We’ve shaken off the sand and applied some soothing aloe to present to you the 20 most stunning beaches around the globe. Of course, we’ve included the usual suspects, featuring some of the finest Caribbean, Mediterranean, Hawaiian, and South Pacific shores, but we’ve also uncovered gems from more surprising locations, spanning from Africa to Australia and beyond. So grab your sunscreen and swimsuit and prepare to explore these 20 incredible beaches worldwide.
1. Whitehaven Beach
Location: Whitsunday Island, Australia
Highlights: Access to the Great Barrier Reef and stunning white silica sand
Whitehaven Beach is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and photogenic appeal. Located on Whitsunday Island, this beach boasts some of the brightest and whitest sands globally, composed mainly of silica, which keeps the sand cool under the hot Australian sun—perfect for a barefoot walk. The crystal-clear waters, part of the Great Barrier Reef, invite refreshing swims, while the tidal currents shape the sand into mesmerizing patterns of green and blue.
Efforts to maintain the beach’s pristine status include initiatives like the Whitsunday Climate Change Innovation Hub, overseen by the Whitsunday Regional Council, focusing on reducing carbon footprints in marine tourism.
Getting There:
Travelers can reach Whitehaven Beach via a one-hour boat ride from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour port to Hamilton Island, followed by a quick 10-minute boat trip to Whitsunday Island. Alternatively, direct flights to Hamilton Island are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns.
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2. Ipanema Beach
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Highlights: Vibrant atmosphere with numerous sun-soaked activities
For decades, Ipanema Beach has graced travel brochures and advertisements, drawing visitors to its golden sands on the edge of Rio de Janeiro. Known for its lively ambiance, Ipanema offers a quintessential Rio experience where locals flock to sunbathe, play volleyball, and surf. The stunning backdrop of the Dois Irmãos mountains and the energetic party atmosphere make this beach a must-visit.
Getting There:
Direct flights to Rio de Janeiro are available from airports in Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and New York City (JFK). From the airport, Ipanema is just a 10-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute subway journey on the Metrô Rio.
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3. Waimea Bay Beach Park
Location: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Highlights: Spectacular big-wave surfing opportunities
Waimea Bay is famous for hosting “The Eddie,” a thrilling winter surfing tournament where elite surfers take on towering waves reaching up to 30 feet. Visitors can enjoy a prime spot on the expansive yellow sand beach to witness this breathtaking spectacle. During the summer, calmer conditions are ideal for beginner surfers and snorkelers eager to explore vibrant underwater life, including dolphins and sea turtles. Adventurous souls can jump off the black rock at the beach’s southern end into the deep blue ocean below.
Consider contributing to local sustainability efforts by volunteering with organizations like Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i or the Surfrider Foundation.
Getting There:
More than 20 U.S. cities offer direct flights to Honolulu on O‘ahu. From there, it’s a 30-mile drive to Waimea Bay.
4. Lister Ellenbogen
Location: Sylt, Germany
Highlights: Serene white sands and grassy dunes
Located in the northern reaches of Germany, Sylt offers a delightful blend of elegance, luxury, and natural beauty. While the popular 18-mile-long Weststrand beach is appealing, the beaches near List are equally stunning, featuring soft white sands and gentle dunes. Enjoy a freshly made fish sandwich from Gosch Lister Fischhaus while taking in views that extend to Denmark.
Getting There:
The quickest route to Sylt is by plane, with several German airports (as well as Zurich and Luxembourg) offering direct flights. Alternatively, you can take a car ferry from the nearby Danish island of Rømo, which takes about 40 minutes. Train travel is also an option via the Hindenburgdamm causeway connecting mainland Germany to Sylt.
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5. Matira Beach
Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Highlights: Breathtaking sunsets away from crowded resorts
Matira Beach is the most accessible beach on Bora Bora, offering locals and visitors a serene setting to enjoy stunning sunsets. Its silky white sand and crystal-clear waters provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation. As the day ends, visitors can unwind at one of the nearby beachfront eateries, sipping cocktails while marveling at the vibrant sunset.
Getting There:
There are no direct flights to Bora Bora from outside French Polynesia. Travelers can fly to Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (with direct flights from Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles) and then take a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora.
6. Grand Anse Beach
Location: Grenada
Highlights: Fantastic diving experiences with underwater wonders
Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach is often hailed as the island’s finest, featuring nearly two miles of dazzling white sand and tranquil Caribbean waters. Between the beach and lush resort area, there’s much to explore beneath the waves. Obtain a dive certification with Dive Grenada or snorkel to spot stingrays, sea turtles, and seahorses. Advanced divers can also explore underwater shipwrecks.
