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Ah, white sand, crystal clear waters, tropical drink in hand—who doesn't want to be relaxing on a beach at any given moment? But with so many seashores in the world to explore, how do you choose where is best to visit next? Here we rounded up 30 of the most beautiful beaches in the world to help inspire your future travel plans.
Whether you are looking to travel to Europe or a Caribbean island, each of these beaches is sure to be breathtaking. Many of them have classic Caribbean-style white sand-turquoise water combinations, but they vary from remote destinations to explore if you are feeling adventurous to shorelines geared toward serenity or entertainment that lead right up to luxury resorts. The only tricky part might be narrowing your plans down from serene spots in Mexico, island-hopping beaches, and exotically remote shorelines in Hawaii, among other locations. The good news is there isn't a wrong answer, and you can add more of them to your list of ideas for future trips too.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R84ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rg4ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeNow for those sunny, sandy beaches! Which one will you visit next?
Baia do Sancho, Brazil
You have to descend a series of ladders down a forest-topped cliff or take a boat to to access this protected cove, but its beauty is well worth the trek. Its crystal clear waters are within a National Marine Park that make it a great diving destination, and you'll find a high concentration of tropical seabirds in the preserved area. There aren't any accommodations on the beach itself, but you can find luxe hotels in nearby Fernando de Noronha.
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Image by Ramesh Thadani - Getty ImagesSeven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
When you imagine postcard-perfect white sand Caribbean beach with perfectly clear teal waters, this is it. As its name suggests, its coral sand stretches on for miles and takes you to calm waters, and the beach is lined with resorts, fine dining and beachfront casual restaurants, and other amenities right by its tranquil waters. You can get there by taking a car or taxi from George Town.
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IreneCorti - Getty ImagesPunaluʻu 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.
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Matt Anderson Photography - Getty ImagesRio 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.
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Anton Petrus - Getty ImagesMonterosso 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.
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nycshooter - Getty ImagesElafonissi 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.
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Posnov - Getty ImagesSiesta 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.
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Pola Damonte via Getty Images - Getty ImagesLe 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.
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Myroslava - Getty ImagesRailay 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.
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Prasit photo - Getty ImagesMatira 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.
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Marco Prosch - Getty ImagesNatadola 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.
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@ Didier Marti - Getty ImagesPraia 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 SeaBOOK YOUR STAY NEAR THE MARINHA
Elena Pueyo - Getty ImagesPlacencia 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.
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Getty ImagesNavagio 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.
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Getty ImagesSt. 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.
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Getty ImagesKo 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.
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Getty ImagesAnse 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.
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Getty ImagesHuruvalhi 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.
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Getty ImagesHanalei 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.
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Getty ImagesVirgin 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.
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Getty ImagesOra 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.
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Getty ImagesWhitsunday 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.
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Getty ImagesChampagne 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.
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Getty ImagesTikehau 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.
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Getty ImagesGrace 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.
BOOK YOUR STAY ON GRACE BAY
AnthonyRosenberg - Getty ImagesByron 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
Getty ImagesMo'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.
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Getty ImagesArch of Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is distinctive, to say the least. However, this area of Mexico has so much more to offer than just a picturesque cliff protruding from the water—it has spectacular sandy beaches, too.
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Getty ImagesWailea, 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
Getty ImagesCamps 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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