The 35 Best Beaches on the Planet!
Turquoise water and palm trees is probably the first thing that comes to our mind when we try to define paradise. It’s difficult to choose which is the most beautiful beach on the planet, they all have something special, the color of the water, the sand that seems to be flour, the vegetation, the sunset or a special moment experienced it…
After much thought, I have concluded that I can’t choose one… even to make this list was difficult. These are my 35 favorite beaches, four of them in Portugal, my country… they don’t have the turquoise water of Caribe or the coconut palms of Thailand, but their magic and beauty are difficult to find elsewhere. Which of the 35 beaches is your favorite? Leave in comments some beaches that you recommend.
Ipanema Beach
Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Why is on my list: Because is the sexiest beach on the planet! There’s a reason bikinis and waxes are named “Brazilian”. The city’s as sizzling as its sexy locals, and this renowned party beach is your chance to totally not stare at them from behind your aviators. The iconic “Morro dos dois irmãos” and the surrounding landscape makes this beach the postcard of Brazil to the world.
Bonus: Vendors along the boardwalk sell caipirinhas, and there’re plenty of waterfront gyms for pumping your pecs before starting that long, slow stroll down the beach.
Anse Source d’Argent
Where: La Digue, Republic of Seychelles
Why is on my list: Its towering cliffs and pink sand make it one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Bonus: La Digue, specifically its Veuve Nature Reserve, is the last place on earth where you can find the rare black paradise flycatcher bird, of which there are only about 100 left. Okay, so that’s not much of a bonus unless your favorite movie is The Big Year, but consider it your fun fact of the day.
Maya Bay
Where: Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Why is on my list: There’s a reason this plush tropical beach was used as the backdrop for the cult movie The Beach, and that reason is probably that they needed one of the world’s most gorgeous tropical beaches in the film. However, nowadays its hard to take a picture without 100 tourists. Very crowd, still very beautiful.
Bonus: Buckets of cheap Thai beer.
El Castillo
Where: Tulum, Mexico
Why is on my list: With Mayan ruins in the background, this white sand paradise is accented by clear water and colorful fishing boats; meanwhile, festive locals salsa dance on nearby Playa Esperanza.
Bonus: Climbing pyramids, swimming in cenotes, kite surfing, and eating fish tacos — you will not get bored.
Baia do Sancho
Where: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Why is on my list: TripAdvisor’s hands-down best beach in the world, this Brazilian escape — with its turquoise waters and coral reefs — is super secluded and really, really difficult to get to; as in, down a dirt road, a few rickety ladders, and through a tight crevasse — you get the idea.
Bonus: You can combine a trip to the world’s best beach with the World Cup this Summer, or the Olympics in 2016.
Rabbit Beach
Where: Lampedusa, Italy
Why is on my list: A stunning and secluded nature reserve accessed only by boat, Rabbit Beach (which, ironically, has no rabbits) is consistently rated one of the top four beaches in the world on TripAdvisor.
Bonus: Dolphins frolicking in the water and the nearby volcanic isle of Linosa, which has an incredible black and red beach.
Formentera
Where: Formentera Island, Spain
Why is on my list: The beaches of Formentera are the island’s main attraction…the beautiful white sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas are the things holiday dreams are made of. All the beaches on Formentera are natural and almost always set within an unspoiled landscape. Here are just some of the reasons why Formentera’s beaches are so special:-
Koh Nang Yuan Island
Where: Koh Tao, Thailand
Why is on my list: is recognized as one of the most beautiful and spectacular islands in the world. Located only 400 meters off the north end of Koh Tao, this island is in fact three small islands connected by a sparkling white sandbar with water on both sides. The surrounding waters are full of colourful corals and plentiful marine life making it an ideal snorkeling and shallow water dive location. There is a daily ferry from Koh Tao making the trip, but a boat taxi can also be hired for a reasonable rate to transport visitors. There is a small fee when entering onto Koh Nang Yuan and plastic or cans are not permitted.
Bora Bora
Where: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Why is on my list: Undoubtedly the most celebrated island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is French Polynesia’s leading lady. Her beauty is unrivaled and her fame, unwavering. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamored.
