Best Beaches in the World

Railay Beach

Railay Beach (also known as Rai Leh) abuts the Andaman Sea from its location in Thailand’s Krabi province. The region is composed of three main beaches and is home to pillowy sand, crystal-clear water, staggering yet climbable cliffs (for the experienced climber) and lush jungles. For a truly spectacular beach experience, head to Phra Nang Beach, where you’ll find caves, islands and coral reefs to explore. Meanwhile, beautiful Railay West sits within walking distance of a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and resorts, while Railay East is renowned for its rock climbing opportunities.

Tahiti

#8 in Best Beaches in the World

Tahiti should be high on your list if you like your beaches paired with gourmet French cuisine with Polynesian flair. The largest of the French Polynesia islands is known for offering top-notch fare, verdant jungles, lavish hotels and sandy shores. The smaller section of Tahiti (known as Tahiti Iti) is more secluded than the larger Tahiti Nui, but both are worth seeing. Tahiti Iti’s famous beach, La Plage de Maui, is highly regarded for a reason (think: sparkling sand and crystal-clear water), but the popularity comes with crowds. Check out Papenoo Beach on Tahiti Nui for excellent surfing conditions and more breathing room.

Whitsunday Islands

#9 in Best Beaches in the World

Located off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Whitsunday Islands feel like an entirely different world. The archipelago sits adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and offers an incredibly unique, albeit fragile, ecosystem. Some of the best beaches on this collection of 74 islands include Betty’s Beach, Whitehaven Beach and Chalkies Beach, but there are plenty of stunning spots to choose from. When you’re not sunbathing on pearl-white sand or snorkeling through turquoise water, unwind at one of the bungalows or luxury ecoresorts situated on Hamilton Island or Long Island.

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St. Lucia

#10 in Best Beaches in the World

St. Lucia’s beaches may be smaller than others on this list, but they’re no less beautiful. Visitors won’t find many lengthy stretches of sand here, but they’ll have their pick of charming coves and secluded shorelines backed by lush mountains. Anse Chastanet is a tranquil stretch of sand that is perfect for snorkeling and diving, while Reduit Beach attracts families keen on exciting water sports and splashing in the gentle waves. Adventurous travelers who don’t mind a hike should plan a visit to Grande Anse, a more secluded beach that’s frequented by nesting leatherback sea turtles.

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Maui

#11 in Best Beaches in the World

If you’re looking for a taste of Hawaii’s beautiful beaches without the crowds on Oahu, retreat to Maui. The island boasts impressive beaches both big and small, adult- and family-friendly, as well as the black sand shores at Wai’anapanapa State Park. South Maui is especially popular with families, as it is home to Wailea Beach, which is known for its mostly calm water, bustling resorts and highly regarded restaurants. Meanwhile, the North Shore attracts active travelers keen on taking advantage of the superb windsurfing conditions at Ho’okipa Beach Park and Kanaha Beach Park.

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Bermuda

#12 in Best Beaches in the World

Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, is home to a bevy of picturesque shorelines worth exploring. Popular beaches here include Horseshoe Bay Beach and Elbow Beach, two pink sand beaches loved for their calm waves and wide selection of nearby restaurants and shops. But if you’re looking for a more secluded atmosphere, check out alternative stretches of sand like Astwood Cove Beach, which is worth the steep trek down, and Jobson’s Cove Beach, a quiet oasis bordered by rocky cliffs that is perfect for leisurely swimming and snorkeling.

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Seychelles

#13 in Best Beaches in the World

There are a lot of reasons to start planning a Seychelles getaway. From the turquoise waters to the palm-fringed beaches, this cluster of 115 islands off Africa’s eastern shore comes straight out of a postcard. Kick back on beautiful Anse Source d’Argent, which features smooth granite rock formations and shallow waters, or lay down your towel at Beau Vallon Beach, where you’ll discover a wide sandy shoreline ideal for a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, jet skiing and more

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Belize

#14 in Best Beaches in the World

One of the reasons travelers love Belize is because of its pristine Placencia Peninsula. Many think this area looks like an island, but the nearly 20-mile stretch of shoreline is actually part of the mainland and is easily accessible by car. The water is typically calm, making it a family-friendly beach spot. The peninsula is also home to three villages, giving beachgoers easy access to plenty of shops and restaurants when they need a break from the sand. For additional beaches, head to one of the islands off the coast of Belize. Noteworthy options include scenic Ambergris Caye and tiny Goff’s Caye.

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U.S. Virgin Islands

#15 in Best Beaches in the World

A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands will charm just about any type of traveler, as St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix islands cater to different categories of beachgoers. Beach lovers who want to get away from the crowds should head straight to St. John, where the quieter sands of Honeymoon and Salomon beaches appeal to privacy-seeking couples. St. Thomas’ photogenic Magens Bay is perfect for photo-ops (though other tourists might get in your shot), and St. Croix’s Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for vacationers wanting to share the sand and surf with lea

Whitsunday Islands

St. Lucia

Maui

Bermuda

Seychelles