If you are looking for some inspiration for your next amazing summer holiday destination, post-COVID-19, we have prepared a complete guide with some of the best beaches in the world that are totally worth the visit. From well-known vibrant beaches to secluded, secret beaches spots, you won’t be short on what top beach in the world to visit. Here are our list of 35 best beaches and nicest beaches beaches in the world to travel to when safe.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Known as one of the top 5 beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is a pristine 7 km long beach spreading across Whitsunday Island, Australia. Visitors can access the island only by boat or a seaplane, which makes it extremely secluded and isolated. If you are looking for a full getaway far from daily life, this is the place for you!

The sand at Whitehaven Beach is exceptional as it consists of 98% silica making it fine and sugary soft. In addition to that, the sand is always extremely cool, and it never gets too warm even during the hottest summer days. Visitors can spend a fantastic day swimming in the clear aqua waters, relax by the beach or try some sports activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and other fun water activities.
2. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
Find one of the best tropical beaches in the world, by visiting the small Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Visitors will experience three miles of picture-perfect beach with soft pink sand and endless ocean vistas with clean and calm waters. Protected by the coral reefs, the waters are also shallow and warm year-round. Enjoy a laid-back romantic getaway in this tropical hidden paradise. Admire the stunning sunrises and sunsets while taking a stroll down the beach, try snorkeling and take a closer look of the marine life, go fishing or just explore the nearby town and get to know the friendly locals. Visiting Harbour Island and the Pink Sands Beach is the perfect summer holiday vacation!
3. Seminyak Beach, Bali
Immerse yourself into a luxurious holiday experience at The Seminyak Beach Resort in Bali. As the most fashionable beach with a chic and laid-back atmosphere, Seminyak Beach stretches for around 3 km.

Visitors can admire the stunning sunsets while taking a stroll down the golden sandy beach or they can just relax while sipping on delicious cocktails in one of the dining and bar areas. There are numerous accommodations offering luxurious villas overlooking the beautiful beachfront as well. Adventure seekers can spend an entire day surfing and conquering the ocean waves.
4. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
The extremely well-known beach at Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda has a secret that many tourists are not aware of! Situated approximately 250 meters away from Horseshoe Bay, visitors can find the hidden Port Royal Cove – a small bay with shallow calm crystal clear waters perfect for a family-friendly trip to the beach. The soft pink sand is protected by the dramatic rock formations on each side. This secluded, off-the-beaten-path beach allows travelers to experience a real tropical paradise and truly enjoy one of the best beaches in the world.
5. Copacabana Beach, Brazil
The iconic 2.2 mile Copacabana Beach is ranked amongst some of the coolest places in the world. Continuous sunshine, beautiful blue waters, white sand and lively atmosphere are awaiting visitors to the popular neighbourhood of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The area has an extremely rich and interesting history. What was once just a small fishing village back in the 19th Century, is now bursting in colors and music lively area extremely popular among tourists. Visitors can admire numerous stunning views around the area with the green summits of the Sugarloaf Mountains rising high above the white sandy Copacabana Beach.
6. Golden Sands, Bulgaria
The small and not so well-known country of Bulgaria is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Situated on the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, visitors can find the luxurious seaside resort of Golden Sands. With its perfect golden sand and warm shallow waters, visitors will be able to enjoy some amazing family-friendly beaches. After spending an entire day relaxing by the beach or trying some of the water sports such as windsurfing, jet skiing, you can head to the historic part of the city of Varna and immerse yourself into the Bulgarian culture and cuisine as well.
7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Situated on the Grand Cayman Island, the coral-sand Seven Mile Beach is one of the nicest beaches in the world. Throughout the years, the area has been affected by erosion and nowadays it is actually just a 5.5-mile public beach.

