Start planning your tropical getaway now—these are the Top 20 Beach Destinations in the world according to Trip Advisor, the 2020 Travelers Choice Awards.
Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
What visitors say, “Unbelievably clear, clean water with hundreds of shades of blues and greens and white sugar sand beaches—ahhhhh!” Located in an eastern crook of Providenciales, Grace Bay has 12 miles of soft ashen sand and open crystalline water to placate sunbathers. There’s little shade, so come early in the morning to get your choice of umbrellas. Some of the island’s most well-liked restaurants are sheltered along Grace’s shore, as are the most popular hotels. Want more information Flamenco Beach to start planning your beach travel? Visit our Providenciales Turks & Caicos Guide.
Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
What visitors say, “As you walk through a small trail, you can’t imagine what awaits you. The heavenly view seems like a mirage.” Baia do Sancho has crystal clear blue water, is within a National Marine Park, and is teeming with sea life including turtles, hundreds of species of fish and dolphins. This makes it one of the premiere diving destinations in Brazil. The crescent of soft white sand lies lies below rugged cliffs which are covered in lush vegetation, and has the highest concentration of tropical seabirds to be found on this side of the Atlantic. There is not much for facilities here, and getting to the beach involves a hike. But definitely worth it! Want more information to start planning your beach travel? Visit our Fernando de Noronha Vacations Guide.
Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba
What visitors say, “Picture perfect in every way. Gorgeous beach and the bluest water ever!” This is a secluded and gorgeous beach with glittering powdery white sand and turquoise waters. The waters are very calm. A truly magnificent virgin beach. Want more information Flamenco Beach to start planning your beach travel? Visit Here.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Islands of Italy
What visitors say, “The sand is golden, the water is crystal clear and there are plenty of fish, so definitely bring a snorkel.” Spiaggia dei Conigli is ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. On the small island of Lampedusa off the coast of Sicily, this well-known swimming locale has clear, shallow water. Bring your snorkeling gear and explore the local marine life, or lay out a blanket and bask in the sun. Note the contrast between the water and the rocky coastline. A ten-minute walk from the beach, the town center offers restaurants and small shops. For more information on this beautiful beach, visit our Lampedusa Islands Sicily to plan your dream vacation here.
Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia, Arraial do Cabo Brazil
What visitors say, “Very good place” The staircase that gives access to Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia seems to lead to paradise. From the top of the hill, what you see is a paradisiacal setting. It is difficult not to be mesmerized by the view at the top of the stairs, from where you can see the white sand, the colorful sea and the green still preserved in the neighboring Ilha do Farol. The descent is steep and there are many steps. Nothing that a stop for photos does not help. Want more information on this beautiful beach to start planning your beach travel? Visit our Arraial do Cabo Brazil Guide here. 
Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
What visitors say, “The water was so clear and blue and gorgeous against the backdrop of the mountains. You can’t take a bad picture here.” Its white sandy beach stretches along the entire bay, you will feel the Caribbean sun everywhere and wonder why you had waited this long. Flamenco is a great place to snorkel, sunbathe, swim, socialize and camp out. Want more information on Flamenco Beach to start planning your beach travel? << Click here >>
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
What visitors say, “Most Gorgeous Beach I Have Been Too!!” With sparkling waters and coral sands, this shoreline is home to many of the Caribbean’s most luxurious properties. Along the shoreline, you’ll stumble on restaurants at the resorts and several beach bars. Seven Mile Beach has many water sports available for fun in at the beach. Seven Mile Beach gives you every chance to enjoy what Cayman is all about. Want more information Seven Mile Beach in Grand Caymen? Visit our Cayman Islands Vacations Guide to start planning your beach vacation here.
Eagle Beach, Palm-Eagle Beach Aruba
What visitors say, “Aruba’s most beautiful beach. Private, quiet, serene, amazing!” Boasting the widest beach in Aruba and famous for its pristine and soft white sands, Eagle Beach offers beautiful Caribbean ocean views, ample parking, shaded areas, some beach huts, and a variety of water sports. For more information on Palm-Eagle Beach Aruba, visit our Palm Eagle Beach Aruba Travel Guide.
Varadero Beach, Varadero Cuba
What visitors say, “Beautiful beach well groomed and clean great sand and you can walk for miles, water was warm and very little seaweed.” One of the most popular beaches in Cuba, and is known as the complete package deal in terms of a rejuvenating Cuban beach holiday. The 25 km stretch of white, sandy beach runs across the entire peninsula. There are over thirty diving sites around the peninsula. You can also enjoy water sports to include sailing, snorkeling, fishing or going on a glass-bottom boat ride. Planning to visit Varadero Beach? Visit our Varadero Cuba Holidays guide to plan your vacation here.
