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


Food & Travel Desk February 23, 2017
PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR

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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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 

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR 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

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