Top 10 Beaches Around the World

Turquoise waters lap powder-white sands on the rain forest-fringed Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island. One of the most popular and photographed beaches in Australia—which is saying something—the 3-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of Whitehaven Beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just plain relaxing.

“I've been around the world and honestly this is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. From the crystal clear turquoise water to the miles of pure white sand, it is truly breathtaking.” —Tripadvisor review.

Roughly 10 miles (17 kilometers) northwest of Kissamos on the Greek island of Crete, Balos Lagoon is one of the country's most photogenic beaches. Famed for its celeb-approved shallow seas, rugged rocky surrounds, and white-sand shores with a slight pink tinge, Balos Lagoon is a popular spot to snorkel, sunbathe, and watch out for loggerhead sea turtles and protected monk seals.

“[Balos Lagoon] feels like another planet. A breathtaking place with a lagoon on one side and a beach on the other.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

On the UNESCO-protected island of Fernando de Noronha off the east coast of Brazil, no beach rivals Baio do Sancho. Getting there isn't easy—you'll need to navigate a ferry ride or shimmy down a 230-foot-tall (70-meter-tall) ladder to reach the half-moon shore—but the effort is well worth the reward.

“A beautiful remote beach that can only be reached by descending ladders and stone steps. The majestic bluffs will take your breath away.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

The Spiaggia dei Conigli—or, Rabbit Beach in English—is an otherworldly destination on the Lampedusa island in Sicily, Italy. Regularly ranked among the best beaches in the world, this spiaggia is the perfect place for a spot of rest and relaxation. Plus, its semi-remote location helps keep it quieter than most Italian beaches.

“One of the marvels of the world. White sand beach, turquoise water, cooling sea breeze. Prepare for a 20-minute walk to get to the beach, but once you are there you feel like you're not on Earth.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

Once named the best beach in America, Ka'anapali Beach stretches 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) along the coast of the Hawaiian island of Maui. Fringed by blue-green ocean and lined with swaying palms, Ka'anapali is known for its daily cliff-diving spectaculars, in which a diver plunges gracefully into the sea from atop Black Rock.

"This beach is so gorgeous and accessible to everyone. There’s easy parking and a wonderful path to walk on along the beach with showers to clean off. It’s truly paradise!” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

Popular with locals and visitors alike, Praia da Falésia is not only one of the longest beaches in Portugal, it's also one of the most striking. Backed by red sea cliffs and characterized by golden sand, this beach is a water sports hub—try your hand at snorkeling or paddleboarding before taking to the cliff top resort for golf, snacks, and scenic vistas.

“Gorgeous red sand cliffs lead to the green-blue ocean and a white sand beach that seemingly stretches forever.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

Not to be confused with the equally delightful Seven Mile Beach on the nearby Cayman Islands, Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica is home to super-soft sand, gentle rolling surf, and a wealth of water sport opportunities. It's not hard to see why Seven Mile Beach regularly makes world's best beach round-ups.

“Absolutely love this stretch of Jamaica. Some of the clearest turquoise water that you will experience, along with white sand as fine as sugar.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

You hear beach and England probably isn't the first place that springs to mind. And yet, the otherwise rainy nation is home to some surprisingly beautiful stretches of pier- and promenade-studded coastline. Bournemouth Beach, a favorite since the Victorian era, retains its old world charm and has all the amenities you could possibly need—from fish and chip shops and amusement arcades to charming beach huts.

“Stunningly beautiful and well maintained beach that stretches for miles.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.

On the northernmost tip of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Nungwi Beach looks like it was ripped from the front cover of a guidebook. With it's bright white sand, shallow waters, and wealth of snorkeling, swimming, and sun-worshipping potential, Nungwi combines everything you could want from a beach. And despite being popular among backpackers, it retains a low-key feel.

“Amazing combination of white, velvet-like sands and water changing colors throughout the day, from light blue to emerald green.” —Tripadvisor reviewer.