These Are The 26 Best Beaches On Earth (You Won’t Believe No.7)
Imagine the perfect beach: soft sand beneath your feet, crystal-clear waves kissing the shore, and nothing but endless blue stretching to the horizon.
While the world offers countless coastal escapes, a rare few rise above the rest – where nature outdoes itself, and every moment feels like a scene from a dream. From secluded hidden gems to breathtaking stretches of world-famous shoreline, these beaches aren’t just beautiful – they redefine paradise.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Stretching over 7 kilometers along Whitsunday Island, this paradise boasts silica sand so pure it squeaks beneath your feet. Whitehaven’s swirling patterns of white sand and turquoise water create a mesmerizing marble effect when viewed from above.
The sand here doesn’t retain heat, making barefoot walks comfortable even on scorching days. A true natural wonder!
2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Massive granite boulders frame this postcard-perfect shoreline, creating intimate pockets of beach that feel like your own private retreat. The shallow, crystal-clear waters stay warm year-round, perfect for gentle wading among colorful fish.
Anse Source d’Argent has starred in numerous commercials and films, earning its reputation as one of the most photographed beaches globally.
3. Maya Bay, Thailand
Encircled by towering limestone cliffs, this secluded cove feels like stepping into a secret world. The emerald waters reflect the lush vegetation that clings to the surrounding cliffs, creating a natural amphitheater of beauty.
Maya Bay gained fame as the filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie “The Beach.” Recently reopened after a restoration period, it now limits visitors to protect its delicate ecosystem.
4. Copacabana Beach, Brazil
Vibrant energy pulses through this iconic 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand. Locals and tourists mingle here, playing beach volleyball, sipping coconut water, and soaking up the infectious rhythm of Rio de Janeiro.
The distinctive black and white wave pattern of the promenade (designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx) has become an iconic symbol of Brazilian beach culture. Pure urban beach perfection!
5. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Rose-tinted sand stretches for three miles along Harbor Island’s eastern coast, creating a dreamy, romantic atmosphere unlike anywhere else. The blush color comes from crushed red shells of foraminifera (tiny marine creatures) mixing with white sand.
Calm, shallow waters make Pink Sands ideal for families. At sunrise and sunset, the beach truly glows pink, creating magical photo opportunities.
6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Overwater bungalows dot the impossibly blue lagoon surrounding this South Pacific jewel. The contrast between the white sand beaches, electric blue water, and the lush green Mount Otemanu creates a color palette that seems almost unreal.
Bora Bora’s lagoon is actually inside an ancient volcano crater. Snorkelers can float effortlessly above coral gardens teeming with tropical fish just steps from the shore.
7. Hidden Beach, Mexico
Accessible only by swimming through a short tunnel, this secret beach lies tucked inside a hollowed-out island. The Marietas Islands hide this extraordinary natural wonder – a completely enclosed beach with a circular opening to the sky above.
Created by military testing in the early 1900s, Hidden Beach (officially Playa del Amor) transformed destruction into beauty. Strict visitor limits protect this fragile ecosystem.
8. Grace Bay, Turks And Caicos
Powder-soft sand extends for 12 uninterrupted kilometers along this award-winning shoreline. The absence of rocks, seaweed, and pollution makes Grace Bay a pristine paradise for beach purists seeking perfection.
The offshore barrier reef keeps waves gentle and protects swimmers. At sunset, the sky transforms into a canvas of pinks and oranges that reflect on the calm water surface.
9. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Framed by smooth granite boulders and swaying palm trees, this beach offers the perfect balance of shade and sun. Crystal waters graduate from pale aquamarine to deep sapphire blue as they extend toward the horizon.
Anse Lazio on Praslin Island consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches. The lack of dangerous currents and gentle slope make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling among colorful tropical fish.
10. Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
Underwater snorkel trails guide swimmers through coral reefs teeming with tropical fish at this Caribbean gem. The 225-yard marked trail features plaques identifying marine life, creating a self-guided aquatic tour.
Trunk Bay within Virgin Islands National Park boasts incredibly soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Its pristine condition results from decades of conservation efforts and careful management.
11. Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Sunset transforms this mile-long stretch of powdery white sand into a romantic paradise. The shallow lagoon extends hundreds of yards offshore, allowing visitors to wade through warm, crystal-clear water to tiny motus (islets).
Matira Beach represents one of the few public-access beaches on Bora Bora. Palm trees line the shore, providing natural shade throughout the day. The gentle slope makes it perfect for families.
12. Railay Beach, Thailand
Accessible only by boat due to the massive limestone cliffs that cut it off from the mainland, this secluded paradise feels worlds away from civilization. Rock climbers scale the dramatic karst formations while longtail boats bob gently offshore.
Railay consists of several connected beaches with distinctly different vibes. The powdery sand and emerald waters contrast beautifully with the jungle-covered cliffs, creating a truly magical setting.
13. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
Military tanks abandoned decades ago have transformed into colorful art installations on this horseshoe-shaped bay. The contrast between the rusting metal, vibrant graffiti, and pristine white sand creates a fascinating juxtaposition.
Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island stretches for a mile along crystal-clear waters. The protective reef keeps waves gentle and perfect for swimming. Consistently ranked among the Caribbean’s best beaches.
14. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Constantly changing shape with the currents and winds, this extraordinary golden horn of pebbles extends dramatically into the Adriatic Sea. The beach actually pivots and changes direction depending on the prevailing conditions.
Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) on Brač Island offers perfect windsurfing conditions thanks to reliable afternoon winds. The crystal-clear water surrounding the distinctive spit reveals every pebble on the seafloor.
15. Ipanema Beach, Brazil
Immortalized in the famous bossa nova song, this cultural hotspot pulses with the authentic rhythm of Rio life. Each section of beach has its own distinct crowd and vibe, from families to fashion models to sports enthusiasts.
Ipanema offers spectacular views of the Two Brothers (Dois Irmãos) mountains. The beach culture here invented the Brazilian bikini and continues to set worldwide beach fashion trends.
16. Playa Del Norte, Mexico
Shallow turquoise waters extend hundreds of yards offshore, creating a natural swimming pool perfect for floating the day away. Palm trees sway gently along this north-facing beach on Isla Mujeres, providing natural shade from the Caribbean sun.
Playa Norte stays busy with beach clubs but never feels crowded. Sunset brings a magical pink glow to the sky and water. The gentle slope makes it ideal for children.
17. Camps Bay, South Africa
Framed by the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range, this urban beach offers a stunning natural setting just minutes from downtown Cape Town. The dramatic backdrop creates a jaw-dropping contrast between mountain and sea.
Camps Bay attracts the city’s fashionable crowd with upscale restaurants and bars lining the palm-fringed promenade. The brilliant white sand and crashing Atlantic waves provide the perfect setting for sundowners.
18. Praia Dona Ana, Portugal
Golden limestone cliffs create secluded coves and grottoes perfect for exploration by kayak or paddleboard. The ochre-colored rock formations contrast dramatically with the azure Atlantic waters, creating a photographer’s paradise.
Dona Ana in the Algarve region features exceptionally clear water that reveals fascinating rock formations below the surface. At low tide, hidden caves and passages become accessible for adventurous beachgoers.
19. Nissi Beach, Cyprus
Famous for its shallow sandbar that creates a natural walkway to a tiny offshore island at low tide. The powdery white sand contrasts beautifully with the electric blue Mediterranean waters that remain warm well into autumn.
Nissi Beach near Ayia Napa transforms from family-friendly by day to party central as sunset approaches. The crystal-clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling around the small rocky outcroppings.
20. Kaanapali Beach, Hawaii
Stretching for three miles along Maui’s western shore, this former playground of Hawaiian royalty offers something for everyone. The daily cliff diving ceremony at Black Rock pays homage to the island’s last independent king.
Kaanapali’s golden sands provide the perfect vantage point for whale watching during winter months. The crystal-clear water reveals colorful fish even without snorkeling gear. A beachfront walkway connects luxury resorts.
21. Anse Intendance, Seychelles
Wild and untamed, this secluded stretch of coastline offers a refreshing escape from manicured resort beaches. Powerful waves crash onto pristine white sand, creating a symphony of natural sounds uninterrupted by development.
Anse Intendance on Mahé Island has no protective reef, making it popular with experienced surfers. Giant tortoises occasionally visit from the nearby forest. The lack of facilities keeps crowds away, preserving its natural beauty.
22. Navagio Beach, Greece
Dramatically framed by towering limestone cliffs, this secluded cove harbors a rusty shipwreck that tells tales of smugglers and stormy seas. Accessible only by boat, the journey to this hidden treasure is part of its magic.
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) on Zakynthos Island features blindingly white pebbles that contrast with the electric blue Ionian Sea. Daredevil base jumpers sometimes leap from the surrounding 600-foot cliffs.
23. Rabbit Beach, Italy
Crystal-clear Mediterranean waters lap gently against this secluded cove on the tiny island of Lampedusa. Despite its name, you won’t find rabbits here – but you might spot endangered loggerhead turtles that nest on these protected shores.
Rabbit Beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli) sits within a nature reserve. The shallow, turquoise lagoon stays warm well into autumn. Its remote location between Sicily and North Africa creates a unique blend of cultures.
24. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Rainforest meets beach in this ecological wonderland where monkeys and sloths watch from trees lining the shore. The white sand crescent sits within Costa Rica’s smallest national park, creating a perfect harmony of jungle and sea.
Manuel Antonio offers excellent snorkeling around volcanic rock formations. The warm, gentle waters make it ideal for families. Keep an eye on your belongings – the resident monkeys are notorious thieves!
25. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii
Framed by lush, emerald mountains that catch misty clouds, this two-mile crescent of sand epitomizes Hawaiian paradise. Waterfalls cascade down distant mountains visible from your beach towel, creating a scene straight from a fantasy.
Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore featured in the film “South Pacific.” The historic pier provides the perfect sunset viewing platform. Winter brings exciting surf, while summer offers calm waters for paddleboarding.
26. Siesta Key Beach, Florida
Composed of 99% pure quartz crystal, the sand here stays cool underfoot even on the hottest summer days. The powder-fine texture feels like walking on flour and squeaks when you step – a sign of exceptional purity.
Siesta Key near Sarasota stretches for miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The shallow water extends far offshore, creating ideal conditions for families. Spectacular sunsets draw crowds every evening for nature’s free show.