10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

“To escape and sit quietly on the beach—that’s my idea of paradise.” —Emilia Wickstead

It’s no secret that many of our trips have been planned around seeking the most beautiful beaches in the world. As a family, we all enjoy the ocean, the sand, and lazy beach days. Over the years we’ve visited some incredible, outstanding beaches, some of which are unforgettable. In case you don’t know which beach to visit next, you might want to pick one of these!

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Keep our beaches pristine! Please remember to take everything with you when you leave, wear reef-friendly sunscreen, and reduce your usage of single-use plastics. If everyone did this, the world would be a different place.

10. Anse Marcel, St. Martin

Sun beds and umbrellas set up on a beach in a cove with hills surrounding the beach.

The prettiest beach we encountered when visiting St. Martin was none other than idyllic Anse Marcel. The beach curves around a cove tucked into the northern coast of the island on the French side. The Anse Marcel Beach Resort has set up shop here and you can do as we did – rent chairs & umbrellas and order food and drink that will be served at your sun bed by a beach attendant.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: White
Sand texture: Soft, fine.
Waves: Gentle
Shady spots: No
Atmosphere: Serene, secluded.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Food & drink, umbrella & chair rental, restrooms, water sport rental.
Free parking: Yes
Crowd level: Depends on the day, but often not too busy.
Best quality: This beach has a more sophisticated vibe.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset

Tip(s): Check the cruise schedule during your visit. On the day with the most ships in Philipsburg head to Anse Marcel on the opposite side of the island. You’ll avoid the swell of day trippers and traffic, and instead enjoy the serenity of this romantic bay and beach. Take note that prices in the restaurant are steep, and you can reserve umbrellas & chairs ahead of time.

9. Four Mile Beach, Australia

Long shadows across a wide beach at sunset.

This popular beach majestically sweeps the shoreline next to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world that we’ve encountered! In general, the beaches of Far North Queensland are best for walks, flying kites, or playing in the sand away from the water’s edge so as to avoid saltwater crocs!

However Four Mile Beach is a better place to swim compared to it’s sister beaches so long as you do so between the flags and within the stinger nets, which are put in place normally between November to May. These help protect swimmers from box jellyfish.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes, if you swim in the patrolled area and within the stinger nets during summer.
Snorkel-friendly: Not recommended from the beach.
Lifeguard: Yes
Sand color: Golden
Sand texture: Fine, some areas soft, some areas firm.
Waves: Calm – wavy.
Shady spots: Yes
Atmosphere: Relaxed and undeveloped.
Accessibility: Yes
Amenities: Restrooms, change rooms, showers, umbrella & chair rental, water sport rental, food establishments nearby.
Free parking: Yes
Crowd level: Can get busy during high season.
Best quality: Lifeguards and stinger nets to make swimming in Tropical North Queensland carefree.
Sunrise or Sunset: Both

Tip(s): If you’ve ever wanted to try kite surfing, Four Mile Beach is the place to do so! Don’t forget to stop by Flagstaff Hill Lookout to capture a gorgeous view of the beach from above. Be aware that in the summer months there is also the possibility of tiny Irukandji jellyfish slipping through the stinger nets. You may want to consider wearing a stinger suit.

8. Eagle Beach, Aruba

Children playing on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with white sand and turquoise sea.

Eagle Beach is a sparkling gem you’ll often find named as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s crystal-clear water is hard to resist, but be prepared for the glare of the snow-white sand! We visited when our kids were quite young and it was the ideal beach to build sandcastles, swim and snap postcard-worthy photos. Remember to lather on the ocean-friendly sunscreen!

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: White
Sand texture: Soft, powdery.
Waves: Sometimes, often gentle.
Shady spots: If you snag one of the free, public palapas, yes.
Atmosphere: Relaxed.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Food & drink, umbrella & chair rental, water sport rental, restrooms only via local establishments.
Free parking: Yes
Crowd level: Depends on the day.
Best quality: The outstanding aquamarine shades of the sea plus the quintessential perfect, white sand.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset

Tip(s): Look out for the exotic Fofoti trees on the beach. Check the cruise schedule and – if you can – avoid visiting Eagle Beach on a busy port day in Oranjestad.

7. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia

Swirls of blue seawater and white sand at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. — *Image by Sebastian Ehgartner from Pixabay*

If you look at any list of most beautiful beaches in the world, you’ll undoubtedly spot Whitehaven Beach. Part of its allure is it’s remoteness, and the only way to access Whitehaven Beach is by sea or air. We booked an excursion from Hamilton Island that included Hill Inlet and for this reason were taken from the boat by tender first to Tongue Bay. From here, we could climb to Hill Inlet Lookout and later cross through the bush and onto a wooden boardwalk that ended at sand.

This access point is far from the water’s edge, and the trek across the sand felt endless! But it was worth the long passage, and we were spoiled by the fact that our small tour group was the only one at the beach on this particular day. We absolutely loved the isolation away from any reminder of civilization.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes, but be aware of sharks and jellyfish.
Snorkel-friendly: Yes, if not wavy.
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: White
Sand texture: 98.9% pure silica, powdery, pristine.
Waves: Sometimes
Shady spots: No
Atmosphere: Serene, secluded, remote and undeveloped.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Restrooms at Hill Inlet or Whitehaven Beach Campground, picnic tables at Whitehaven Beach Campground.
Free parking: No
Crowd level: Deserted on a good day.
Best quality: Its trademark white swirls of sand and turquoise sea.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise

Tip(s): There are different ways to get to Whitehaven Beach, including by charter, day tour, excursion or sailing trip. What you choose will affect where you are dropped off, so choose wisely. You could also book a seaplane or helicopter tour. If you’re looking for solitude you’ll have come to the right beach, so bring anything you need with you, and remember leave nothing behind.

6. Playa Ruinas, Tulum, Mexico

Narrow white sand beach next to rocky cliffs with swimmers in the aqua ocean water.

Mexico has been blessed with its share of gorgeous beaches, many of which could arguably be considered as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located beneath cliffside Mayan ruins, Playa Ruinas is another spot with breathtaking turquoise waters spilling onto white sand.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: White
Sand texture: Soft
Waves: Wavy
Shady spots: No
Atmosphere: Relaxed
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly. You must descend a steep, wooden staircase.
Amenities: Not on the beach.
Free parking: No
Crowd level: Can get crowded once the tour buses arrive.
Best quality: The ability to explore picturesque Mayan ruins and then swim in the gorgeous sea.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise

Tip(s): Playa Ruinas can only be accessed via the ruins, so you’ll need to pay a fee to enter the archaeological park first. You won’t find any facilities on the beach itself, so purchase food from the vendors at the main entrance, and use the restroom before you start your trek down. The Mexican government has banned single-use plastics, so plan accordingly.

5. Praia da Marinha, Portugal

Rust colored rocky cliffs lining a narrow beach next to the sea. — *Image by Inna from Pixabay*

Southern Portugal is home to the incredible beaches of the Algarve. There are many, many stunning beaches tucked beneath and within the towering cliffs. Praia da Marinha is no exception, and has all the characteristics to make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We absolutely fell in love with Praia da Marinha, despite the fact that we visited in late March and the water was too cold for swimming, tolerable only up to your knees. The waves were strong on our first visit, and ferocious on our second. In summer the water calms and is a lovely place to swim and snorkel.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: In summer only.
Sand color: Golden
Sand texture: Soft, fine.
Waves: In summer, calmer, but in other season can be very wavy.
Shady spots: Some, but you should be aware that any shade close to the cliffs comes with the potential of falling rocks.
Atmosphere: Secluded, relaxed.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly. You must descend a long walkway with plenty of steps.
Amenities: Restrooms, snack bar (not available in low season). Picnic tables by the parking lot.
Free parking: Yes
Crowd level: Packed in high season.
Best quality: The stunning cliffs that flank it.
Sunrise or Sunset: Both

Tip(s): Pack light as you’ll need to carry everything down to the beach – and back up the long pathway and all those stairs. In high season, arrive early to find parking.

4. Rosemary Beach, Florida, USA

White sand beach with blue ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.

