13 of the Best Beaches in the World

Though the yachts along the edges of Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres in Mexico are eye-catching, nothing is more sublime than the stunning waters they sit on. Stretched over 2,200 feet of shoreline, Playa Norte (North Beach) calls out to every beachgoer, from sunbathers to sea excursionists. Restaurants and hospitality services are always near, but the deep blue hues of the Caribbean waters are likely to keep you entranced and glued to your beach chair all day.

Soft white sand covers the coast of Lanikai Beach in Kailua, Hawaii, keeping beach bums warm and cradled as calm waters wash ashore. The protective outer reef keeps some sea life at bay, while also providing an accessible snorkeling area for fish-spotting. Families often opt to visit this clean and safe beach, located on the island of Oahu, rather than the world-famous Waikiki Beach, which tends to be much more crowded.

Though it’s hard to choose just one of the amazing beaches in Thailand as the best, Railay Beach is a standout. Located near Krabi, Railay Beach is especially popular with rock climbers and adventurers from all over the globe. Travelers who are up for a light hike experience optimal views from the elevated lookout point, which has a lovely lagoon close by.

The unspoiled sands of Natadola Beach in Nadi, Fiji, are often unoccupied and peaceful. Squish the crystalized, white sediment between your toes without worrying about pollution or pebbles, though travelers may find displaced pieces of coral along the edges of the shoreline. Although swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific is alluring, vacationers may want to hop atop a horse and explore the coast with a four-legged local guide instead.

In Crete, Greece, Elafonissi Beach is a picturesque place for lovers to convene. Seaside boulders and strips of pink-tinted sand, colored by time-worn coral, are especially inviting to couples on a rendezvous, but families can find their place in the sands and gently rippling waters as well. Whether combing through sand in search of shells or letting the sunrays pour over you, beach enthusiasts will find multiple reasons to fall in love with this highly rated seashore.

Though there’s a small fee to enter Union Estate Park, a gorgeous garden and vanilla plantation that visitors stroll through in order to reach the sands of Anse Source d’Argent, it’s well worth the price. Perched on the southwestern shore of La Digue, an island in the African Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent is a unique beach with clusters of smooth, gigantic boulders setting off a view of the Indian Ocean that’s beautiful enough to bring tears to the eye.

On the otherwise rocky coastline of Easter Island, Anakena Beach stands out as a sandy sanctuary. Relax on this piece of paradise as a calming breeze rustles the swaying palm trees and families wade in the Pacific Ocean. Moai, the ancient statues left over by the Rapa Nui people, add a special element of history and culture to the seaside, creating a space that is as intriguing as it is peaceful.

Both tourists and locals appreciate the unbothered beauty of Darkwood Beach on the western coast of Antigua. Though this beach is known for its pristine appearance, complimentary Wi-Fi pushes it even further up the list of the world’s best beaches. Shallow snorkeling waters make this a perfect place for kids and adults to swim and explore. Don’t expect to find any big buildings or resorts on this shore — only a couple of quaint and convenient bars that cater to beachgoers during peak travel season.

Cradled by Costa Rica’s rich rainforest, the watery edges of Manuel Antonio National Park reigns as one of the top choices for global beachgoers. Follow the coastal trails of Playa Manuel Antonio in Quepos to Cathedral Point, led by a narrow strip of land bordered with sandy shorelines on either side. The lush environment isn’t limited to scenic beauty, as the area is full of wildlife, including water birds and primates.

Warm sands and welcoming waters come together for an exceptional experience at Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida. Known as one of the best beaches in the United States, visitors feel safe with plenty of lifeguard stands lining the shore. Children can be seen strolling through the sands in search of seashells, while grownups stake their place on the scenic shoreline and soak up as much sun as possible.

If you find yourself lucky enough to visit Yonaha Maehama Beach in Miyakojima, Japan, you’re going to want to stick around to view one of the legendary sunsets travelers rave about. Distant views of the Ikema Bridge add a distinct feeling of tranquil isolation yet seaside amenities, such as showers, eateries, and rentable water sports gear, keep beach guests connected to the wonderful, wave-washed world around them.

Set on the Italian island of Sardinia, Tuerredda Beach is a once-in-a-lifetime sight. Brush across pale sand into the irresistible Mediterranean Sea, which seems to call out to divers and avid swimmers from all over the globe. For those who prefer to stay afloat and keep their eyes fixed on the horizon, there are many opportunities on Tuerredda Beach to rent a boat or kayak.

Take a stroll down Durness Beach in Durness, Scotland, the same place the late Beatle John Lennon visited multiple times during his teenage years. White, sandy dunes lead out to seaside cliffs, splashed over by breathtakingly blue waters. Moss-covered rock formations, speckling the beach here and there, contribute to the sleepy, dreamlike feeling of this surreal setting, but beachgoers will have no problem keeping their eyes peeled and fixed on the view in front of them.