There are many attributes that make up a great beach and most people have a preference in what they are looking for in a beach. Â Some travelers are looking for beautiful scenery, others are looking for close reefs booming with wildlife. Â Regardless of what you are looking for in a beach, you will find it in one of these top ranked beaches in the world!
Source d’ Argent, Seychelles
The picture-perfect Source d’Argent is considered by many as the most beautiful beach in the world. And, if you scour the web for pictures, it’s hard to argue against the claim.
A secluded cove on La Digue, the place littered with huge, weathered granite boulders that make the place look surreal and out of this world. Meanwhile, the beach is as good as any and the place quite secluded as well. Finally, you can sample Creole-inspired cuisine at the nearby restaurants.
Margate, Kent
Londoners have always had a thing for Margate’s golden sands. And, with the vintage pleasure park, “Dreamland” having reopened, the place has only gotten even more crowded. But, even so, there’s plenty of space for everyone and lots more things to do as well.
The kitsch-retro-themed park, with heritage rides, is a must-visit for kids and kids-at-heart. Meanwhile, Margate’s beach, sea and skies are simply amazing. In fact, they’re so beautiful that they’re said to have inspired more than 100 of JMW Turner’s painting. And speaking of JMW Turner, the Turner Contemporary opened up in 2011 right on the seafront.
The place is just booming with activities and space for tourists, with hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants all around.
Durban, South Africa
Durban is considered one of the world’s best city beaches, and for good reason – the place is just teeming with life!
From cafes to art deco architecture and even whale and dolphin sightings, your vacation here will be just as relaxing as it is filled with memorable sights. Also, the place is perfect for surf lovers, while the views from the piers of the experts are simply breathtaking.
Thanks to the 2010 football World Cup and the subsequent cleanup that followed, Durban is booming and is an absolute gem of a vacation spot.
English Bay Beach, Vancouver, Canada
During the day, the English Bay beach sands see families and volleyball players flocking around its sands. But at night, it transforms into something else. It’s hard to call what exactly it transforms to, but it involves a few glasses and a guitar in hand while people gaze out at the sunsets.
Other than the beach life, the West End has plenty of coffee shops and the iconic Stanley Park. It’s also the best spot in case you’re in town during July to watch the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks display. Lastly, there’s the Beach Bay Cafe, which features scrumptious locally sourced and seasonal meals, sustainable seafood and of course, cocktails.
Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana may have been, at one time, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but that time has long passed. These days, Ipanema-Leblon is the place to be.
The place is a favorite of people from all sorts of interests, from surfers to bodyboarders, families, and party goers. Meanwhile, beer lovers will surely appreciate some cold chope (draught beer) at Arpoador’s Azul Marinho bar and restaurant.
Hoddevik, Norway
Beyond that long winding road are pristine waters, amazing sights, deserted waves and most important of all, little to no crowds!
The Hoddevik beach in Norway’s Fjordlands is surprisingly under the radar. You can probably blame the cold weather for that. But, if you’re willing to brave the cold and the roads, the beach is all yours for the take. There’s also a friendly local surf camp run by champion snowboarder JP Solberg, which offers guiding, all in accommodations and board hire.
So, what more could you ask for?
Ses Salines, Ibiza
There’s a reason why there’s a song about Ibiza – there’s plenty of them actually – and it’s because the place is where it’s at if you want to party. Ses Salines, in particular, is a small haven of sun and sand that’s actually licensed to party just until after the sun sets.
Worry not, seekers of solitude. For something quieter, the secret beaches of Punda de Ses Portes are just a short stroll away.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Are you looking to practice some open water swimming? This three-kilometer swim just along the Jurassic coast may just be what you need.
The place is a Unesco heritage site and boasts one of the most picturesque looking waters in the world.
Freights Bay, Barbados
Speaking of practice, Freights, located just south of Barbados, boasts some of the world’s best beginner-friendly waves. Be warned, learning there may cost you a bit more. But, the costs are well worth it as it’s the best place to master surfing along the open face of a wave rather than beelining back to the beach every time you crash.
Beach aside, the place is known for its extremely friendly locals and rum punch that’s considered one of the best in the world.
Saint Agnes, Cornwall
If you’re up for some fishing, Ben Quinn, a Cornwall-based chef, will be more than happy to delight you. He takes out visitors out fishing and takes them foraging in rock pools for oysters, mussels, and crabs, or line-fishing off a cliff, depending on what the visitors want.
