24 Most Famous Beaches In The World

Beaches have long served as places of reflection, contemplation, and relaxation; the simple act of sliding into the water can fill you with a sense of release and liberation. Travelers prize many physical aspects of a beach visit, from the sensation of the sand crumbling underfoot and the refreshing breeze to the soothing nature of the waves. Science supports these experiences.

Researchers polled hundreds of residents as part of a 2016 study undertaken at the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences of Japan's Kobe University. The study's findings showed that coastal areas had therapeutic effects, playing a pivotal role in decreasing stress and increasing positivity. Beaches are, in a sense, medicinal, helping us clear our minds and lift our moods. And some knock your socks off, either through their solitary beauty or sense of place. These wonders by the water have reputations that precede them and may impress even the most jaded, seen-it-all jet-setter.

As a nation of more than 100 islands, Seychelles has no shortage of outstanding beaches. Travelers can head to the  sweep of Beau Vallon Beach on the main island of Mahé or the stunning Anse Lazio on Praslin Island where the sand and sea resemble a mirage come to life. But none of these locations quite top the high drama of Anse Source d'Argent on the small isle of La Digue, a sleepy, once-in-a-lifetime vacation destination where bicycles are the preferred method of transportation. Located within L'Union Estate Park, an old plantation that now offers a window into the island's colonial past, Anse Source d'Argent will look familiar to anyone who has leafed through photos of tropical beaches.

Anse Source d'Argent consists of a few small coves of soft sand that yield to clear, turquoise water, but the giant granite boulders that look like they've sat there for millennia truly set the location apart. You can clamber over some of the smaller rocks while others seem like silent elephants staring at the sublime seas, making the scene resemble the pages of a tourism brochure. To enjoy the beach in its full glory, arrive as soon as L'Union Estate Park opens (before the hordes and kayakers descend). La Digue makes a comfortable if tiny based of operations; consider booking a room at the beachfront Le Repaire a little over a mile down the road from Anse Source d'Argent.

Despite its location halfway across the world from Anse Source d'Argent, the Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda brings to mind that Indian Ocean wonder. The site of one of the British Virgin Islands' best beaches, travelers will find slashes of greenery and tall palms that rise above all else at Baths National Park. It  boasts beautifully clear, shallow, and gentle water sporting a turquoise hue that gleams in the sun. Then you have the giant rocks: hulking, granite boulders that dot the shoreline and feel primordial. Some of these rocks, which formed long ago through volcanic processes, span more than 40 feet across. In addition to the boulders, visitors will find small rock pools, hidden passages, and grottoes that weave together to create a sense of childlike escape by the sea.

You'll find the Baths in the southern section of the small and spindly Virgin Gorda, which offers plenty of other worthwhile attractions. For a rewarding excursion away from the water, tourists can hike to the top of Gorda Peak, the island's highest point at almost 1,400 feet above sea level. The climb takes about an hour and cuts through dry forest; en route, you might get lucky and spot the Virgin Gorda gecko, the smallest lizard species on the planet. For a resort that matches the majesty of The Baths, stay at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, opened by Laurance Rockefeller in 1964.

Located southeast of the peerless Sydney Opera House, Bondi might not be the largest option in a country with innumerable beaches, but it's undoubtedly the most famous. Its has renowned lifeguards immortalized in the reality TV show "Bondi Rescue"; you can also find Bondi Icebergs, the oldest swimming club in Australia. The gentle curl of sand always has something going on, from surfing and swimming to the Coogee Coastal Walk with views that take in the sand and water.

Prepare for fantastic people-watching at Bondi Beach, from Sydneysiders sunning themselves to the surfers paddling out to catch the waves. When your stomach starts to rumble (fish and chips seem like a fitting choice), take a break and head to any of the multitude of cafes and restaurants at Campbell Parade, a street set back a short distance from the waterfront with curves that mimic the beach. Each October and November, Sculpture by the Sea brings artwork to the area. Since the beach faces west, it's also an excellent spot to indulge in a sundowner cocktail. For well-rated accommodation just over a mile from Bondi, choose The Baxley Bondi.

