1. Seminyak Beach – Bali, Indonesia


  

 

 

 

 

 

With a splendid coast of gold to dark sand and gorgeous sunsets, Seminyak Beach boasts one of the best beach vibes in Bali. The impressive 5km stretch of sand is lined with sunset cocktail spots, luxury resorts and colourful bean bags, just steps away from the waves.

2. Koekohe Beach – New Zealand


 

 

 

 

 

 

The scenic, sandy beach at Koekohe is mostly famous for one thing – the Moeraki Boulders. The mysteriously round stones scattered across the beach weigh several tonnes and took millions of years to form. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times for photography, when brilliant soft sunlight is cast across the rocks.

3. Isla Robeson – Panama 


 

 

 

 

 

 

For castaway fantasies, it doesn’t get much better than Isla Robeson. Many claim it’s where Robinson Crusoe’s famous protagonist was shipwrecked. Think crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees and talc-soft white sands. To reach the San Blas Islands, it’s a scenic 4×4 car ride to Carti, followed by a 20-minute boat ride.

4. Yonaha Maehama Beach – Japan 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Set on the little-known island of Miyakojima, Yonaha Maehama Beach is a pristine seven kilometres stretch of white sand, lapped by clear, crystalline waters. And, while it might look like the stuff of desert island fantasy, there are plenty of facilities and activities to enjoy here too.

5. Elafonisi Beach – Greece


 

 

 

 

 

 

This unusual pink beach was once a local’s secret, but it’s become an Instagram sensation in the past few years. Despite its popularity, tourism hasn’t spoiled the beach. The fine white sand is pinkish at several spots because of the crushed seashell powder. It’s connected by a sandbar to an island nature reserve, so you can stroll along the shore and enjoy the view.

6. Punta del’Este – Uruguay


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come summer, Uruguay’s favourite beach is rolling in fun-loving celebrities, but mere mortals like us can enjoy it too. Technically, it’s two beaches – Playa Mansa and Playa Brava. The former offers course blonde sands while the latter is mostly white sand. A giant sculpture of a half-buried hand with fingers peeking out of the sand divides the two beaches.

7. Champagne Beach – Vanuatu


 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the world’s most picturesque beaches, this spot has clear blue waters and sparkling sand. Once you’ve worked up an appetite swimming, you’ll be grateful for all those fresh fruit stalls, freshly prepared crab and lobster and cute beachside shacks too.

8. Diani Beach – Kenya


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most beautiful destinations in Kenya, Diani Beach is a private resort located on the south coast of Mombasa. Uncrowded and intimate, it’s an idyllic spot to while away a few days.

9. Mystic Beach – Vancouver Island, Canada


 

 

 

 

 

Canada might not immediately spring to mind when you think about beautiful beaches, but with some 15,000 miles of beaches it should do. Mystic Beach, located on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, is one of its most enchanting. Set along the Juan de Fuca Trail, the white sandy beach is set against lush forest, with a picturesque waterfall cascading right into the brilliant blue sea.

10. Eagle Beach – Aruba


 

 

 

 

 

 

This show-stopping Caribbean beach is a two-kilometre stretch of sugar-white sand lined with divi-divi trees and thatched umbrellas. The turquoise waters are crystal clear and, unlike neighbouring resorts, the tourists are in short supply here. It’s far from isolated though, with small bars and restaurants peppered along the front.

11. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica, California



 

 

 

 

 

 

Located just south of Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica Beach is pure California Dreamin’. Between its soft sand, gorgeous views and views overlooking the iconic Pacific Park amusement park, it’s no surprise that it’s so popular with both locals and tourists.

12. Tuscan Cliff Beach – Malaysia


 

 

 

 

 

 

This eye-popping beach on the northwestern shore of Malaysian Borneo is all sugar-white sand, gently sloping dunes and colourful seashells. But come evening, the place really comes alive – and we’re not talking about tourists. Between September and December, providing the conditions are right, the sea turns a neon blue due to dinoflagellates lighting up the waves.

13. Grumari Beach – Brazil


 

 

 

 

 

 

Copacabana and Ipanema might get all the fame, but those in the know hotfoot to Grumari Beach. Backed by bottle green rainforest, the beach boasts fine golden sands and emerald green waters.

14. The Saadiyat Public Beach – Abu Dhabi


 

 

 

 

 

 

At just 400 metres, Saadiyat Beach isn’t going to win any awards for size, but it will (and has done) for its stunning looks. As well as white sandy shores and crystal clear waters, you can enjoy everything from beach yoga classes to water-sports activities. To reach the beach, it’s a short stroll along a wooden boardwalk through native wildlife.

15. Seven Mile Beach – Cayman Islands


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Seven Mile Beach is among the many reasons why Cayman is considered an ideal tropical destination. With sparkling waters and coral sands it’s so perfect it almost doesn’t look real. Sunsets here are unforgettable, and you can also enjoy world-class snorkelling.