Maldivas
Where: Maldives, Indian Ocean
Why is on my list: Because when we dream about vacations this is the first place that comes to our head. Small tropical islands, turquoise water, white sand, fishes everywhere, sun, coconuts…!
Papakolea Beach
Where; Hawai, USA
Why is on my list: For those who don’t like sand, here is the perfect beach, with natural grass, this wonder of nature is a must do when visiting Hawai.
Whitesand Beach
Where: Australia
Why is on my list: Located in the Withsunday Island, off the Coast of Central Queensland. Whitehaven Beach is known for its white sands. Unlike regular sand, the sand on Whitehaven Beach does not retain heat. It is also good for polishing jewelry.
Cala Dogana
Where: Levanzo Island, Sicily, Italy
hy is on my list: Wake up, get your swimwear, get on your Lambreta and drive along the coast, then stop at Cala Dogana Village to swim and eat a grilled fish.This Beach in Sicily With her sparkling azure waters, rugged coastal landscapes, velvety white beach sands provide the most intoxicating backdrop for a romantic sunset on the beach front.
Gruta de Benagil
Where: Algarve, Portugal
Why is on my list: It seems Photoshop but it’s not, this wonder of nature is real and can be found in Algarve, Portugal. You just need to rent a fisherman boat and asked them to visit this caves.
Dona Ana Beach
Where: Algarve, Portugal
Why is on my list: Once declared the best beach in the world by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine. This pearl of Portugal is located in the south of the country, Algarve, my town. Small, very crowed during high season, but a paradise.
Shoab Beach
Where: Socotra Island, Yeman
Why is on my list: Near the red sea you will find the remote island of Socotra. Desert, Hot, Dry, Turquoise water… and this incredible trees. Everything I love. The landscape of Socotra Island looks as if it comes from a sci-fi film but in fact has evolved to look so other-worldy as the ‘lost world’ island has been separated from mainland Africa for between six and seven million years.
Navagio Beach
Where: Zakynthos
Why is on my list: The spectacular views, the white sand, the blue water make this island a pearl in the Mediterranean.
Vestiges of a ship can be seen in the middle of the large white sandy beach which has amazing turquoise and crystalline waters. Huge vertical cliffs of white rocks are surrounding the sand creating a unique and enchanting image. To reach this paradise, one has to take a little boat from the small port of Porto Vromi. These taxi boats are leaving every hour and the trip is about 30 minutes.
Balos Beach
Where: Crete, Greece
Why is on my List: It lies in the northwestern tip of Crete, about 55km west of Chania town. Balos is found on the impressive Gramvoussa peninsula, between the capes of Gramvoussa and Tigani. The Gramvoussa peninsula is covered with thyme, oregano and wild flowers. On its northwest side is the astonishing lagoon of Balos.
Galé Beach
Where: Comporta, Portugal
Why is on my list: The clifts look they were sculped by an artist, the clear water, the atlatic ocean breeze… As Conde Nast Traveller said “ Comporta strikes out on its own path. It is unlike anywhere you have been before.” And fortunately is near my home.
Andaman Island
Where: Indian Ocean, India
Why is on my List: because is the only place in the world where you can see elephants swimming in the ocean. Long fabled among travellers for its legendary beaches, world-class diving and far-flung location in the middle of nowhere, the Andaman Islands are still the ideal place to get away from it all.
Pig Island
Where: Big Major Cay, Bahamas
Why is on my list: Well, the day wild pigs swim has arrived on the Bahamian archipelago of Exuma. The island called Big Major Cay is affectionately nicknamed Pig Island because that is where the wild pigs roam free on land and water. And I didn’t chose this beach just because of the experience of swimming with pigs. I choose this beach because it’s hard to find such turquoise water like here.
Principe Island
Where: São Tomé e Principe
Why is on my list: The Seychelles aren’t the only idyllic African island. São Tomé and Príncipe makes a more adventurous destination. Desert beaches, clear emerald water, palm trees, birds, butterflies and you… What a wonderful world!
Portinho da Arrábida
Where: Serra da Arrábida, Portugal
Why is on my list: When the green hills of the Arrábida natural park mix with the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean you get this stunning place. The stunning views, the clear waters, the landscape… It’s thousand times better than cote d’azur in France, fortunately is not so famous.
