What makes a beach truly unforgettable? For some, it’s the dramatic landscapes, vivid hues, or striking contrasts that turn a simple shoreline into a surreal escape. These 20 extraordinary beaches around the world redefine beauty, offering vistas that stay etched in memory forever.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
This beach on La Digue Island is famed for its enormous granite boulders carved by centuries of weathering. The shallow, warm waters make it a treat for swimming and snorkeling lovers, especially at low tide. It’s also one of the calmest beaches in the Seychelles, protected by a coral reef.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Stretching over four miles in the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach’s silica sand is 98% pure, so fine it squeaks beneath your feet. It doesn’t retain heat, which makes the sand perfect for barefoot strolls. For breathtaking aerial views of these swirling white sands and turquoise water, visit the nearby Hill Inlet.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Also called Shipwreck Beach, this beach is a cove on Zakynthos Island. Notably, it’s famous for the MV Panagiotis wreck that washed ashore in 1980. Since Navagio is surrounded by cliffs over 650 feet high, it’s accessible only by boat. You can often pair it with a climb to the viewpoint for panoramic shots.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Harbour Island’s three-mile-long beach gets its pink hue from crushed foraminifera shells. Unlike many pink-sand beaches, this beach’s color is vivid and noticeable. Along with its unique shade, the gentle slope into the sea and nearby reefs make it a prime spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
Maya Bay, Thailand
After years of over-tourism, this bay on Ko Phi Phi Leh reopened with new rules to preserve its ecosystem. Maya Bay’s U-shaped beach is lined with cliffs and features waters teeming with blacktip reef sharks. If you want calmer waters, it’s best to come here between November and April.
Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Anse Lazio, on Praslin Island, often falls among the world’s top beaches due to its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s different from many Seychelles beaches, as there’s no coral reef blocking the shoreline, which makes it perfect for open-water swimming.
Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
This half-mile beach has one of the rare public access points to Bora Bora island’s lagoon. Matira’s calm, shallow waters make it a family-friendly destination, and the sunset views draw photographers from across the globe. You can rent a canoe and enjoy freshly caught seafood just a short distance away.
Bora Bora Island, French Polynesia
After spending time in Matira, you can explore some smaller, hidden beaches at the Bora Bora island. These are the ones that are accessible only by boat. Snorkelers also flock to Coral Gardens, a vibrant underwater site nearby. Plus, overwater bungalows offer direct access to the lagoon, where rays and tropical fish glide past your villa.
Maui Island, Hawaii, USA
From Waianapanapa’s black sands to Kaanapali’s golden stretch, this island brings a lot of diversity. If you’re a hiker, rush to the Red Sand Beach for thrills, and if you’re a surfer, ride the Ho’okipa Beach’s world-class waves. Don’t forget to visit the Molokini Crater, a partially submerged volcano, which is a prime snorkeling site here.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii, USA
Despite its beauty, Lanikai remains relatively uncrowded because of the limited public parking access. The Hawaiian beach is celebrated for its jaw-dropping sunrise views over the Mokulua Islands. For kayaking or paddleboarding enthusiasts, the offshore reef ensures smooth waters year-round, providing the perfect environment to enjoy the sea.
Baía do Sancho, Brazil
There’s a secluded cove in Brazil, Baía do Sancho—titled the best beach in the world multiple times by TripAdvisor. This beach is home to green turtles, spinner dolphins, and some of Brazil’s clearest waters. It’s a part of Fernando de Noronha’s marine national park and is accessible by boat or a ladder down cliffs.
El Nido, Philippines
In Palawan, the El Nido municipality features over 50 beaches surrounded by karst limestone cliffs. There’s Bacuit Bay, which has lagoons, hidden caves, and coral reefs—a snorkeling and kayaking haven! Don’t miss the Big Lagoon, known for its surreal aquamarine waters that seem almost otherworldly.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
On Providenciales, Grace Bay’s calm waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a snorkeling paradise, especially near Smith’s Reef. The 12-mile stretch of soft sand is lined with luxury resorts. As you relax by the water, you might even spot JoJo, a friendly wild dolphin who’s a regular visitor to the bay.
Tulum Beach, Mexico
Tulum is a Riviera Maya gem that combines pristine sands with views of ancient Mayan ruins perched on cliffs. Explore this beach if you like nature walks, yoga retreats, and eco-friendly resorts. The beaches here are also near cenotes, where you can swim in crystal-clear sinkholes surrounded by jungle.
Playa Paraiso, Mexico
Just a short walk from Tulum’s ruins will take you to Playa Paraiso—a wider beach with turquoise waters. The shore has palm trees, and people love the kiteboarding opportunities owing to the consistent winds. For a peaceful swim, go early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
The Seven Mile Beach is actually about 5.5 miles long. It’s in Grand Cayman and is famous for its soft sands and lively atmosphere. If you’re traveling with kids, there are calm, shallow waters that are safe and sound. Moreover, Seven Miles is a top spot for savoring sunsets and practicing scuba diving.
Anse Georgette, Seychelles
You can reach Anse Georgette via Constance Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island—a hidden gem for people who want privacy. Lush vegetation and sparkling waters surround this destination. Skilled swimmers and surfers can enjoy waves that go from strong to ideal, thanks to the absence of coral reefs here.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba’s Eagle Beach is famous for its fofoti trees, which are shaped by constant trade winds. It’s a nesting site for four precious turtle species. You’ll enjoy the wide shores and clear, shallow waters as you take a long walk during the day. The year-round sunny weather ensures you can visit anytime.
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
The crescent-shaped beach gets its pink hue from coral and calcium carbonate particles. A protective reef creates calm waters at Horseshoe Bay, which makes it the best place for snorkeling in the summer. Its sheltered coves are good for families with kids, and the nearby trails lead to even quieter spots.
Maldives
You must have heard about the beauty of the island nation, the Maldives. Here, some of the beaches have bioluminescent plankton, which lights up the water at night—a mesmerizing view! Honeymooners love the resorts on private islands while diving excursions reveal some of the world’s best coral reefs.
