25 idyllic beaches that will make you wish you were there right now
From the serene beaches of the Grecian islands to the dreamy shores of Thailand, there beautiful beaches for everyone
Whether you have the Caribbean on your mind or you're dreaming of Cuba, there's plenty of summer getaway potential at the most stunning beaches around the world. From the serene beaches of the Grecian islands to the dreamy shores of Thailand, there are innumerable beautiful beaches to suit every taste. And although there isn't one perfect beach for all travellers, we think there are several that should be added to your bucket list.
After compiling this list of some of the world's most beautiful beaches, a beach vacation is definitely in order. Get packing!
1. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Baio do Sancho in Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha won the title of world’s best beach, which is no doubt down to its crystal clear waters - ideal for diving - and panoramic cliff-tops offering views of dolphins splashing in the bay. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
2. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Falling from first in 2016 to second place in 2017 was Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, which has a five-star rating on TripAdvisor with the community praising its ‘unbelievable colours’ and empty beach. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
3. Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean
Stunning white sands and turquoise waters await beach-goers at this third-place Caribbean slice of paradise. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
4. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba
Paradise Beach, known locally as Playa Paraiso, on Cayo Largo del Sur, in Cuba, is down one place from last year with many critics on TripAdvisor praising its 'beautiful, sheltered beach. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
5. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida, United States
There's a snack shack, volleyball nets, a playground and restrooms at this top Florida attraction, named the fifth best beach in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
6. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian – Donostia, Spain
Sixth in the world and number one in Europe, unusually beach-goers at La Concha Beach can paddle out to Isla Santa Clara, a small island in the bay that features its own strip of beach, lighthouse, bar and picnic tables. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
7. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
A TripAdvisor reviewer explained why this uncrowded beach was named seventh best in the world. They said: 'The beach is clean, the water is warm and its walking depth is way over 200 feet from shore. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
8. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India
This pristine Indian beach is the only one from the country to make the world's 25 best list. Reviewers claim it is the perfect spot to watch the sun set. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
9. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Crete, Greece
Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Europe, this year the Grecian beauty takes the title for ninth best in the world and second best in Europe. Reviewers say it offers ‘white sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
10. Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands
This untouched, rugged spot attracts nature lovers and iguanas alike. It rounds out the world's top ten. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
11. Anse Lazio Praslin Island, Seychelles
Down from fourth place last year, Anse Lazio on Praslin Island in the Seychelles is a destination that attracts celebrities. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
12. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Actually only 5.5miles-long, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman won 12th place with holidaymakers impressed by its family-friendly vibe. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
13. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
Trees line Flamenco Beach on Isla Culebra off the east coast of Puerto Rico offering welcome shade. The beach has slipped from sixth place last year. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
14. Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
This Dominican Republic beach was commended for its 'soft sand, beautiful turquoise sea' and clean beach. Reviewers also commented on the waves being 'gentle'. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
15. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica
Reviewers praise this Jamaican beach as it doesn't attract large crowds. It took the title for 15th best beach in the world. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
16. Anakena Beach, Easter Island
Ancient appeal: This award-winning cove has it all - 'Moai and sand dunes, palm trees and gentle waves', according to reviewers. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
17. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia
Breath-takingly beautiful, Whitehaven Beach regularly features on lists of the best beaches in the world and is down to 17th place from 12th last year. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
18. La Cote des Basques, Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
The only French beach to feature on the list of the best 25 beaches in the world, this idyllic spot also won third place on the Europe list. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
19. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus
Fourth on the Europe list and 19th in the world, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Cyprus, was noted for its 'very clean beach with lots of sunbeds' and the chance to enjoy water sports in its clear waters, too. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
20. West Bay Beach, Honduras
Turquoise waters and vibrant coral makes the 20th best beach in the world a paradise for snorkellers. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
21. Camp's Bay Beach, Camps Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
Dramatic setting: Boasting several restaurants and bars lining its shores, reviewers also praised this beach's 'sensational mountain backdrop. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
22. Praia de Santa Maria, Santa Maria Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde
Up from 25th place last year, Praia de Santa Maria is a long beach with a pier and local craft stalls along it. It's also popular with surfers. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
23. Playa Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Jungle vegetation and palm trees line this Costa Rican beach, previous visitors warn beach-goers to watch out for monkeys, though, who might steal their unattended items. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
24. White Beach, Boracay, Visayas, the Philippines
Explaining its popularity, reviewers said that this Boracay beach is 'perfect for children and those not good at swimming. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
25. Ngapali Beach, Ngapali Rakhine State, Myanmar
Down from number eight in last year's awards, this peaceful spot achieved 25th place on the world's best list due to its 'laid back' ambience. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
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