Kleftiko Beach, Milos Cyclades
What visitors say, “An amazing location” Kleftiko is an impressive spot of rock formations that can be reached only by sea. In fact, many excursion boats make the tour of the island and pass by Kleftiko. At first sight, the place will look familiar as it is pictures in most travel guides about the island. Impressive rocks spring up from the sea, forming natural caves and rare geological phenomena. Visiting Kleftiko Beach in Milos, head to our Milos Island Greece guide for information and start planning today!
Siesta Beach, Siesta Key Florida
What visitors say, “Pristine beach that never seems to end. Photographer’s dream. A place in the sun that warrants returning again and again.” Ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™, you will quickly understand why when you feel the quartz-crystal powdery sand between your toes, and experience the soft waves and the abundance of sun & fun at gorgeous Siesta Beach. Thanks to the large parking area, concession stands, the free trolley to get around on the island, and nearby fun Siesta Key Village, you can plan your whole trip centered around this gorgeous Key without getting bored. To start planning a vacation to Siesta Beach, visit our Sarasota Florida Travel Guide.
Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
What visitors say, “Asia’s Second most beautiful beach- Radhanagar Beach” Radhanagar Beach is a gorgeous beach on gorgeous Andaman Island. The lush and verdant trees on the side of beach offer tourists opportunity to unwind and relish the serenity and nature’s charm. The breathtaking sight of sunset on this beach makes the tourists forget all the woes of life. Visiting Radhanagar Beach, visit our Havelock Island Andamans guide.
Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Lewis & Harris, Outer Hebrides
What visitors say, “The fantastic golden beach at Luskentyre, Isle of Lewis.” Luskentyre is on the spectacular west coast of South Harris. The Luskentyre Beach is in the top top ten beaches in the world. Luskentyre is famous for the beautiful white sandy beach which runs for miles and the gorgeous green-blue waters lapping up onto its shores. Visit our Lewis and Harris Outer Hebrides Guide.
Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands
What visitors say, “Endless sea, fine sand, spectacular views, yachts, fancy stalls, Ibiza on the horizon.” The best feature of this beach is it’s calm, shallow, turquoise waters, the fine white sand, and the beautiful landscape. Being a natural park means the surroundings are well cared for with dune protection, access walkways, and parking. There are also various restaurants along this coast. It is perfect for children with it’s safety and services available. Planning a vacation to Formentera? Visit our Formentera Balearic Islands guide to plan your dream vacation here.
La Concha Beach, San Sebastian – Donostia Spain
What visitors say, “What a fantastic vista.” La Concha is one of the most photographed beaches in Basque County. It offers a wide range of services and facilities. There are many water sports here to include surfing, wind surfing, kayaking and beach football to name a few. There are small water attractions for the kids and a popular promenade, as well as a cycle path. Visit our San Sebastian Donostia Spain Guide to start planning your vacation. To plan your visit her, visit our San Sebastian Donostia Spain Guide.
Saint Pete Beach, St. Pete Beach Florida
What visitors say, “Best beach with tons of great bars, restaurants and hotels!! Beautiful white sand, lots of activities such as parasailing, jet ski rentals, dolphin tours etc….LOVE IT here.” Gorgeous, laid back Saint Pete Beach was voted TripAdvisor’s No. 1 Beach in the U.S. and No. 5 in the world in 2012, based on millions of reviews from travelers around the world. When you visit this magical expanse of sand, you’ll understand why. Visiting St. Pete Beach? Visit our St Pete Beach Travel Guide to plan your vacation to sunny Florida!
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres
What visitors say, “Calm turquoise waters, pure white powdery sand. Water so blue, it makes the sky look pale.” Playa Norte is considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and it deserves the honor. The soft white sand, palm trees and water so blue the sky looks pale, make it the perfect place to relax and unwind from the rigors of life. There is almost no current and you can wade out very far with the water still only coming to your waist. There are beach bars offer lounge chairs and umbrellas (for a fee) with waiter service on the sand. You can also rent water toys, kayaks and snorkeling gear. Visit our Isla Mujeres Vacations Guide to plan your vacation to this wonderful beach.
