The 50 best beaches in the world

50. Cannon Beach, Oregon

“Cannon Beach has incredible Pacific Northwest vibes while remaining quiet and serene for a beach experience that wraps you in comfort.” — Round The World Girl

49. Diani Beach, Kenya

“Diani Beach transports you to a cultural beach experience made even more amazing with access to Kisite Marine Park for snorkeling and whale shark diving.” — AfricanMecca Safaris

48. Agiba Beach, Egypt

“Arabic for ‘miracle,’ it is no wonder this fantastic beach bears such a name. The bluest waters and plushest sands bring visitors from all over the world to this stunning landmark, creating a dreamy experience that ignites the senses.” — Matthew Greenspan, Flight Network

47. Eagle Beach, Aruba

“The sky lights up above the beach with spectacular colors as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the most romantic settings in the world.” — Gwen Pratesi, Pratesi Living

46. Radhanagar Beach, India

“Radhanagar Beach is pure beauty off the beaten path in the Andaman Islands that rivals all other beach locations.” — View from the Wing

45. Ao Nang Beach, Thailand

“Ao Nang Beach transports you to another world, painted in hues of perfect blues and golds. The waters rush up to your sand covered feet while you look in awe at the ivy covered cliffs and wonder how you made it to paradise.” — Kensington Tours

44. One Foot Island, Cook Islands

“One Foot Island is untouched beauty that consists of sugar-white sand and uncrowded beaches with the clearest water I’ve ever seen.” — Ordinary Traveler

43. Shoal Bay, Anguilla

“Shoal Bay is everything you want in a tropical beach, with two miles of the most perfect sand fronted by perfect Caribbean waters and colorful coral reefs.” — Larry Olmsted, Forbes

42. Cala Mitjana, Spain

“Cala Mitjana is a small and beautiful sandy beach hidden in a rocky cove. Absolutely breathtaking with clear waters enclosed by plush sands and bounteous pines swaying cooly in the breeze. It is a natural wonder that enraptures your senses and surrounds you with a feeling of luxury.” — Paul Dow, TravMonkey

41. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

“The name ‘Lanikai’ translates into ‘heavenly sea,’ and Lanikai Beach lives up to its name with white soft sands and crystal clear calm blue waters. It is a breathtaking, mesmerizing wonder.” — Christine Kaaloa, GRRRL Traveler

40. Boulders Beach, South Africa

“Where else can you see penguins on a beach? The penguin colony at South Africa’s Boulders Beach, along with the beautiful boulders themselves, make this the most unusual yet incredible beach experience of my life.” — Melanie Votaw, freelance writer

39. Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

“This 3.2 kilometer long stretch of paradise features calm turquoise waters, fine white sand, and a collection of intimate spaces meant for pure comfort and tropical relaxation.” — A Taste for Travel

38. Long Beach, Canada

“This gorgeous stretch of northern sand offers a lush coastal rainforest, pounding surf, lively tidal pools, and unobstructed sunsets. It is an ideal place to ride waves, beach-comb, storm watch, and forget the world for a while.” — David Webb, travel writer

37. Los Roques Beach, Venezuela

“After traveling the world, I can say that Los Roques is truly a unique beach destination that everyone should experience.” — Laura Termini, Chicanol

36. Cala Goloroitze, Italy

“Cala Goloritze is really a hidden gem, remaining quiet and beautifully preserved without larger crowds. The emerald waters mesmerize while you float, captured by the tranquility of cool waters and ocean breezes.” — Daniel Chung, the modman

35. Île aux Nattes, Madagascar

“A car-free island off Madagascar, Île aux Nattes has white sand, warm waters, and coral to make each visitor experience true awe in the face of beauty.” — Bradt Travel Guides

34. Dhigurah Island, Maldives

“You are truly steps away from the edge of paradise when you find yourself on Dhigurah Island. Soft white sand will surround you while crystal waters lap at your feet on an island meant for dreamers.” — Lindsey Parry, Arabian Notes

33. Kaputas Beach, Turkey

“The vivid hues of nature dotted with brightly colored umbrellas make this place worthy of a picture perfect day. The crystalline water meeting with golden, sun-kissed sand makes you feel as though you have traveled to another world.” — Bobby Heard, Flight Network

32. Tunnels Beach, Hawaii

“Great for walking, snorkeling, sunset gazing, and exploring nature’s wonders, Tunnels Beach truly has it all.” — Amber Selene Turpin, The Mercury News

31. Champagne Beach, Vanuatu

“Stunning sand and clear turquoise water with romantic mountain and island vistas, embraced by lush South Pacific jungles make Champagne Beach a true Vanuatu experience.” — Karen T. Bartlett, travel writer

30. Elafonissi Beach, Greece

“This dreamy island needs to be seen to be believed. The ground literally sparkles with pink-tinted sand and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.” — Jessica Loves, travel writer

29. Turquoise Bay, Australia

“The beach is wide, remote, and with very few people meant for a serene day in the tropics. The underwater marine life makes this beach even more spectacular with the astounding Ningaloo Coral Reef.” — Uncornered Market

