From secluded crescents of powdery sand to wild dunes and pink shores framed by crystal-clear water, our planet is dotted with stunning beaches. Some are easy to reach, while others take a boat ride, a hike, or a climb down a cliff, but all of them are worth the journey. Here's our list of the 15 best beaches in the world.
The 15 Best Beaches in the World
1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Stretching for about 7 kilometers on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is famous for its almost pure silica sand, which is bright white and stays cool underfoot. Head to the Hill Inlet lookout to see the sand and water swirl together at low tide. Find out the best time to visit Australia.
2. Honopu Beach, Hawaii
Tucked beneath the towering cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali Coast, Honopu Beach is famous for its natural rock arch. It can't be reached by land, and boats aren't allowed to land, so most visitors admire it from a boat tour. Swimming there is only for very strong swimmers in calm summer conditions. See our Hawaii travel guide.
3. Fakarava, French Polynesia
This remote atoll in the Tuamotu Islands is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its lagoon has pink-tinged sand beaches, and its southern pass is world-famous among divers for its "wall" of reef sharks.
4. Praia do Sancho, Brazil
On the protected island of Fernando de Noronha, Praia do Sancho is reached by stairs and ladders through a crack in the cliffs. The reward is clear water full of turtles, rays, and tropical fish. Visitor numbers are limited and fees apply. See our Brazil travel guide.
5. Awaroa Beach, New Zealand
In Abel Tasman National Park, Awaroa's golden sand and turquoise inlet were bought by thousands of New Zealanders through crowdfunding in 2016 and given to the national park. Reach it by water taxi, kayak, or the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Read our New Zealand travel guide.
6. Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
On La Digue, giant pink-gray granite boulders frame shallow turquoise water and soft sand. Access is through the L'Union Estate, which charges an entry fee. Go early to enjoy it before the crowds. See our Seychelles travel guide.
7. Cannon Beach, United States
On the Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is known for Haystack Rock, a huge sea stack with tide pools at its base. In spring and summer, tufted puffins nest on the rock. It's a wild, misty, and beautiful Pacific Northwest beach.
8. Hidden Beach, Philippines
On Matinloc Island near El Nido, Palawan, Hidden Beach is reached by swimming or wading through a gap in towering limestone cliffs. It's a highlight of El Nido's island-hopping tours. Discover the best islands in the Philippines.
9. Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius
Off the east coast of Mauritius, this small island is surrounded by a calm turquoise lagoon and sandy beaches. Reach it by boat for swimming, water sports, and lunch on the sand. Read our Mauritius travel guide.
10. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park, this beach combines white sand with rainforest full of sloths, monkeys, and toucans. Book park tickets in advance and check opening days. See our Costa Rica travel guide.
11. Tortuga Bay, Galápagos
A 2.5-kilometer path from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island leads to Tortuga Bay. The main beach has strong waves, but sheltered Playa Mansa is perfect for swimming and kayaking among marine iguanas and reef sharks.
12. Pink Sand Beach, Barbuda
On the quiet island of Barbuda, part of Antigua and Barbuda, miles of sand glow pink thanks to crushed shells and tiny marine organisms. It's one of the most peaceful beaches in the Caribbean.
13. Seilebost Beach, Scotland
On the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Seilebost's dunes overlook white sand and turquoise water that could pass for the tropics. The water is cold, but the views are spectacular. Find out the best time to visit Scotland.
14. Navagio Beach, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio on Zakynthos is a cove enclosed by white cliffs, with a rusting shipwreck on the sand. Access to the beach itself has been restricted because of rockfall risk, but the view from the clifftop viewpoint is the classic one. See our list of the best Greek islands.
15. Dead Sea Beach, Jordan
At around 430 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea's shore is the lowest point on land. Its water is so salty that you float effortlessly. Cover yourself in mineral-rich mud, then rinse off at a beach resort. Learn about the best Jordan eSIM.
Beach Travel Tips
- Check conditions: Read local warnings about currents and tides, and swim only where it's safe.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Protect coral reefs and marine life.
- Arrive early: Popular beaches are quieter and more beautiful in the morning.
- Leave no trace: Take all your trash with you.
Stay Connected at the Beach
Check tide times, book boat trips, and share your beach photos with an egoViet eSIM. We offer plans for destinations like Australia, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Greece, and Jordan. Install your eSIM before you fly and connect as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
FAQs: Best Beaches in the World
What is the best beach in the world?
Whitehaven Beach in Australia, Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles, and Praia do Sancho in Brazil are often ranked among the best beaches in the world.
Which beach has the whitest sand?
Whitehaven Beach is famous for its almost pure silica sand, which is among the whitest in the world.
Where can you find pink sand beaches?
Pink sand beaches can be found on Barbuda, in the Bahamas, and on atolls like Fakarava in French Polynesia.
Can you visit Navagio Beach?
Access to the beach itself has been restricted because of rockfall risk, but you can still see it from the clifftop viewpoint or from boats offshore.