Ben’s HQ is Nancarrow Farm, which is located in Zelah. However, he’s up for an adventure so long as it’s in north Cornwall. More importantly, he can work out a menu depending on how experimental and adventurous his guests are.
Los Lances, Tarifa, Spain
Up for some kitesurfing? Well, the Los Lances, located in Andalucia’s Atlantic coast, is perfect for such activities. The beach, after all, is home to the World Kitesurf Championships. And, by night, the place offers a laid-back surfer vibe thanks to its numerous beach bars, clubs, and restaurants. More importantly, you’re treated to the same constant, trade winds that the place gets year-round.
Druidstone, Wales
Make your dreams of riding a horse across the sand while splashing in the waves at the Nolton Stables at the Druidstone beach on the St. David’s peninsula.
The Nolton Stables will be more than happy to entertain anyone interested, whether you’re a beginner or a Dothraki bloodrider.
North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
If you’re looking for a place to visit during December and you’re a surfing enthusiast, then look no more than North Shore Oahu, Hawaii. There, surfers compete all over for the coveted Pipeline Masters surf title. On top of this, Oahu’s north coast plays host to the Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational, which is the world’s best big-wave competition.
Vanua Balavu, Northern Lau, Fiji
Talk about getting some quiet time, only 1,200 people call this pinch of paradise home. Better yet, they only get about two dozen visitors every year. But, it’s not like the place isn’t any good. It’s just that, it’s so hard to get there. Unless you have a private yacht, the only way to go there is to take the weekly flight from Fiji’s capital, Suva.
The trip is well worth it, though. Once you’re there, you can pretty much anything you like. And, despite seeing little outside visitors, the local cuisine, which unsurprisingly relies on seafood, is simply to die for.
Jagodna Bay, Hvar, Croatia
On the western side of Hvar, far from those billionaires, is Jagodna bay, which is a beach that’s barely bigger than a tennis court. But, as they say, the best things come in small packages, and this place is just an absolute gem.
The place is just perfect for those who want to get in touch with nature. There’s plenty of fish for you to catch, rocks to dive off and swim out to, and other coves just further along the coast waiting to be explored. There’s also a small restaurant-bar just above the beach and a small, but friendly campsite nearby.
Nemto Island, Papua New Guinea
If you’re willing to take a four-day kayak paddle, you can lose yourself in the Nemto Island just 600 miles east of Papua New Guinea. The journey alone is breathtaking, which will take you through fine beaches, sunken second world war planes and pristine reefs. But, the island itself is the main draw here. With just a population of two, this is as remote as you can get without literally losing yourself.
In case you’re wondering, the reason the island remains untouched is because locals believe that strange beasts live there. So far, no sightings have been reported. But, don’t tell anybody that, or else people will start coming to the place in droves.
Monach Isles, Scotland
The beaches found on the Scottish western isles are some of the best in the world, and the best part is that they’ll never be crowded. Although, getting there could prove to be quite difficult.
Without ferries, flights, or people to take you there, you’ll need a boat to get to the beautiful island. Another alternative is to ride the Hebridean Cruises, which includes the Monachs in its voyages, allowing guests to spend a night offshore and ferrying guests to wander and explore around the place that’s since been abandoned.
Chesterman Beach, Vancouver Island
The Vancouver Island is home to plenty of beautiful beaches. But, since this is a list of the most beautiful beaches in the world, we’ll have to pick just one and Chesterman definitely holds the edge.
The place is a surfer’s paradise. In fact, you’ll see kids there walking along the shores barefoot with a surfboard in hand. And, as an added bonus, orca sightings are somewhat common. There’s also the Carving Shed, where you can find local craftsmen making sculptures and canoes.
Tortuga Bay, Galapagos
Puerto Ayora isn’t really the most beautiful place in the world. But, it is a 20-minute walk away from Tortuga Bay, which is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Be careful, though, the place isn’t exactly great for swimming. Although it is a haven for surfers. If you’re not keen on doing some surfing, you may want to take the time to embrace the pelicans, marine iguanas and the sheer isolation that this place gives you.
Amanohashidate, Japan
Kyoto may be more well known for its shrines and temples, but the place is actually well-known for the “bridge to Heaven”, locally known as the Amanohashidate.
This two-mile-long sandbar is littered with pine trees and has long been revered. Visitors often simply walk aross and take a funicular up a hill on the far side. But, if you’re willing to go on an adventure, you can stray from the path and have the crystal-clear waters and golden sands all to yourself.
