Our earth is made up of 71% water and the oceans hold about 96.5% of earth's water which ultimately gives us thousands of drop-dead gorgeous beaches. And we all can agree that there is something about the beaches that just stir our senses, be it the calm breeze, murmur of the waves, the briny scent, wriggling our feet in the sand or the sunset views, the best beaches are no less than the best poems.
But to choose some from the thousands of equally beautiful pieces is a tough nut to crack. But we got some of the most unique and distinct beaches in terms of their features and attributes.
A sheer beauty, Whitehaven Beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world. A seven-kilometre stretch of shimmering white sand which is 98% silica, slopes down to meet the turquoise water and is just a treat to your soul.
● It is located on Whitsunday Island off the Queensland coast at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, which is only accessible by seaplane, helicopter, or boat. The view of the beach from the air is something that you will never forget.
● You can go paddleboarding, spot marine life including baby sharks, beach sports, a romantic date during sunrise or sunset, and obviously fill your Instagram with some wow pictures.
Beach with a sunroof, La Playa Escondida is the most intriguing beach in the world, which is also known as the hidden beach or the cave beach. An underground beach with a massive hole in its roof is like a treasure that you definitely want to discover.
● It is located on the Islas Marietas, off the coast of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s western side. You have to take an hour boat ride to the Marietas Islands and then swim, paddle or kayak your way through a tunnel to reach here, but it will be all worth it once you reach.
● You can go snorkelling, see coral reefs and it is a perfect place for sunbathing.
Surrounded by a dense forest, Radhanagar Beach is one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the world. The white sand, the clear blue water, and the sunsets here are just pure bliss. It was also named "Best Beach in Asia" by Time.
● It is located on Havelock Island of Andaman group which you can reach by air or waterways.
● You can go snorkelling, scuba diving, enjoy the sunset view and some great cafes nearby.
Considered one of the most photogenic places on the entire planet, Anse Source D'Argent beach requires no description. The pure white sand sometimes hued pink and the giant granite boulders make it one of the best beaches in the world.
● It is located on a secluded cove on La Digue, Seychelles’ third-largest island. An early morning walk here is no less than a paradise walk.
● You can go snorkelling, long walks, hike the boulders and don't forget to click lots of pictures.
Atlantic ocean on one side and pine forest on the other, Dune Du Pilat is a natural marvel and it can't get any better. The tallest sand dunes in Europe with shimmering golden sand peaks as high as 300 feet between the beach and the forest will just make your jaw drop.
● It is just an hour's drive from Bordeaux.
● You can go paragliding, surfing, exploring the forest, and take long walks on the sand dunes alongside the beach.
A natural wonder, Zlatni Rat Beach is infamous for its significant triangular shape, and as the tip of the beach changes its orientation because of the strong sea currents and wind conditions making it one of the most unique but the best beaches in the world.
● It is located on the southern coast of Brac Island, just 2 km from Bol. The triangular shape of the beach is clearly visible from the road that descends to Bol which is a sight to behold.
● You can go for various water sports like snorkelling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, paddle boating, and kayaking.
A pristine beauty, One Foot Island Beach is an untouched beach. It is also called Tapuaetai and has some breathtaking sugar white sand secluded beaches and the clearest water you will see.
● It is one of the 22 Aitutaki lagoons of the Cook Islands.
● You can go swimming in the clearest water, snorkelling, and cruise rides
Considered one of the best beaches in the world for snorkelling, Tunnels Beach offers you a wide range of coral reefs and you can also see small caves and tunnels in the sea and marine wildlife including the exclusive Hawaiian Monk Seal.
● It is located on the Kauai Island of Hawaii.
● You can go snorkelling, scuba diving, and long walks at the beach while enjoying the panoramic view and the sunset.
As the name suggests, Pink Sand Beach has pink-hued sand that feels straight out of dreamland. The pink colour of the sand is because of the crushed ocean bodies of a microorganism called foraminifera, letting you post your pictures on Instagram with #nofilter and making it one of the best beaches.
● It is located on Harbour Island in The Bahamas.
● You can go snorkelling, swimming, horseback riding, the sunrise and sunset views here are just jaw-dropping and also the sand shimmers during that time, and paint your phone or camera gallery pink
The most visited beach of St. John and one of the most photographed beaches in the world, Trunk Bay is truly picturesque. A 225-yard-long underwater trail for snorkeling is the major attraction along with the surrounding greenery making it one of the best beaches.
● It is located in St. John on the northwestern part of US Virgin Islands.
● You can go for the self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail with underwater information about coral formations, sea life, sunbath, and water sports.
Popularly known as the shipwreck beach because of a ship called Panagiotis wrecked here in the 1980s, Navagio Beach is one of the best beaches with crystal clear blue water in contrast with white sand and cliffs.