Various luxurious hotels and resorts are located in close proximity to the Seven Mile Beach, which makes it a convenient and easily accessible place when planning a trip to the Cayman Islands. Even though you can just relax and sunbathe at the beach, travellers enjoy various water sports, such as jet-skiing, snorkelling and surfing. Along the beach, you can also find tropical bars offering refreshing cocktails.
8. Jagodna Bay, Hvar, Croatia
Find a quiet, peaceful paradise at Jagodna Bay, Croatia. Located just 6 km away from Hvar, this small secluded bay is known as one of the nicest beaches in the world. The beach is perfect if you are looking for a relaxing spot surrounded by stunning untouched nature. The turquoise water is shallow and warm, which makes Jagodna Bay a preferred beach among families with small children. The area is also known to have some of the most outstanding sunsets, so it is worth visiting the beachfront later in the afternoon as well. With breathtaking scenery of the Adriatic Sea’s crystal clear waters, the fresh breeze and the playful birds’ singing, Jagodna Bay will certainly steal a part of your heart!
9. Anakena Beach, Rapa Nui, Chile
The white coral sandy Anakena Beach is one of the best beaches to visit on Easter Island. With its tall coconut trees, turquoise waters and sugary sand, this unspoiled beach is the perfect place to rest and relax away from the busy city life.

Anakena Beach is not only a hidden paradise though, its history dates back to 1200 CE with various remains and artifacts found from the first settlement on the island. Even though the beach is relatively small in size, if you go early in the morning especially during the low season, you can have the entire beach only for yourself. The waters are warm and peaceful year-round, which means you can even plan a winter getaway to Anakena Beach!
10. Seagrass Bay, Laucala Island, Fiji
Known as one of the top beach destinations in the world, Laucala Island, Fiji is a private jungle paradise far away from the busy city life. Spreading at around 3,500 acres the resort offers 25 luxurious private villas that would allow you to have the experience of a lifetime. The resort is accessible through a 50-minute charter flight, with some breathtaking scenery of the South Pacific Ocean from the sky! While the resort offers various beaches, Seagrass Bay is by far the most secluded and quiet, allowing visitors to fully immerse into the tropical paradise vibe of the island. As home to some of the rarest birds and animals on the planet, Seagrass Bay promotes luxurious, yet sustainable travel experiences like nowhere else in the world.
11. Agiba Beach, Mersa Matruh, Egypt
Translated from Arabic, Agiba means “miracle” and this is exactly what you will find at Agiba Beach in Egypt. Situated 24 km away from Mersa Matruh, this is one of the world’s best beaches. Nestling between white cliffs, the beach resembles a cove, which can only be reached through a narrow downward path.

Do not get discouraged though! With the first glimpse of the astonishing clear turquoise waters contrasting to the perfect white sand, you will know it was worth the hike down! Make sure to stroll down the 40 meters long Agiba Beach and then take a dip into the refreshingly Mediterranean waters.
12. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Visiting the magical paradise of Bora Bora is part of everyone’s travel bucket list. With its secluded beaches and luxurious cabins above the emerald waters, the small island of Bora Bora is the perfect location for a romantic tropical getaway. The mile long Matira Beach is the place you need to visit when in Bora Bora. Tall green palm trees are lining behind the white sandy beach, while the incredibly blue waters are offering breathtaking endless ocean vistas. Even though the beach is public, which means it could be easily accessed, it is quite secluded and rarely crowded. Considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Matira Beach deserves your attention either for just a quick stop to enjoy the sunset views or for a full day of relaxing and sunbathing at the beach.
13. Navagio Beach, Greece
Greece is a dream holiday destination for everyone who is looking to relax by the beach and enjoy some crystal clear blue waters. Greece is home to various smaller islands and beaches, however, Navagio beach at Zakynthos Island is certainly one of the top beaches in the country! Also called the “Smugglers Cove”, it is a secluded beach nestled in between steep white cliffs.
Even though the beach is made of pebbles with no soft sand, the perfect turquoise warm waters attract visitors from all over the world. Navagio Beach is certainly not easy to reach either, as the only option is by boat. Apart for the stunning waters, visitors can also climb on top of the cliff and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
14. Ses Salines, Ibiza
If you are looking for a beach filled with colour, music and amazing summer vibe, Ses Salines is the place for you. The pale sandy beach is very easily accessible, located only 10 minutes away from Ibiza Town. Stretching for approximately 1.5 km, Ses Salines is one of the most awesome beaches in the world. This is not a place, where you can find peace and seclusion. In order to experience Ibiza’s beaches to the fullest, you want to be part of the hustle and bustle. Lined by various beach bars, restaurants, boutiques, and so on, Ses Salines never sleeps. During the day the beach gets fairly crowded with people trying different water sports, while in the evening, tourists admire some of the most stunning sunsets in Ibiza while sipping on delicious cocktails at Ses Salines.
15. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
One of the best beaches in the world is so remote that people rarely go there. Situated on the Westfjord of Iceland, you can find the Reynisfjara Beach, also called the Red Sand beach. Reynisfjara is known for its red and golden sand coloured by the scallop shells. If you are planning on exploring various places around Iceland, you will quickly notice that most all other beaches on the island are covered in dark and black sand.