Getting There:
Direct flights to Grenada’s airport are available from New York (JFK), Charlotte, or Miami. The beach is just a five-minute taxi ride from the airport.
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7. Natadola Beach
Location: Viti Levu, Fiji
Highlights: Ideal surfing conditions for all skill levels
With its yellow sand and stunning turquoise waters, Natadola Beach stands out among Fiji’s beautiful beaches. Visitors don’t have to stay at a luxury resort to access this beach, which offers good swimming and varying wave conditions for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Local vendors often sell seashells and coconuts, and horseback rides along the beach are available for around $30.
Getting There:
Fly directly from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Nadi on the western side of Viti Levu. Natadola Beach is a 45-minute taxi ride from the airport.
8. Praia de Augas Santas
Location: Galicia, Spain
Highlights: Stunning natural sculptures revealed at low tide
At high tide, Praia de Augas Santas is hidden, but as the tide recedes, it unveils an extraordinary landscape of natural sculptures on its golden sands. The coastal winds and currents have shaped impressive formations, earning this beach the nickname “Cathedrals Beach.” Visitors can walk among the towering structures, some nearly 90 feet high, although caution is advised when swimming due to tidal changes.
Getting There:
To reach Praia de Augas Santas, fly into major Spanish airports such as Madrid or Barcelona, then connect to Asturias Airport. From there, it’s about a one-hour drive to the beach.
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9. Seven Mile Beach
Location: Grand Cayman
Highlights: Relaxation and enjoyment on a pristine beach
Seven Mile Beach is frequently recognized as one of the Caribbean’s best, boasting a picturesque stretch of bright white sand that extends approximately five miles. This beach offers plenty of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and upscale resorts, as well as activities like parasailing and snorkeling at Cemetery Reef.
Getting There:
Numerous cities have direct flights to Grand Cayman, but Miami is a convenient hub with multiple daily flights. The airport is just a short bus ride (20 minutes) or a quick 10-minute drive from Seven Mile Beach.
10. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
Location: Bandon, Oregon
Highlights: Breathtaking landscapes and serene surroundings
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint features striking rock formations along the Pacific coast, complemented by miles of soft golden sand for a peaceful retreat. This area is perfect for birdwatching, fishing, or foraging for shellfish (license required). Don’t miss the Circles in the Sand events throughout the year, where visitors can walk through intricate patterns designed by local sand artist Denny Dyke.
Getting There:
Visitors arriving in Portland should rent a car and drive approximately 250 miles southwest to reach the beach. Alternatively, travelers from San Francisco or Denver can fly to Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and then drive or take a bus for a short trip to the viewpoint.
11. Long Beach
Location: Koh Rong, Cambodia
Ideal For: A picturesque island escape
Long Beach on Koh Rong is renowned for its stunning, unspoiled sands, reminiscent of Thailand’s beaches from decades past. Spanning over four miles, this pristine stretch of white sand offers a tranquil retreat. To reach Long Beach, take a 40-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville on the Cambodian mainland. For an added convenience, consider staying at a beachfront hotel like Sok San Beach Resort, where you can step straight from your room onto the sand.
Travel Tips:
Direct flights from the U.S. to Cambodia aren’t available. Travel via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Ho Chi Minh City to Sihanoukville’s provincial airport, then catch a 40-minute ferry to Koh Rong.
12. Hidden Beach
Location: Marietas Islands, Mexico
Ideal For: Experiencing a beach inside a crater
Hidden Beach, or Playa del Amor, located in Mexico’s Marietas Islands National Park, is an extraordinary destination. This yellow-sand beach, concealed within a large crater, is accessible only by swimming or kayaking through a rock tunnel at low tide. The beach is rumored to have formed during Mexican government weapon tests. Despite its surreal beauty, facilities are non-existent, but you may escape the crowds outside peak season. Take a speedboat from Puerto Vallarta for a small group excursion to this unique location.
Travel Tips:
Direct flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) are available from many large U.S. cities. To reach the Marietas Islands, book a charter boat or tour operator for the hour-long ride.
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13. Saint-Jean
Location: St. Bart’s
Ideal For: Sunbathing and spotting celebrities
Saint-Jean, in the luxurious area of St. Bart’s, offers two stunning beaches separated by the famed Eden Rock Hotel. The beaches sit within a crescent-shaped Caribbean bay with calm waves. While the western end is partly obstructed by the airport’s landing strip, ample space remains for sunbathing farther east. The serene waters are perfect for swimming and sailing.
