To satisfy my obsession with some of the world’s best beaches, I’ve compiled some of the best beaches in the world, thanks to the contributions of travellers from around the world (and might I add, some of the best bodies too? π )!
There are beaches from all corners of the world such as Mozambique, Bohol (Philippines), Aruba, Sardinia (Italy), Costa Rica, Indonesia, France, USA, Japan, French Polynesia, Thailand, Hawaii, Colombia, Dubai and Dominican Republic for you to bookmark on your next beach getaway!
It makes me wonder under what circumstance would these travellers go to beaches that are right in the middle of an ocean. It also makes me wish I could watch the waves lap with my own eyes and have my toes be tickled by the fine sand right this moment too.
For now, I can only admire these 34 gorgeous beaches in the most beautiful places from around the world and hope that someday, I may get to visit them one day.
Also included are some bikini and swimsuit inspiration for you to expand your beach wardrobe.
Enjoy the beach views (and these sexy travellers)!
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At A Glance
- 1. Gili Trawangan in Lombok, Indonesia
- 2. Castel Plage in Nice, France
- 3. South Beach in Miami, Florida, USA
- 4. Kondoi Beach in Taketomi island, Japan
- 5. Robinson Crusoe Island in Fiji
- 6. Bora Bora in French Polynesia
- 7. Bang Bao Bay in Koh Kood, Thailand
- 8. Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
- 9. Playa Blanca in Cartagena, Colombia
- 10. Long Beach in Phi Phi Island, Thailand
- 11. Jumeirah Beach in Dubai
- 12. Punta Cana Beach in Dominican Republic
- 13. Hickam Air Base in Hawaii, USA
- 14. Palm Beach in Aruba
- 15. Hong Island in Krabi, Thailand
- 16. Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica
- 17. Turquoise Bay in Ningaloo, Australia
- 18. Lahuy Island in Caramoan, Philippines
- 19. Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines
- 20. Playa Guiones in Nosara, Costa Rica
- 21. La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy
- 22. Sottomarina beach in Venice, Italy
- 23. Maputo Elephant Reserve in Mozambique
- 24. Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
- 25. Natural Pool on the Eastern Side of Aruba
- 26. Playa Del Duque in South Tenerife, Canary Islands
- 27. Dog Island in San Blas Islands, Panama
- 28. Grande Soeur in Seychelles
- 29. Sai Nuan Beach I in Koh Tao, Thailand
- 30. PresquβIle de Quiberon in Brittany, France
- 31. PalamΓ³s, in Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
- 32. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
- 33. Fort Myers Beach in Florida, USA
- 34. Kahana Beach in Maui, Hawaii
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1. Gili Trawangan in Lombok, Indonesia
There was something both peaceful and a childish fun of swinging over the water looking out at the open sea. Gili Trawangan was home to some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen with crystal clear water and breathtaking sunsets but nothing was quite like swinging into the sea.
– Megan from Traveling Nine To Fiver
Can’t believe Lombok is so close to Singapore yet I’ve never been there!
Bikini from Athleta.
2. Castel Plage in Nice, France
I was in Nice, France in summer of 2015 and I was there for a whole week with my best gal friends, just three girls chilling and enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean warm weather.
My friends and I booked an Airbnb apartment which is located in the old town of Nice and as well just about five minutes walk to Castel Plage! We were in awe at how beautiful the beach is, the water is so blue and so clear and the feeling of being near to it was great.
We had several picnic breakfasts by the shore and as well watched every sunset overlooking the beautiful coast. It was a wonderful experience!
– Evan from Pretty Wild World
Bikini from SM Department Store Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
3. South Beach in Miami, Florida, USA
It’s not exactly an untouched natural paradise, but Miami’s South Beach is FUN! If you’re looking to party this is the place for you. But even if you’d rather take it easy on your holiday, Miami has plenty to offer – Surfside Beach would be my top recommendation.