Reynisfjara beach is certainly worth the trip, however, be prepared as it is extremely far and the winding road is both unpaved and steep, which makes it one of the scariest Icelandic roads. The breathtaking scenery with the waves crashing into the dramatic cliffs in the distance, however, is something that you would not be able to see anywhere else in the world!
16. Keem Bay, Mayo, Ireland
No one would really expect for the cold-climate country of Ireland to have one of the top 20 beaches in the world! The stunning untouched Keem Bay located on Achill Island in County May, Ireland was ranked among the 50 Best Beaches in 2020. Quietly nestling beneath the steep cliffs, Keem Bay’s crystal clear waters and soft sand has allowed it to be a Blue Flag beach holder, meaning it meets the quality standards of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). You will be surprised how quiet this beach offering stunning scenery is. If you are looking for a real escape from the busy city life in a beautiful rugged place, Keem Bay is the perfect location!
17. Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica
With its white sand and crystal turquoise waters, Doctor’s Cave is not only the prettiest beach in Jamaica but also one of the best beaches in the world. Even though visitors are required to pay an admission fee of $6 per day to enter the beach, you will quickly realize that Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the most popular in Montego Bay area. Despite the crowds and the high prices, though, the white sugary beach is certainly worth the visit!

Thanks to its sheltered location, the waters are shallow, warm and calm, making it one of the best places in Jamaica for water sports. Visitors can bring their own or rent out kayaking, snorkelling or jet-skiing equipment and spend an entire day enjoying the water. Make sure to also check the beach bars and sip on some delicious cocktails later in the afternoon.
18. Fulhadhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean, lays the hidden paradise island of Fulhadhoo. As part of the stunning Maldivian islands of Baa Atoll, Fulhadhoo is a lost piece of heaven and one of the best beach destinations in the world. Covering a total of only 0.122 square miles, the island is 0.155 miles wide and 1.130 miles long. Home to just a small village and population of fewer than 200 people, Fulhadhoo is the perfect location for a summer getaway away from the city life in an unspoiled natural setting. The perfect white sugary beach is surrounded by green palm trees and crystal-clear turquoise water. Beautiful coral reefs encompass the island and protect the beach by creating a natural lagoon with shallow, warm water. If you and your significant other are still wondering where to vacation this year, Fulhadhoo is the perfect romantic destination.
19. Cathedral Cove, New Zealand
As one of the top-rated beaches in the world, Cathedral Cove is located in Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. The beach is part of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, which covers over 2000 acres protecting the stunning white sandy beaches and the unusual rock archways in the area.
Cathedral Cove is extremely secluded, accessible only by boat or on foot. You will need to follow the narrow path, which will take you along the clifftop before descending to the beach area. You will be impressed with the first glimpse of the Cathedral Cove. The beach is nestled beneath the naturally formed archways to create a cathedral-like cove. The area is perfect for a quick dip into the sea or a pleasant picnic after the hike down.
20. Ramla l-Hamra, Gozo, Malta
The Maltese archipelago has been receiving slightly more attention during the last few years. And there is a good reason why! The small unspoiled islands situated in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea are home to some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Situated on the island of Gozo, Ramla l-Hamra is the biggest sandy beach in the area. The beachfront is extremely unique covered with red soft sand and surrounded by green unspoiled nature and rocky cliffs. Due to its shallow clean waters, the beach is known among Maltese and Gozotians as one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving on the archipelago.
21. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Crystal clear turquoise waters surrounded by massive limestone rock formations rising high above the water is the stunning scenery you can admire while relaxing on the white sandy beaches along the El Nido Resort. Home to 50 different beautiful white sandy beaches, El Nido is located on Palawan Island, Philippines.