The name of Boulders Beach hints at one of the main attractions at this slice of waterfront about an hour south of central Cape Town. The hulking granite boulders there make the stretch of sand a visual delight. They also help block the wind and waves, allowing travelers to enjoy a leisurely swim and time viewing the tidal rock pools that teem with marine life.

Beyond the large rocks, the spot has grown famous for the unique visitors that frequent it: it's the world's only beach where you can get up close and personal with African penguins. The cute birds stream by in flocks, waddle to the water, splash around in the sea, and squawk with their distinctive timbre. They are especially active in the summer (December through March), with January the month visitors can spot chicks on the beach.

Simon's Town, the location of Boulders Beach, offers plenty to do before or after your beach day. Strolling the streets, you'll see pretty Cape Dutch buildings in pastel shades and encounter several museums. You can also get some great seafood at Bertha's where the dishes come with a view of the harbor. For a polished retreat, book one of the country-style rooms at Tintswalo Boulders, all of which look onto the ocean.

Few beaches across the globe get instant name recognition, but this Rio de Janeiro hotspot needs little introduction. Known as "the world's most famous beach," the gorgeous piece of real estate merges with Leme Beach on the city's southeast cusp. These two beaches stretch for a couple of miles, but Copacabana has all the action. Runners zip along the promenade while a cycle lane ensures bikers remain a constant. You'll encounter hotels, restaurants, small shacks, and cafes all close to the promenade, a famous piece of public planning in its own right with its original swirling black-and-white-mosaic pattern that mimics the motion of the waves nearby.

The best spot is on the beach, a place where local Cariocas hang out, sunbathe, play the "jogo bonito" (the beautiful game, the Brazilian nickname for soccer), flirt, dance, and embody the term "life's a beach." Expect priceless people-watching. Though always busy, Copacabana really fills up on New Year's Eve for its grand celebrations. Visitors can choose from no shortage of hotels nearby, but the most storied is the Copacabana Palace which has welcomed guests like Mick Jagger and Marilyn Monroe. It celebrated its centenary in 2023.

Maho, a beach on the Dutch and French island of Sint Maarten, aka St. Martin, has all the attributes you'd expect from a gorgeous slash of sandy coastline. The warm and gentle water, a hypnotic blue, slowly pushes onto soft and deep white sand. It has enough length for travelers to stroll along it, yet it's compact enough to avoid overwhelming visitors. It also faces west and thus boasts uplifting sunsets, especially enjoyed over a drink at the relaxed Driftwood Boat Bar. Maho Village features restaurants, bars, and shopping a short walk from the beach. For personal and welcoming accommodations, check out Le Petit Hotel located on the French side of the island.

Of course, the main draw of Maho Beach stems from its location next to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), placing it under the flight path for landing aircraft; sometimes the planes get so close that tourists feel they can touch them. Giant jetliners that come from France or the Netherlands and roar overhead as they make their descent offer a particular thrill. While these moments certainly offer a great deal of excitement, they have also made SXM a particularly dangerous Caribbean airport due to the rise of an activity known as fence surfing. Make sure you plan ahead for the powerful jet blasts unleashed by the aircrafts and stay away from the fence separating the beach from the airport to enjoy a safe visit to Maho.

You can take in towering, jagged limestone peaks and marine formations at many coastal locations around Southeast Asia, but Hollywood made those at Maya Bay the most famous. Located on Ko Phi Phi Le, the beach already drew the traveling cognoscenti thanks to its emerald waters, mighty cliffs, and glittering sand. But its popularity skyrocketed once it became the eponymous beach for the 2000 movie "The Beach," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tilda Swinton. Soon, swarms of travelers descended on the cove to see the imagery from the film in person. Unfortunately, Maya Bay suffered from its success.

Over-tourism ravaged the reef and blighted the natural serenity, leading local authorities to close Maya Bay in 2018 before reopening it in 2022. Tourism numbers are now limited to ensure the same fate doesn't beset the area. Visitors can once again take in the unspoiled beauty of one of the world's best beaches and enjoy a calmer scene than before. Nearby Ko Phi Phi Don offers plentiful lodging choices, such as the well-regarded SAii Phi Phi Island Village.

