These Are the 18 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
Time to book your next vacation!
Mountains or beach? It's a question that commonly arises in an effort to pinpoint someone's personality. While it's often considered a strict dichotomy, it is possible to find common ground between the two. The secret to doing so? Unveiling the most beautiful beaches in the world. While some of the most stunning seascapes center around just that—sand, salt, the ocean, and reefs—many others incorporate towering cliffs that also give mountain lovers something to look forward to. So, whether you're dreaming up your next big vacation or are ready to take the leap and book a spur-of-the-moment getaway, we're here to help. Ahead, you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, scattered from Hawaii to Thailand to Belize to Australia—and everywhere in between. The only question is: Which beach will you visit first? Or, better yet, how many have you traveled to so far?
Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Between the coastal towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro sits the "Golden Beach" of Portugal. Praia da Marinha is regarded as one of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe for its orange limestone cliffs and sparkling blue waters. While the beach is rather small, there's plenty of fun to be had hiking the cliffs of the coast and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR THE MARINHA
Placencia Beach, Belize
Placencia Beach is located off the tip of the Placencia Peninsula along the southeastern tip of Belize. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and ripe rainforests, Placencia has so much more to offer than just sand and the sun. The palm tree-dotted paradise is home to a quaint fishing village, waterfalls, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the world's only jaguar preserve.
Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Cove, Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece touts brilliant blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs. It's reportedly one of the most photographed places in Greece—and it's clear to see why. One thing to note: It's most easily accessed by water.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia may have world-class beaches, but the beach itself is best known for the massive pitons (mountainous volcanic plugs that are dormant) looming in the background. Talk about a beautiful backdrop.
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Looking for crystal-clear waters ripe with snorkeling adventures surrounded by palm trees and mountains just waiting to be explored? Ko Phi Phi in Thailand is calling your name.
Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles
Granite boulders surround this picturesque pink sand beach. Covered in lush greenery and surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles is a sight to behold.
The Maldives
Chances are, you've had pictures of The Maldives floating around your computer as a screensaver at least once in your life. The beach paradise is renowned for its vivid blue waters and winding oceanfront boardwalks.
Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
You don't have to venture outside of the United States to discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Instead, head to Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii to surround yourself with lush green mountains, turquoise waters, and white sands.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda is a Caribbean beach that's unique for its boulder-rimmed pools, which make for incredibly refreshing wading pools. If white sand is your goal, head to nearby Spring Bay or Devil's Bay.
Ora Beach, Moluccas, Seram Island, Indonesia
Hoping to explore the forest and coral reefs while on your next beach vacation? Consider a trip to Ora Beach, Moluccas, Seram Island, Indonesia. The water cottages alone will make you want to go back time and time again.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
This white-sand masterpiece is known as Whitsunday Islands, and it's located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia. Although the water is the first thing to capture the eye, the surrounding mountains are studded with hiking trails, so all sorts of adventure await.
Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu
Located in the South Pacific, Champagne Beach boasts powdery white sand beaches that are so soft you'll want to walk along the shore all day long. One thing to note: The beach often sees tourists from Australian cruise ships, so get there early to beat the crowds.
Tikehau Island, Tahiti
Take a deep breath as you relax in a water bungalow alongside pristine white sand beaches shaded with palms. In the crystal clear water, you'll find a vibrant coral reef perfect for snorkeling.
Byron Bay, Australia
If a breathtaking beach vacation includes a view of a lighthouse, make sure to add Byron Bay, Australia to your list. Located on Australia's northeast coast, Byron Bay is renowned for its pristine beaches, wildlife safari tours, and more.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN BYRON BAY
Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia
Complete with white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, vibrant green rainforests, and hiking trails galore, Mo'orea Island is thought to be the crown jewel of French Polynesia. If the island itself isn't enough to make you swoon, the panoramic views of Tahiti certainly will be.
Arch of Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is distinctive, to say the least. However, the area has so much more to offer than just a picturesque cliff protruding from the water—it has spectacular sandy beaches, too.
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Wailea is unique in that it has not one, but five beautiful beaches. It's located in the southern part of Maui and is characterized by stunning sandy shores, as well as world-class golf courses and gorgeous resorts.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN WAILEA
Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Although many of the world's most beautiful beaches are located in the Pacific and Caribbean, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa sits at the base of the Twelve Apostles Mountains looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. It's truly a sight to behold.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, primarily covering women’s interest topics. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sweating her way through an Orangetheory class, or taking it easy with family and friends
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