– Sabina from Girls vs Globe
Certainly, Miami is THE place to go for the beaches!
Bikini from Boux Avenue.
4. Kondoi Beach in Taketomi island, Japan
This beach is paradise because it has the clear turquoise waters you imagine from postcards and it’s tropical Japan which is so underrated and therefore not as frequented as other beach getaways in Asia.
– Stefan Arestis from Nomadic Boys
Swimsuit from H&M.
5. Robinson Crusoe Island in Fiji
Robinson Crusoe Island, a private island located not far from Port Deneru, is a popular resort owned and operated by Aussies. Their New Year’s party was a wild mix of cross-dressing, kava swilling, war dances, and delicious local food. One of the most memorable ways to ring in the New Year I can think of.
The beach itself is more picturesque than it is good for swimming and diving. White sand and clear water, sure, but a bit too rocky and coral strewn for genuine frolicking.
The island itself is just likely. Far enough from the backpacker crowds of the Yasawas to feel genuinely quiet, but with a fun crowd and awesome staff about to ensure you’re not bored. I miss their hammocks!
– Chris Walker-Bush
Bikini from… Homemade.
“Stop laughing. Alright, stop it, right now! You’ve never seen a man with curves before? This picture of me rocking a homemade coconut bra and a pleated mini skirt borrowed from my girlfriend, was snapped on New Year’s Eve in 2010.”
6. Bora Bora in French Polynesia
The beaches on Bora Bora are the most stunning ones I have ever seen, and I have been to 90 countries! It is the incredible sense of exclusivity and of knowing that very few people have the fortune of ever stepping on its shore that makes you understand how pristine the lagoon and the beaches around it are.
The water is shallow, warm and milky and the backdrop of Mount Otemanu on every frame just makes it a dreamy place. No wonder about 90% of the visitors to Bora Bora are on their honeymoon.
– Mar from Once In A Lifetime Journey
Oh yeah, I’ve been wanting to visit Bora Bora since I first knew of its existence. That, the Bahamas and the Maldives. Oh, I’m a sucker for beaches!
Bikini from Calzedonia.
“I buy this same top year after year and they release it every summer in the same basic colours. Calzedonia has amazing bikinis that always suit me and Latin bodies in general, highly recommend!”
7. Bang Bao Bay in Koh Kood, Thailand
If you are searching for that quiet island paradise in Thailand, Koh Kood is the best place to go. While there are many good beaches in Koh Kood, the best one is located in Bang Bao Bay.
Turquoise blue waters and fine white sand backed by lush palm trees, the beach in Bang Bao Bay is truly picturesque. The water is also very calm in this bay so it’s ideal for swimming.
The stretch of the crescent-shaped bay is also lined with several wooden piers. One of these piers, located at Koh Kood Resort has an awesome water swing. Lucky, we got the spot to ourselves during our visit. This probably wouldn’t happen in other islands in Thailand.
– Gia from Mismatched Passports
Now that’s a swing I would have to sit on one day.
Bikini from Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
8. Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
This is a small half-mile long beach with powdery soft sand. Lanikai translates to “heavenly sea,” and if you’re looking at the water in this picture, there’s no explanation needed as to why! Lanikai Beach in Oahu is often ranked as one of the beaches in the world and I definitely agree.
– James from Escaping Abroad
9. Playa Blanca in Cartagena, Colombia
A visit to the wee piece of paradise, Playa Blanca, is one of the nicest things to do in Cartagena. Although popular with locals and tourists alike, the blues and greens of the sea scream bonito to me. An added bonus is that you can buy a pina colada in a pineapple!
– Gemma from Two Scots Abroad
Bikini top from Freya.
10. Long Beach in Phi Phi Island, Thailand
It’s the best one because of the incredible water and view of this “James Bond island” where “The Beach” was filmed. There are no roads and you can get there only by small local boat. There is also glowing plankton at night on this beach which makes this place even more magical.