From the clear waters of the Small and Big Lagoons to the various diving and snorkelling spots around the Shimizu Island, the entire El Nido resort can be considered as one of the top beach destinations in the World. Get ready and start planning as the Bacuit Archipelago surrounding El Nido will take you on a fabulous trip across some of the most stunning beaches on Earth!
22. Belle Mare, Mauritius
Situated on the South-Eastern coast of Mauritius, Belle Mare is among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Imagine unspoilt nature, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water and pristine white sandy beach – this is not a dream, this is the stunning Belle Mare! If you are looking for a luxurious but sustainable destination, Balle Mare is the place to be! With lush villas located in what looks like a jungle, overlooking the outstanding ocean vistas, Mauritius is one of the best places to travel to in the world! The beach has an extremely authentic atmosphere, so you will certainly feel like you are in paradise. Regardless, if you want to relax under the palm trees, go for a swim in the warm waters or try some water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkelling or windsurfing, Belle Mare offers it all!
23. Praia da Salema, Algarve, Portugal
If you are looking for a less touristy spot for your summer holiday this year, the small village of Salema in Portugal is the place for you! Visitors will be able to fully experience the authenticity and character of this fishing village, as well as relax on the sugary soft golden beach.

The crystal clear azure waters have awarded Praia da Selama a Blue Flag. The beach is slightly off-the-beaten-path so it is highly possible that you will be able to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this location. As you are sunbathing, you can also admire the outstanding vistas with red sandstone and yellow limestone cliffs on each side, guarding the beach area.
24. Hidden Beach, Islas Marietas, Mexico
Located 5 miles off the coast off the Punta de Mita Peninsula in Mexico, visitors can find a collection of small uninhabited islands, called the Marieta Islands. At this spot far away from the city life, a hole into the surface leads to a small cave and a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters. Known as the Hidden Beach, getting there is a challenge – visitors first need to take a boat, followed by swimming or kayaking through a narrow tunnel. Even still this beach is everything but hidden. As one of the top beaches in the world, thousands of people from all over the world visit Mexico and the Hidden Beach every year.
25. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
The public Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico is ranked among the top 5 best beaches in the world! With its crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand, Flamenco is a picture-perfect location, where you would love to spend your summer holiday. As a popular tourist destination, Culebra is situated in the middle of the Caribbean, just a 20 minutes flight from Puerto Rico.
You will be absolutely impressed, as you are admiring the views from the air with sparkling white sand, surrounded by untouched green nature. The shallow calm water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, however, you can always just relax on the beach under the palm trees.
26. Monach Isles, Scotland
Scotland might be windy and cold most of the year, however, it is home to some of the top beaches to visit in the world! Also known as Heisker, Monach Islands is a group of islands situated to the western coast of Scotland. It is believed that back in the times, the entire area was connected to North Uist. Back in 1948, the islands were deserted as it was too difficult to live in these remote locations. Nowadays, the area is declared a National Nature Reserve made of 6 islands, the biggest one of which is Ceann Ear Island. Visiting this area is like stepping into another world. The peace and quiet combined with the sandy beaches and the turquoise waters make this an idyllic place where you would certainly want to take a weekend getaway. If you have fluffy friends, make sure that you take them along for the ride, as Monach Isles also offers some great pet-friendly beaches, that your dog would love to explore!
27. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Located on the northwestern side of Praslin Island in Seychelles, Anse Lazio is one of the top beaches in the world! With its crystal clear turquoise waters and stunning ocean scenery, it is a real tropical paradise. You can relax by the palm trees, sunbathe on the golden sand or snorkel and explore the interesting marine life.