Travelers can only reach Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah as it's known in Bahasa (the name actually translates to "red beach"), on Komodo Island by boat, so you likely won't encounter rowdy groups with booming speakers and barbecues. The beach's colorful sand comes from foraminifera, a marine organism that coats the local reefs with a red hue. When red-tainted coral bits mix with the white sand, the combination lends the beach a deep pink palette. You can expect fabulously clear turquoise water, magnificent snorkeling, scrubby hills that climb above the sand, and clear skies that magnify the area's natural beauty.

Visitors should not remove any of the sand as a memento; it's not only unfair to others, but illegal. Komodo Island is also famous for the muscular and scaly giant lizards that live there: Komodo dragons. Squat and strong, they are extremely dangerous, so never approach them in the wild; to see one safely, take a ranger-led tour of Komodo National Park. To reach Pink Beach, you'll need to book a boat tour in Labuan Bajo. You can't go wrong adding a night or two at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach to augment your adventure.

Santa Monica Beach is cool and kitsch, chic and corny all at the same time. A short distance from downtown Los Angeles and just north of Venice Beach, it is home to skaters, muscle heads, beach bunnies, and street performers. Santa Monica Beach, which extends for more than 3 miles along the shore, is defined by its pier. Built in 1909 as the first concrete pier on the West Coast, it is a throwback to yesteryear with a retro harbor sign. It has a large Ferris wheel that now runs on solar power, a carousel, and an aquarium, and it's regularly featured in movies and TV shows like "Beverly Hills 90210."

Surfers can catch a Pacific wave while families build sand castles on the beach. Enjoy the view from a table along Ocean Front Walk, a footpath populated with restaurants and cafes, or hit the Marvin Braude Bike Trail on two wheels — it skirts the coast for 22 miles. The Casa Del Mar hotel is a short walk from the pier and has direct access to the beach.

This famous beach seems to go on forever. Unfurling up the west coast of Grand Cayman, the largest of the trio of Cayman Islands, Seven Mile Beach's soft grains of sand and shimmering Caribbean Sea let visitors enjoy a generous slice of paradise. Although known as Seven Mile Beach, it breaks down into separate sections like Governor's Beach, West Bay Beach, and so on, each with points of reference that help distinguish each part. Cemetery Beach, for instance, has a fine reef offshore where snorkelers and divers will find vibrant blue tangs and graceful rays gliding above the sandy bottom.

Fans of luxury resorts have lots of choice, with brands like Westin, Kimpton, and Ritz-Carlton firmly established along Seven Mile Beach. While the perfect spot for shameless relaxation, it also offers plenty of water sports options like water skiing, wakeboarding, and kayak rentals. Grand Cayman is also home to Stingray City, a sandbar off the north coast where stingrays congregate and commune with their human visitors.

The Amalfi Coast offers a 50-mile-long parade of towns tucked into secluded coves with cliffs rising behind them and the fragrance of summer blooms and citrus blossoms perfuming the air. This slice of Italian Riviera paradise has long drawn celebrities ranging from old-school cinematic royalty like Elizabeth Taylor and Gregory Peck to modern-day sporting icon Michael Jordan. During their own visit, travelers might stumble on Spiaggia Grande, the Amalfi Coast's expansive, dreamy paradise of a beach.

At this compact block of sand, the colorful buildings of Positano rise on the hills at both ends, appearing almost as if they will tumble into the sea. The beach fills quickly during the season, with visitors on loungers, huddled under umbrellas, or bronzing themselves beneath resplendent rays. The stately Church of Our Lady of Assumption rests behind the beach like a watchful sentinel. In the summer, bars and restaurants supply an alluring alternative to the seafront inactivity. In the shadow of the church, Hotel Buca di Bacco is about as close as you can get to the beach.

A glam enclave of Miami Beach, South Beach sparkles day and night. During the hours of sunlight, the beach comes alive with tanned bodies baking in the sun while the parks just inland allow some respite from the heat. Restaurants and cafes bubble with patrons sipping frothy drinks while people watching. As evening descends, the district's treasure trove of Art Deco buildings, especially those along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, light up, with artfully illuminated facades making them appear as grand works of art. The Art Deco Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places, distills the area's best Deco structures and features 800 gorgeously crafted and sensuously shaped buildings.