28. Honokalani Beach, Hawaii

“With its black sand and lush green surroundings, Honokalani Beach is unlike any other beach in the world — which is exactly what makes it so special.” — Breanna Wilson, Forbes

27. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

“The pink sands and the rock formations make Horseshoe Bay the most unique tropical landscape in the world.” — Justin Plus Lauren

26. Anse Source d’Argent Beach, Seychelles

“Anse Source D’Argent is a jaw dropping beach featuring sun-dappled giant boulders, calm turquoise waters, and snow white sand.” — Rob Hale, Travel N Relax Inc

25. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

“This grand stretch of white sandy beach is the perfect spot for relaxtion and island adventure. The clear sapphire blue waters are the most magnificent place for snorkeling, parasailing, or stand up paddle boarding.” — The Planet D

24. Cayo Coco, Cuba

“Fine sand and pristine waters create a beach meant for peaceful swimming and relaxing moments on the shore.” — Cuba Explorer

23. Vaeroy Beach, Norway

“Vaeory is truly one of the most unique and distinctive beaches on the planet. You will be stunned not only by the jewel toned waters but by the impressive cliffs which frame the backdrop of an otherworldly location.” — Bobby Heard, Flight Network

22. Fulhadhoo Beach, Maldives

“This is the destination for luxurious days and nights spent entirely on a glowing tropical beach.” — Rachel Weir, Five Star Alliance

21. Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius

“Crystalized blue waters and sugar white sands create an island worthy of an explorer’s paradise and top travel destination.” — Mohammad, La Vacanza Travel

20. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

“The pure beauty of the island is sure to warm your heart. Its black sand, gigantic basalt rocks, and crashing Atlantic waves will create lasting memories.” — Roamaroo

19. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

“Not only are there long stretches of powdery white sand and dazzling blue water, Flamenco Beach is also home to unique features which keep you returning for more.” — Travel Freak

18. Lucky Bay, Australia

“Lucky Bay is one of the most stunning untouched landscapes featuring azure waters, blindingly white sand, and the occasional visit by local kangaroos.” — Rebecca Chisholm, Rottnest Island Authority

17. Half Moon Bay, Antigua

“Half Moon Bay transports its visitors into a world of turquoise, clear waters and exquisite views. Snorkeling right off-shore is a mesmerizing experience unlike any other.” — Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes

16. Saltwhistle Bay, St. Vincent and Grenadines

“A picture-perfect slice of sand. With hardly any development around, it’s peaceful and quiet.” — Jim Byers, Travel Pulse Canada

15. Muri Beach, Cook Islands

14. El Nido, Philippines

“I have never seen more pristine beauty in my life. This place is stunningly gorgeous beyond measure, with miles of beaches and coves.” — Points and Travel

13. Blue Lagoon, Fiji

“Rustic, low-key lodging and colorful shallow coral for snorkeling await you on this dreamy beach destination.” — Lauren Mowery, Forbes

12. Pig Beach, Bahamas

“Beautiful white sand, turquoise water, and tropical pigs are the most remarkable parts of this oasis.” — Whispered Inspirations

11. Maya Bay, Thailand

“Enclosed by craggy rock formations with water that sparkles in the sun, this beach is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind experience that every traveler must explore.” — Marc Matsumoto, No Recipes

10. Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

“This amazing beach in the US Virgin Islands offers spectacular snorkeling, extraordinary views, and so much more beauty that you have to see it to believe it.” —Michelle, Making Sense of Cents

9. Hidden Beach, Mexico

“A true secret paradise invisible from the outside. Playa del Amor is filled with hidden water tunnels to explore for hours.” — The Product Poet

8. Hyams Beach, Australia

“Hyams Beach had the whitest sand I’ve ever seen against a beautiful backdrop. I almost couldn’t believe it to be true.” — Jemma York, Academy Travel

7. Playa Paraiso, Mexico

“Gorgeous aqua blue water and pristine white sand combine to create the most amazing beach imaginable.” — Amber Mamian, Global Munchkins

6. Baia Dos Porcos, Brazil

“The most picturesque beach you can imagine, Baia Dos Porcos is inundated with the bluest of turquoise waters and vividly colored wildlife hidden behind lofty cliffs.” — Marisa Megan, Traveling With Boys

5. Navagio Beach, Greece

“A picture perfect setting awaits you at Navagio Beach, an exposed cove on the coast of Zakynthos. Visitors come from all corners of the world to grab photos of the famous ship wreck, called Panagiotis. The gorgeous blue water is just stunning in contrast to the white cliffs and sand.” — Jolene Ejmont, Wanderlust Story Tellers

4. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

“The island has a stunning pastel pink sand beach that adds a dreamy feeling to the atmosphere. The best part is this dreamscape is your reality on Harbour Island.” — Stephanie White Travels

3. Anse Lazio, Seychelles

“The white sand, emerald waters, and lush jungle are pure paradise.” — Kiersten, The Blonde Abroad

2. Whitehaven Beach, Australia

“Whitehaven Beach has oh-so-white sands, deepest green rainforests, and crystalline waters. It’s a wild island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, and by far the most beautiful location to experience.” — Sharron Livingston, The Travel Magazine

1. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos