For centuries, beaches have enticed travelers with an irreplaceable blend of sand, sea, and sky. The best beaches in the world are more than ideal spots to kick back and relax. They are incredible natural wonders that demonstrate what paradise can be like, and as unique as there are beaches they also lure into wanting to share their features and experiences. Whether its the clear blue lagoons of the Caribbean or the wild unspoiled shores of Brazil, beaches exemplify relaxation, adventure, and beauty.
When considering the best beaches in the world, there can be a multitude of factors, such as the scenery of the sand, water quality and temperature, nature, access, and adventure. Some beaches are renowned for their picturesque appeal, some for their serenity, as some for recreation options. Regardless of characteristics, they all represent an ideal coastal experience, or beach experience, that evokes a sense of time standing still and sometimes destinations you never forget.
There are ten destinations. Each carefully selected to give some diversity in geography, culture, and natural scenery, that are considered the best beaches in the world. There are quieter beaches, lively marine life, busy beaches, and great culture. Beaches that appeal to any traveler.
Get ready to find lagoon blues, pink sands, hidden coves, and legendary coastlines. Here are the world’s best beaches- all must-see beaches that evoke the feeling, or idea of what paradise can be.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos (Caribbean)
Overview:
Grace Bay is situated on Providenciales, the crown jewel of the Turks and Caicos. With soft, powdery white sand and crystalline turquoise waters, Grace Bay always ranks among the best beaches in the world.
Why It Stands Out:
Grace Bay’s calm, shallow waters, which are protected by a barrier reef, make it ideal for families and for snorkelers.
Things to Do:
- Snorkeling on the reef
- Sailing or paddleboarding
- Dining with a sunset view at a beachfront restaurant
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit is from December to April for optimal weather, though May – August has fewer crowds.
Travel Tips:
The beach is lined with luxury beachfront resorts, but there are quieter spots at each end of Grace Bay.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Overview:
Whitehaven is among the best beaches in the world due to its pure silica sand and swirling turquoise waters.
Why It Stands Out:
The sand is 98% silica and never gets hot; the sand is comfortable to walk on.
Things to Do:
- Scenic flights in a helicopter or seaplane
- Sailing tours around the Whitsundays
- Relax at the sandbars of Hill Inlet
Best Time to Visit:
May to October is Australia’s dry season and the best time to visit.
Travel Tips:
There is no road access, only via boat or air, so make sure to book your tours early if visiting in peak season.
Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Overview:
Anse Lazio is framed by granite boulders and lush jungle, and it’s listed in numerous lists of the best beaches in the world.
Why It Stands Out:
Golden sands, turquoise waters and superb snorkeling make it worth a visit.
Things to Do:
- Snorkel with beautiful coral reefs
- Hike the trails above the beach
- Visit nearby Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Best Time to Visit:
April to May and October to November for calmer seas.
Travel Tips:
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Overview:
Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat and is one of the best beaches in the world, noted for its shipwreck and towering cliffs.
Why It Stands Out:
Dramatic white pebbly sand, blue waters and limestone cliffs.
Things to Do:
- Boat to the beach
- View the cove from lookout on the cliffs
- Visit the nearby Blue Caves
Best Time to Visit:
May to September, when June and September are the quieter months.
Travel Tips:
Get on early tours to avoid heavy crowds and midday light.
Matira Beach, French Polynesia
Overview:
Matira is Bora Bora’s most well-known public beach and exemplifies why French Polynesia has some of the best beaches in the world.
Why It Stands Out:
Romantic sunsets and shallow lagoons with crystal-clear waters.
Things to Do:
- Snorkelling and paddleboarding.
- Picnicking on the beach under palm trees.
- Viewing the sunset overlooking Mount Otemanu.
Best Time to Visit:
May to October – the dry season.
Travel Tips:
Water shoes are advised because there will be coral fragments in the shallows.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Overview:
Pink Sands Beach is one of the most unique of the best beaches in the world, stretching for three miles.