16. Le Morne – Mauritius


 

 

 

 

 

 

This long golden stretch sits under the majestic Le Morne mountain on the southwestern tip of Mauritius. Combining miles of white sand with soaring casuarina trees surrounded by turquoise waters, it’s one of the island’s most stunning sights. It’s popular with windsurfers and kite surfers too.

17. Ka’anapali Beach – Hawaii, USA


 

 

 

 

 

 

Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, K’anapali Beach is a three-mile stretch of sugar-white sands on Maui. One of Kaanapali Beach’s most famous attractions is the daily cliff diving ceremony off Puu Kekaa, or Black Rock.

18. Naama Bay – Egypt


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Set right in the heart of Egypt’s blockbuster beach resort, Sharm el-Sheikh, Naama Bay offers white sandy beaches and wildlife-rich azure waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. In the far distance, you can see Saudi Arabia’s craggy coastline.

19. Cala Pregonda – Menorca, Spain 









Menorca is set to be a popular holiday destination this summer. The whole of this easternmost Balearic Island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so there’s beauty at every turn but Cala Pregonda is something special. Unlike most of the country’s white sandy beaches, this endless stretch has a rusty hue which compliments the still, turquoise waters.

20. Fig Tree Bay – Protaras, Cyprus


 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig Tree Bay is a scenic sandy beach in the resort of Protaras, Cyprus, with an uninhabited islet that you can swim to from the shore. The beach has golden sand, lively beach bars and plenty of umbrellas to shelter from the sun. It’s popular, so don’t expect an empty beach, but it’s so pretty you won’t mind sharing.

21. Negril – Jamaica


 

 

 

 

 

This idyllic beach has palms swaying in the breeze, clear blue waters and fresh coconuts to sip on. Treasure Beach is a seven-mile stretch of coral-coloured sand and rocky shores.

22. Praia do Camilo – Lagos, Portugal


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a hefty 200 steps down (and an unrelenting clamber back up) to reach this beautiful beach, but you won’t be disappointed. From the winding path nestled into orange cliffs, you’ll see the Ponta da Piedade nearby, a landmark rock formation with grottoes and rock arches. This really puts Lagos on the map.

23. Praia Banana – Sao Tome & Principe


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set 150 miles west of mainland Africa, Praia Banana hit the headlines when it featured in that world-class Bacardi advert in the 1990s. It’s the ultimate tropical island escape, complete with coconut-filled palm trees, white sand and bath water warm sea. There’s even a small bar hidden beneath the trees.

24. Ao Tanot Bay – Koh Tao, Thailand


 

 

 

 

 

This peaceful island in the Gulf of Thailand has plenty of sheltered bays, but Tanot is the most beautiful. It’s uncrowded with warm, blue water and soft sand. Snorkelling is excellent here, with a great variety of coral and some fairly large fish that can be seen as soon as you dip your toes into the water.

25. Maundays Bay – Anguilla



 






Maundays Bay might be more modest in size than Rendezvous Bay and Shoal Bay, but it more than makes up for its diminutive scale with its white-sand shores and clear, azure waters. This is picture-perfect Caribbean territory. For an extra special outing, head here at night to see the glittering lights from neighbouring St. Martin island. It’s beautiful.

26. Tunnels Beach – Kauai, Hawaii


 

 

 

 

 

 

Tunnels Beach (Makua) is an ultimate snorkelling spot, with the picturesque backdrop of Mount Makana and lush jungles.  Lava tubes form the many underwater caverns here, which gives the beach its name. The water can get rough during winter, so keep an eye on the tides.

27. Horseshoe Bay – Bermuda


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Named for its curving shape, the popular Horseshoe Bay Beach showcases Bermuda’s trademark crystal blue waters and pink sands. There’s also hidden caves and tucked-away coves to explore.

28. Mafia Island – Tanzania


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stretching across 822 sq, km of protected waters, Mafia Island is home to the largest marine protected area in the Indian ocean. This sublimely serene beach boasts pinch-me-i’m-dreaming white sands, turquoise waters and sprawling tidal flats. Below the surface, it’s just as dreamy with its unique coral grove, mangrove and marine channel ecosystems teeming with fish, including whale sharks.

29. Bazaruto Archipelago – Mozambique


 

 

 

 

 

 

This aquamarine paradise encompasses five islands off the coast of Vilanculos. As well as luxury travellers, it’s popular with turtles, dolphins, rays, whales, sharks and over 2,000 fish species. Untouched and idyllic, these sugar white sand stretches give way to miles of colourful coral reefs.

30. Patnem Beach – Goa, India


 

 

 

 

 

 Even before the hippies arrived in the 1960s, people raved about Goa’s heavenly beaches. Unlike ever-popular Anjuna beach, Patnem beach is more secluded but just as beautiful. Its long, blond sandy beach is lined with palm trees and beach huts.