– KristΓ½na from Epic Betch
Ever since I watched that movie, I want to have a slice of that beach myself too. Lucky you, KristΓ½na!
Bikini from Khongboon.
11. Jumeirah Beach in Dubai
It’s paradise because it’s clean, safe, and you get the best view of Burj Al Arab Hotel.
– Belinda from Thiskenyan Traveler
12. Punta Cana Beach in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is know for having some of the most beautiful beaches.
– Bel from Bel Explores
Bikini from Body Glove.
13. Hickam Air Base in Hawaii, USA
There are very little crowds here on the weekdays, the water is a gorgeous teal, and the sand is so soft. Added bonus: If you love airplanes, you can watch them take off over the ocean from Honolulu Airport.
– Alyssa from Sisters Who Travel
Sarong from a local flea market in Hawaii.
14. Palm Beach in Aruba
Calm, clear turquoise waters with soft, clean sand and plenty to do in the area.
– Mitchell from The Unexpected Journey
Swimsuit from Polo RL suite bought at Macy’s.
15. Hong Island in Krabi, Thailand
This Krabi beach is an absolute dream: beautiful dramatic cliffs giving way to sandy beaches, transparent water that turns turquoise off in the distance.
There’s no public way to access it, so if you go early before the multi-island tour groups come, you’re blissfully free of crowds for many hours. We shared the beach with maybe 10 or 15 people for the first half of the day.
The best part? It’s so easy and cheap to rent a private longtail boat so you can have the beach almost all to yourself for the whole morning! In fact, it was even cheaper for our group of three to rent a private boat than going on a tour with the hordes of people!
– Allison from Eternal Arrival
Bikini from Mod Cloth.
I love the retro high-waisted look (much needed after a few too many pad thais!) and the polka dots make the vintage shape fun.
16. Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica
Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica is one of the best beaches Iβve visited. Thereβs really nothing quite like it! Stretching – you guessed it – 7 miles long, itβs the perfect locale for your island getaway.
There are resorts, restaurants and clubs lining the shore. There are many water activities to do such as volleyball, snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking. And most importantly, thereβs the beautiful crystal blue water that is always at the right temp to take a swim.
My favourite thing to do is just sit on a lounge chair, and listen to the reggae music playing as I sip on my cocktail. I canβt wait to get back to Jamaica!
– Samantha from Expat And The City Blog.
Bikini from Victoriaβs Secret. Bottoms from Ardene.
17. Turquoise Bay in Ningaloo, Australia
Ningaloo and its beaches are one of Australia’s best kept secrets. It’s not uncommon to have the sand to yourself! The icing on the cake at Turquoise Bay is the excellent drift snorkelling!
– Jema from Half The Clothes
Bikini from Blue Glue in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.
18. Lahuy Island in Caramoan, Philippines
Caramoan is the ultimate paradise. The islands where various editions of a popular reality show, Survivor, have been shot, are still only a weekend destination for domestic tourists rather than a popular hotspot in the Philippines due to its remote location.
Although the journey to reach Caramoan is a struggle, the views are worth it without any doubt. Pristine beaches, crystal clear waters of the South China Sea, bamboo huts floating on the shore and fresh coconuts. It’s our happy place. We will be back.
– Greg from On The Way To TV
19. Panglao Island in Bohol, Philippines
– Jessica from Travel To Be Alive
I can vouch for Bohol! I just went to Philippines in May 2016 and we stopped over at Bohol. Philippines can be regarded as the top Southeast Asian country with the best beaches and clearest waters. It’s the best place to do snorkelling and diving around this region.
Bikini from Calzedonia.
20. Playa Guiones in Nosara, Costa Rica
Playa Guiones on the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is considered by surfers to be one of the best breaks in all of Costa Rica, and some think the world. For me, it’s a spiritual place…wild and natural. It’s where I first saw a sea turtle in the water and it’s also the most amazing sunset I’ve ever seen to this day.
