World’s Top 50 Beaches
Our world is filled with seemingly endless beaches, which can make it challenging to decide where to invest your time. To simplify this travel conundrum, we have created an extensive and heavily researched list of the top 50 beaches in the world. This list will help you choose the beaches that are sure to fill your vacation with natural wonders, vibrant cultures, and the optime of relaxing vibes.
In order to develop the World’s Top 50 Beaches©, we tapped the wisdom of over 1200 journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies from around the world, who eat, sleep, and breathe travel. Through this ultimate collaboration, we were able to craft a catalog of beaches that is so thorough you’ll never run out of stunning locations to explore.
This diverse list includes everything from the astonishing exposed cove of Greece’s Shipwreck Beach, and the pristine heart of the Great Barrier Reef at Whitehaven Beach, to the karst cliffs and see-through waters of the Philippines’ El Nido beach, and the ethereal green beach of Hawaii. Get ready to dip your toes into the sandy goodness of Greece, Turks and Caicos Islands, Thailand, Chile, Micronesia, the Bahamas, and more, as this collection of beaches will inspire you to embark on an extended vacation.
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Shipwreck Beach Shipwreck, or Navagio Beach, in Zakynthos, Greece will make all your wildest dreams about postcard-perfect destinations come true. Located in a beautiful secluded cove surrounded by towering golden cliffs, visitors will only be able to reach this slice of paradise by boat. Swimming in these turquoise waters while soaking in the breathtaking surroundings … Continue reading Shipwreck Beach
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Whitehaven Beach Accessible by boat, helicopter and seaplane, this stunning beach is located on Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands. The contrast of the piercing-white sand against the fluorescent-green backdrop of the tropical forest on the island’s mountains will leave you speechless. With over 290 days of sunshine a year and a cozy average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, … Continue reading Whitehaven Beach
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Hidden Beach You can distinguish this postcard-perfect beach from the rest by one magnificent trait — those unmistakable, protruding limestone cliffs. Shooting out of the turquoise-blue lagoon straight to the sky, they draw your eyes away from the spectacular reefs and palm-lined shores. Until somewhat recently, the only ones flocking to the remote El Nido … Continue reading Hidden Beach
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Praia do Sancho Nestled on the small island of Fernando de Noronha — about an hour off the coast of Brazil — the remote Praia do Sancho is consistently voted one of the world’s best beaches. But while its beauty is easy to appreciate, the beach itself is hard to reach. You have to hike, … Continue reading Praia do Sancho
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Tulum Beach Tulum Beach is a quintessential destination for travelers on the hunt for an idyllic, serene getaway. Stunning white sands and bright teal waters combine to create a beach that leaves an indelible imprint on travelers. The “beach strip,” which runs the length of the beach, offers a collection of bohemian-esque restaurants and accommodations, … Continue reading Tulum Beach
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# 6 Grace BayGrace Bay At Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, glistening blue water grazes a white sandy shore, beckoning you to immerse yourself in paradise. Grace Bay is one of the most famous beaches in the world for good reason. A rainbow-colored reef located just off shore is home to thousands of sea animals. The reef … Continue reading Grace Bay
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Seven Mile Beach Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica boasts an idyllic ocean scene. Lazy palm trees tilted at 30 degree angles almost brush the opaque sand, while turquoise water gently streams over the beach. The island’s vegetation separates the beach from the city, creating a remote atmosphere despite it being easily accessed. A relaxing … Continue reading Seven Mile Beach
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Anse Source D’Argent Pack an extra memory card, people – there’s a reason Anse Source D’Argent in the Seychelles is the world’s most photographed beach. Capture boulder-adorned shores, ribbons of shimmering sand and aquamarine water. Visit late afternoon and wait for a shot of the intense hues arriving with sunsets. Explore historic plantations before reaching … Continue reading Anse Source D’Argent
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Maya Bay It’s easy to see why this beach has been chosen as the backdrop of dozens of films and added to the bucket lists of countless beach-lovers. Looking out at the turquoise bay from the pillow-like sands, you’re protected overhead by lush and looming mountains in a cove that feels a million miles away … Continue reading Maya Bay
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# 10 Varadero BeachVaradero Beach In the last few years Cuba has become a major vacation destination because of its pastel-colored homes, private history and spectacular beaches. Varadero Beach is the best on the island. Fine, white sand overflows into bubbling blue water and the pina coladas are never ending. Bodysurf stunning waves, frothing at the top and … Continue reading Varadero Beach
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Diani Beach A 10 km stretch of talcum powder sand, Diani Beach in Kwale County is becoming known as the softest beach on the planet. The water is warm yet crystal clear and, when the wind’s up, the surf is perfect. It’s also home to the world’s largest fish: the whale shark. On land, watch … Continue reading Diani Beach
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Pink Sands Beach Cotton candy skies are nothing compared to a cotton candy beach, but pairing them together creates a mystical paradise. At Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas, you’ll find just that. The sand is stained by the red and pink shells of the Foraminifera insects that inhabit the area. Although the bugs are … Continue reading Pink Sands Beach
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Anse Lazio Snorkeling and diving are popular around Anse Lazio, and rightly so. The magnificent stretch of white-sand coastline along Praslin Island is surrounded by crystal clear water averaging 27°C. Healthy reefs and vivid coral gardens give divers access to a striking environment and if you’re slipping on fins for the first time, there’s sites … Continue reading Anse Lazio
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Railay Beach Beach-lovers and rock climbers come together at Railay Beach in Thailand. With the ability to entertain those looking to jump into the sea and those reaching for the sky, this remote beach is sought after by thousands of tourists each year thanks to world-class rock climbing and beautiful waters. You won’t know where … Continue reading Railay Beach
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Playa Norte As the main beach on Isla Mujeres, you’re sure to find fun, friendly vibes on these coral sands as you settle into island life. Napping in a lounge chair, floating through clear waters, that are only about chest deep, or wandering the beach with a cold drink in hand are favorite pastimes on … Continue reading Playa Norte
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Noetzie Beach The gravel road leading to Noetzie Beach eludes to its exclusivity. But when you make the climb down the steep stairway attached to a cliff, you know you’re onto something wondrous. Tucked into a hidden nook of Plettenberg Bay and rimmed by a dense forest, Noetzie is known for historic castles built in … Continue reading Noetzie Beach
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Balandra Beach Glassy water is easy to come by at Balandra Beach as it sits in a bay, protecting it from the open ocean. Located in the desert climate of Baja California, this beach offers a striking environment of clear hillsides speckled with bright green cacti silhouetted against clear, blue skies. This area has been … Continue reading Balandra Beach
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Reynisfjara Beach If you are really on the hunt for a unique and magnificent beach destination, Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland should be on top of your list. This mystical black volcanic sand beach sits between scattered cliffs and enormous cave mouths with powerful, roaring Atlantic waves crashing on its shores. The views from the beach … Continue reading Reynisfjara Beach
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Honokalani Beach Honokalani Beach, deemed sacred by the Hawaiian people, is a small volcanic crescent-shaped beach tucked in the stunning Waianapanapa State Park in Hawaii. The jet black sand, bright turquoise water and lush green forest create a mystical, otherworldly effect on this sacred stretch of sand. While the surf is too powerful to swim … Continue reading Honokalani Beach
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# 20 Bavaro BeachBavaro Beach Beach huts and cozy chairs line the crystal-blue shoreline for miles along Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic. A hot spot for foreigners, this beach offers everything a traveler can hope for. Hop on a jet ski, kayak through the waves or go on an endless walk on the snow-white sand. The beach … Continue reading Bavaro Beach
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# 21 Coffee BayCoffee Bay Found in the heart of South Africa’s Wild Coast, the small seaside village of Coffee Bay offers pristine swimming beaches, bars, excellent fishing and breathtaking scenery for walks along the area’s rugged coastline. Coffee Bay is the perfect destination for holiday-makers wanting to trade in city life for a laid-back beach experience in … Continue reading Coffee Bay
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Platja de Formentor Platja de Formentor is a long, skinny, white sand beach located on the beautiful island of Mallorca, Spain. The beach stretches almost 1 km and sits in a dramatic landscape surrounded by dense pine forests and magnificent mountain views. The crystal clear waters allows for excellent swimming, but in the summer you … Continue reading Platja de Formentor
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Lanikai Beach Lanikai, meaning “heavenly sea,” is aptly named as its crystal waters seem to sparkle with the luster of millions of diamonds. This mesmerizing shore offers calm waters, ideal for watersports like kayaking and paddle boarding, and more peaceful endeavors like a long nap on a floatie. The vibrant tapestry of colors surrounding this … Continue reading Lanikai Beach
