While "best" is subjective and depends on individual preferences, several beaches consistently appear on lists of top global destinations due to their stunning natural beauty, unique features, and overall visitor experience. Here are some of the world's best beaches:
Beaches known for their stunning scenery and natural formations:
- Baía do Sancho, Brazil This beach is frequently named one of the most beautiful in the world, boasting golden sand, emerald waters, and abundant marine life, all tucked away behind lush cliffs.
- Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles Famous for its pristine white sands, granite boulders, and shallow turquoise waters shaded by coconut palms, it's often considered a dream beach destination.
- Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece This beach is characterized by sun-bleached volcanic rock formations that dip into the Aegean Sea, with caves to explore and alabaster cliffs for jumping.
- Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Dominican Republic Located within the UNESCO-recognized Jaragua National Park, it features 8km of diamond-white sand, clear turquoise water, and diverse wildlife like starfish and stingrays.
- Wharariki Beach, South Island, New Zealand This secluded beach offers a remote wilderness feel with untouched shores and the famous Archway Islands.
- Maya Bay, Thailand Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, Maya Bay is renowned for its natural beauty and sense of escape, with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and exploring.
- Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy This beach features a towering limestone sculpture created by a 1962 landslide.
- Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece Situated among towering cliffs, it boasts white sand and pebbles with stunning turquoise waters.
- Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia This beach is nestled in a breathtaking natural landscape surrounded by towering cliffs, with golden sand and crystal-clear blue-green waters ideal for snorkeling.
Beaches offering unique cultural experiences or activities:
- Ipanema Beach, Rio, Brazil Known for its astonishing sunsets and vibrant local culture, with different subcultures gathering at its numbered lifeguard chairs.
- Gardner Bay, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador This white sand beach is a favorite among sea lions and tourists, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking with sea turtles, marine iguanos, and colorful fish.
- Tulum Beach, Mexico It offers a blend of turquoise waters and ancient Mayan ruins, providing both natural beauty and cultural depth.
- Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico This enclosed cove beach with shallow, deep blue waters is known for its unique mushroom-shaped rock formation.
- Sabang Beach, Palawan, Philippines This wilder, emptier tropical beach is a definition of paradise, offering a serene escape compared to busier areas.
- Koh Kradan, Thailand This peaceful island offers powdery sand, excellent snorkeling, and the chance to kayak around the island to isolated spots.
Luxury and idyllic retreat beaches:
- Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania Accessible only to guests of the &Beyond resort, this white-sand beach offers a personal coastal paradise for walks, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia Famous for its lush volcanic backdrop, crystal-clear lagoons, and luxurious overwater bungalows, it's synonymous with romance and escape.
- Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos This sanctuary of tranquility stretches for 12 miles with powdery white sands and exceptionally clear, vibrant blue waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia Regularly voted one of the best beaches, it's a paradise above and below the waterline with pristine sands and clear waters.
Other highly-rated beaches include:
- Elafonissi, Crete, Greece Crowned as a top beach in 2025, it's a natural spectacle with pink sand and turquoise waters, perfect for families due to its shallow lagoons.
- Flamenco Beach, Culebra Island, Puerto Rico A U-shaped cove with white sand, warm turquoise water, and palm trees.
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Playa de Muro, Majorca, Spain A family-friendly beach with fine sand and turquoise waters, surrounded by pine trees.
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