Why It Stands Out:
The pink-coloured sand made up of coral fragments definitely makes it unique.
Things to Do:
- Horseback riding along the beach.
- Snorkelling in the reef-protected waters.
- Exploring Dunmore Town.
Best Time to Visit:
December through April, while it will be warm and calm.
Travel Tips:
Take pictures of the beach at sunrise and sunset for the most vivid pink colors.
Baía do Sancho, Brazil
Overview:
Remote and untouched, Baía do Sancho has consistently been voted one of the best beaches in the world.
Why It Stands Out:
Accessibility via steep but manageable ladders or a boat ensures its beauty has somewhat been sheltered.
Things to Do:
- Snorkel with sea turtles and dolphins
- Hike the nearby cliffs for breathtaking views
- Take a boat tour around the island
Best Time to Visit:
April– June for snorkeling, August–October for optimal diving clarity.
Travel Tips:
Permits are needed the earliest the better, as the number of daily visitors is strictly limited.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Overview:
A lively, Caribbean favorite, Seven Mile Beach is contested as the Best Beach in the World for luxurious travel and entertainment.
Why It Stands Out:
Soft sand, clear water, and resorts alter the nature of a beach vacation to become a perfect combination of relaxation and nightlife.
Things to Do:
- Snorkel at Cemetery Reef
- Dine and drink at a beachfront restaurant or bar
- Watch the Caribbean sunsets
Best Time to Visit:
December–April for ideal weather.
Travel Tips:
Book accommodations directly on Seven Mile Beach for the best accessibility but the beach has many public access points!
Playa Norte, Isla Mujere Mexico
Overview:
Playa Norte, the crown jewel of Isla Mujeres, boasts a spot on the best beaches in the world list and is perfect for families or leisure travellers.
Why It Stands Out:
Palm-lined shores that meet shallow turquoise water with beach clubs nearby filled with vibrant energy.
Things to Do:
- Rent loungers at beach clubs
- Snorkel in shallow reefs
- Walk long sandbars extending into the ocean.
Best time to visit:
December to April, when skies are blue and waters are calm.
Travel tips:
Arrive early; loungers can fill fast!
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
Overview:
The Beach movie may have made it famous, but even now that Maya Bay has been put on the list of the best beaches in the world, it is protected with eco-restrictions.
What makes it special:
Dramatic limestone cliffs provide a soft white sand bay and surround an iconic movie scene.
Things to Do:
- Eco-friendly guided tours
- Limited snorkelling
- Exploring other Phi Phi Islands.
Best time to visit:
November to April is Thailand’s dry season.
Travel tips:
Swimming is limited to structures to protect coral.
FAQs about the best beaches in the world.
Which beach has the clearest water?
Grace Bay and Playa Norte are among the best beaches in the world for their clear waters.
Which beach is best for snorkelling?
Baía do Sancho and Anse Lazio are the best beaches in the world for snorkelling because they are rich with a variety of marine life.
Which beach is least crowded?
Baía do Sancho is secluded and has limited access.
Which beach is most luxurious?
Matira Beach in Bora Bora and Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman are the most luxurious of the best beaches in the world.
Are these beaches suitable for families?
Yes; they are suitable, especially Grace Bay, Playa Norte and Seven Mile Beach.
Conclusion
In a world of an infinite amount of beautiful coastlines, the 10 best beaches in the world are in a league of their own. Whether you’re drawn to the isolation of Baía do Sancho, the romance of Bora Bora, or the spirit of Grand Cayman, each of these beaches has experience, memories, and beauty to spare.
Whether your dream is to indulge in luxury in the Caribbean, adventure in Greece, or cinematic beaches in Thailand, the best beaches in the world will not produce anything short of lifetime memories.
Travel responsibly, protect the environment, and leave behind only footprints so that generations to come can experience the best beaches in the world in as pure a state as you.
The best beaches in the world will always be more than destinations; they are experiences that live with you after you have exited the beach and the sand has slipped from your feet.
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