Discover the best beach destinations in the world you’ll fall in love with — from turquoise lagoons to golden shores. Each paradise offers soft sand, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you crave tropical calm or adventure by the sea, these beaches promise pure bliss.
Best beach destinations in the world offer more than just sun and sand. They capture your heart with beauty, color, and calm. Picture yourself walking barefoot along soft shores, swimming in turquoise lagoons, and watching golden sunsets melt into the sea. Each beach feels alive with light and peace.
Every destination has its own charm. Some feel wild and untouched, while others invite you with gentle luxury and warm hospitality. In addition, the sound of waves, clear water, and open skies create moments of pure serenity. As a result, these are the beaches you’ll remember — places that feel timeless and endlessly beautiful.
You can visit these beaches by visiting our Pinterest site here. Also, visit the Best America Beaches here.
Best Beach Destinations in the World You’ll Fall in Love With
From dramatic cliffs to tranquil coves, Europe’s coastline offers endless beauty and variety. Each country reveals a different rhythm, yet all share the same sense of calm, color, as well as charm.
Europe’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Europe’s beaches blend timeless character with dazzling color and clear blue water. In addition, from Italy to Greece and Spain, these coastal escapes feel both wild and welcoming, offering perfect days by the sea.
Cala Goloritzé, Italy
A limestone cove on Sardinia’s east coast, Cala Goloritzé is famous for its turquoise water and soaring cliffs. You can reach it by boat or a scenic trail through the hills. Moreover, its shallow, clear shoreline is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Fteri Beach, Greece
Accessible only by boat or a rugged coastal path, Fteri Beach on Kefalonia dazzles with white pebbles and bright, blue-green water. Steep cliffs surround the bay, creating a peaceful and untouched atmosphere. As a result, it feels like a secret paradise far from the crowds.
Voutoumi Beach, Greece
This Antipaxos cove offers luminous blue water and smooth white sand surrounded by cliffs. In addition, small seaside tavernas serve local dishes and chilled drinks, making it easy to linger in the sunshine.
Playa de Rodas, Spain
Part of the Cíes Islands, Playa de Rodas curves in a soft crescent of white sand and emerald water. Moreover, gentle waves and steady breezes add to its calm, inviting charm. Often called “Europe’s Caribbean,” it’s a pristine, protected paradise.
Discover the Magic of Asia and the Pacific
From emerald lagoons to pink-tinted sands, Asia and the Pacific promise beaches filled with color, calm, and tropical charm. Each one blends soft light, turquoise water, and an easy sense of escape.
Asia & the Pacific
This vast region is home to beaches where clear water meets coral reefs and palm trees sway in the warm breeze. In addition, pastel sunsets stretch across the sky and invite you to slow down and breathe.
Entalula Beach, Philippines
Hidden in Palawan’s Bacuit Bay, Entalula Beach glows with blue water and soft white sand below steep limestone cliffs. In addition, its calm and uncrowded setting makes it one of Palawan’s quiet treasures.
Bang Bao Beach, Thailand
On Koh Kood, Bang Bao Beach offers shallow turquoise water and golden sand lined with palms. Also, local cafés serve fresh seafood, also adding to the relaxed island feel.
PK9 Beach, French Polynesia
In the Tuamotu Islands, PK9 Beach has fine sand and clear, shallow water perfect for snorkeling. As a result, it feels remote, peaceful, and completely natural.
Pink Beach, Indonesia
Komodo Island’s Pink Beach shimmers with rose-colored sand made from crushed coral. Plus, gentle waves and soft breezes create a dreamy, tranquil mood.
Ofu Beach, American Samoa
Ofu Beach combines wild cliffs, calm water, as well as coral reefs rich with life. Volcanic peaks also rise behind the sand, forming one of the South Pacific’s most unforgettable views.
One Foot Island, Cook Islands
A sandbar in Aitutaki Lagoon, One Foot Island glows with bright blue water as well as smooth coral sand. Moreover, it’s often called the most romantic beach in the Pacific.
Turquoise Bay, Australia
In Western Australia’s Ningaloo Marine Park, Turquoise Bay offers colorful reefs close to shore. The vivid water and peaceful setting make it one of Australia’s best beaches for swimming as well as snorkeling.
Feel the Rhythm of the Americas and the Caribbean
Across the Western Hemisphere, beaches sparkle with soft sand, calm waves, as well as easy island charm. Each one blends color, culture, and sunshine to create a paradise you’ll never forget.
The Americas & the Caribbean
From Mexico to Brazil, every shoreline tells its own story. In addition, each beach invites you to slow down, relax, and enjoy the warmth of the tropics.
Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic
This hidden gem on Saona Island offers powdery white sand and calm, clear water. In addition, palm trees line the shore, creating a perfect tropical escape.
Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay glows with soft white sand and calm turquoise water. Moreover, it’s lined with luxury resorts and gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and long walks.
Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
Shoal Bay East features pure white sand and bright turquoise water. Beach bars and cafés add a friendly, relaxed vibe that feels perfectly Caribbean.
Playa Balandra, Mexico
Near La Paz in Baja California, Playa Balandra shines with shallow turquoise water as well as striking rock formations. In addition, it’s a peaceful spot for paddleboarding or kayaking.
Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil
Located in Arraial do Cabo, this twin-bay beach offers dazzling white sand and crystal-clear water. The wooden stairway that leads to the beach, also provides one of Brazil’s most iconic coastal views.
Discover the Wild Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean
From coral lagoons to granite cliffs, Africa’s beaches feel raw, colorful, as well as alive. Each shoreline offers peace, beauty, and a deep connection to nature.