Maho Beach, Cruz Bay, St. John
What visitors say, “Beautiful beach with clear water. Swam with a sea turtle and came ashore to sunbathe with an iguana.” Voted a “Visitors Favorite Beach”, and it’s no surprise since Maho beach has it all. From its iconic coconut palm fringed white sand beach, light surf, shallow entry and ease of access – Maho deserves it’s fame. The narrow sandy beach has plenty of sun and shade. The sandy bottom extends out about 20 yards – making it a wonderful beach to wade, swim, float and hang out! And the shallow sandy shoreline is a great spot for kids and young children to play and make sand castles. Visit our St John Travel Guide to plan your vacation to Maho Beach.
Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, United Kingdom
What visitors say, “Three miles of heaven. In wild weather, it is beautiful. In good weather, it is a delight.” Woolacombe Beach is of the finest beaches in the West Country, and it is easy to see why it has won numerous awards. It’s a big favorite with families and surfers attracting thousands of people each summer to the beach and Woolacombe village. The rolling surf brings unbroken Atlantic breakers from across thousands of miles of ocean to pound on this three-mile long stretch of golden sand. The sheer length of the beach means it is possible to find quieter places in the surf even at the height of summer. Plan your vacation to Woolacombe, UK with our Wolacombe Tourism guide. Visit our Wolacombe Tourism Guide for a more in-depth look.
Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi Greece
What visitors say, “The sea was calm and beautiful. The colors are intense—light blue water, pink sand. Paradise.” Elafonisi Beach seems like it’s at the end of the earth, save for the hundreds of umbrellas, snack bars and beach-goers who come here from near and far. Though the roads are mostly paved, the route through the mountains is not for the faint of heart — or heights. But the reward is well worth it, thanks to the picturesque swaths of pink sand and Elafonisi’s turquoise, shallow and warm waters that seem to stretch for miles. Visit our Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece to plan your dream vacation here.
Hello there, thanks alot for sharing this awesome article I know it would be of great help to the public as it has been of help to me….I am a very big fan of beaches, as I have been to quiet a few number in your list and also to some in Dubai, USA, and Europe… But one of my favorite is the Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico….I must tell it’s one of the best I have been to..
Flamenco Beach is awesome. I am glad you enjoyed. Thanks for visiting my Top 20 Beach Destinations.
I perused through all the location and sites you have shared and I couldn’t help it than to be amazed at the things that I have seen here. It is just simply awesome to see here and thank you so much for sharing I actually like the idea of visiting a beach after all these is over. I like the Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos.
Yes, we will all need a vacation once this pandemic is over. My trip is planned. Ready to pack my bags and head out! LOL Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Traveling around the world is something I can pay any amount for, I’m a very big fan of water and water bodies so taking some days off with my family to a beach destination will be perfect for me. This is really helpful, 20 is a lot and I’ll be able to choose which one I like most, but I’ll still prefer to stay at home till the pandemic is totally off. Thanks for the update
I would agree with you. Better to be safe. But once this is all over, there will be a lot of traveling going on!
Wow, all these are very good beach destinations that are worth the ride. I must say that you have done very well to be able to take this research to know all this places before bringing them all the way down here to your website. I like this very much and I hope to visit some of this places sometime. But definitely after the pandemic.
Yes, definitely have the pandemic for sure. But I know I can’t wait till this is over. I’m overdue for sure! Thanks for visiting my Top 20 Beach Destinations.
A very interesting list there. Very clean and beautiful beaches, especially the Maho Beach, Cruz Bay, St. John. I have little kids and I think it will work for me. Which are the best months to visit there?
In fact, you can consider highlighting the best time for each beach depending on the weather there.
This is such a good site to start with when preparing for a vacation and I would recommend it any time to my friends.
Kudos for good work.
Hi there, you can visit my St John Travel Guide which will give you the best time to visit, along with a lot more information for planning your vacation. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
I’d love to visit each and every beach ? listed.
You and me both Lee! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
What a wonderful list. Beaches are such a canvas of the beauty of nature. I really love the Whitehaven Beach. The waters are so clear and that sounds like I would love to go snorkeling to enjoy seeing everything so clearly. I also love how the beach is untouched which means you get nothing but pure natural beach and its scenery. Definitely a great list!
Thank you Melissa, I am glad you enjoyed the list of the Top 20 Beach Destinations! They are all beautiful for sure, and yes Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands is amazing! Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
I love beaches and travel. I am gonna bookmark this so I can use your site to figure out my next vacation. I am really interested in Greece! Elafonissi Beach looks amazing! Have you been there?
