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From pristine white sands and hidden coves to vibrant shores brimming with marine life, the world’s beaches are as diverse as they are breathtaking.
Whether you’re a sun-seeker, surfer, snorkeler, or simply love a good coastal view, this list of the top 100 beaches worldwide is your ultimate guide to the best sandy escapes.
We’ve journeyed from the Caribbean to the South Pacific, handpicked each beach based on beauty, unique features, and unforgettable experiences.
Ready to find your perfect beach destination? Dive in and explore the world’s most captivating coastlines.
Caribbean
100. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Famed for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, Grace Bay is a slice of paradise in the Caribbean. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling, the calm waters are ideal for spotting colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs.
Location & Accessibility
Located on the northeast coast of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay is easily accessible by car or a short walk from most resorts in the area.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between November and May for the best weather and fewer chances of rain. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for quieter beach experiences.
Unique Features
Grace Bay is famous for its long stretches of powdery white sand and clear turquoise water, creating a picture-perfect tropical paradise.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby, you’ll find Princess Alexandra National Park, which offers incredible snorkeling and diving experiences just offshore. Other local highlights include the Provo Golf Club and Caicos Conch Farm.
Activities Available
The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding and even catamaran tours. The calm, clear waters make it perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Facilities & Amenities
Grace Bay has excellent facilities, with nearby restaurants, bars, and public restrooms. Many areas of the beach also offer sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
Local Wildlife
The bay is home to an array of marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and vibrant coral reefs. You may also spot sea turtles if you venture a bit further from shore.
Nearby Food & Drink Options
Try some local flavors at Da Conch Shack, a beachside restaurant famous for its conch fritters, or visit the upscale Infiniti Restaurant & Raw Bar for a unique dining experience with an ocean view.
Beach Safety Tips
The waters are generally calm, but it’s a good idea to swim in designated areas. If snorkeling, watch for boats and stay within marked safe zones.
Cultural or Historical Significance
Grace Bay is part of Princess Alexandra National Park, a protected marine area. Its preservation efforts have helped maintain the beach’s stunning coral reefs and rich biodiversity, making it a cherished site for both locals and visitors.
Tip: Head there early to experience the beach before the crowds arrive.
99. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Known for its wide stretch of soft, white sand and iconic Divi Divi trees, Eagle Beach offers both beauty and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s great for picnics, beach sports, and spectacular sunset views.
Tip: Visit during sea turtle nesting season (March through September) for a chance to see hatchlings.
98. Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands
With an underwater snorkeling trail, Trunk Bay offers a unique way to explore the coral reefs and marine life. Its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings make it a perfect day trip destination.
Tip: Arrive early for the best spots, as it’s one of the most popular beaches on St. John.
97. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is a long stretch of pristine sand with calm waters and abundant resorts, restaurants, and activities nearby. It’s perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts.
Tip: Don’t miss a sunset walk along the beach—it’s breathtaking.
96. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Surrounded by lush rainforests and backed by the towering Pitons, Anse Chastanet is a secluded beach with stunning views and excellent snorkeling. It’s quieter than other St. Lucia beaches, making it ideal for relaxation.
Tip: Pack a mask and fins to enjoy the rich marine life close to shore.
95. Magens Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Magens Bay is a picturesque, heart-shaped bay with calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. Surrounded by green hills, it’s a serene escape for beachgoers.
Tip: Bring cash for entry fees and consider renting a kayak to explore the bay.
94. Nudey Beach, Negril, Jamaica
Despite its playful name, Nudey Beach is a public, family-friendly spot with shallow waters and stunning cliffs. It’s great for wading, snorkeling, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
Tip: Try nearby local food shacks for authentic Jamaican bites after a swim.
93. Leeward Beach, Nevis
Leeward Beach is a quiet, secluded beach with soft sands and shallow waters perfect for peaceful swimming. It’s a favorite among those looking for a less crowded alternative to other Caribbean spots.
Tip: This beach is ideal for bringing a picnic and staying until sunset.
92. Smugglers Cove, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
A hidden gem surrounded by lush hills, Smugglers Cove has calm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It’s a remote and less crowded option for beach lovers.
Tip: Access can be tricky, so consider renting a 4WD to navigate the rough road to get there.
91. Puerto Morelos Beach, Mexico
Puerto Morelos Beach combines pristine sands with an authentic, laid-back vibe. Known for its snorkeling spots along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, this beach is perfect for adventure seekers and those wanting a quieter experience than nearby Cancun.
Tip: Book a local reef tour to explore the vibrant marine life just offshore.
Australia and Oceania
90. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Known for its pure white silica sand, Whitehaven Beach stretches over 7 kilometers and offers crystal-clear blue waters, creating a stunning paradise that feels untouched and remote.
Tip: Arrive early for a more serene experience. Hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout for panoramic views of swirling sands and turquoise waters.
89. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, Australia (known for the whitest sand)
Famous for having the whitest sand in the world, Hyams Beach’s dazzlingly bright shores contrast beautifully with the turquoise sea, making it a favorite spot for beachgoers and photographers.
Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring a camera to capture the dazzlingly white sand and vivid blue waters at their best.
88. Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast, Australia
A vibrant and iconic beach, Surfers Paradise is known for its lively atmosphere, impressive waves, and golden sands, making it a haven for surfers and beach lovers alike.
Tip: For the best waves, hit the beach early in the morning. The evening vibe is fantastic for nightlife and beachfront dining.
87. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia
Tucked away in Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is celebrated for its perfectly curved shoreline and breathtaking views, with sapphire waters and a pristine natural landscape.