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# 24 Malmok BeachMalmok Beach Malmok Beach in Aruba is cradled in a nook of grey-white rocks and tiny sailboats. A flat beach covered in white sand hides beneath turquoise water where sediment and sea meet. The rocks scattered just off of shore are home to thousands of colorful fish which makes this beach one of the best … Continue reading Malmok Beach
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Matira Beach Matira Beach in Bora Bora has been called the most beautiful beach in the world. The sand is whiter than snow and the water is the color turquoise come to life. The ocean’s crystal-clear visibility gives you an up close and personal shot of the thousands of marine animals living just under the … Continue reading Matira Beach
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Radhanagar Beach The wild, remote, Radhanagar Beach is nestled on the awe-inspiring island of Havelock, the largest of the chain of islands that make up the spectacular Andaman archipelago in India. And while you may have never heard of these islands, after visiting, this beach will forever be in your dreams. Blinding white sand, a … Continue reading Radhanagar Beach
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Isla Holbox An island north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox exudes so much serenity that even looking at a photo of it makes you relax. This remote, car-free island is surrounded by khaki-colored sands that disappear into baby blue waters, filled with its own wonders, such as active rainbow-hued marine life, sea turtles and … Continue reading Isla Holbox
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Half Moon Cay Half Moon Cay is a crescent-shaped beach on the coast of the Bahamas. The shape of the beach protects the water from any major swells, allowing the water within to be peaceful. The calm water allows for excellent visibility and safe swimming for beachgoers of all ages. Relax on the sand and … Continue reading Half Moon Cay
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# 29 Manuel Antonio BeachManuel Antonio Beach Grab your surfboard and get ready to ride some of Costa Rica’s most famous waves. Located just south of the city of Quepos, Manuel Antonio beach is located within Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most biodiverse locations in the world. Start your day with a hike in the national park’s … Continue reading Manuel Antonio Beach
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Blinky Beach Calling all surfers, Blinky Beach on Lord Howe Island offers some of the least-crowded and best waves Australia has to offer. Beginner or expert, you will find swells on this beach that will match your skill level and fill your adventurous heart with excitement. If you prefer a more relaxing visit, the white-sand … Continue reading Blinky Beach
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Long Beach Long Beach, the perfectly named, seemingly endless shore in British Columbia’s Pacific Rim National Park, is part of a 34,800-acre area covered in coastal temperate rainforest. This pristine expanse of nature is a core protected area of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Resting in the emerald forest bordering the beach is … Continue reading Long Beach
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Camps Bay Beach Trendy Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town may be known as the popular spot to snag a celebrity autograph or hang out with barely-covered sunbathers, but it’s also a beach beckoning with idyllic white sand and grassy knolls perfect for relaxation. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Table Mountains and draped … Continue reading Camps Bay Beach
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# 33 Hyams BeachHyams Beach Nestled in Jervis Bay on New South Wales, Hyams Beach appears to be out of a fairytale. Once voted the whitest sand in the world, the beach provides an incredible contrast against the cerulean water and emerald-green trees scattered along the island. No matter how you spend your day, plan on catching the … Continue reading Hyams Beach
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Cable Beach Imagine yourself riding a camel across a pristine beach or the Southern Cross hovering above your head. Welcome to Cable Beach in Western Australia. This jaw-dropping scene is a common one on the beautiful stretch of sand. Inside the coastal reserve of Minyirr Park, you can relax at this remote beach, explore the … Continue reading Cable Beach
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Lucky Bay If you have ever dreamt of befriending kangaroos while tanning on an ice-white beach, Lucky Bay in Western Australia is the place for you. Lucky Bay also offers the unique opportunity to camp on the beach. The turquoise waters and warm sand create the perfect atmosphere to fall asleep while gazing at the … Continue reading Lucky Bay
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Champagne Beach Champagne Beach in Vanatu offers a picture-perfect image of electric-teal water and snowflake-white sand. The foliage surrounding the beach and the underwater volcanic activity has created a champagne-shaped piece of land, with frothy water bubbling about during low tide. The coral reef off the island is home to fish and sea turtles alike, … Continue reading Champagne Beach
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# 37 Flamenco BeachFlamenco Beach Flamenco Beach is a crescent-shaped paradise on Culebra Island in Puerto Rico. With sand as white as a full moon and calm water mirroring the sky, Flamenco Beach offers stunning views and endless activities. Snorkel the beautiful coral reef or take a glass-bottom boat ride while you feel the wind on your face. … Continue reading Flamenco Beach
