How do you decide the world's best among beaches? At the outset, all the beaches appear the same, but die-hard beach fans beg to differ. With the infinite number of seas and oceans, our beautiful planet is blessed with, it is only natural that the topography of each beach provides a unique and divergent experience. If one beach has scenic surroundings, another has startling blue waters. Another mesmerizes with its golden sands, while others excite with their underwater world. Plan your tropical getaway to one of these wonderful and best beaches in the world.
20. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
Ranking highly on the best beach chart is Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. If you want to enjoy some secluded beach time this beach hits the nail on the head. Seclusion is ensured by the tricky access to the beach. You have to go down a dirt road, use steep stairs and get through a tight fissure among other things. The reward of the turquoise water, coral reefs, and attractive reefs make it worth every step.
19. East Beach, California
East Beach in Santa Barbara, California, has it all- tropical sunny weather, reasonable crowd and breathtaking Cali scenery. A lengthy beachfront drive along tall pine trees and deep blue Pacific waters with the Santa Ynez Mountains vistas as a backdrop make East Beach undoubtedly one among the best beaches in the world.
18. El Nido, Philippines
El Nido in the Palawan Islands Philippines has a bunch of beaches all of which are beautiful, thus making it difficult to point at just one. The white sand surrounded by enchanting limestone formations and blinding blue waters are a dreamy sight. Many of these Palawan beaches have yet to show up on the world radar, thus providing a unique exploring experience.
17. Matira Beach, French Polynesia
Among the most popular beaches in Tahiti, the Matira Beach is the only beach accessible to the public in Bora Bora. The beach stretches a mile, with its powder-white sandy slopes, and leads to a shallow green lagoon with a bounty of tropical foliage in the background.
16. Lake McKenzie, Australia
Called Lake McKenzie, as it is set on a freshwater lake on Fraser Island, this beach has only silica and no salt. It is one of the cleanest beaches in the world. Fraser Island is also one of the largest islands with an ancient rainforest.
15. Rabbit Beach, Italy
Set in a nature reserve, Rabbit Beach is one of the most secluded as well as spectacular beaches in the world. Don’t go by the name, there are no rabbits here! Accessed only by boat, tourists get to treat themselves to the sight of dolphins playing in the waters. A bonus visit would be the volcanic isle of Linosa close by and its unbelievable black-and-red beach.
14. Praia da Marinha, Portugal
For a complete tryst with nature, Praia da Marinha Beach in Lagoa, Portugal fits the bill. The golden cliffs lining the shoreline offer views of the endless turquoise clear water from the cliff top that is sure to take your breath away. This Algarve beach is famous for its twin arches which allow you to swim through or row out to caves and grottos close by.
13. El Castillo, Mexico
El Castillo Beach provides a mix of history and beach activities. With Mayan ruins in the background, the beach with its clear water and colorful fishing boats appears like a page out of a history book. Tourists also have an abundance of activities to indulge in; climbing pyramids, salsa dancing, kite surfing and swimming in cenotes.
12. Navagio, Greece
This crescent-shaped beach is accessible only from a boat. The beach is enveloped by majestic cliffs on all the three sides, yet this does not act as a deterrent to tourists who row to it. The remarkable beauty of the cobalt water in contrast to the pristine sands against the rising backdrop of the cliff is an incentive too enthralling to pass up!
11. Blue Lagoon, Turkey
Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Turkey is at the confluence of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. The beach is a pebble beach and has a sandy bay on a blue lagoon. The sight of a peninsula separating one stretch of beach from another, and, the turquoise clear water bordered by lavish green peaks is a feast for the eyes.
10. Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
Reduit Beach is known for its picturesque bay and scenic location as it only about ten minutes from Pigeon National Park. Beach visitors can also have a glimpse of Fort Rodney from the beach. This beach is an ideal spot to enjoy some relaxed and quiet beach hours.
9. Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Jamaica Beach is distinct because it is divided up into several coves. Only four of these are open to the public. The calm waters and untouched rocky shorelines allow enjoyable swimming laps in addition to snorkeling.
8. Waipio Valley Beach, Hawaii
Possibly one of the most rugged beaches in an intensely natural setting is the Waipio Beach. One can access the beach by hiking or driving down an imposing steep and narrow road. On arrival, you will be greeted by a mile-long stretch of black volcanic sand. The surroundings of 2000-foot cliff walls and thick rainforest have you spellbound. To taste more of nature’s bounty, cut through the cliffs for a view of the charming Kaluahine and Waiulili waterfalls at the south end of the beach.
7. Blue Beach, Puerto Rico
Another Caribbean Beach, this beach lives up to its name with waters that turn a thousand shades of blue. Accessing the beach can be quite an adventure as its entry is through the National Wildlife Refuge; with an unpaved and bumpy path starting from the middle of the Refuge.
6. Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
Nestled in the northwestern corner of the Virgin Island National Park, Trunk Bay has calm and clear waters. The beach attracts snorkelers and hikers in huge numbers for its 225-yard-long Underwater Trail and lush hiking trails that run through ruins of sugarcane plantations.
5. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Horseshoe Beach is especially popular with children for its shallow water present in Port Royal Cove. The dramatic rock formations at the beach with the soft pink sands are an added attraction.
4. Harbour Island, Bahamas
One of the less inhabited beaches among the bustling Bahamian beaches is the scenic Harbour Beach. The pink sands, gentle breeze rustled up by the beautiful palm trees and the glorious sun to bask in has families and couples settling in here for the whole day.
3. Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
One among the world’s untouched and wild beaches is the Bathsheba Beach. The rugged shoreline offers some picture perfect scenes. Watch in fascination the ‘Soup Bowl’, which is the term for the waves when they come crashing on the clear sand and massive boulders ending up in a foamy formation. Capture the ‘Super Bowl’ in action and it is sure to be your winning portrait!
2. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Set on the western side of Cayman Islands, this beach stretches out for more than five miles. A stroll down this stretch provides access to restaurants, beach volleyball, jet skis, and snorkeling at various points. An attraction which stands out at the Seven Mile Beach is the Cemetery Reef with its rocky formations which is the ideal sea life habitat.
1. Dreamland Beach, Bali
Beaches in Bali are renowned the world over for their magnificent appeal. The fact that Bali is an island contributes vastly to the attraction. Surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and pristine sands, the beaches stand out for their legendary sunsets. Almost every beach has direct access to hotel accommodations allowing the beach lover to indulge in an out-and-out ‘beachy’ holiday.
Enjoyment at a beach is a given, but these top beaches take the joy levels higher leaving you with a piece etched in your memory forever.