Africa & the Indian Ocean
Across the Indian Ocean and African coastlines, turquoise water and soft breezes create a feeling of calm. In addition, these beaches remain some of the most photogenic in the world.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
This La Digue treasure is famous for smooth granite boulders and pink-tinted sand. Shallow, clear water makes it perfect for wading, swimming, as well as photography.
Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Two lush islands connected by a shining white sandbar, Nosy Iranja feels almost unreal. Plus, at low tide, visitors can walk the sandbar and watch the turquoise sea stretch endlessly in both directions.
Boulders Beach, South Africa
Boulders Beach near Cape Town is home to a colony of African penguins. Moreover, sheltered coves and smooth granite rocks create calm swimming areas surrounded by wildlife.
Detwah Lagoon, Yemen
On Socotra Island, Detwah Lagoon glows in shades of turquoise and sapphire. Its untouched setting, soft light, as well as a quiet atmosphere make it one of the most surreal beach landscapes on Earth.
Why These Beaches Stay in Your Heart
The best beach destinations in the world invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Each one feels unique, whether it’s the pink sands of Indonesia, the calm bays of Greece, or the wild lagoons of Madagascar. Moreover, every coastline carries its own rhythm — a mix of color, light, and peace that stays with you long after you leave.
Visiting these beaches isn’t just about the views. It’s about feeling the warmth of the sun, hearing the waves, and finding stillness in the world’s most beautiful places. In addition, each visit reminds you that paradise can be simple — soft sand, clear water, and a quiet moment of joy.
FAQs About the Best Beach Destinations in the World
What makes a beach one of the best in the world?
The best beaches combine beauty, calm, and a feeling of escape. Clear water, soft sand, and a touch of wild nature make them unforgettable. In addition, accessibility, cleanliness, and responsible tourism all play a role in their lasting appeal.
How are the “World’s Best Beaches” selected?
Each year, over 1,000 travel experts, journalists, and beach ambassadors help choose the world’s top beaches. Their votes focus on beauty, tranquility, wildlife, and natural integrity rather than popularity alone. As a result, the final list highlights beaches that feel authentic and truly special.
Which region has the most beautiful beaches?
Every region has its gems. Europe offers dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays, while Asia and the Pacific shine with coral lagoons and white sand. In addition, the Caribbean and Africa feature warm waters, soft breezes, and picture-perfect tropical views.
When is the best time to visit these beach destinations?
Most beaches are best during the dry or shoulder season, when the weather is warm and crowds are thinner. For example, Southeast Asia is ideal from November to April, while the Caribbean shines from December to May. Always check local weather before planning your trip.
Are these beaches family-friendly?
Yes! Many beaches, such as Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos or Turquoise Bay in Australia, offer calm water and gentle surf. Moreover, nearby cafés and family-run resorts make them safe and comfortable for all ages.
How can I help protect the beaches I visit?
Travel responsibly by avoiding single-use plastics, respecting wildlife, and leaving no trace. In addition, choose local guides and eco-friendly stays that support conservation and community programs. Small actions make a big difference for coastal ecosystems.
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Nosy Iranja in Madagascar and Detwah Lagoon in Socotra both offer that wild, untouched beauty, but they do require a bit more planning than typical resort beaches. Nosy Iranja is reachable by boat from Nosy Be and rewards you with a stunning white sandbar and turquoise water. Detwah Lagoon on Socotra feels surreal and peaceful, with dramatic cliffs and quiet coves, and is best visited with a local guide. If you love remote beaches, dramatic scenery, and natural landscapes, these are some of the best beach destinations in the world. If you tell me how far you’re willing to travel, I can suggest the easiest remote beaches to reach.
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For romance, both One Foot Island in the Cook Islands and Pink Beach in Indonesia offer unforgettable coastal scenery, but they feel different. One Foot Island has bright blue lagoon water, smooth coral sand, and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere perfect for couples. Pink Beach has soft rose-colored sand and gentle waves beneath dramatic cliffs, making it one of the most unique and romantic beach destinations in the world. If you want seclusion and lagoon beauty, choose the Cook Islands; if you want something exotic, colorful, and rare, Indonesia is perfect. Tell me whether you want luxury, adventure, or a quiet hideaway and I’ll suggest the best fit!
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Turquoise Bay in Australia and PK9 Beach in French Polynesia are both incredible choices if you want snorkeling straight from the sand. Turquoise Bay sits inside Ningaloo Marine Park, where coral reefs are extremely close to shore and the water stays calm and clear. PK9 Beach also offers shallow lagoons, colorful coral, and peaceful conditions without needing a tour. If you’re looking for coral reefs, marine life, and shallow turquoise water, these are some of the best beach destinations in the world for snorkeling. Let me know whether you prefer remote islands or easier access, and I’ll help narrow it down!
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If you loved Grace Bay but want something quieter, Fteri Beach in Greece and Cala Goloritzé in Italy both offer a more secluded beach experience with dramatic cliffs, blue-green water, and a peaceful atmosphere away from resorts. These European beaches feel untouched, especially if you enjoy hiking or boat access. The Caribbean is perfect for soft white sand and gentle luxury, but Greece and Italy offer that postcard-perfect blend of turquoise water, nature, and serenity. If you tell me what style you prefer—remote coves, snorkeling, or scenic coastal trails—I can suggest the best beach destinations in the world for your next getaway.
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I know exactly what you mean — narrowing it down is the hardest part! If beauty and calm are the priority, I usually recommend starting with the Asia & Pacific region. Many of those beaches offer a mix of soft light, quiet coves, and that serene, tropical feel that makes every day slow and peaceful. However, if you love dramatic scenery, the Africa & Indian Ocean region has beaches like Anse Source d’Argent and Nosy Iranja that feel almost unreal in person. Each region shines in its own way, so it really depends on whether you want pure tranquility, dramatic landscapes, or a mix of both. Tell me your travel style and I can match you with the perfect destination!
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!