These Are the 28 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
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Why choose between the mountains and the beach when you can enjoy both at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? From Hawaii to Italy, Bora Bora to Brazil, Greece to Thailand, so many breathtaking beaches with mountainous backdrops await. Determining which to pick will depend on your overall goal for your vacation. While all of the most beautiful beaches in the world offer ample serenity and relaxation, some are more geared toward entertainment and adventure excursions than others.
Take Hawaii, for example. Made up of eight major islands (and dozens of smaller uninhabited islands), Hawaii offers extensive hiking, biking, snorkeling, diving, and surfing opportunities, in addition to its world-renowned resort and spa scene. Meanwhile, in Cinque Terre, Italy, Monterosso Fegina Beach is beloved for its colorful, quaint village allure. The point is, some beautiful beaches are just that, while others also offer endless entertainment. So the question is, what kind of vacation do you want to have, and where do you hope it takes you? To help you find out, we rounded up over two dozen of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Which beach will you visit first? Or, better yet, how many have you traveled to so far?
Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii
Punaluʻu Beach is located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island in Hawaii. It's renowned for its stunning black sand beaches formed from lava flowing into the ocean. While there aren't luxury hotels directly situated on the awe-inspiring beach, there are a number of beautiful resorts on the other side of the island—trust us, this beach is worth renting a Jeep (or roadster) and road-tripping a couple hours for.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR PUNALUʻU BEACH
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular cities in Brazil and its beach is a must-visit destination. While incredibly crowded during summer, the beach features stunning white sand, crystal clear water, and breathtaking mountains in the distance.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Monterosso Fegina Beach, Italy
Monterosso Fegina Beach is a picturesque slice of sandy beach in Cinque Terre, Italy. The quaint coastal town is known for its love of color and for being the inspiration behind the Disney Pixar film Luca.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR MONTEROSSO FEGINA BEACH
Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Elafonissi Beach in Greece is known for its stunning turquoise waters and shocking pink sand beaches. It's located on the southwestern corner of Crete and features beach clubs you'll want to lay out at all day long.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR ELAFONISSI BEACH
Siesta Key, Florida
With sunny weather, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, it's easy to see why this barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is a desirable destination all year long. Hang at Crescent Beach for the powdery sand and spectacular sunsets, or head to nearby Turtle Beach for a quieter vibe and excellent beachcombing.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR SIESTA KEY
Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
Located at the far southwest tip of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Le Morne Brabant is nothing short of breathtaking. From above, it looks like there's an underwater waterfall—but that's just one alluring factor of the peninsula. The beach is frequented by hikers, paragliders and fishermen, thanks to its unique mountain terrain and surrounding blue lagoon.
Railay Beach, Thailand
Railay Beach in Thailand is pretty much the epitome of a paradise screensaver with its towering cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. See those boats? It's because Railay Beach is only accessible via water. The airport-bus-boat journey is well worth the views, though.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN RAILAY BEACH
Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Bora Bora, located in French Polynesia, is said to be not only one of the most beautiful beaches in the world but one of the most stunning places on the planet overall. That's why it's called "The Pearl of the Pacific." It's characterized by abundant coral reefs, sparkling, crystal clear waters, and verdant tropical forests. For the most memorable Bora Bora experience, do yourself a favor and book an over-water villa. You won't regret it.
Natadola Beach, Fiji
Located to the East of Australia, Fiji is a string of islands in the South Pacific, known for its white sand beaches, calm, crystal clear waters, and extensive coral reefs. With over 1,000 species of fish among the islands, Fiji is a snorkeler and diver's dream.
Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Between the coastal towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro sits the "Golden Beach" of Portugal. Praia da Marinha is regarded as one of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe for its orange limestone cliffs and sparkling blue waters. While the beach is rather small, there's plenty of fun to be had hiking the cliffs of the coast and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR THE MARINHA
Placencia Beach, Belize
Placencia Beach is located off the tip of the Placencia Peninsula along the southeastern tip of Belize. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and ripe rainforests, Placencia has so much more to offer than just sand and the sun. The palm tree-dotted paradise is home to a quaint fishing village, waterfalls, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the world's only jaguar preserve.
Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Cove, Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece touts brilliant blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs. It's reportedly one of the most photographed places in Greece—and it's clear to see why. One thing to note: It's most easily accessed by water.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR NAVAGIO BAY
St. Lucia
St. Lucia may have world-class beaches, but the beach itself is best known for the massive pitons (mountainous volcanic plugs that are dormant) looming in the background. Talk about a beautiful backdrop.
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Looking for crystal-clear waters ripe with snorkeling adventures surrounded by palm trees and mountains just waiting to be explored? Long Beach in Ko Phi Phi is calling your name.
Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles
Granite boulders surround this picturesque pink sand beach. Covered in lush greenery and surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles is a sight to behold.
Huruvalhi Island, Maldives
Chances are, you've had pictures of The Maldives floating around your computer as a screensaver at least once in your life. The beach paradise is renowned for its vivid blue waters and winding oceanfront boardwalks.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE MALDIVES
Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
You don't have to venture outside of the United States to discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Instead, head to Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii to surround yourself with lush green mountains, turquoise waters, and white sands.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda is a Caribbean beach that's unique for its boulder-rimmed pools, which make for incredibly refreshing wading pools. If white sand is your goal, head to nearby Spring Bay or Devil's Bay.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN VIRGIN GORDA
Ora Beach, Moluccas, Seram Island, Indonesia
Hoping to explore the forest and coral reefs while on your next beach vacation? Consider a trip to Ora Beach, Moluccas, Seram Island, Indonesia. The water cottages alone will make you want to go back time and time again.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
This white-sand masterpiece is known as Whitsunday Islands, and it's located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia. Although the water is the first thing to capture the eye, the surrounding mountains are studded with hiking trails, so all sorts of adventure await.
Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu
Located in the South Pacific, Champagne Beach boasts powdery white sand beaches that are so soft you'll want to walk along the shore all day long. One thing to note: The beach often sees tourists from Australian cruise ships, so get there early to beat the crowds.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR CHAMPAGNE BEACH
Tikehau Island, Tahiti
Take a deep breath as you relax in a water bungalow alongside pristine white sand beaches shaded with palms. In the crystal clear water, you'll find a vibrant coral reef perfect for snorkeling.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN TIKEHAU ISLAND
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
For incredibly clear, turquoise-colored water, world-class snorkeling and luxury beachside resorts, head to the beautiful Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos. From the soft white sands to the large barrier reef, you're sure to love this beach whether you sit on the sand with a rum punch in hand or dive 70' below water to observe grouper, lobster, turtles, reef fish and more.
Byron Bay, Australia
If a breathtaking beach vacation includes a view of a lighthouse, make sure to add Byron Bay, Australia to your list. Located on Australia's northeast coast, Byron Bay is renowned for its pristine beaches, wildlife safari tours, and more.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN BYRON BAY
Mo'orea Island, French Polynesia
Complete with white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, vibrant green rainforests, and hiking trails galore, Mo'orea Island is thought to be the crown jewel of French Polynesia. If the island itself isn't enough to make you swoon, the panoramic views of Tahiti certainly will be.
Arch of Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is distinctive, to say the least. However, the area has so much more to offer than just a picturesque cliff protruding from the water—it has spectacular sandy beaches, too.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN CABO SAN LUCAS
Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Wailea is unique in that it has not one, but five beautiful beaches. It's located in the southern part of Maui and is characterized by stunning sandy shores, as well as world-class golf courses and gorgeous resorts.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN WAILEA
Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Although many of the world's most beautiful beaches are located in the Pacific and Caribbean, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa sits at the base of the Twelve Apostles Mountains looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. It's truly a sight to behold.
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