The 12 Best Beaches on Earth
Here’s our pick of the world’s best beaches to add to your travel bucket list
Who doesn’t love relaxing on a beach? But if you’re going to do it in style, you need to be doing it on one of the world’s best beaches.
We’ve collected a dozen of our favourite world beaches for this list and used a variety of criteria. From the whitest sands to the most amazing backdrops, these beaches will stay with you long after you’ve dried off and flown home.
Let’s dive in!
1. Copacabana Beach
You know a beach is special when its name is known around the world. Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach isn’t just for getting a tan – it acts as the city’s hub for socialising, excercising or simply sipping a beer, or more likely a caiprinha, before taking a cooling splash in the Atlantic.
Beyond the sands, the views are irresistable, with iconic sights like Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer visible if you stand in the right spot. At the top of the beach, the swirling mosaic boulevard is packed with street hawkers, entertainers and musicians, especially as the sun and temperature both begin to dip.
2. Railay Beach, Thailand
Around Phang Nha Bay and away from the explosive energy of Phuket, you’ll find one of the most sublime beaches on earth. The curved sand would be pretty enough with the giant rock towers that punctuate the shore, creating a spectacular vista to enjoy as you relax, swim or meander. If you’re feeling adventurous and you’ve got the right gear, you can even climb the karst cliffs for a better view.
Although infinitely busier than it once was, the beach benefits from isolation from the mainland – you’ll need to visit by boat thanks to a lack of paths and roads – meaning you’ll never struggle to find a quiet patch of sand.
3. Anse Source D'Argent, Seychelles
This stunning stretch is easily one of the best beaches in the Seychelles. It has all the ingredients needed for a dreamy escape to paradise; Lush jungle, white sand, dream blue-green waters and weathered granite boulders that give the beach a unique look and feel.
Bring lunch with you, as there are only a few shacks selling fruit and water, but definitely pay a visit to hire a transparent kayak for the day, ideal for enjoying marine wildlife if you forgot your snorkel.
4. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Frequently at the top of the list when it comes to best beaches in Australia, and sometimes best beaches in world, Whitehaven Beach is worthy of being the centerpiece of a trip to the Whitsundays.
You’ll struggle to find a whiter beach; the fine quartz that has been ground almost to dust feels silky smooth and contrasts perfectly with the deep hues of the Coral Sea.
If you don’t fancy spending most of the day to and from Whitehaven Beach, pack your tent and book a spot at the Whitehaven Beach Campground. Waking up to those views is worth it.
5. Dune du Pilat, France
Europe’s largest sand dune is a natural wonder you can’t miss – quite literally, at over 100 metres high. The strange blend of pine forest and desert like dunes are fun to explore, but the real treat is the stretch of beach where the dune meets the Bay of Biscay.
The huge expanse of sand may feel otherworldly at first, but the pleasant temperatures and array of watersports, including sea kayaking and windsurfing, make this a great spot to unwind.
The beach is protected slightly by sandbars and Cap Feret in the distance, so swimming and paddling are a relaxed affair in good weather, but be mindful of currents.
6. Bamburgh Beach, UK
The English country of Northumberland has some of the best coastline in the country, with golden sands broken up by rocky cliffs where seals, puffins and even whales and dolphins can be spotted.
However, by far the most dramatic beach is that of Bamburgh, where the imposing 11th century Bamburgh Castle overlooks the long and white beach. You can take a short hike up to the castle and explore the state rooms, battlements and take in amazing views of the coastline.
Although busy at the weekends and during the summer months, the beach can be found almost deserted at times, adding to the attraction. Just remember to wrap up in winter when the sea spray and whipping winds can turn a gentle stroll into a challenge.
7. Shipwreck Beach, Greece
We’ll be honest: probably the most photographed beach on earth isn’t even that good a beach; there aren’t any facilities, you have to take a tourist boat to get there and your time there is almost always limited. But what it lacks in ease of access, it more than makes up for in dramatic beauty.
Perched between two gigantic outcrops, this spit of sand is punctuated by a huge rusting merchant ship (built in Scotland) that washed up in stormy conditions after allegedly outrunning the Greek navy while smuggling contraband cigarettes for the Italian mafia. Believe whatever story you like, but the ship certainly makes Navagio (“shipwreck”) Beach a must-have for any Instagram feed.
8. Stokksnes, Iceland
Although not quite the spot to kick back with the coconut cocktail and enjoy some safe tanning, Stokksnes makes up for the unconventionality by being completely and utterly photogenic from every angle.
Once your eyes work their way down from the gigantic snow-dusted mountains that roll off into the distance, the jet-black volcanic sand that crunches underfoot in a very satisfying way feels very unnatural. If you’re lucky enough to get a clear day, the scenery can be enjoyed for hours. Definitely one to add to your Iceland Golden Circle itinerary.
9. Entalula Beach, Philippines
This one is not going to be on too many best beach lists, but maybe it’s better if things stay that way. Stunning, dramatic and constantly invoking that paradise feeling, Palawan’s remote and secluded beach is rarely busy.
The incredibly clear waters make snorkelling a joy and you’re never far from a shoal of fish or, if you’re lucky, sea turtles and rays.
Book a catamaran cruise to explore the beach and the coastline beyond.
10. Pink Beach, Indonesia
Komodo National Park may be more famous for its giant lizards than its beaches, but Pink Beach is yet another incredible natural wonder on the already enticing Lesser Sunda Islands. The blend of white sand and red coral fragments creates a gorgeous pink that’s incredibly rare and great for photographers.
Thanks to the beach being in a protected area, there’s very little in the way of infrastructure and therefore pollution, meaning the water is packed with wildlife, so bring your snorkel and mask.
11. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
The Caribbean has no shortage of sublime beaches, but Grace Bay Beach, located in the British Overseas Territory of Turks & Caicos, is a standout example. White sand, swaying palms and turquoise, ultra-clear waters are only disturbed by a smattering of sun loungers and the odd parasol.
Despite the presence of resorts and condominiums nearby, the beach remains pleasantly uncrowded most of the year, so you can enjoy paradise in peace.
12. Bondi Beach
Yes, it’s always crowded, yes, it can get dirty and yes, it’s the most obvious choice in probably all of Austrlia, but there’s still an eternal charm to Bondi. The rollers make it ideal for surfers to show off and you’re perfectly placed for posh restaurants, cool coffee shops and quick links back to central Sydney.
If the crowds become too much at the weekend, take a walk along the Coogee Coastal Walk, where the views back across the beach and out to see offer a welcome break.