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Honopu Beach One of the most remote shores in the world, Honopu Beach, located on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, can only be accessed by swimming. This Jurassic-like wonderland features two coves, separated by a massive rock arch, and is set against towering 1,200-foot sea cliffs. If you’re an intrepid traveler, willing to swim the distance … Continue reading Honopu Beach
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Bowman’s Beach Located on picturesque Sanibel Island, Bowman’s Beach is a shell-seeker’s paradise, and has even won awards for being one of the best “shelling beaches” in the world. Fishing, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are other popular pastimes on this pristine beach, which is one of the only stretches of sand on the … Continue reading Bowman’s Beach
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Comporta Beach With blinding white sand as far as your eye can see, this beach might be one of the very best in Europe. Escape the crowds and find yourself a quiet little spot on this gorgeous Portuguese beach which resembles some of the best tropical beaches in the Caribbean. This is a place to … Continue reading Comporta Beach
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Getting There With a whopping 40,000 hexagonal-shaped pillars dating back to the volcanic age almost 60 million years ago, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is unlike any other beach in the world. This is nature at its most raw and primal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning beach is worthy of the title. Get … Continue reading Giant’s Causeway
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Calanque de Sugiton Calenque de Sugiton is one of the best-known coves in Massif des Calenques, France. This picture-perfect pebble beach is worth the hour hike, and once you finally get to dip in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by majestic rocky cliffs, you know that you’ve landed in a true paradise. This is your … Continue reading Calanque de Sugiton
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Bai Khem Beach This is probably the first time you’ve read about Bai Khem Beach, as it’s a local secret tourists rarely stumble upon. Nestled far on the south coast, 25km from Duong Dong and down a dirt path through the forest, it’s not a place you stumble upon easily. Bai Khem Beach is renowned … Continue reading Bai Khem Beach
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Wineglass Bay Wineglass Bay is hidden in the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast of Tasmania. Continuously ranked one of the top ten beaches in the world, the two and a half hour hike to this beach will leave you breathless and blown away by the exquisite landscape this park offers. Relax on the near-empty … Continue reading Wineglass Bay
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Laguna Beach Laguna Beach, located in the chic, cultured town of the same name, is a stretch of the South California coastline famous for its thriving surf culture, and seemingly endless days of sun. This unique span of shore is anything but bland with romantic coves, soaring cliffs, and dazzling blue water, easily attracting those … Continue reading Laguna Beach
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Pianemo You know those postcards with powdery sandbars stretching out into seemingly-photoshopped blue water? Well, that’s just a regular day at Pianemo beach, Raja Ampat in Indonesia. It’s easy to see why this beach is constantly referred to as heaven on Earth, the striking contrast of lush jungle-covered mountains against the reef-filled waters is beautiful … Continue reading Pianemo
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# 47 Ngapali BeachNgapali Beach Like many popular beaches, Ngapali started as a quaint but stunning fishing village and flourished into a must-see destination. Today, the white, palm-fringed beach is home to swanky resorts and refreshing bars. But, development hasn’t taken the soul out of this place. The local fishermen still reside here, going out daily on their … Continue reading Ngapali Beach
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Grand Anse If you value immersing yourself in foreign culture while enjoying the classic characteristics of a beach paradise then Grand Anse Beach in Grenada is perfect for you. The most genuine representation of Caribbean culture, Grenada offers endless bazars selling local goods, authentic restaurants, and indigenous customs. After exploring the island, you will feel … Continue reading Grand Anse
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Bathsheba Beach Lush green hills roll across the island of Barbados, halted only by the light brown sand of Bathsheba Beach. Bathsheba provides powder-soft sand, dark blue water and black rocks. Rated the number one thing to see in Barbados, this beach is home to some of the world’s most famous surfing competition. This beach … Continue reading Bathsheba beach
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Cannon Beach Cannon Beach, Oregon, one of the most majestic stretches of shore in the Pacific Northwest, is famous for Haystack Rock, a massive rock formation jutting out of the sea. While the water is too crisp to enjoy without a wetsuit, the silky smooth shore is ideal for meandering walks, sand castle construction, and … Continue reading Cannon Beach