As the evening progresses, sports cars prowl the streets and people throng the sidewalks, bars, and nightclubs. While South Beach might have gained a reputation as the ultimate year-round night haunt, that shouldn't distract visitors from the allure of the beach. It's deep and soft, the water is clear and warm, and the lifeguard towers spaced along its expanse are pastel pods. For some classic Art Deco styling, the National Hotel has you covered; it also has a 200-foot infinity edge pool and direct beach access.

The once-thriving Mayan civilization left its imprint all across Central America, with a well-structured agricultural system dating back thousands of years. Its ruins attract tourists to many parts of Mexico, including Tulum, a gorgeous beach where a Mayan settlement sits above the shore. The Tulum ruins have more than 60 separate entities, with El Castillo the pick of the bunch. The sturdy, angular temple right above the water also served as a lighthouse. While striking in its own right, the ruins elevate the beach to world-class.

Tulum, a lively town with a good selection of lodging like the beachfront Alaya Tulum, sits at the southern end of the Riviera Maya. It has two very different scenes: the touristy bars and hangouts by the beach and the more reasonably-priced and authentic atmosphere of the town itself. To enjoy some of the nature, book a tour around Sian Ka'an, an Unesco World Heritage site of mangroves, forests, crystalline lagoons, and wetlands that teem with wildlife.

A bustling hive of activity awaits at the southern edge of Honolulu. It boasts show-stopping scenery, with the volcanic cone Diamond Head a constant presence at the eastern end and surfers populating the swells offshore. Towering hotel and condo buildings sprout up behind the sand, while Kalakaua Avenue, the main drag set back from the shore, boasts a bewildering amount of choices for eating, drinking, and shopping.

Waikiki Beach plays a central role in much local lore ranging from the Moana Surfrider, the first hotel to open there in 1901, to the surfing and Olympic legend Duke Kahanamoku who rode the waves. Visitors can snap a selfie next to his statue at the beach, enjoy the boutiques and live shows along the Waikiki Beach Walk, or drop by the zoo and aquarium. To experience another Waikiki legend, book a room at Halekulani, which offers breathtaking views of Diamond Head and a blissful pool with an orchid mosaic.

The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha is a veritable paradise on Earth. A strand of 21 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the archipelago sits more than 100 miles off the coast of Brazil, making it a true getaway from the daily grind. Travelers visit the islands (part of Pernambuco state) to decompress, snorkel, and dive among rays and turtles. The archipelago is also one the best places in the world to swim with dolphins, making it a fabulous spot for visitors to immerse themselves in nature. The spectacular beaches might just top the bill, with many lying within the confines of a national marine park. 

There are many of these spots where soft sand cedes to clear waters, but one stands out. Baía do Sancho, also known as Praia do Sancho, has sugary grains of sand onshore and water that glimmers a mesmerizing green-blue. The scene is like a dream come to life, so it is no great surprise that this beach was once voted the best in the world by Tripadvisor. Access can be tricky, requiring a descent down steps and ladders between hulking rocks. The beach is on the main island of Fernando de Noronha, the largest in the chain, and close to a couple of other sublime strands of sand, namely Praia da Cacimba do Padre and Baía dos Golfinhos. For a comfortable stay on the island, book a room at the sleek, comfortable Pousada do Mirante.

The nation of Turkey straddles the continents of Europe and Asia. At Istanbul, an iconic city with one of the best airports for a layover, the two landmasses almost kiss, with slithers of land separated by the narrow Bosphorus Straits. Four seas wrap around Turkey's lands — the Mediterranean, the Sea of Marmara, the Black Sea, and the Aegean. As a result, the nation has more than 5,000 miles of coast, and plenty of that presents itself as beaches that will melt the heart. 

Due east of the Greek island of Rhodes on a stretch of the shore known as the Turquoise Coast, Patara Beach extends for about 10 miles and fronts waters in a color that explains the name of this coastline. Thanks to the sheer size of the beach, visitors should always be able to find a relatively un-trafficked part of the beach, even during the peak summer season, but Patara isn't all about flat terrain and lazy days. Travelers can explore the vast dunes that rise along sections of the sand and go wind-surfing on the stunning waters (the winds are reliable enough). The nearest properties to the beach are in the village of Gelemiş; the two-star Patara Delfin Hotel has simple rooms and views of the Patara Valley.

