Marjolein Dilven
Imagine wading in crystal-clear waters, your toes sinking into silky sand. Explore the world’s best beaches and uncover what makes them truly special. Whether it’s a hidden cove or a lively coastal stretch, every beach has its own charm, inviting you to experience the perfect getaway.
1. El Nido – Philippines
El Nido, found in Palawan, Philippines, boasts stunning cliffs, caves, and waterfalls, making it a must-visit. Its name, “The Nest,” reflects its role as a turtle sanctuary where hatchlings are released into the sea. With over 100 destinations, including Nacpan Beach and Pinagbuyutan Island, El Nido is a hotspot for international travelers.
2. Pileh Lagoon – Thailand
For a relaxing vacation surrounded by beautiful nature, check out Pileh Lagoon in Thailand. It’s famous for its stunning blue waters and green cliffs, making it one of Thailand’s best beaches. Situated near the popular diving spot of Koh Phi Phi, it’s perfect for people who want both peace and adventure.
3. Railay West Beach – Thailand
Railay West Beach in Krabi, Thailand, offers a perfect vacation with its pristine beach, relaxing atmosphere, and the emerald Andaman Sea. Adventurous visitors can enjoy cliff climbing, island hopping, and exploring stalactite-filled caves. To reach the beach, tourists take a longboat, providing stunning views of the peninsula before they arrive.
4. Hidden Beach, Palawan – Philippines
While El Nido often steals the spotlight, Palawan’s Hidden Beach deserves recognition too. Surrounded by immense limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, its beauty is unmatched. Accessible only by boat, this secret spot features a small cove with stunning rock formations, green plants, and shallow waves, creating a truly otherworldly landscape.
5. Ipanema – Brazil
Looking for a beach trip that keeps the party going after sundown? Ipanema is the place to be! Known for its lively nightlife, Ipanema has well-kept surroundings and samba-fueled parties. The 4.3-mile-long beachfront with its pearly white sands will instantly charm you, and as a cultural hub in Rio de Janeiro, it’s close to art galleries, bookstores, and theaters.
6. Copacabana Beach – Brazil
Known for its stunning ocean views, live music, and energetic vibe, Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is one of the best beach destinations in the world. This 2.5-mile-long beach is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs, and has a nightlife scene like no other. During the day, you can enjoy football and volleyball matches, street performers, vendors, and surfing.
7. Praia Dona Ana – Portugal
Praia Dona Ana offers travelers stunning scenery with cliffs overlooking the bright blue Atlantic Ocean. Located in the charming town of Lagos, Portugal, this 525-foot-long beach showcases the area’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for families with young children due to the watchful lifeguards, and it’s also a great spot for rock climbing.
8. Playa Blanca – Colombia
Found on the Isla Baru Peninsula of Colombia, Playa Blanca captivates visitors with its stunning sunset views. The beach’s narrow shore is perfect for leisurely strolls in the gentle ocean waves. With lively vendors and fellow sun-seekers, this tropical paradise is full of energy and charm, offering warm sun, swaying palm trees, and a refreshing breeze.
9. Cabo San Juan – Colombia
Cabo San Juan is a visual delight with its dense forests and cream-colored sands. Located in Colombia’s Tayrona National Park, it features rare wildlife and beautiful jungle trails. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in a hammock, making it a memorable adventure.
10. Playa Montañita – Ecuador
Playa Montañita in Ecuador offers the perfect beach vacation with sun, sand, and sea, creating a refreshing escape. Known as the country’s surfing capital, it attracts wave riders from around the world. The beach welcomes surfers of all skill levels, from beginners catching their first wave to seasoned pros seeking a challenge.
11. Playa del Amor – Mexico
Playa del Amor, located on the Marietas Islands off Mexico’s west coast, is known as the “Hidden Beach” for its secluded charm. Accessible only through a winding tunnel inside a cave, it offers unmatched privacy on a sandy beach with crashing waves. It’s a popular spot for couples seeking a romantic getaway, offering an intimate beach experience away from prying eyes.
12. Carnash Bay Beach – Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Carnash Bay Beach in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is known for its fine sand and calm aquamarine waves, shaded by a lush canopy of trees. This hidden gem remains untouched, with no roads or buildings nearby. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach or trying water sports like scuba diving and paddle boarding, Carnash Bay Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.
13. Pink Sand Beach – Antigua and Barbuda
The Pink Sand Beach on Barbuda Island is famous for its beautiful rose-tinted sand, made from tiny sea shells and crushed corals. Stretching 8 miles (12.9 km), it offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. What makes it even more special is its peaceful atmosphere with few people around, so you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery without any interruptions.
14. Bora Bora – French Polynesia
Bora Bora is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with lush mountains and luxurious bungalows drawing visitors from around the world. Situated in French Polynesia, it was originally named Pora Pora, meaning “firstborn” in a local myth. The highlight of Bora Bora is its deep blue lagoon surrounded by coral reefs, where resorts on stilts offer a unique experience.
15. Whitehaven Beach – Australia
Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, Australia, is celebrated for its ivory sands, stunning surroundings, and clear waters, making it a top travel destination. Named for its pure white sand, which is mostly silica, people from all over the world visit to experience its extraordinary beauty and silky-smooth texture.
16. Reynisfjara Beach – Iceland
Reynisfjara Beach on Iceland’s southern coast has striking black sands formed from volcanic lava, creating a unique and visually stunning landscape. Next to the quaint fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal, it’s a great spot for puffin watching. However, visitors should be cautious near the waves, as conditions can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.
17. Navagio Beach – Greece
Also known as “Shipwreck Beach,” Navagio Beach is located on the Greek island of Zakynthos. This destination reveals the intriguing story of the Panagiotis: a contraband-hauling ship hunted by the authorities before it was ultimately found wedged into the gravel in 1980.
18. Source d’Argent – Seychelles
Source d’Argent is a haven for travelers seeking the world’s most photogenic spots, featuring enormous granite boulders sculpted by natural forces. Set against shimmering blue waters and scenic coves, this beach on Seychelles’ La Digue island makes for an unforgettable trip.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.