Tip: Hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for stunning views, or take the trail down to the beach for a more secluded experience.
86. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
This enchanting beach offers powdery white sand, shallow blue-green water, and stunning sunsets, creating an idyllic setting on the renowned island of Bora Bora.
Tip: Plan a sunset visit—Matira’s sunsets are unforgettable. Bring snorkeling gear for easy access to vibrant marine life near the shore.
85. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, WA, Australia
Famous for its vibrant underwater world, Turquoise Bay is a top spot for snorkeling, with coral reefs and diverse marine life accessible right from the beach.
Tip: Go drift snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Be mindful of tides and currents as you explore the coral reef.
84. Fairy Bower Beach, Manly, Australia
This small, charming beach is a popular spot for snorkeling and offers stunning underwater views of marine life and rock formations, making it a serene escape close to Sydney.
Tip: Bring snorkeling gear to enjoy the underwater beauty. It’s also a great spot for sunrise photography.
83. Shelly Beach, Sydney, Australia
Located in Manly, Shelly Beach is a sheltered bay known for calm waters, great snorkeling spots, and scenic views, ideal for family outings and swimming.
Tip: Perfect for families, as the waters are calm and ideal for swimming. Enjoy a picnic or take a scenic walk along the nearby trails.
82. Bali’s Seminyak Beach, Indonesia
Known for its vibrant sunset scene, Seminyak Beach combines luxury beach clubs, golden sands, and the warm Indian Ocean, drawing travelers for both relaxation and nightlife.
Tip: Arrive for sunset, then stay for the nightlife. Seminyak offers a blend of relaxation during the day and vibrant beach clubs at night.
81. Aitutaki Lagoon, Cook Islands
Aitutaki Lagoon is a secluded paradise with crystal-clear water, white-sand islets, and abundant marine life, perfect for snorkeling and serene island views.
Tip: Take a lagoon tour to explore the pristine sandbars and snorkel among coral reefs. The crystal-clear water makes it ideal for underwater photography.
Europe
80. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Famous for its iconic shipwreck and stunning blue waters, Navagio Beach is nestled between towering cliffs on Zakynthos Island. Only accessible by boat, it’s a secluded paradise and one of Greece’s most photographed spots.
Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds, and consider a boat tour that stops for photos from above the cliffs for an iconic view of the shipwreck.
79. Playa de Las Catedrales, Galicia, Spain (for its cathedral-like rock formations)
Known for its remarkable rock formations that resemble cathedral arches, this beach in Galicia is a natural wonder. During low tide, visitors can walk among the towering cliffs and explore the intricate caves and arches.
Tip: Check the tide schedule before visiting; the rock formations are best explored at low tide when you can walk under the arches and into the caves.
78. Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
A postcard-perfect beach with golden cliffs, clear blue waters, and sea arches, Praia da Marinha is a favorite for snorkelers and sun-seekers alike. Its natural beauty has made it one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve.
Tip: Bring a snorkeling mask to explore the clear waters and marine life around the rock arches. Arrive early to find a good spot on the beach.
77. Calanque d’En Vau, France (for its hidden beauty)
Hidden between rocky cliffs along the southern coast of France, Calanque d’En Vau is a serene escape with crystal-clear waters, popular among hikers and kayakers. The journey to reach this secluded cove makes it all the more rewarding.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, as reaching Calanque d’En Vau involves a moderate hike. For an alternative approach, consider renting a kayak for stunning views from the water.
76. Baia di Jerzu, Sardinia, Italy
This peaceful bay on Sardinia’s east coast is a lesser-known gem, surrounded by lush greenery and rugged cliffs. The calm, clear waters make it a perfect spot for relaxation and snorkeling.
Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, as this beach is quieter and less touristy. Bring snorkeling gear for crystal-clear underwater views.
75. Playa de Teno, Tenerife, Spain
Located near the Teno lighthouse, this secluded beach offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and views of the cliffs of Los Gigantes. The rugged scenery and tranquil atmosphere make it a unique spot in Tenerife.
Tip: Visit around sunset for incredible views of Los Gigantes cliffs and the Teno lighthouse. Be prepared for a rocky beach experience and bring sturdy footwear.
74. Lido di Venezia, Italyn
Known for its soft sandy shore and easy access from Venice, Lido di Venezia is a popular beach destination with a laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot to escape the crowds while still close to the city’s rich culture.
Tip: Take a water taxi from Venice and enjoy the scenic route to Lido. Rent a bike to explore the nearby area or relax with beach chairs available for rent.
73. Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
This family-friendly beach on Mallorca’s northern coast boasts shallow turquoise waters and soft sand. Playa de Muro is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the picturesque Mediterranean setting.
Tip: This beach is perfect for families due to its shallow waters, so bring beach games or floats for added fun. Visit nearby restaurants for authentic Mallorcan cuisine.
72. Fornells Beach, Menorca, Spain
Fornells Beach is a quiet retreat on Menorca, surrounded by traditional fishing villages and serene landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful escape with a taste of local culture.
Tip: Explore the charming fishing village of Fornells after your beach time. Try local specialties like caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) for a taste of Menorcan cuisine.
71. Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Portugal
This lively beach in the Algarve is known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and vibrant nightlife. Praia da Rocha offers a mix of relaxation and entertainment, with stunning views and beachside cafes.
Tip: Take a walk along the cliffs for panoramic views of the beach. In the evening, check out the local bars and cafes along the boardwalk for a vibrant nightlife experience.