23 Beautiful Beaches Around The World That Will Spark Your Wanderlust
My friend Anna recently returned from a soul-stirring beach getaway, her eyes still sparkling with the magic of crystal-clear waters and powdery sand. As she shared her tales of serene sunrises and vibrant sunsets, I couldn’t help but feel inspired to explore the world’s most beautiful beaches myself.
Nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach is a slice of heaven on Earth. Its pristine white silica sand stretches for seven kilometers, creating a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.
What sets Whitehaven apart is its unique swirling sand patterns, visible from the lookout at Tongue Point. As the tides shift, they create a mesmerizing dance of colors and textures that will leave you breathless. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel gear – the surrounding waters are teeming with vibrant marine life!
2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Picture this: giant granite boulders scattered along a powdery beach, framed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters. That’s Anse Source d’Argent for you! This beach on La Digue Island in Seychelles is often hailed as the most photogenic beach in the world.
The shallow waters make it perfect for wading and snorkeling, while the unique rock formations provide endless opportunities for exploration and photography. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of pinks and oranges, reflecting off the tranquil waters – a sight that will stay with you forever.
3. Navagio Beach, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is a hidden gem on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Accessible only by boat, this secluded cove is home to the rusty remains of a smuggler’s ship, adding an air of mystery to its breathtaking beauty.
The beach is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, creating a natural amphitheater that amplifies the sound of the waves. The water here is an impossible shade of blue, inviting you to take a refreshing dip. Don’t miss the chance to view the beach from the cliffs above – it’s a perspective that will take your breath away!
4. Tulum Beach, Mexico
Tulum Beach offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Picture yourself lounging on soft, white sand with ancient Mayan ruins perched on the cliffs above you. It’s a sight that seamlessly merges the past with the present.
The beach stretches for miles, offering plenty of space to find your own little slice of paradise. The water here is calm and shallow, perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. As the sun sets, head to one of the many beachfront restaurants for a delicious meal and a front-row seat to nature’s nightly show.
5. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
Tucked away on the remote Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Baia do Sancho is often crowned as the world’s best beach. Getting there is an adventure in itself – you’ll need to descend a steep ladder through a narrow crevice in the cliff face.
But oh, is it worth it! The beach is a crescent of golden sand embraced by lush, green cliffs. The water is so clear you can see fish swimming around your feet. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins, which are frequent visitors to these pristine waters.
6. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
As the name suggests, this beach on Harbour Island is famous for its blush-colored sand. The soft, pink hue comes from tiny red organisms that live in the coral reefs offshore, creating a dreamy, almost surreal landscape.
The beach stretches for three miles, offering plenty of space for long, romantic walks or peaceful sunbathing sessions. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the offshore reefs provide excellent snorkeling opportunities. As the sun sets, the pink sand takes on an even more magical glow – a sight you won’t soon forget.
7. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Anse Lazio on Praslin Island is often described as the perfect tropical beach, and it’s easy to see why. The beach is framed by giant granite boulders at each end, with a stretch of powdery white sand in between.
The water here is a mesmerizing gradient of blues, from pale turquoise to deep sapphire. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with an abundance of tropical fish just offshore. Don’t miss the chance to try some fresh coconut water from one of the local vendors – it’s the perfect refreshment for a day in paradise.
8. Railay Beach, Thailand
Railay Beach in Krabi province is a rock climber’s paradise and a beach lover’s dream rolled into one. Accessible only by boat due to the towering limestone cliffs that cut it off from the mainland, Railay feels like a secret world.
The beach itself is stunning, with soft sand and clear waters perfect for swimming. But what really sets Railay apart are the dramatic cliffs surrounding it. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just want to admire the view, these natural wonders add an extra layer of magic to your beach experience.
9. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay consistently ranks as one of the world’s top beaches, and it’s not hard to see why. The beach stretches for an impressive 12 miles, with powdery white sand that feels like velvet under your feet.
The water here is a stunning shade of turquoise and remarkably clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is protected by a barrier reef, which keeps the waters calm and provides a home for colorful marine life. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a breathtaking array of colors, reflecting off the tranquil waters.
10. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Often called the Golden Horn due to its unique shape, Zlatni Rat is one of the most distinctive beaches in Europe. This narrow strip of land juts out into the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by crystal-clear waters on both sides.
What makes Zlatni Rat even more special is that its tip changes shape and direction depending on the winds and currents. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The surrounding pine forest provides welcome shade and a scenic backdrop for your beach day.
11. Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Matira Beach is the poster child for tropical paradise. Located on the dreamy island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, this beach offers a mile of soft, white sand and shallow, warm waters that stretch out seemingly forever.
The beach is framed by lush tropical vegetation, creating a stunning contrast with the turquoise lagoon. As the sun sets, Mount Otemanu in the distance takes on a magical glow, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters – you might even spot some friendly stingrays!
12. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa
Camps Bay Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Located just minutes from Cape Town, this stunning beach is backed by the impressive Twelve Apostles mountain range, creating a dramatic backdrop for your beach day.