Sabang Beach, Philippines
The Philippines has beautiful beaches in spades, but only a few are better than Sabang, found on western Palawan. Sure, El Nido may be more famous, but down south, the more remote Sabang is the perfect definition of a tropical beach.
If you head towards the village, you’ll find plenty of banca boats, which will take you to a handful of resorts in the area for a price. But, if you head a bit to the north, you’ll find a place only a few people will ever go to. Even further, you’ll find mangroves, and if you have a guide with you, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River national park.
Tekek Beach, Malaysia
One of south-east Asia’s more peaceful islands can be found on the east side of the Malay peninsula. Tioman doesn’t attract as many backpackers, which makes it perfect for those who want to go on a relaxing getaway.
There’s plenty to do there too, from barbecues and low-key parties during the evening, and top class snorkeling during the day.
Praia da Fortaleza, Brazil
For backpackers, Ilha do Mel, or Honey Island is the perfect spot. The place is nearly free of cars, with miles and miles of pristine beaches found all throughout the island.
Taking a trek away from the main attractions takes you to an Instagram-worthy place.
Be warned, Illha do Mel has one hell of a party place, so make sure you’ve got the energy and time to make the most of it.
Pedn Vounder, Cornwall
Journeying to the far west of Cornwall will take you to a land filled with stone circles and tiny coves. The place has plenty of rocks for you to dive from, and you can freely go from one cove to another without any worry.
You’ll find a tiny cafe in Treen village serving local bread and breakfast in case you’re hungry. Meanwhile, you can check into the ancient Logan Rock Inn hotel during the evenings.
Bamburgh, Northumberland
Northumberland boasts several beaches, also known as dunes, but Bamburgh takes the cake here.
High above the beach is one of England’s finest castles, which makes for a handy go-to place in case the weather decides to spoil the fun. A three-mile walk away will take you to a boat that will ferry you to the Farne Islands.
Many people love going to the place, from dog walkers to surfers, horse riders, anglers, and kite fliers. And, with so much space available, you’ll never ever find the place crowded.
Mellon Udrigle, Highlands
Just up the A832 coastal road is hidden sandy beach that offers great views of the Gruinard Bay.
The regular have tried their best to keep this place quiet for decades, so don’t expect hot showers, shops, or any facilities. But, the place is a friendly and tranquil location, which is perfect for those who really want to get away from all of life’s troubles. There are other beaches to explore nearby as well, and the famous Inverewe Gardens in case you want to do some sight seeing.
The real draw here, though, is the fact that you can have this wide expanse of sand all to yourself.
Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
East and North Yorkshire are known for their coves and beaches. But, Runswick, near Whitby, takes all that the place has to offer and shoves it all in one place. From super views from the cliffs to good cafes and a beach that stretches for a mile and even treasures in fossils and jet, this place has it all.
Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle and Whitesands are beautiful beaches, but both don’t really hold a candle to what Marloes has to offer.
Because of the half-mile cliff walk it takes to get there and lack of facilities, guests who brave the trek often have the place all to themselves. And, it’s not like a place of solitude either, as the place is brimming with life, tiny fish and shrimps included.
So long as you or your family are not the sort to consider entertainment to come in the form of technology, the place has a lot to offer. But, do check the tides and wind first before venturing out.
Es Grau, Menorca
Because of their popularity, most of Menorca’s beaches, especially the family-friendly ones, are often very busy, especially during the summer. But, if you insist on coming over during the summer, the Es Grau on the island’s north-east coast has little to no crowds year-round.
This horseshoe-shaped beach is a popular destination for Mahon residents, but since it doesn’t have any hotels, the place has relatively kept a low profile over the years. Undeveloped and tranquil, the bay is a vast, shallow paddling pool where you can ride kayaks and paddleboards in for as long as you like.
From the beach, you can take a short stroll into the village, which hosts a number of family-run restaurants, gift shops, and many more.
Ramla 1-Hamra Gozo, Malta
Ramla Bay on Gozo is one of Malta’s best getaway spots. There’s little facilities to be had, though, which is probably why it’s not as crowded. But, that’s probably why it’s such a good place to go either.
Low-key and quiet, the place is as good as any for relaxation and for snorkeling, as the clear waters there are second to none.
Pinarello, Corsica
There are few better family getaway spots than this beach on Corsica’s south-eastern coast.
With the Genoese watchtower overlooking the place, this arc of soft white sand with a pine forest as its backdrop is a lovely spot for a vacation. Scattered all around are also restaurants, as well as a few beach bars.
In case you want to go to the nearby town of Porto-Vecchi, you can ride a boat from the nearby port.
