The 40 Best Beaches in the World

Our 40th anniversary celebrations continue with our 40 for 40 blog series. From dazzling white sands to wild coastal wonders, here are 40 of the world’s best beaches to inspire your next escape.

Tropical Paradises (1–10)

1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is famous for its pure white silica sand and swirling turquoise waters, creating a natural masterpiece that is particularly best seen from the air or by catamaran.

2. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
With calm, clear seas and powdery sand, Grace Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most flawless beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or sunset cocktails.

3. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
This blissful beach is framed by dramatic granite boulders and pink-tinted sands; it is truly a picture-perfect paradise. The calm, crystal-clear waters of Anse Source d’Argent’s lagoon make it perfect for leisurely paddling or capturing impressive photos.

4. Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Bora Bora’s most beloved beach, Matira offers shallow lagoons, soft sand, and unforgettable sunsets over Mount Otemanu. It’s pure Polynesian magic.

5. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Tucked between limestone cliffs, this famous shipwreck cove boasts unreal blue water and dramatic views from above.

6. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
A blush-coloured shoreline created by crushed coral gives Pink Sands its famous name. This gorgeous beach is as romantic as it sounds. Calm water makes it great for swimming.

7. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
This Caribbean icon has crystal-clear seas, soft sand, and a lively stretch of beach bars, resorts, and snorkel spots.

8. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Shallow turquoise waters and a relaxed vibe make Playa Norte one of Mexico’s most inviting island escapes.

9. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman Islands, India
Pristine and peaceful, Radhanagar’s emerald waters, coconut palms, and forest backdrop make it one of Asia’s most underrated beaches.

10. Matemwe Beach, Zanzibar
Matemwe is a quiet corner of Zanzibar with coral reefs just offshore. Tranquil, authentic, and framed by palm trees, this Indian Ocean hotspot is a must-see.

Dramatic Settings (11–20)

11. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
This black-sand beach near the charming town of Vik has a supernatural feel to it with geometric columns, powerful waves, and moody North Atlantic skies.

12. Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
Home to the iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach brings Pacific beauty with a laid-back coastal town vibe.

13. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Jagged limestone cliffs rise above turquoise lagoons at El Nido, creating a tropical fantasy for divers and wanderlust dreamers.

14. Praia Dona Ana, Portugal
Golden cliffs and turquoise coves make Dona Ana one of the Algarve’s most photogenic beaches.

15. Cathedrals Beach, Spain
Natural stone arches rise dramatically from Galicia’s coast at Cathedrals Beach, which is best explored at low tide when you can walk beneath them.

16. Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Backed by lush mountains, this North Shore gem offers superb snorkelling and dramatic volcanic scenery.

17. Piha Beach, New Zealand
Wild surfing opportunities and black sand make Piha a favourite for adventurers; this beach is situated near Auckland.

18. Balandra Beach, Baja California, Mexico
This desert-meets-sea beach is known for its natural mushroom-shaped rock, El Hongo. The shallow turquoise bays, white dunes, and calm waters of Balandra Beach are perfect for paddleboarding or a peaceful swim.

19. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach is famed for the iconic shipwreck resting on its white sands. Accessible only by boat, its secluded location and dramatic limestone cliffs make it one of the most photographed and breathtaking beaches in Europe.

20. Big Sur, California, USA
Big Sur is a truly remarkable rugged coastline where cliffs meet crashing Pacific waves. Few places capture California’s wild spirit like Big Sur.

Hidden Coastal Gems (21–30)

21. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Where rainforest meets Caribbean, Tayrona’s hidden coves and golden sands feel untouched by time.

22. Ngapali Beach, Myanmar
Enjoy the palm-lined sands and gentle surf experiences of Ngapali, which remains one of Asia’s quietest coastal treasures.

23. Los Roques, Venezuela
Los Roques is a turquoise archipelago of over 300 islands, and a paradise for kite-surfing, sailing, and solitude.

24. Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
Named after the natural fizz of its volcanic gases which bubble up from the water at low tide, this South Pacific beauty sparkles both above and below the surface.

25. Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani is a tropical paradise – long, white, and lined with palms, bringing peace and rich Swahili culture.

26. Squeaky Beach, Australia
Yes, the sand squeaks here! This Wilsons Promontory gem is famous for its unique sound and its shimmering white dunes.

27. Salema Beach, Portugal
Salema is a charming fishing village with fossil cliffs and a beach with clear Atlantic waters. Simple, scenic, and soulful.

28. Nacpan Beach, Palawan, Philippines
At Nacpan Beach, enjoy four kilometers of untouched golden sand - perfect for slow walks and quiet sunsets.

29. Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece
Wide, windswept, and beautiful, Falassarna Beach in Crete is a local favourite for sunset swims and turquoise horizons. 

30. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
Sancho is remote, wild, and reached only by cliffside ladder or boat. It’s often considered the world’s best beach. 

Beaches That Tell a Story (31–40)

31. Copacabana, Brazil
Rio’s most iconic beach, Copacabana, is where samba rhythms, volleyball games, and ocean views define Brazilian joy.

32. Bondi Beach, Australia
Bondi Beach is a global surf mecca and cultural icon. Enjoy Sydney’s laid-back beach culture, coastal walks, and café life in one thriving curve of sand.

33. Maya Bay, Thailand
Famed from The Beach movie and now protected, Maya Bay’s limestone cliffs and teal water remain spellbinding.

34. South Beach, Miami, USA
Art Deco architecture meets golden sand and nonstop energy that defines Miami’s coastal cool at South Beach.

35. Tulum, Mexico
Ancient Mayan ruins overlook turquoise Caribbean waves at Tulum Beach. A picturesque spot with culture and nature intertwined.

36. Boulders Beach, South Africa
Home to a colony of African penguins, this Cape Town coastal favourite is a delight for all ages. 

37. Waipio Valley Beach, Hawaii
This black-sand paradise is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls and is accessible only to the adventurous. 

38. Barceloneta, Spain
A perfect blend of city and sea - Barcelona’s lively urban beach is a favourite, especially for locals.

39. Trunk Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
This classic, yet off-the-beaten-path Caribbean beach spot is famed for its underwater snorkelling trail and crystal-clear water. 

40. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
True to its nickname Heavenly Sea, Lanikai Beach offers calm waters, silky sand, and postcard-perfect views.

A Year of 40s

This list marks our 40 for 40 blog series - a journey through the world’s most inspiring places, moments, and memories. From hidden gems to world icons, these beaches remind us why the ocean will always be our greatest escape.