● It is located in a secluded cove on Zakynthos in Greece's Ionian Islands where you can reach by either waterways or airways.
● Explore the naturally formed caves at the beach, go for a swim, sunbath and you can also see the wrecked ship.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tulum flaunts its snow-white sand, shimmering turquoise water with a stunning backdrop of ancient Mayan ruins making it one of the best beaches in the world.
● It is a whole different world located just 2 hours drive away from the chaos of Cancun on the Riviera Maya.
● Explore the ancient ruins, snorkeling, swim through Gran Cenote
Probably the easiest addition to the list of the best beaches, Grace Bay Beach is one of the most exotic beaches in the world with an eight-kilometer stretch of exquisite white sand in a half crescent shape sloping down to the clear turquoise water which has one of the largest coral reef systems in the world just off shore.
● Grace Bay is one of the 40 islands of Turks and Caicos located southeast of the Bahamas.
● You can go snorkeling, swimming, stay at the plush resorts adjoining the beach and eat at the exclusive cafes, sunrise and sunsets here are a sight to behold.
Iceland may not be a popular destination for beaches but this Black Sand beach will just blow your mind. The black Icelandic sand, massive waves crashing at the shore, and the gigantic and unique basaltic columns are so stunning that even the makers of Game Of Thrones could not resist and include them in many of their episodes. There is no doubt that it is one of the best beaches in the world.
● It is located in Reynisfjara on the south coast of Iceland.
● Adore the basaltic columns, take as many pictures as you can, take long walks
An epitome of tropical paradise, Bora Bora is home to one of the best beaches in the world, Matira Beach with its white powdery soft and silky sand and heavenly turquoise water surround by the super calm and serene lagoon. And the cherry on the cake is that it is a public beach in Bora Bora.
● It is a Tahiti beach located in Bora Bora in French Polynesia
● You can go snorkeling, take long walks, spend some peaceful time, enjoy sunset views, and also opt for some water sports.
Well, not so hidden anymore but still Hidden Beach is the best pristine beauty you will ever see. Literally a piece of paradise with bone-white sand surrounded by hulking limestone cliffs and the turquoise water, sure enough, to make you fall in love with the destination.
● It is a secret beach of Mantiloc Island in Palawan in the Philippines. It is only accessible through a narrow crevice, one has to swim through the opening in order to reach the beach.
● You can go snorkeling, take sun bath, relax and take as many photos as you can.
One of the most secluded and difficult places to reach, Praia Do Sancho will worth all your sweat as soon as you reach here. The deserted shoreline, calmness, murmuring of the waves, dazzling golden sand and the cool breeze will leave you in an awe of it. It is consistently voted as one of the best beaches in the world.
● It is located on the secluded island of Fernando de Noronha and you can reach here only by boat or by hiking down through narrow rock tunnels and steep ladders from the surrounding cliffs.
● You can go swimming, snorkeling, hiking, take long walks, sunbath and have a peaceful time
A hidden gem, Cala Goloritze will be a perfect reward for you for the hike you will undergo to reach here. A dream spot for the hikers and the climbers which is very well protected from the crowd. Imagine having one of the best beaches just to yourself, this one is exactly that.
● It is located in the Gulf of Orosei on the eastern coast in Sardinia in Italy. It is only accessible by boat or a daunting trail hike.
● You can go snorkeling, bird watching, hiking, climbing
A one of a kind experience, Maya Bay Beach gained its popularity after getting featured in films. Surrounded by the craggy rock formations and the water that literally sparkles during the sun, this is one of the best beaches that you will ever see.
● It is located on Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Islands in Thailand.
● You can go snorkeling, swimming, sunbath, spot exotic and colorful fishes underwater and some amazing corals.
Popularly known as the Turtle Island, Marathonisi is a pristine white sand beach where various species of turtles including endangered loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs. Tourists have to stay within five meters of the water to avoid disturbing them but the scent of pine in the air and the clear turquoise water and sighting the turtles make it one of the best beaches.
● Marathonisi is a islet in Zakynthos in Greece.
● You can go snorkeling in the sea caves or take a boat ride in the caves, go swimming, catch turtle hatching
So where are you going next to take a dip?
What is the #1 beach in the world?
After the reviews of over 600 travel journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies which was asked by FlightNetwork, Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos took the crown.
What is the cleanest beach in the world?
Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles is considered as the cleanest beach in the world.
What is the whitest beach in the world?
A little-known beach at Hyam's Beach, on the shores of Jervis Bay in the Australian state of New South Wales, has the honor of having the whitest sand in the world.
What beach has the softest sand?
Siesta Key Beach located in Florida is considered to have the softest sand in the world.
Where is the world's longest beach?
Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh is the world's longest natural sea beach.