Sunj, Lopud, Croatia
Croatia has a lot of peaches, but most are pebbly ones. But, the car-free island of Lopud, which is a 40-minute ferry ride away from Dubrovnik, is one of the few exceptions.
Locals ferry any would-be visitors via golf buggies from the port down to Sunj beach, which is a kilometer long strip of sand that boasts relatively shallow waters. Nearby, you can find two restaurants that rent deck chairs and beach umbrellas and offer activities such as beach volleyball and tennis.
Comillas, Cantabria, Spain
Not very far away from the ferry port at Santander on Spain’s north coast is the seaside town of Comillas. It’s long been a popular go-to vacation spot with Spanish families. But, has largely been ignored by tourists.
The place boasts two beaches that appeal to different sides of people. The Playa De Comillas has a small fishing harbor, showers, ice-cream stalls, and rock pools, which makes it ideal for families. Meanwhile, the Playa de Oyambre is a bit on the wild side and is backed by the Picos de Europa mountains.
Cala Gonone, Sardinia
Sardinia is home to tons of beautiful beaches. But, finding one that’s relatively cheap and a bit more family-friendly can be a bit of a challenge. The Cala Gonone is one of the few that checks both boxes.
Cala Gonone does away with all the glitz and glamor of its neighboring beaches and gives you all the basics. But, the basics are more than enough. The place boasts white pebble-and-sand beaches and calm, blue waters for swimming and snorkeling. There are also daily boat trips to the Blue Marino caves and other remote beaches, such as Cala Luna and Cala Fuili, which are further down south.
Yyteri, Pori, Finland
Finland is not one of the countries anyone thinks of when you speak of a beach holiday. And yet, this Nordic country is actually home to one of the finest stretches of sand in the whole world.
The Yyteri beach, which is located nearby the city of Pori, boasts 5 kilometers of powder-soft sand with a backdrop of dunes and pine forests. Don’t worry, the waters are actually quite warm, especially during the summer, while the place is a go-to spot for surfers from across Scandinavia.
For wetsuits, surf and stand-up paddle boards, you can procure them from the Yyteri Surf Centre. Meanwhile, the facilities are pretty basic. There’s a couple of coffee and ice-cream stalls, picnic tables, toilets, and a children’s play area, but not much else.
Praia da Salema, Algarve
While large-scale development has pretty much taken over Portugal’s southern coast, the fishing village of Salema has somehow managed to stay relatively the same.
In Praia da Salema, you’re not only treated to a fine-looking beach, but also to the lives of people who live nearby. You’ll see Fishermen tend to their nets, as you go for a relaxing swimming. Also, if you’re a huge fan of dinosaurs, their footprints can be found preserved in the limestone rocks found all over the area.
Facilities in the area are plentiful. You’ll find sun loungers and umbrellas for hire there, as well as toilets, showers, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Morgat, Crozon, Brittany
Even during holiday season and summer, the beaches of the Crozon peninsula rarely get crowded. It’s a pretty sheltered bay, so that may have something to do with that. In any case, the place is a great spot for rock-pooling during low-tide, and while at high tide, it’s great for those who want to explore the peninsula’s many sea caves via boat.
There are surf and dive schools available in the area. There are also bikes and kayaks available for you to hire, as well as sailboats for rent. The creperies on the harbor also serve savory and sweet versions.
St George Beach, Naxos, Greece
Much like many other countries on this list, Greece has no shortage of beautiful beaches. But again, much like the others, accessible, cheap and child-friendly options are hard to find.
For that, you’ll need to go Naxos Town (Charos) and walk to the Cyclades island. There, you’ll find the warm, shallow waters of the St. George beach, which are perfect for paddling, snorkeling, and swimming. The place is great for both smaller and older children. While those who’re up for a bit more extreme activities can sign up for windsurfing, wakeboarding, or waterskiing. The place is also perfect for mountain bike riding, or playing a game of beach tennis and volleyball.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
If you’re looking for the physical manifestation of the ideal heavenly beach, then look no further than Bora Bora. Even images of the place alone are enough to help calm your mind.
If you’re on a budget and want to mingle with the locals, the public beach, Matira, is the place for you. But, if you want something more private, the Bora Bora Hotel Eden Beach, which costs quite a pretty penny, has its own coral isle, private beach, and a view of the rock peak, Otemanu.
Greenfield Beach, Australia
A three-hour drive from Sydney, Greenfield will take you to a beach boasting calm waters and white sand. The place is rarely crowded as well, even though it’s only 500m north of the more famous Hyams beach.