Soneva Kiri Beach
Where: Koh Kood Island, Thailand
Why is on my list: Next to one of the most expensive hotels in the world, this beach is heaven on earth. There are two ways to reach the beach, one is paying 2000€ per night to stay at the hotel… the other is to make your own way between the palm trees till you step on the white sand. I was completely alone at the beach, I will never forget that moment.
Ras Nungwi
Where: Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
Why is on my list: this small and idyllic island paradise of whites sands is the perfect getaway after a Safari. The island has a open coral rag landscape, wonderful azure lagoons, backed by a continuous stretch of palm trees containing traditional thatched villages.
El Nido Beach
Where: Palawan, Filipinas
Why is on my list: El Nido really is a magical place. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beach with crystal clear water, many refer to it as paradise. You will also find enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife.
Railay
Where: Krabi, Thailand
Why is on my list: Railay is the stuff of dreams. With craggy limestone cliffs, a western-facing beach and an exclusive atmosphere, this area has rightly carved a niche for itself amongst experienced and ‘in-the-know’ travellers.
Bonus: Get 2$ massage under the palm trees, buy your lunch in the boats that are constantly approaching the beach with tropical fruits and tasty snacks.
Playa Paraíso and Playa Sirena
Where: Cuba
Why is on my List: These two connected beaches are the most outstanding of the uniformly spectacular stretches of sand along the length of Cayo Largo del Sur. Located on the more protected western end of the island, these are broad expanses of glistening, fine white sand, bordering the clear Caribbean Sea.
Raja Ampat
Where: West Papua, Indonesia
Why is on my list: Probably the last untoached Paradise on earth. This magnificente archipelago is so remote that almost nobody comes here, expect me! The islands of Raja Ampat form a labyrinth of blue channels, white beaches, and coral reefs. For me, the definition of Paradise.
Provo Grace Bay
Where: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Why is on my list: Provo has been ranked “Best Beach” by Conde’ Nast magazine and by the World Travel Awards for several years running. Found on the western end of the island chain, Provo offers all modern conveniences, including luxurious hotels, villas and condos, numerous restaurants, spas and shopping facilities.
Jericoacoara
Where: Ceara, Brazil
Why is on my list: A place where streets are paved with sand, this beach stretch as far as the eye can see. The warm water marries the palm swaying breezes, is the only beach in Brazil where the sun goes down in the sea, that’s why is the sunset here is so famous. Until about 20 years ago, Jericoacoara was still a secluded and simple fishing village. There were no roads, no electricity, no phones, no TV’s, no newspapers, and money was rarely used.
Lençois do Maranhão
Where: Maranhão, Brazil
Why is on my list: The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park located in Maranhão state, in northeastern Brazil, is one of the most marvelous and unique places in the world. An area encompassing about 1000 square kilometers of white silky sands intercepted at regular intervals by endless cool oases of turquoise lakes.
Cala Mariolu
Where: Sardinia Island, Italy
Why is on my list: The beach of Cala Mariolu is located along the middle eastern coast of Sardinia, in the province of Nuoro.It is a stunning pebbled beach overhung by a chalky hillside covered by mediterranean vegetation. The bottom is rocky and suitable for scuba diving. Some rocks emerge from the sea and form tiny islands. The sun shines all morning long while the rest of the day the beach is in the shade.
Calla Macarella
Where: Minorca Island, Spain
Why is on my list: Macarella is an idyllic cove with fine, white sand, where the sea is a calm pool of turquoise water. Sheltered by hills covered in pine trees and holm oaks, it is often warm enough to sunbathe, even in winter.
Aitutaki Lagoon
Where, Cook Islands
Why is on my list: I always dream about building a beach house… well, this is the beach. No artist’s palette could ever conceive of a more perfect, more luminescent turquoise than that of the lagoon of Aitutaki, arguably the most beautiful in the world.
Hi! My name is João Cajuda, I’m a travel blogger from Portugal and founder of this website. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and give you tips about hotels, restaurants, activities and destinations to visit. You can travel through my videos or join my group tours that I organize to selected destinations. Visit my Adventure Travel Agency LEVA-ME and join one of my journeys!