In a state overflowing with beaches, Rosemary Beach is easily one of Florida’s best seaside spots. The sunsets are spectacular, the water azure, and the sand alone is classic sandcastle-building material. The only caveat to Rosemary Beach is that in recent years access has been restricted to residents and guests – there are gates that require keycards. Of course, this doesn’t mean it’s no longer one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it only means it takes a little more effort to access.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: In summer only.
Sand color: White
Sand texture: Soft, fine, quartz.
Waves: Gentle
Shady spots: No
Atmosphere: Relaxed
Accessibility: There are two dune walkovers that are wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Restrooms, umbrella & chair rental, water sport rental.
Free parking: Only for residents and guests.
Crowd level: Busy in high season.
Best quality: The colors!
Sunrise or Sunset: Both

Tip(s): If you aren’t staying in Rosemary Beach, you can still enjoy this stunning coastline. Down the road you’ll find many public access points along the Scenic 30A Highway including but not limited to Inlet Beach, Seagrove, Blue Mountain, Ed Walline and Dune Allen. You’ll find the same emerald water and snow-white sand. Be aware that sharks on not uncommon in this area.

3. Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach), Kauai

Golden sand beach with two children playing at water's edge of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

We parked at the public parking lot for Ha’ena Beach Park and then made our way from Ha’ena Beach to Tunnels Beach. It sounded easy at the time, but in reality you’ll be walking on soft sand for about half a mile in the sun as you carry everything you might need. It’s absolutely worth it, and we lucked out in that there was hardly anyone here when we arrived at this slice of heaven. Tunnels Beach is a popular snorkel spot on the North Shore. The beach gets its name from the lava tunnels that wind their way through the reef here.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: Golden
Sand texture: Soft
Waves: Calm in summer, wavy in winter.
Shady spots: Yes
Atmosphere: Serene, relaxed, undeveloped.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Picnic tables.
Free parking: Yes
Crowd level: Can get busy.
Best quality: Tunnels Beach offers outstanding views of the magnificent Na Pali Coast.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset

Tip(s): Parking can be hard to get as the secret of this phenomenal beach is out! Arrive early! If you park at Ha’ena Beach Park you’ll find restrooms and showers.

2. Alleynes Bay, Barbados

Dog lying in shade on the sand next to aqua seawater with boats anchored in distance off one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The island of Barbados is home to many lovely beaches, but our favorite quickly became Alleynes Bay. We were lucky in that often we were almost alone enjoying this strip of beauty. Our son would splash in the waves with local boys, our daughter would putter about making sandcastles, and there was nothing left for the adults to do but relax on this heavenly space.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: White Gold
Sand texture: Soft, powdery.
Waves: Gentle-wavy
Shady spots: Yes
Atmosphere: Relaxed, serene.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Food and drink and water sport rental. Note: Restrooms and umbrella & chair rental only via local establishments.
Free parking: Yes
Crowd level: Often not too busy.
Best quality: Much quieter than other local beaches.
Sunrise or Sunset: Both

Tip(s): If you’re lucky, you might find a sea turtle or two to swim with! Some people prefer to enter the water with water shoes as some areas can be rocky.

1. Shoal Bay Beach, Anguilla

Two beach chairs and umbrella on deserted Caribbean beach, easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

On our trip to St. Martin we hopped over to Anguilla on a day trip specifically to finally visit the renown Shoal Bay Beach, and boy, it did not disappoint. Shoal Bay is as perfect as beaches come, and I don’t think anyone could deny it is unquestioningly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We set up near Elodia’s Beach Bar in Shoal Bay Village, and there was only one other family with us! We had this blissful, dreamy beach almost entirely to ourselves. On a clear, sunny day the water is a dazzling turquoise and the perfectly powdery sand a blinding white. You won’t want to be anywhere else.

Family-friendly: Yes
Swimmer-friendly: Yes
Snorkel-friendly: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Sand color: White
Sand texture: Soft, powdery.
Waves: Mild
Shady spots: No
Atmosphere: Relaxed, serene.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair-friendly.
Amenities: Food and drink, restrooms, water sport rental, and umbrella & chair rental only via local establishments.
Free parking: Yes, but some establishments also offer free parking with food purchase.
Crowd level: Depends which section of the beach you’re on.
Best quality: The feeling that you’re on a Cloud 9 beach.
Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise

Tip(s): The area of beach we chose is referred to as Shoal Bay East, near to the a picturesque spot known locally as The Point. This section is much quieter than parts to the west. Visit mid-week and maybe you’ll luck out like us and not encounter many other beachgoers.

“Once your feet have touched the warm sun-drenched sand of the seashore, you will never, ever be the same.” — Patsy Grant