This picture of me was taken by my husband on that day – that’s me waaaay down the beach taking pictures – what else? We walked the beach for hours as the colours changed from the most brilliant blues, then pinks, and finally when everything – including us – glowed every shade of purple!
– Lori from Travlinmad
21. La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy
It’s easy to see why I think of it as beach paradise: look at those clear, shallow turquoise waters! There is also a great view over two nearby islands (Isola Piana and Isola dell’Asinara) and a 15th century Spanish watch tower on the western edge of the beach.
– Claudia
22. Sottomarina beach in Venice, Italy
Sun, sand and beautiful people.
– Inguaribile Viaggiatore
Bikini from Benetton.
23. Maputo Elephant Reserve in Mozambique
It’s a completely empty coastline and is only accessible by 4×4, so there is literally no one for miles and miles.
– Natasha from The World Pursuit
Bikini from Oysho.
24. Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
– Michelle from Live Like Its The Weekend
Right at you Michelle! Maya Bay is one of the beaches that all tour operators will bring you to, hence the crowd. It’s a wonder how the shallow waters still remain so clear and unpolluted with the steady influx of tourists. I’m glad it still retains its beauty even today!
Bikini from Roxy.
25. Natural Pool on the Eastern Side of Aruba
On a deserted stretch of coastline, with no buildings in sight in the tropical paradise of Aruba, surrounded by jagged rocks are walls that surround a natural pool. Frothy waves crash over one wall and fill the pool like a perfectly poured draft beer. The waters surprisingly refreshing. Not too hot, not too cold. There is an assortment of tropical fish in the pool, a reprieve from the rough oceans on the east side of Aruba.
– Mitchell from The Unexpected Journey
Swimsuit from Macy’s.
26. Playa Del Duque in South Tenerife, Canary Islands
When I first saw this beach I moved a mile away to a different world. Small enough to make you feel intimate. Hidden little paradise. Left me speechless with its warm, baby blue waters, tropical flowers, palm trees all around and soft golden sands.
Perfect spot for an evening stroll and watching the sunset. I would easily consider this beach Europe’s version of the Caribbean.
– Dominika from @theblondeflamingo
Bikini from Triangl.
27. Dog Island in San Blas Islands, Panama
Not a major tourist destination yet, the San Blas Islands are a collection of 365 islands β one for every day of the year. The local Kuna people welcome tourists to their islands and have managed to retain their unique culture and heritage in the modern world.
Sleeping in a simple beach hut cooled by the ocean breeze, the islands are tiny and you can walk across most of them in less than a minute. The water is the perfect shade of turquoise with pristine white sand beaches, palm trees and in the case of Dog Island, a shipwreck just off the shore. Days are blissfully spent snorkelling, suntanning or simply enjoying the beautiful Caribbean views.
– Ashlyn
Bikini from Old Navy.
28. Grande Soeur in Seychelles
Grande Soeur is a private island in the Seychelles allowing a small number of day visitors. Itβs an exceptional place with an amazing pristine beach, tall palm trees, impressive granite boulders, and giant turtles roaming around. Itβs an island with the very best of the Seychelles in one place.
– Jurga from FullSuitcase.com
29. Sai Nuan Beach I in Koh Tao, Thailand
This Koh Tao beach is a secluded little wonderland! The sand really is that white, the water really is that blue, and there are so many activities on offer that don’t even cost a dime to enjoy.
There are palm swings to take you back to your childhood, there is slack-lining to practice, and if you bring your own snorkel there is a beautiful reef just off shore. The effort of finding this place is well worth the rewards it offers when you finally get here! The shell is courtesy of the Gulf of Thailand.
– Tara from ShaTaraTravel.com
Bikini from Kaiami
30. PresquβIle de Quiberon in Brittany, France
I visited the beach at PresquβIle de Quiberon, Brittany, France with my boyfriend and some of his friends at the end of April.