The coastal town of Saint-Tropez on France's Côte d'Azur (which means Blue Coast) has long been a place to see and be seen. Its fame might be traced to the 1954 movie, "And God Created Women," starring Bridgette Bardot, as much of the iconic picture was filmed around the town. It continues to be a playground for the rich and famous, and the likes of Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Bono, and Leonard DiCaprio have all been spotted here. Spend time in Saint-Tropez, and the aura of money flowing through the streets and seas becomes palpable, with luxury villas, fancy restaurants, and plush yachts bobbing in the harbor all common sights. 

The town also features some fabulous beaches, with more than 30 strands of sand easily accessible in and around Saint-Tropez. Many of the town beaches merge into one another, changing names even if they almost share the same section of waterfront. For something extraordinary, head south to Plage de Pampelonne (Pampelonne Beach). This long ribbon of shoreline — more than 2 miles in length — combines white sand with clear turquoise water. It also embodies the Saint-Tropez scene, with grand yachts and private beach clubs dotted along the waterfront. The beach is a few miles from central Saint-Tropez, so for accommodation closer to the sand, try Hôtel les Bouis. It features fine views of Pampelonne Bay and Saint-Tropez from its elevated location.

The name of this beach on the north coast of Colombia gives a big clue as to what visitors can expect. Playa La Piscina translates to "Swimming Pool Beach," a reference to the stillness of the water, and this protected beach in Tayrona National Natural Park is famous for the calm conditions created by rocks offshore that break any rolling swells. For beach purists, this is a fantastic spot for spending a day enjoying the simplicity of nature. There are no high-rise buildings, no food carts or stalls, and no vendors trying to make a quick sale. As the name suggests, it is pretty ideal for a day of swimming.

Facilities are non-existent, and travelers can't camp here, so you won't find folks hanging out in hammocks. The park itself is a place of wild beauty, formerly inhabited by indigenous communities. Sitting below the Sierra Nevada foothills, it features a variety of terrain, from cloud forest to thorny scrub, and stretches of silky sand and swathes of warm lagoon. To be close to Playa La Piscina, book a stay in one of the comfortable cabins at the eco-lodge Arrecifes Refugio Natural.

Comprising more than 7,000 islands, the Southeast Asian nation of the Philippines is another destination where fabulous beaches are everywhere. Among the country's top beach spots is Boracay, a small island shaped a little like a bone. It promises long stretches of soft sand and calm blue shallows where visitors can lounge for hours in water that stays temperate all year. However, Boracay became somewhat overtouristed (here are signs of how to spot overtourism before you book), and the Philippine government took extreme action. It closed its beaches for six months in 2018, overhauling Boracay by destroying buildings too close to the water and capping the number of tourists per day. It is calmer now, and tourists can enjoy its many beaches in relative quiet. 

Still, many don't venture to the far north of the island, which is where Puka Beach (sometimes known as Puka Shell Beach) is located. The beach isn't huge compared to others in this collection, extending for about 2,500 feet along the shore. There are cliffs and forested slopes behind it, giving the white sand some visual contrast. Visit at dusk and you'll notice large bats circling overhead, adding another layer of charm to a spectacular scene. Crushed shells and coral give the sand a slightly grainier feel than some of the beaches on Boracay, but that texture is also pleasing underfoot. Located a short distance from the beach, Shangri-La Boracay has rooms and villas suffused with local touches.

Forested headlands cup this beach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a chain closer to Thailand than India. Radhanagar Beach sits on Swaraj Dweep, formerly known as Havelock Island, unfurling along the northwestern nub of India's best-kept secret. This is a beautiful sweep of sand, not overly long, but idyllic and gently curling, the perfect representation of a dreamy tropical beach. It has soft white sand, skinny coconut palms whose fronds rustle in the wind, clear turquoise seas, and mangroves and forests behind and to the side.