Just a walk away is Vincentia town, from where you can drive to the Booderee national park where you can mingle with kangaroos and drive through other equally beautiful beaches.
Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach), Mexico
An underground or hidden beach may sound like a stuff of local legends, but it’s actually true. The hidden beach of the Marietas Islands was once used as a military testing ground in the early 1900s by the Mexican government. It’s believed that a bomb was responsible for creating the crater in which the beach is hidden in.
You can access the beach either via swimming or kayaking through a long tunnel. Be careful, though, as the sea is quite rough and the rocks can be quite treacherous. But, the place is well worth the hassle, more so since there’s the occasional humpback whale spotting on the way.
Koh Kradan, Thailand
As is the custom with tropical beaches, the powdery sand is to be expected. The place is also excellent for snorkeling, with a reef just off the beach. There are also hammocks and of course, crystal-clear waters.
If you’re looking to do some exploration, you can rent a kayak to go around the whole island and go to the more isolated spots. You can also take longtail boat trips to other places, such as Ko Waen, Ko Chueak, and Ko Muk’s Emerald Cave.
Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
Where else can you really find a tank right in the middle of a beach? That alone is enough to make Playa Flamenco on Culebra island a must-visit place. But, as it turns out, the place has a lot more to offer. The U-shaped cove is littered with powdery white sand, calm, blue waters, palm trees, lush vegetations, and most important of all, is very rarely crowded.
There’s an excellent government-run campsite nearby, which is quite basic. Although not exactly family friendly, the place is great for getaways. Simply set up your tent under the mangroves, stock up on water, and you can enjoy your pina coladas and local snacks for as long as you want.
Fakistra, Greece
The place is more of a cove than a beach, but who cares? Located just below Tsagarada village is Fakistra in all its crystal clear water glory. But, more importantly, other than in July and August, there’s a huge chance that you’ll have the whole place to yourself.
Starfish Beach, Panama
Panama may be known for being a hot-spot for tourists, but most people don’t know just how expensive it is to get here. The Pearl Islands, for one, are too pricey for most families. Meanwhile, San Blas is quite expensive to get to. Bocas del Toro, however, is a bit more budget-friendly, for backpackers and families alike.
After reaching Bocas on Isla Colón, you can ride boat taxis across the areas 10 inhabited islands and some 300 other islands and islets before finally reaching this tiny pocket of heaven that’s decorated with tons of starfish.
Glass Beach, California
A beach made from years of dumped glass may not sound like somewhere you’d want to go to. However, the Glass Beach in California proves to be an exception.
After the waves broke down all the glass and pottery thrown away by human beings, they washed up on the shore as jewel-like, transculent stones. This created a beach that’s now part of MacKerricher state park and sees dozens, if not hundreds, of people visiting on a daily basis.
Cala Saona, Formentera
Illetes and Esplamador seem to be the go-to beaches as far as the Balearics go. But, if you’re looking for somewhere quieter, you’ll want to hire a bike or moped and ride for a few kilometers to the island of Cala Saona.
The island’s clear waters, white sand and red cliffs on both sides is as relaxing as any beach can get. Meanwhile, because it faces west, the spot is ideal for a sundowner.
Shoal Bay, Antigua
3 kilometers of sand and crystal-clear Carribean water awaits you at Shoal bay. The place also boasts a great diving and snorkeling spot, as well as a wide range of bars and open-air restaurants. Plus, it’s much quieter and more private than the nearby Jabberwork beach.
Dune du Pyla, France
Speaking of pristine sand, this place has it in spades.
As the tallest dune in Europe, you’ll find yourself shielding your eyes from the shimmering heat and at the same time, admiring the pristine sand that’s all around you. And, after you’re done taking in the panoramic views, you’ll find that there are miles and miles of beaches for you to explore.
For the best view of the done, however, you can take a ferry from Arcachon pier to Cap Ferret. And, if all that walking has made you tired and hungry, you can head on over to the oyster cabanes. There, fishermen set up tables and serve patrons oysters, prawns, paté, bread and rosé wine.
Ocata, Barcelona, Spain
What Barcelona lacks in big parks, they make up for beaches. They have them in spades.
The Barceloneta beach, located right in the center, is the most popular and is almost always full. But, if you want something more pristine and less crowded, you can head up the coast via train. jump on a train and head up the coast.
The Ocata beach features golden sand that runs for more than a kilometer. It’s also famous for beach bars that sell everything from delicious salads, to local delicacies and more.