Hello Crystal, thank you for taking the time to comment on my site 🙂 I love beaches too, of course! I have not been to Greece. This is one destination that is on my bucket list. So much history, beauty, and of course amazing beaches!
Wow, Beautiful beaches all over the world! I love the beach, and am looking for my next beach vacation. Dreaming on your site and love your site! I’m gonna keep looking at all these wonderful destinations you have. I will book mark it as well and use it to plan my next trip! Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much Diane for taking the time to leave me comments. I am glad you are enjoying the site and the Top 20 Beach Destinations! Definitely lots to pick from for your next vacation for sure. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Europe and Asia wins again! I’m glad at least one American beach made the list. Clearwater is beautiful. As a former sailor guy, I love beaches. I have not been able to visit any of these on the list, except for number 20. I hope that anyone who gets to visit any of these beaches this summer has a great time! Thanks for the list of the best beaches.
You’re welcome Tim. It would be awesome to visit all of them for sure. I have been to #20 as well 🙂
I am hoping to travel more in the near future and I am always looking for a new beach to visit. I have never been to any of these beaches, well I have never been outside of the US but these beaches are beautiful and now on my list!
Thank you for the valuable information Leahrae…
Great! These are the absolute best there are for sure.
Hi,
I’ve been to a handful of the places in your article and loved them all!!!
I’m looking to go somewhere hot for New Years Eve 2016 (I live in the UK) do you have any suggestions where may be good to visit for New Years Eve and is fairly cost effective?
Boy, depends on what you are looking for, but these places are all great sunshine weather places in January and they won’t break the bank: Cancun, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, and Rio De Janeiro 🙂
I’ve only been to a couple of places from your article. You’re reminding me that life must be very long to visit all beautiful places. In fact, I’ve started my research right away, thanks to your links.
Thank you for sharing. Kirill.
You are very welcome Krill. Life is short, have to start young to hit all these beaches!
Camps Bay in South Africa sounds like my next destination…:) Turks and Caicos video looks really nice too.
But to be honest, all of the beaches look and sound amazing, i will have to add them to my ‘bucket list’. Some are very remote. Maybe it would be a good idea to visit them when sailing around the world, doing sort of ‘island hopping’!
Thanks for sharing.
Yes, ~sigh~ wouldn’t that be wonderful…. Thanks for looking Joana.
Why would you do that??? Why would you remind me of all the most perfect destinations on the planet where I should be right now, instead of heading to work on an overcast Friday morning?
But seriously, nice article.
I’m personally bias, as I love Venezuela, but I would put Los Roques first, second and third. Sadly the political situation prevents more people witnessing the jaw dropping beauty… but it’s definitely something that will stay with me until my final days.
I might need to check out the others though… In the interest of being fair 🙂
Thank you Fray, yes we do need to be fair and check them all out! Thanks for visiting my site!
I feel myself relaxing just looking at the photos and thinking about a vacation. I am a photographer, so just thinking of these places makes me want to go right now. You have given me some great ideas. There are some places on your list that I have never thought of going. Lots to think about!
Nice 🙂 I agree! Thank you so much for visiting Liz!
Wow! All these beaches sound AMAZING! Unfortunately I’ve never been to any of them but now I have some great destinations to go to. I love how you specify when the best time to go is because when booking online we may see that there’s a deal on the price but that’s because it’s off-season when the weather’s not too good and it wouldn’t be as enjoyable.
One place you can add to your list is Boracay in the Philippines. I’ve actually never been but heard stories of how beautiful it is and actually a couple of my wife’s family members are going there for a trip pretty soon! I’m so jealous!
Thanks for this amazing list!
You’re welcome Andy and thanks for the tip on Boracay 🙂
Hi there,
Nice to see some of my own personal favorite beach locations in this list.
Kata Noi, in Phucket is only a short drive from the islands main resort of Patong, and of course, the main, Kata beach what is great is the opportunity for one of the world famous relaxing Thai massages, right there on the beach!
Oh, wow! I need to add that to my review 🙂 Thanks Derek!
As a keen surfer and traveller, I have visited a lot of beaches around the world. But I have not been to any of these. YET! All these beaches look beautiful!
My favourite beach is the one that is a 2 minute walk from home, Sunshine Beach in Queensland! I was surfing here 2 days ago and there was a manta ray swimming around me for over an hour, plus we will have the humpback whales pasing by in the next few weeks.
Definitely one for the list!!
Wow, that is awesome Brad! I would love that experience, ~sigh~ one day soon!