While this is a fabulous place to visit any time of the day or night, travelers should aim to experience at least one sunset there. Parts of the beach face west and provide the perfect perch to watch the sun drop below the Andaman Sea. Head straight out toward the water from the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, and you'll find yourself right on the beach.

What makes this long stretch of beach so truly incredible is that it is virtually empty at any time of the day, at least from our experience. Sok San rumbles along the western shore of Koh Rong, an island near the Cambodian town of Sihanoukville. The beach extends for a few miles along the shore, a slowly curving lip of sugary white sand that stretches as far as the eye can see. There are barely any facilities along most of the beach, with a few resorts intermittently plopped at spots along the way, but the beach is all the better for it. The small village of Sok San marks the northern terminus of the beach and is where to find a few guesthouses and small places to eat, but otherwise, this is a strand of sand that will sate any discerning water baby looking for peace and quiet. 

The water is clear and calm, a dazzling emerald color, and you might find yourself swimming in it all alone. Access to the beach is the main challenge, which goes some way to explaining why Sok San Beach hasn't seen the crowds found at over beautiful beaches in the region. Intermittent ferry service, private boats, or a hike up and over the jungly interior from the main tourist hub of Koh Touch on the east of the island are the only options. To enjoy a stay right on the beach, book a villa at the Royal Sands.

The islands of the Bahamas are spread far and wide across the Atlantic Ocean, spanning about 750 miles from those near Florida to those closer to Cuba and Haiti. On a map, they appear like the bones of a giant sea creature, laid to rest on a backdrop of blue. There are about 700 islands and more than 2,000 cays across the Bahamas, so beaches are never far from whichever island a visitor chooses as their destination, with plenty of popular snorkeling spots for anyone looking to see what's happening under the waters. And since the total country's population is about 400,000, the beaches are generally never busy. 

The Tropic of Cancer Beach also goes by the name Pelican Beach, but it's the former moniker that gives the biggest clue to its location. It sits right on the Tropic of Cancer, a mark that designates the northern cusp of a region called the Tropics. The beach itself — part of Little Exuma Island — forms a fine crescent, and the sand is a brilliant white color. Combine this with vivid blue-green seas, and the whole scene feels like a mirage. Tropical View Villas is a no-frills retreat, but it does place guests steps from the beach.

The Perhentian Islands are a group of restorative getaways off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its two main islands — named Pulau Perhentian Kecil ("pulau" means "island" and "kecil" means "little") and Pulau Perhentian Besar ("besar" means "big") —  are dreamy beach refuges, located within a national marine park where fishing is banned. The islands offer a similar experience in the sense that they both provide fabulous bases for soaking in the sublime, clear seas and fine beaches. The bigger island is more developed and caters to tourists with a higher budget, while the smaller one is more popular with backpackers. 

Pulau Perhentian Besar is where to find Turtle Beach, on its northern coast, and visitors that make it there will often find it empty. Thick forests back the beach, and sea turtles sometimes frequent its sand, laying their eggs during the season. It sits on a part of the island with no real development, helping to forge a tranquil ambiance there. Unless you're willing to tramp through a jungle, access to the beach requires transport aboard a boat. The closest property (as the crow flies) is the Perhentian Island Resort.

One of the best beaches in Australia, this miles-long strand of sand by the Great Barrier Reef is a stunner. It is within Whitsunday Islands National Park, and the only accommodation option on the island is camping, with a few campgrounds dotted around Whitsunday Island. The lack of development on Whitsunday Island (the biggest of the Whitsunday Islands chain) has allowed the beach to persist in its natural state, so the sand is white and powder-soft, made up almost entirely of silica. Due to its chemical composition, the sand never bakes under the sun, so beach-goers can comfortably sink their toes into the dazzling white sand — even on a searing hot day. 

The length of the beach further adds to its appeal. Whitehaven Beach is more than 3 miles from end to end, and there are a number of lookouts nearby that allow travelers to get a comprehensive overview of the striking scenery. Most visits here are day trips on boats from Airlie Beach on Australia's coast, though the moneyed set can take a helicopter to land right on the sand or touch down on the shallows aboard a seaplane. If you're feeling flush with cash, book a stay at the luxe qualia on Hamilton Island, one of the nearest properties to Whitehaven Beach.