available for sale in 2016, this lovely area of the world was dubbed the “People’s Beach.”
Die Plaat, South African Walker Bay Nature Reserve
Be prepared to see the odd southern right whale wallowing offshore at Die Plaat, a stunningly gorgeous stretch of beach surrounded by craggy limestone outcrops close to Hermanus, the whale capital of South Africa. Big, iridescent abalone shells cover the ground here, while chubby seals lounge on the rocky shoreline. These wind-whipped beaches also offer history to be savored; Klipgat Cave, a bat-filled cavern where people lived up to 85,000 years ago, is located on the shore (keep a look out for old implements on the ground). Go to the 6,177-acre Grootbos Private Nature Reserve lodge.
Grenada, Grande Anse
While Grenada boasts many stunning beaches, one of the nicest is quiet, protected Grand Anse. A short water taxi journey from the city of St. George’s, it is two miles of milky-white sand on the western, leeward side of the island and is surrounded by some of Grenada’s best hotels. Anything you could possibly want is available here, including market booths, goblet-sized G&Ts, and seahorses that whizz about snorkelers.
Beach on Kauai, Hawaii, Honopu
Remote Honopu can only be reached legally by sea, which means swimming from an offshore boat or from nearby Kalalau Beach, which is a quarter of a mile away (fins required). Still, the trip is worth it cinematically because Raiders of the Lost Ark and King Kong were filmed against the smooth sands and cayenne-colored rocks of this remote location. Being so remote, the valley is also said to have spiritual significance and was once the site of local chiefs’ burials. Check into the sunny Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
Irish Achill Island, Keem Bay
Though Keem Bay is a winding drive, the amazing cliff-top vistas make it worthwhile. Almost unknown to tourists, this protected inlet on Achill Island in County Mayo is a family-friendly location with soft biscuit sand and crystal-clear malachite waters. It is also remarkably quiet. Binoculars are a good idea to see basking sharks; in the warmer months, the parking lot is home to herds of ice cream vans.
French Polynesia, Fakarawa
One of the biggest atolls in French Polynesia, Fakarava, has some of the nicest snorkelling spots in the world with its assortment of easily accessible white and pink sand beaches and constantly warm water. Rare fish, bright corals, and “walls” of sharks that pass along the shore find safety in the water, yet the immaculate beaches are famous for serving as Matisse’s bleu era inspiration. The artist became enamored by the endless blues of the lagoons during his three months in neighboring Tahiti in 1930.
Hellenic Marathonisi, Zakynthos
Known by its other name, Turtle Island, the immaculate white-sand islet of Marathonisi is an important loggerhead sea turtle breeding site; visitors are required to stay five metres from the water to prevent upsetting the turtles. Breathe in the pine-scented air and then use a snorkel or boat to explore the nearby sea caves; remember to pack supplies because this Greek island beach is home only to seals, turtles and forests. Relaxed Zakynthos is reflected in the cool, well-designed Olea All Suite Hotel.
Brazilian beach at Praia do Sancho
Situated on the volcanic island archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, halfway between Brazil and Africa, Praia do Sancho is regularly ranked as one of the top beaches in the world. One of the most difficult to get to as well. After a one-hour flight from mainland Brazil, you have to walk, scoot through little rock tunnels, and descend steep ladder steps to get to the golden sands surrounded by palm trees. The location is a National Park, thus entry requires an environment fee (go to the park’s offices, which are 15 minutes away). But once you’re there, the fish-flecked shallows, enormous lumbering iguanas, and empty shoreline make the effort worthwhile.
Canadian beach Chesterman, Vancouver Island
Another untamed beauty, windswept strollers and ardent surfers frequent Chesterman’s expansive stretch of fine sand, which is surrounded by wolf-filled forest and strewn with enormous driftwood logs. Overlooking it lies the wonderful Wickaninnish Inn, a charming spot to hide and watch for passing sea otters when bloated storm clouds move in.
Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent
The original Bounty advert beach, Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, is perhaps one of the most picturesque locations on earth. It is covered in immaculate white sand and is dotted with massive granite boulders. It is not, by any means, deserted, but come early in the morning to beat the daytrippers from Mahé and Praslin there. Turn south through the shallows past the first set of stones to find your own little piece of paradise. There is more breathing space when the bay opens up.
On Laucala Island, Fiji, Seagrass Bay
Encircled by lush tropical jungle and only reachable by horseback safaris or guided walking tours, Laucala is a private island sanctuary that is unbelievably gorgeous and home to some of the rarest birds in Fiji as well as an abundance of aquatic life and stunning beaches. The most peaceful and beautiful is Seagrass Bay, but if true adventure is what you’re looking for, go a little farther off-shore to use a submersible to get up close to the amazing marine life.
Philippines, Palawan, Hidden Beach
Though less secret these days, this beach remains one of the nicest in the world. The blue sea is divided from Hidden Beach, which is bordered by towering limestone cliffs and has stunningly bone-white sand, by a tiny keyhole-like aperture that tourists must climb through to reach the lagoon. Palawan is full of immaculately gorgeous places. Visit hotels in El Nido.
