The world is full of stunning beaches, from the dazzling white sands in South-East Asia to the dramatic coastlines of North America.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to visit them all! But with so many scattered across the globe, there are simply too many to count, let alone visit in a lifetime!
Don’t worry – we’ve made it easier for you and have picked out the best. Check out our list of the 12 most beautiful beaches in the world.
Welcome to paradise.
1. Wineglass Bay, Tasmania, Australia
It wouldn’t be a list of the world’s best beaches with an offering or two from Australia, right? Surprisingly, Tasmania, the most Southern part of the country (and the coldest!), is home to some of the most striking beaches to grace this planet.
A perfect curve of white sand and aquamarine waters, Wineglass Bay is one of them. Situated in Freycinet National Park, this is one beach that won’t be heaving with visitors either.
Why? A hike down to the beach is two and a half hours return. This just makes the views all that more rewarding, though.
2. Long Beach, Koh Rong, Cambodia
Fancy visiting a quiet stretch of white sand in paradise? Then head to Long Beach, found on Koh Rong island off the coast of Cambodia.
You’ll need to catch a long-tail boat from the island’s hub of Koh Touch. Alternatively, take a 45-minute hike through the verdant jungle.
Enjoy this pristine beach to the fullest and set up camp in a tent overnight. Be sure to take a midnight dip and you’ll be lucky enough to discover the magical phenomenon that is bio-luminescent plankton. You’ll find that at night these tiny sea creatures light up and glow brilliantly with every move of every limb.
3. Pig Beach, Exumas, Bahamas
Animal lover? Then you’ll love the aptly named Pig Beach, found in the dreamy Bahamas. As the name suggests, this beach is one where you can swim with wild – and very cute – pigs!
Cool off in the crystal-clear waters and bring your waterproof camera to snap away at these playful brown-and-white spotted critters. They’ll be the stars of your Instagram feed!
4. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
Take a break from the partying of Ibiza and head to the tiny island of Formentera off the coast for a day trip.
Rent out a bicycle and discover the perfect beaches and coves of the island. Playa de Ses Illetes is a must visit and is often cited as the best beach in Europe – now there’s a title!
5. Tulum, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Tulum – where ancient, crumbling Mayan ruins meet one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. For both a cultural and relaxing experience, head to this Mexican hotspot for all it has to offer.
Unwinding on the broad stretch of caster-sugar white sand overlooking the mesmerizing turquoise Caribbean waters will be the perfect antidote after exploring the ancient walled city that sits above on a rocky cliff.
6. Big Sur, California, USA
Home to some of the dreamiest beaches in the country, California sure impresses with Big Sur, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
Gorgeous in its own right, Big Sur features the striking 80-foot McWay Falls that flows right onto the beach. Have leisurely lie down and enjoy the sound of the thundering water whilst gazing at the sublime views of the Pacific Ocean.
7. Pink Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale as you sit on the rosy-colored sand of Pink Beach, found in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park. Grab a handful of pink shells and watch them glitter and sparkle in the sunlight – completely dreamy!
The snorkeling too is out of this world. Head into the translucent waters and discover the bright and colorful coral reefs that lie beneath the surface. Keep an eye out for Nemo and his friends!
8. Meeru Island, North Atoll, Maldives
For a slice of true paradise, book a visit to the unforgettable Meeru Island. It’s the only resort on Meerufenfushi Island in the Maldives, meaning your stay won’t be an overcrowded one.
The post-card perfect beach is ideal for a day in the sun slumbering on the sand or perhaps out in the clear waters snorkeling and searching for fish!
9. Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand
Thailand is famous for its superb beaches and Railay Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in the country.
With its dramatic limestone formations, avid rock climbers visit Railay beach from far and wide.
Scared of heights? Luckily, we can all admire the views on solid ground from the stunning sandy beach that’s surrounded by the verdant green cliffs.
Be sure to take some snaps of the quirky Thai fishing boats that perch on the beach, ready to transport tourists to other islands.
10. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
An isolated sandy cove on the island of Zakynthos, Navagio beach in Greece is famous as it’s home to the wreck of a ship called Panagiotis, believed to be a smugglers vessel.
This unique feature, along with the sheer limestone cliffs, pristine white sand, and clear blue waters, makes it one of the best beaches in the world to visit.
11. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia
Whitehaven beach is perhaps one of the most famous on this list and is one of the top beaches in the world to visit. Sky-high, the aquamarine waters twirl across the perfect-white sand, creating a beautiful swirling pattern.
The sand on Whitehaven beach is 98-percent silica, making it some of the purest white sand in the world. And the tree-covered mountains that surround it only complete the spectacular scenery.
It seems heaven really is a place on earth!
12. Polihale Beach, Hawaii, USA
This quiet, beautiful, and serene stretch of sand is 11 kilometers long and is a fair distance from the nearest town. This means that lucky for you, you may even have the place to yourself!
With a mysterious and enchanting ambiance, this is one beach that’s certainly worth a visit on a trip to the paradise island of Hawaii.
Visit The Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
These are just a few of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
From Europe to Africa to South America, every continent is home to a selection of sublime stretches of sand. You’ll find the most perfect of beaches in every corner of the globe – even in the chilliest depths of the world – like in Antarctica!
We hope we’ve given you a great starting point for your voyage discovering the best beaches our lovely planet has to offer.
On the contrary, why not discover the 13 locations where you can travel to hell and back? From heaven – to hell!
