Beaches are incredible places to lower your stress and enjoy the moment. I usually drive to the beach whenever I feel blue. When I see the waters splashing on the shores, I feel like my worries are also washing away — it gives me a lot of comfort.
I’ve traveled to over 49 countries around the world, and I’ve seen some beautiful beaches. I love to visit beaches at sunrise or sunset because it just gives it that extra magical touch. There’s nothing that could beat the beach when it comes to bringing back memories and having a bit of fun.
If you love beaches like me, here are some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world that you need to visit.
1. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
If it’s your first time to visit Grace Bay Beach, you’re surely in it for a treat. This place in Turks and Caicos has been named the World’s Leading Beach Destination by the World’s Travel Awards and ranked 2nd based on Trip Advisor.
Here, you can snorkel, swim, parasail, or just enjoy the lovely view of the beach while resting on the sand. If you go here, I suggest that you wait for the sunset — it’s fantastic to watch. While waiting, you can also choose to walk on the seven-and-a-half-mile span of this beach from Blue Hills to North West Point.
2. Elafonissi Beach, Greece
When you hear Elafonissi Beach, you get the picture of soft, pinkish sands. When you go here, you can enjoy its various shades of blue waters, which is amazing. The water here is shallow, which is good if you travel with kids.
Repeatedly recognized by places like Tripadvisor as one of the best beaches in the world, this certainly isn’t the undiscovered beach where you’ll be the only ones there. The upside is that there are plenty of facilities, like showers, umbrellas, lifeguards and changing rooms.
3. Le Morne, Mauritius
Le Morne in Mauritius is home to the illusion of an underground waterfall off the coast, that is surrounded by clear waters and white sands. You can best see this from the air. Aside from that, the beach is remarkable, you can swim and snorkel or rest under a few shady palm trees here.
If you get bored, you can hike to Le Morne Mountain, part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List, where you can get an incredible view of the islands. Furthermore, this beach is accessible to everyone and offers free parking.
4. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
When I saw Hanalei Bay Beach in Hawaii, I felt impressed, to say the least. The beach has golden sand with gigantic mountains on the backdrop. Even when you don’t necessarily enjoy lying on the beach, there are plenty of views to draw your attention.
This Hawaiian beach is perfect and serene, even when it’s busy, which makes it great for those who are looking for a peaceful place for a vacation. The beach has gentle waves in summer, which gives a perfect condition for swimming. When you visit, make sure not to miss the stunningly beautiful sunset.
5. Copacabana, Brazil
If you are looking for a beach that will get you energized, visit the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I was impressed by its golden sands that stretch for miles, we walked for hours along the beach and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
It is frequented by many locals and tourists, making it lively and fun. While we were there, it was over 100 degrees, but locals didn’t shy away from sitting on the beach at 3 p.m. The beach is truly a way of life there, which is something you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Rio de Janeiro. The beach offers stunning views of both the city and mountains, which means you absolutely have to stay to see the sunset.
6. Sotavento Beach, Spain
When you go to Sotavento Beach in Spain, located on the island of Fuerteventura, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered an endless beach. Here, you can find golden dunes and rolling waves that create a stunning setting for adventure and relaxation.
The winds here make it ideal for surfing and kitesurfing if you want to be a little more active. This adds to the thrill of your beach experience and the quietness that invites you to explore its natural beauty.
7. Platja de Ses Illetes, Spain
If you are looking for a stunning beach with clear water and fantastic views, you should not miss Platja de Ses Illetes in Spain. Located on Formentera, part of the Balearic Islands, it’s only a short ferry ride away from Ibiza. The water here is very clear, which lets you see the fine sand underneath.
It’s not a very quiet beach, if that’s what you are looking for I’d recommend to continue past the parking to find some quiet spots to relax. If you feel like walking, you can walk northward, which takes you to the island’s tip, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the various blue colors of the waters and the surroundings.
8. La Pelosa Beach, Italy
Located on the Italian island Sardinia, Pelosa Beach is known for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. It is as a great spot to snorkel, sunbathe and swim.
To avoid overcrowding, it’s necessary to make a reservation and claim one of the 1,500 places available daily. Even when you have a reservation, you need to bring a beach mat to put between your towel and the sand on the beach. You can also get one when you arrive. So yes, it certainly requires some planning, but visiting this beach is more than worth it if you’re a beach lover.