What made the experience so magical was that it was the first time I saw the sea in around 5 months. The weather had been pretty bad in Paris (where I live) for the past week and so travelling to Brittany allowed me my first glimpse of the sun in seven days. Having grown up near the sea, Iβm always excited to be back…
– Sophie from Solo Sophie
Bikini from Urban Outfitters
31. PalamΓ³s, in Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
The Costa Brava is the north section of the Catalan coast (North-East of Spain) and its name (“brave”) is linked to the shape of the coast, where mountains reach the Mediterranean sea, and the force of the sea during Northern and Eastern winds. It’s absolutely one of the best areas to enjoy the sea.
Costa Brava combines both sand beaches attached to touristic cities (e.g., PalamΓ³s, L’Estartit, Empuriabrava) and hidden inlets within the cliffs that one can reach by foot or by sea.
Renting a kayak and reaching a desert inlet to have a relaxing bath while observing and listening the sea is one of my favourite days when visiting the Costa Brava.
– Esther from Trip To Adventure
32. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana’s beaches are paradise. The soft white sand and clear blue water are picturesque, lined with palm trees along the shore. A local told me that it’s actually illegal to cut down more than a small percentage of palm trees each year! The hot year-round temperature and warm water temperature are a perfect combination for tan lines and great vibes.
– Lyssie from She Went To Spain
33. Fort Myers Beach in Florida, USA
Fort Myers Beach is a paradise because the weather is beach weather all year long and the water is like bath water. There are plenty of casual beach bars where no shirts and no shoes means no problems.
The fine, powdery sand is a pleasure to lay in even without a towel. The sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico and every night, each sunset tops the previous night’s sunset.
– Lyssie from She Went To Spain
Bikini from Victoria’s Secret.
34. Kahana Beach in Maui, Hawaii
I love it because it’s a relatively uncrowded and peaceful side of Maui. The sand is soft, the water colours are divine, it’s interesting to watch the clouds crest the small island across the way, but best of all is that sea turtles cruise the shoreline all the time. The water is so crystal-clear that I can watch them even from the balcony on the 12th floor of our condo!
– Shara from SKJ Travel
It amazes me how some travellers can reach the ends of the world and discover such hidden paradises. What’s one hidden paradise you’ve been?
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Nice list! I am not a beach-lover, but there are defintely some places I want to visit!
For sure! Put it on your bucket list π
What beautiful photos, I have also visited some wonderful beaches but now I think my expectations are so high that when I visit an ‘ordinary’ beach I’m disappointed!
Haha, the ordinary beaches are still good, too! Never discount that π
That Panama beach sounds amazing! Panama is a place that has kind of been on my travel radar for a while! What an awesome collection of destinations!
Thank you π Hope to travel to more beaches!
Wow, all those beaches are so incredible! Koh Tao looks especially lovely, I hope to return to Thailand one day to see it for myself!
Thailand is a beach haven! Do come back again soon π
Yesterday it hit – 25C ( -15F) at where I am. So to be honest it was pretty hard to read your post because I would love to get away from the cold and go to any of these beaches. They all look so wonderful!
That’s way too cold. Come on over to the beach! π
Hahaha, omg I’m totally gonna get skewered for this, but I’m not a huge fan of beaches AT ALL. I hate the sand and being salty after a dip in the water π But if I were to opt for anything, definitely Seychelles. There’s nothing more dazzling than the sight of electric aquamarine water!
Haha, Seychelles look pretty, too! But no worries, if you ever want to go to the beach, you know where to go π
I LOVED the San Blas islands, they were my favorite part in Panama. I am a beach lover and a never ending beach bucket list.
So am I! Pity I haven’t been to Panama though!
My favourite beach is Eagle Beach on Aruba. But the place to be during summer is in a lake in either Sweden or Finland. The nature is so beautiful.
Cool! When would summer start in Sweden and Finland? I really want to visit!
Hi, you should try Krabi,
We went to Krabi with the kids and enjoyed it very much