8 of The Best Beaches in the World
Catalogue
- 1. Beach in the United States
- 2. Beach in Brazil
- 3. Beach in Australia
- 4. Beach in Thailand
- 5. Beach in Greece
- 6. Beach in South Africa
- 7. Beach in the Bahamas
- 8. Beach in Mexico
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Seagulls flying over the beach during sunrise (source)
The hot sun beating down on your skin, the cool wind raking through your hair, the soft sand between your toes - it's always a pleasure to visit a new beach. Beach getaways are some of the most booked holidays on Trip.com, and we're fairly sure you all know why.
We're proud UK-lovers, but even we have to admit that the country can be a little dreary - so understandably, you want to book a trip that'll take you away from the stereotypical weather of grey clouds and drizzle.
If you've got some paid time off and want to find out about the world's best beaches, then you're in the right place. Here are 8 can't-miss destinations where you'll be in pure bliss on sandy and sunny coasts…
Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
The beach on Hanalei Bay (source)
This crescent-shaped bay can be spotted from a mile away, and not just because of its shape - this is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauai! You'll find beautiful coral reefs on both ends of the bay, which you can see up close and personal when snorkelling.
If you're a fan of swimming, do note that it's only safe between June and August, as the waters are rough during the other months. In the spring and autumn, you can swim by the pier if you want.
You won't be disappointed on land though, as there are 2 miles (3 km) of beach parks to traverse through Hanalei Bay. Split your time between them all, where you'll see the renowned Hanalei Pier, Hanalei River, and amazing coastlines.
Nearest Airport: Lihue
Hotels:
Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha on a sunny day (source)
The island of Fernando de Noronha is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which tells you immediately how special the area is. Baia do Sancho is often named the most beautiful beach in the world, after all.
Not only that, but it's not easy to access, meaning it's not overrun with tourists. To get to this paradise beach, you'll need to pay an environmental tax of around £10 per person, and only 700 tourists are allowed on the archipelago a day, so get there early.
Once you've paid the fee, you'll need to take a boat to get to Baía do Sancho. Or for the more adventurous, you can take the stone steps or steel ladders on the cliffs. Either way, you'll be entranced when you see the shining blue waters and the dolphins, rays, sharks, and other marine life inside.
Nearest Airport: Fernando de Noronha
Hotels:
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
Driftwood in the sand on Whitehaven Beach (source)
If you're seeking is a mix of clear azure waters and soft blinding-white sand that doesn't get hot, then you'll find it at Whitehaven Beach. The sand is made of 98.9% pure silica, which is what gives it its silky texture, pristine appearance, and always-cool feel. You won't find it anywhere else in the Whitsundays.
It's worth taking a beach day tour, as you'll visit stunning lookouts and snorkel in coral-filled bays, which are smack dab in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. If you're lucky, you'll spot a turtle among to the colourful tropical fish!
On land, you can shuffle along the beach leisurely, or you can go along the bushwalk to see the island's lush native vegetation.
Nearest Airport: Gunyarra (note: you'll have to fly into Australia first)
Hotels:
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh Island
View of Maya Bay from the water (source)
Located in the Phi Phi National Park, Maya Bay is a dazzling beach with white sand, dark blue waters, impressive coral reefs, and most importantly, huge limestone cliffs in the middle and gigantic mountains on 3 sides. If it looks familiar, it's probably because the 2000 film "The Beach" was partly shot here.
Because so many tourists flocked to Maya Bay, the government closed the area in June 2018 to allow it to recover.
The good news is, it reopened at the end of 2022, so you can still spend your beach holiday here. However, you're no longer allowed to swim in the bay, and can only stand up to knee-length waters. This is to protect the blacktip shark population in the bay.
Nearest Airport: Phuket
Hotels:
Elafonissi Beach, Chania
Pink sand on Elafonissi Beach (source)
When you set eyes on Elafonissi Beach, you'll notice the colour right away, as the soft pink hue is caused by the eroded pink shells from marine life debris. The bonus is its waters are warm nearly all year long, so you can take a dip comfortably on your trip.
This is one of the best beaches around because not only can you sunbathe in a comfortable chair under an umbrella during the day, but you can also linger until the evening to see an unforgettable sunset.
For a different perspective, you can go hiking, where you'll breathe in the fresh air and scent of cedar trees.
Nearest Airport: Chania
Hotels:
Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town
Cliffs on Camps Bay Beach (source)
Not a fan of remote, faraway beaches? Then you need to spend time at Camps Bay Beach. This beach is located right in the capital of South Africa, and it's not far away from Cape Town International Airport either. It can't get more convenient than that.
This white sand beach gives you an outstanding view of the Twelve Apostles mountains. The water temperature is pretty low throughout the year, so it's only ideal for dipping a toe in. You should sunbathe on the smooth sand instead.
Because Camps Bay Beach is in a stylish area, you'll be spoilt for choice when looking for bars, restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightclubs. And it's not far from Cape Town either, making it easy to pop in for a quick look.
Nearest Airport: Cape Town
Hotels:
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
Pink sand at Pink Sands Beach (source)
The light pink sands and the sky-blue waters at Pink Sands Beach will make you feel as if you're looking at candy floss. The beach stretches across 3 miles (5 km), so this large swathe of pink is sure to make your jaw drop.
Like on Elafonissi Beach, the sand here is this hue because of red shell debris that's been crushed. And naturally, this makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Visitors can swim, snorkel, fish, or sunbathe during the day. And by night, they can revel in the vibrant nightlife.
Best of all, you'll enjoy warm weather all year long. But not to worry about the sand, as it'll stay cool, even in the sweltering heat.
Nearest Airport: Nassau
Hotels:
Tulum Beach, Tulum
Aerial view of Tulum Beach (source)
The Caribbean coast in Tulum provides unbelievably clear and light blue waters that are warm all year long. This means you can swim comfortably at any time, although the best months are July through October.
What will make you never want to leave is the Mayan jungle just to the side of Tulum Beach. This will truly provide a tropical adventure…
Technically, there are several beaches that span 6 miles (10 km), and they're split into the north and south. Make sure to visit Playa Ruinas in the north though, as you'll gaze upon impressive ruins. For the best beach clubs, head down south, where you'll also find plenty of luxury hotels too…
Nearest Airport: Cancun
Hotels:
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