Anse Lazio is fairly popular among tourists, but if you arrive early in the morning, you can have the entire beach all to yourself. What better way to start the day by a morning stroll down a peaceful picture-perfect beach?
28. As Catedrais Beach, Spain
Situated on the northwestern coast of Spain, As Catedrais is one of the must see beaches in the world. This unique beach is home to interesting naturally shaped caves and arches, which create a cathedral look to the area. During high tide, the strong waves crash into the cliffs and the beach looks extremely small. If you would like to fully explore the area, though, it is better to visit during low tide when additional rock arches and large caves are also accessible. The attention to As Catedrais Beach has increased significantly in the last few years and it is now one of the world’s most famous beaches. As a result, visitors are now required to have a permit to visit during the summer months and bank holiday weekends, such as Easter. Even though it may not be the best weather, visiting the beach during the winter months will allow you to fully experience it and have a very peaceful and quiet day at this outstanding location.
29. Boulders Beach, Cape Town, South Africa
Do you like penguins? Can you believe that you can take a closer look at the African Penguins in their natural habitat by visiting Boulders Beach in Cape Town? Located on the Cape Peninsula, this sheltered beach is home to the unique African penguins, which are protected by the Cape Nature Conservation, as they are getting close to extinction.

Approximately there are around 3000 penguins living at Boulders Beach. Surrounded by granite boulders, the beachfront is protected from large waves. The water is exceptionally clean and combined with the soft white sand, make Boulders Beach one of the safest beaches in the world.
30. Maya Bay, Thailand
The stunning Maya Bay is among the top ten beaches in the world. Since the movie “The Beach” from 1999, this has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. The bay is surrounded by massive 100-meter tall cliffs and unique, colourful coral reefs and exotic fish underneath. As one big reef, the entire bay is home to a few beaches, some of which are so small that can only be visited during low tide. Spreading at around 200 meters, the biggest one attracts visitors with its white sand and astonishingly clear water. Unfortunately, back in 2018 Maya Bay had to be closed as it was facing negative consequences due to over-tourism in the area. The last two years, though, have allowed the area to recover and the area will soon be open for tourists again. If you are planning on visiting this outstanding place, please remember to always be cautious of your surroundings. Go, enjoy and explore, but never leave anything behind!
31. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Are you wondering what is the best beach in the world? Look no further, we have the answer for you! Situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean lies a small coral island archipelago known as the Turks and Caicos. In this remote and secluded location, you can find the number one beach in the world – Grace Bay. The pristine beach is located on Providenciales Island – the most popular of all.

Stretching at around 3 miles, Grace Bay features soft white sand and amazing blue clean waters. The area is protected by a barrier reef situated approximately a mile away, making the beach waters shallow, warm and calm, perfect for swimming. While you can just relax and enjoy a laid-back summer holiday vacation, you can also try different watersports such as paddle windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing, scuba diving, and other waters activities.
32. Glass Beach, California, USA
California is well known for its miles of pristine white sandy beaches, however, if you are looking for a more interesting and unique spot, you should head to Glass Beach. Lying on the Pacific coast, the beach is located near the city of Fort Bragg. As you can guess by its name, instead of soft sand, you will find colourful smooth glass pieces that cover the entire beachfront. What was once a dumping trash area, is now one of the prettiest and most unique beaches in the world. The water at Glassy Beach can be dangerous, however, visitors will find miles of trails part of the MacKerricher State Park, offering beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding area. Please keep in mind that it is not allowed to collect the glass pieces from the beach.
33. South Beach, Miami, Florida, USA
Without having to travel internationally, you can visit one of the greatest beaches in the world – South Beach in Miami. South Beach, in reality, is a trendy and chic neighborhood situated on the eastern side of Miami. Known as a place that never sleeps, visitors can go for a swim in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean during the day and find a fancy bar to sip cocktails in the evening.

Also called the American Riviera, South Beach is a place to enjoy luxurious hotels and world-class dining experiences. South Beach is the heart of Miami, so make sure to visit for an unforgettable summer holiday vacation.
34. Manini’owali Beach, Kua Bay, Hawaii
Head to Kua Bay in Hawaii in the summer for a laid-back relaxing vacation. The small secluded pristine white sandy Manini’owali Beach is the spot that deserves your attention the most. Known to be the best beach on the Big Island, it is also ranked amongst the world’s best beaches. Hawaii is the perfect destination year-round and depending on when you are planning to visit, you can experience the beach in different ways. During the winter, for example, the waves are bigger and stronger and good for experienced surfers, while the summer months provide excellent snorkelling conditions. Getting to Manini’owali Beach might be a bit of a challenge as you will need to first hike down the lava rocks, however, the white sand and the stunning scenery will not disappoint you.
35. Trunk Bay Beach, St. John’s, US Virgin Islands
The scenery beach of Trunk Bay is located on St John island part of the United States Virgin Islands. Ranked among the top 10 best beaches in the world, Trunk Bay is a quarter-mile stretch of white sandy beach, surrounded by green palm trees and turquoise waters. Keep in mind that the beach is also part of the Virgin Islands National Park, which means that you would need to pay $5 per day for an entrance pass.

Once you feel the sugary sand under your toes and the fresh breeze, though, you will know that it is totally worth it! The beach is named after the Leatherback turtles living in this area. Before heading to Trunk Bay make sure that you get your snorkelling gear, as there are 650 feet of underwater trails of coral reefs and unique marina wildlife waiting to be explored.
FAQ
What are the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world?
It is relatively difficult to determine which are the 10 best beaches in the world. In addition to that, the ranking changes every year, however, refer to the list below for the latest information on the top 10 most stunning beaches on the planet:
- Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
- Whitehaven Beach, Australia
- Anse Lazio, Seychelles
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
- Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
- Maya Bay, Thailand
- Navagio Beach, Greece
- Seagrass Bay, Fiji
- Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
What is the #1 beach in the world?
The stunning Grace Bay Beach, located in Turks and Caicos is considered to be the Best Beach in the World.
What is the nicest beach in the world?
Some of the nicest beaches in the world are the Grace Bay beach, Turks and Caicos, closely followed by Whitehaven Beach, Australia and Anse Lazio, Seychelles. These are considered as some of the most beautiful beaches to visit in the world.
What is the world’s most famous beach?
Located in the busy filled with colours and music city of Rio de Janeiro is home to the most famous beach in the world – Copacabana.
What country has white sand beaches?
Even though a bit subjective, the Philippines and Australia are constantly fighting over being ranked as the countries with the highest number of white sandy beaches in the world.
What country has the prettiest water?
Surrounded by a lagoon of crystal clear water, the Maldives islands have the prettiest waters in the world.
Which beach has the clearest water?
Quite secluded and difficult to reach, the Manini’owali Beach located on the main island of Hawaii has the clearest water in the world.
What ocean is the cleanest?
The South Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans are known to be the cleanest oceans in the world. Due to the lower human impact in these areas the waters are much cleaner than anywhere else on the planet.
What beach has the most shark attack?
We are all dreaming of having the top beach vacation, however, we should always consider any potential risks. For example, New Smyrna Beach in Florida is known as the place with the highest number of shark attacks. During the last 60 years there have been around 1100 unprovoked shark attacks in the United States of America alone.
Which beach has the softest sand?
Whitehaven Beach situated in Australia is not only constantly ranked among the Top 10 Beaches in the world, but it is also known for having the softest and white sand.
Are you ready for the best beach vacations in the world? Which one of the above listed 35 best beach would you like to visit?