Le Cerf, Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius, so named for the cerfs, the stags brought from Java for hunting, has somewhat succumbed to its own well-known beauty, with much of it overrun by intrusive tourists and obnoxious beach vendors. But all it takes to reach some amazing island sands that you can keep to yourself is a half-mile trek down the shore. This is a well-liked location for good cause.
Galápagos’ Santa Cruz Island’s Tortuga Bay
Ghost-white sand, black lava rock, and swarms of marine iguanas make Tortuga Bay an almost bizarre location. Once there, let yourself be distracted by sharks patrolling the shallows, apple-red crabs scuttling across the sands, and the swoop of blue-footed boobies coming into land. The hike is two miles out of the main town of Puerto Ayora. Cool off with a spot of breaststroke among the mangroves.
Australian Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
Swimming within a few feet from the immaculate Ningaloo Reef, a World Heritage site that is home to the biggest gathering of whale sharks on Earth, is possible when you launch yourself into the crystal-clear waters of Turquoise Bay. It’s a 40-mile trip from Exmouth on Australia’s Western coast to a beach with immaculate snorkeling and rainbow corals. You can descend to observe over 500 different kinds of fish.
Barbuda, Pink Sand Beach
Ground into fine silk-like sand, crushed corals create this endlessly picturesque, frequently deserted beach. Because Barbuda, the sister island of Antigua, is less popular than most Caribbean islands, you can find yourself with this eight-mile stretch of sugar-floss-pink sand all to yourself. While there are no public amenities per such, there are a few laid-back eateries strewn around the shore for a refreshing drink.
Beach Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Tiny beachgoers will be delighted to see three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys emerge from the coastal rainforest at Manuel Antonio National Park, which is bordered by this well-known family beach. There are sandy sands, great swimming, and honey-hued sunsets after a 30-minute climb from the park entrance (watch out for howler monkeys smashing through the canopy). Hire a room at Arenas del Mar, which is tucked away on 11 verdant acres of a nature reserve.
Broome, Western Australia, Gantheaume Point
One of the most picturesque beaches in the southern hemisphere, this craggy one is surrounded by cliffs painted saffron and lapped by warm Indian Ocean waves. Look over the robin-egg-blue waters and you may glimpse the snouts of rare snubfin dolphins breaking the surface. Then, turn back to the old lighthouse tower to observe ospreys nesting in the framework. A few well preserved, 125-million-year-old dinosaur footprints are revealed when the tide is at its lowest.
Nelson Mandela, Namibia
Located 15 minutes’ drive from the beach resort of Walvis Bay, it sits on the edge of the oldest desert on Earth, Namib-Naukluft National Park. There are creepy shipwrecks scattered on the sand and a stinky, dozing seal colony along the coast, so the ancient Dolfynstrand is not a place of soothing waves and sand between your toes. Though any beachcombers are unlikely to have to fight for space, considering its isolated position in one of the least populated nations on Earth.
Ocracoke, North Carolina Lifeguarded Beach
Wind-pumped Ocracoke on the Outer Banks of North Carolina has been called one of the roughest beaches in the USA, more of an unpolished diamond than a screensaver beach. Previously the temporary residence of Blackbeard the pirate and his companion buccaneers, it offers some very large surfing waves in the late summer, but families looking for saltwater can enjoy more peaceful waters earlier in the year (along with changing facilities and plenty of parking).
Icelandic beach Rauðasandur
The gloomy Rauðasandur Beach, whose copper-red sands are the consequence of billions of crushed scallop shells, lies tucked away beneath the rocks of Iceland’s western fjords. Driven to via a meandering gravel road, this is surrounded by towering mountains and sheer cliffs. Only 10% of Iceland’s tourists ever make it as far as the Westfjords, so you’re unlikely to encounter another person here.
Taiwan beach at Jibei Island
Almost unspoiled, Jibei is located in Penghu County on one of Taiwan’s far-off western islands and is inaccessible to most city dwellers. To go to the main section of the island, where there are plenty of watersports, sun umbrellas, and wooden cottages for an overnight stay, take a boat from the North Sea Tourist Centre. The truly remarkable part, though, is the remote, frequently empty sand-spit, which is a fifteen-minute walk away. Here there are only the sounds of the ocean and a mile of uncharted beach, no man-made intrusions.
Take Away
From the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of the Maldives, to the dramatic coastal landscapes of Australia’s Whitehaven Beach, to the idyllic tropical paradise of the Seychelles, the world is filled with stunningly beautiful beaches that captivate the imagination. Each of these breathtaking shorelines offers a unique combination of soft sand, crystal clear water, lush surroundings and picturesque vistas.
While every person may have their own personal list of the most beautiful beaches, the locations highlighted here are universally regarded as some of the most spectacular coastal destinations on Earth. Whether looking for a remote tropical getaway, a family-friendly beach vacation, or a romantic seaside escape, you can’t go wrong visiting one of these world-class beaches.
Ultimately, exploring the amazing diversity of landscapes found along the world’s coastlines reminds us of the incredible natural beauty present on our planet. From postcard-perfect tropical coves to windswept rugged shores, the stunning variety of the world’s most beautiful beaches is truly something to behold. These spectacular sandy stretches beckon us to relax, unwind, and marvel at the breathtaking splendor of nature. So pack your bathing suit and sunscreen, and set out to sink your toes into the sand at one of these coastal wonders for an unforgettable beach experience.