9. Scala dei Turchi, Italy
Scala dei Turchi in Sicily is probably one of the most breathtaking natural views in the region. There you can see the white cliffs that resemble giant steps going down into the sea; this naturally calls for a dramatic contrast with blue water.
Because of its popularity, the site is now more regulated to prevent further erosion. There’s an entry fee with time slots, which regulates how many people can visit at the same time. It’s no longer allowed to walk on the steps as well, to maintain the shape of the cliffs as is.
10. Praia de Marinha, Portugal
Among the famous beaches of Portugal is Praia de Marinha in the Southern Algarve region. The beach is known for its golden cliffs that stand in stark contrast to the crystal-clear waters below. The rock formations and hidden caves make it perfect for photographers and a favorite among nature lovers.
The best way to appreciate the cliffs’ beauty is to explore them from above along the walking paths and take plenty of pictures of the views. See them up close after that by walking down to the beach, if possible, and enjoy some swimming and snorkeling while you’re at it.
11. White Beach, Boracay, Philippines
The island of Boracay is globally famous for its white sandy beaches, clean waters, and palm trees everywhere. This beautiful place is perfect for both relaxation and fun activities like snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and island hopping.
If you’re looking for one beach on the island, White Beach is the one to visit. Try walking barefoot on the beach, feeling the soft, powdery sand between your toes, and seeing the crystal clear water. That’s one of the better experiences this island offers: the chance to enjoy nature, just as Boracay is so famous for.
12. Radhanagar Beach, India
Radhanagar Beach on the Andaman Islands, off the coast of mainland India, is one of the best beaches in Asia. With its soft, white sand and calm, clear water, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
When you visit, you can take a peaceful walk along the shore or just sit and watch the waves roll in. The sunsets here are incredible, painting the sky with incredible colors with the relaxing background sounds of the rolling waves.
13. Bai Dam Trau Beach, Vietnam
Bai Dam Trau Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Con Dao Island, Vietnam. It is a paradise that has soft, golden sand and crystal-clear water.
You can walk up and down the beach when you get there, feeling the splash of the waves against your feet. If you are looking to spend some time on the water, rent a snorkel and look for colorful fish swimming alongside you in the clear water.
14. Railay Beach, Thailand
Railay Beach in Thailand is a stunning destination that gets a lot of its charm from the towering cliffs and lush jungle. Accessible only by boat, this beach offers a unique sense of adventure. It’s easily reachable from Krabi, and boats go regularly depending on season and weather.
Because it’s only accessible by boat, it’s very calm once you arrive there. For a more active day, consider renting a kayak to explore the emerald water and nearby caves. Embrace the natural beauty that surrounds you in this extraordinary location.
15. Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Matira Beach in Bora Bora is everything you dream of and more. The soft, fluffy sand and calm turquoise waters make it a perfect spot to unwind.
Strolling along the beach allows you to take in the breathtaking views of the lush green hills nearby. Enjoy the tropical atmosphere and create unforgettable memories at this idyllic destination.
16. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles
Anse Source D’Argent in Seychelles feels like a scene from a fairytale. The clear lagoon is ideal for snorkeling, while the giant granite boulders create a unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else.
Explore the vibrant underwater world and relax on the soft sand as you soak up the sun. This truly feels like a slice of paradise waiting for you.
17. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa
Camps Bay Beach in Cape Town is a lively and beautiful destination. With Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop, you won’t get bored when you spend your time here. The beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Explore the colorful streets nearby and indulge in delicious local food. Whether you want to hike or go whale-watching, there’s plenty to do in this location.
18. Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
Destin, located in the Panhandle, Florida, is known for its view of the Gulf of Mexico on sugary white sand and rolling Emerald Coast waves.
Henderson Beach State Park has walking trails that provide visitors with a glimpse into Florida’s special ecosystems. The park also commemorates great efforts in conservation as nature is closer.
19. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is a fantastic beach that everybody needs to see. The soft sand feels incredible beneath your feet, and the calm water is perfect for swimming.
Try different water sports or relax at beach bars while soaking up the sun. Whether you’re looking for fun or relaxation, this beach has everything you need.
Featured Image: SimonDannhauer/depositphotos
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
