Who doesn’t love the turquoise waters and blue skies of the best beaches in the world? Just you, melting your stress away as you feel your toes on the golden sand and skin under the comforting warmth of the summer sun.
If you’re looking for signs to schedule your holiday escape, this is it.
I’ve had my fair share of attractions claiming to be “best,” only to get disappointed. But if we’re talking beaches, I’ve handpicked 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Each of these breathtaking shorelines deserve a place on your travel bucket list.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Famous for: Snow white coastlines and crystal clear waters
Whitsunday Island, located nine kilometres off the northeastern coast of Queensland, Australia, hides one of the world’s most stunning beaches: Whitehaven Beach.
I can’t think of anything better than strolling down its dazzling white seven-kilometre stretch of sand with a backdrop of idyllic turquoise waters.
Panoramic views of the shoreline colliding with the lush green of the Australian rainforest make you feel like you’re teleported to paradise.
2. Navagio Beach, Greece
Famous for: Historic wreckage and strikingly blue waters
Sometimes referred to as the “Smuggler’s Cove”, Navagio Beach can be found on the shores of the Greek island of Zakynthos.
It’s well-known for the rusted remains of the 43-year-old ship nestled between the chalky limestone cliffs and anchored on its ivory grains.
But what makes it oh-so-perfect is the magnificent cerulean waters contrasting with the surreal image of the MV Panagiotis.
Walking down its bay is like witnessing a postcard come to life, a real treasure of the Ionian Sea.
3. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Famous for: Most photographed beach in the world
Sitting at the heart of La Digue Island, Seychelles, is a breathtaking coast many have only seen in pictures: Anse Source d’Argent.
The Anse Source d’Argent is often praised as the most photographed beach in the world and it’s easy to see why.
Like the stuff of summer dreams, the beach features huge oddly shaped granite boulders, pearlescent sands, jungle palms, and azure waters.
4. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Famous for: Stunning black sand beach and basalt columns
Moving away from most people’s typical idea of a “beach” is Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach with its mysteriously black aesthetics.
If you’re a Game of Thrones or Star Wars fan like myself, setting foot on its pitch-black sands should be at the top of your bucket list.
Reynisfjara Beach boasts many natural wonders, including towering cliffs and the unique hexagonal basalt columns.
There’s also the Reynisdrangar, the 216-foot rock pillars that inspired eerie folktales from the locals.
Discover more of my favourite black sand beaches in Iceland.
5. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Famous for: Golden sand bar and deep blue waters
Zlatni Rat Beach, or the “Golden Horn” is a must-visit for anyone looking for the perfect Mediterranean escapade.
Located on Brac Island, Croatia, the uniquely shaped and golden pebble beach appears reaching into the sapphire-hued waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Surrounded by decades-old pines and smiling local faces, it’s certainly Croatia’s best that I’d definitely revisit.
6. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Famous for: Bermuda’s blushing sand beach
Bermuda is home to many astounding beachfronts, but most of them would pale in comparison to Horseshoe Bay.
Think of powdery pink sand and captivating blue tides under the warmest sun. Perfect for sunbathers, photographers, and swimmers.
Strolling along its beach, you’ll notice that the sand closest to the water is the rosiest. You have our red foraminifera friends to thank for that!
7. Playa del Amor, Mexico
Famous for: Mexico’s nudist beach
Perched amid Mexico’s tourist hotspot, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Amor, or “Lovers Beach,” is another must-visit waterfront owing to its stunning white sands and expansive vista of the Pacific.
But here’s the fun part: this little hideaway shoreline is also a popular nudist beach!
As the sky turns to a gorgeous lilac and the sun orange, you’ll see hordes of people in their birthday suits, piling toward Lovers Beach.
Stay a little longer, and you can watch the nude crowd erupt into ecstatic applause as the sun dips over the horizon!
8. Matira Beach, French Polynesia
Famous for: Panoramic blue vistas and milky sands
Bora Bora’s Matira Beach is nothing but a real-life slice of paradise. Here, you can enjoy gorgeous multi-hued sunsets while relishing a serving of fresh Mahi Mahi.
Adventure junkies are as welcome as nature lovers here.
Between paddle boarding, water skiing, and wakeboarding, you’ll have more than enough stories to share when you get home.
9. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Famous for: Water sports hub
The Grand Cayman is a notorious destination for those who love water sports.
But if you’re ever visiting this Mediterranean utopia, you’d be remiss not to enjoy and dip in its award-winning Seven Mile Beach.
Attracting millions of visitors worldwide, the seven-mile stretch of cerulean waters and powder-soft sand is a sight to steal your breath away.
10. Baía do Sancho, Brazil
Famous for: Jaw-dropping scapes and marine life
Located on a humble island in Fernando de Noronha, an hour away from the country’s mainland, anyone who considers themselves a travel junkie must know about this hidden gem.
As one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, Baía do Sancho flaunts bewitching land and seascapes. But what’s really captivating about it is its pristine ocean.
To get here, you must brave the local wildlife, squeeze through tunnels, and survive the scalding temperatures.
Have you visited any of these breathtaking spots? Or any you’d add to my list of the most beautiful beaches in the world? Let me know in the comments below!
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