The beach itself is a long stretch of pristine white sand, perfect for sunbathing or beach sports. The Atlantic waters here are refreshingly cool, offering relief on hot summer days. As evening approaches, the beachfront comes alive with trendy restaurants and bars – the perfect place to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
13. Palawan Beach, Philippines
Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island is a tropical paradise with a twist. This beautiful stretch of sand is connected to a small offshore island by a suspension bridge, adding an element of adventure to your beach day.
The calm, shallow waters are perfect for families, while the surrounding palm trees provide welcome shade. For the best views, climb up to the observation tower on the offshore islet – on a clear day, you can see all the way to Indonesia!
14. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay is the crown jewel of Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches. The crescent-shaped cove is framed by dramatic rock formations, creating a series of hidden coves perfect for exploration.
The pink sand, created by crushed shells and coral, is soft underfoot and creates a stunning contrast with the turquoise waters. Don’t miss the chance to explore the sea caves at low tide or climb the surrounding cliffs for breathtaking views of the bay.
15. Playa de Ses Illetes, Spain
Located on the tiny island of Formentera, Playa de Ses Illetes is often compared to Caribbean beaches due to its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. The beach is long and narrow, with shallow waters on both sides, creating a unique double-beach effect.
The waters here are impossibly blue and perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. As you relax on the sand, you’ll have views of the neighboring island of Ibiza in the distance. Don’t forget to try some fresh seafood at one of the beachside chiringuitos!
16. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach on Oahu is often described as a slice of heaven on Earth. The name itself means “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian, and it certainly lives up to its name. The beach is relatively small and secluded, giving it an intimate, peaceful feel.
The sand here is soft and white, and the water is a mesmerizing shade of turquoise. What makes Lanikai truly special are the two small islands visible offshore, known as the Mokulua Islands. They create a postcard-perfect view that’s hard to beat, especially at sunrise.
17. Sunrise Beach, Thailand
Located on the island of Koh Lipe, Sunrise Beach lives up to its name by offering spectacular sunrises that paint the sky in vibrant hues. The long stretch of powdery sand is perfect for morning walks or yoga sessions as you greet the day.
The clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with colorful coral reefs just offshore. As the day progresses, you can watch long-tail boats bobbing in the bay and enjoy the laid-back island atmosphere that makes Koh Lipe so special.
18. Anse Georgette, Seychelles
Anse Georgette on Praslin Island is a hidden gem that requires a bit of effort to reach, but the reward is well worth it. This secluded beach is framed by granite boulders and lush vegetation, creating a sense of being in your own private paradise.
The sand here is incredibly fine and white, and the water is a mesmerizing shade of blue. There are no facilities on the beach, adding to its unspoiled charm. Pack a picnic and spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the pristine beauty of this Seychellois wonder.
19. Playa Paraiso, Cuba
True to its name, which means “Paradise Beach,” Playa Paraiso in Cuba is a vision of tropical perfection. Located on Cayo Largo del Sur, this beach boasts powdery white sand and shallow, warm waters that stretch out as far as the eye can see.
The beach is relatively undeveloped, maintaining its natural beauty. Spend your day lounging under the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring the nearby mangrove forests. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, reflecting off the calm sea.
20. Rabbit Beach, Italy
Despite its name, you won’t find any rabbits on this stunning beach on the Italian island of Lampedusa. What you will find is a crescent of golden sand nestled in a protected cove, surrounded by rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
The beach is part of a nature reserve and is an important nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The waters here are calm and shallow, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. As you float in the warm Mediterranean Sea, you might even spot some friendly fish swimming around you!
21. Wineglass Bay, Australia
Nestled in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is a perfect curve of white sand framed by pink granite peaks. The beach is accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, which helps maintain its pristine condition.
The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, and the surrounding bushland is home to a variety of wildlife, including wallabies and wombats. For the best views, hike up to the Wineglass Bay Lookout – the sight of the perfectly curved bay from above is truly unforgettable.
22. Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
Part of the Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay on St. John island is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The beach features powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
What sets Trunk Bay apart is its underwater snorkel trail, complete with plaques that guide you through the colorful coral reefs. The beach is well-maintained and offers amenities like showers and a snack bar, making it perfect for a full day of seaside relaxation.
23. Cala Macarella, Spain
Hidden away on the island of Menorca, Cala Macarella is a picture-perfect cove that looks like it’s been plucked from a postcard. The beach is a crescent of fine white sand, embraced by limestone cliffs covered in pine trees.
The waters here are an impossible shade of turquoise and incredibly clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For a bit of adventure, follow the coastal path to the neighboring cove of Cala Macarelleta – it’s smaller and even more secluded, offering a sense of discovering your own private beach paradise.
These 23 beautiful beaches are just a small sample of the incredible coastal wonders our planet has to offer. From the pink sands of the Bahamas to the dramatic cliffs of Thailand, each beach has its own unique charm and beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway or planning your next adventure, let these stunning shorelines inspire you to explore the world’s most enchanting beaches. Remember, there’s a perfect stretch of sand out there waiting for you – all you have to do is find it!