Travel Tips:
There are no direct flights from the U.S. mainland to St. Bart’s. Fly to Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten, then take a short flight or ferry to St. Bart’s. Alternatively, fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and use Tradewind services to reach St. Bart’s.
14. Machir Bay
Location: Islay, Scotland
Ideal For: Bird-watching and scenic walks
Machir Bay, located on the Scottish island of Islay, features the island’s finest sandy stretch. Surrounded by grassy dunes, it’s a prime spot for bird-watchers, with sightings of geese, guillemots, gannets, golden eagles, and puffins. The weather can be unpredictable, but the dramatic Scottish skies enhance the area’s charm. To warm up, visit the nearby Kilchoman Distillery for a scotch tasting.
Travel Tips:
Fly to Edinburgh from major U.S. cities like New York (JFK or EWR), Orlando, Washington, D.C. (IAD), Chicago, or Boston. Drive 3.5 hours to Kennacraig ferry terminal and then take a 3-hour ferry to Islay.
15. Plaka
Location: Naxos, Greece
Ideal For: Classic Greek beach landscapes
Plaka Beach on Naxos Island features golden sand and turquoise waters, making it a prime spot for beach lovers. The 2.5-mile stretch offers various beach bars and restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine. It’s perfect for sunbathing, paddleboarding, or windsurfing. The northern end is a popular area for nudists.
Travel Tips:
Fly to Athens from major U.S. cities like Chicago, Atlanta, or New York (JFK or EWR). From Athens, you can take a regional flight or ferry from Piraeus to Naxos. Plaka Beach is a 30-minute bus ride from the ferry port.
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16. Praia da Adraga
Location: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal
Ideal For: Scenic beach outings and surfing
Praia da Adraga, situated in Portugal’s Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, offers beautiful golden sand and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is adorned with rocky formations, sea-carved arches, and lush cliffs. Located just an hour from Lisbon, it’s a favored weekend destination for locals but remains quiet during the week. Enjoy seafood dishes at Restaurante da Adraga while soaking in the views.
Travel Tips:
Direct flights to Lisbon are available from U.S. airports like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City. From Lisbon, take a train or bus to Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, with buses leading to Praia da Adraga.
17. Cefalù
Location: Sicily, Italy
Ideal For: Coastal charm and historic sites
Cefalù, a picturesque Sicilian town, features a 1.25-mile sandy beach bordered by a dramatic sandstone rock formation. Enjoy the warm, clear waters and relax on the beach, or explore the charming Old Town and its medieval cathedral. After a day in the sun, dine at one of the seaside Italian restaurants.
Travel Tips:
Fly into Palermo from Europe, where you can find numerous direct flights. From Palermo, take a one-hour train ride to Cefalù.
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18. Ilıca
Location: Çeşme, Turkey
Ideal For: Windsurfing and a quieter beach experience
Ilıca Beach, a mile-long Blue Flag beach in Çeşme, offers a less crowded alternative to the more tourist-heavy spots like Bodrum. It’s known for its excellent windsurfing conditions and has ample facilities including beach bars and loungers.
Travel Tips:
Fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, then take a one-hour flight to Izmir. From Izmir, a 1.5-hour bus ride will get you to Çeşme.
19. Dolfynstrand
Location: Dolfynstrand, Namibia
Ideal For: Unique desert-meets-sea landscapes
Dolfynstrand in Namibia is where desert sands meet the Atlantic Ocean, right at the edge of Namib-Naukluft National Park. The beach offers an expansive feel, often shrouded in morning fog. Nearby Walvis Bay, a short drive away, is home to large seal colonies.
Travel Tips:
There are no direct flights to Namibia from the U.S. Fly to Johannesburg (JNB) from New York (EWR) or Atlanta, then connect to Walvis Bay (WVB) with Airlink.
20. Varkala Beach
Location: Kerala, India
Ideal For: Relaxing with a spiritual touch
Varkala Beach in Kerala offers a serene retreat with its wide sandy stretch and backdrop of orange cliffs. Believed to cleanse the soul, the beach is popular with both locals and travelers. The town offers various accommodations and a range of South Indian cuisine.
Travel Tips:
The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram, about 30 miles from Varkala. Fly from Chicago, San Francisco, New York (JFK or EWR), or Washington, D.C. (IAD) to New Delhi, then connect to Thiruvananthapuram. A 30-minute train ride from the airport will take you to Varkala.