The 10 Best Beaches in the World: A Traveler's Paradise

There is something undeniably healing about the ocean. Whether it’s the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore or that first breath of salty air, beaches have a way of resetting our minds. But not all beaches are created equal. Some are for lounging with a cocktail, while others demand a bit of a trek to witness their raw, untouched beauty.

I’ve scoured travel notes and recent rankings—including the buzz-worthy 2025 lists—to bring you a curated selection of the absolute best. Here are 10 of the best beaches in the world right now, shuffled to keep you guessing but each one guaranteed to take your breath away.

1. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

You’ve probably seen this beach on a screensaver, but seeing it in real life is a whole different ball game. The giant granite boulders look like they’ve been sculpted by an artist, scattered across shallow, crystal-clear water. It is almost too perfect, which makes it popular, but get there early in the morning and you’ll understand why it’s consistently rated as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

2. Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece

This doesn't feel like a beach; it feels like walking on the moon. Sarakiniko is famous for its bone-white volcanic rock formations that curve and dip into the deep blue Aegean Sea. There’s hardly any sand, so you lay your towel on the smooth warm rocks. It’s dramatic, stark, and utterly photogenic—a complete departure from your typical sandy shore.

3. Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Often called "Mexico's most beautiful beach," Playa Balandra is a protected area that feels like a natural swimming pool. The water is incredibly shallow and calm, allowing you to walk far out into the bay with the water barely reaching your waist. Surrounded by rust-colored hills and mangroves, it’s a peaceful escape where the desert meets the sea.

4. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia

Whitehaven is the heavyweight champion of beaches. Famous for its swirling silica sands that never get hot to the touch, this spot in the Whitsundays is mesmerizing from the air and even better on the ground. The shifting tides create a fusion of colors that looks like a live painting. It’s remote, pristine, and absolutely worth the boat trip to get there.

5. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay is a crescent of golden sand framed by Kauai’s lush, green mountains. Waterfalls often streak down the peaks in the distance after a rain. It’s a surf town at heart, with a vibe that is incredibly chill. Whether you're catching waves or just watching them roll in from the pier, this place embodies the spirit of Aloha.

6. Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand

Thailand has plenty of famous beaches, but this one in the Trang islands is a gem. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are the main event. Backed by jungle and facing west, it offers that classic Thai island experience—longtail boats bobbing in the water, lush greenery, and a relaxed pace of life that feels far removed from the busy parties of Phuket.

7. Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA

This is not your typical golden California beach. Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous for its purple sand—caused by manganese garnet washing down from the hills—and the iconic Keyhole Arch rock formation. At sunset, the light beams through the arch, creating a mystical glow that unparalleled. It’s rugged, windy, and fiercely beautiful.

8. Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia

If you’ve ever wanted your footprints to talk back to you, this is the place. Located in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Squeaky Beach gets its name from the rounded grains of quartz sand that actually squeak when you walk on them. It’s wild, wind-swept, and feels thousands of miles away from civilization, with massive orange-hued boulders framing the turquoise water.

9. Haukland Beach, Norway

A beach above the Arctic Circle? Yes, and it’s spectacular. Haukland Beach in the Lofoten Islands looks tropical at first glance with its white sand and blue water, until you look up at the jagged, snow-capped mountains surrounding it. In summer, you get the midnight sun; in winter, you might catch the Northern Lights dancing over the ocean.

10. Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain

Just a ferry ride from Ibiza, Formentera feels like a different world, and Platja Illetes is its crown jewel. A narrow strip of sand surrounded by shallow, turquoise waters on both sides, it rivals the Caribbean for clarity. It’s chic yet relaxed, beloved by free spirits and yacht owners alike. It’s the Mediterranean dream in its purest form.

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Which One is Next?

The world is full of incredible coastlines, and this list is just a starting point. Whether you prefer the icy drama of Norway or the tropical heat of Thailand, there's a beach out there with your name on it.

Have you visited any of these? Or is there a hidden gem I missed? Let us know in the comments!

Explore More

Ready to discover more coastal wonders and travel inspiration? Check out these categories:

• Travel Channels - Find the best travel vloggers and guides exploring beaches around the world.
• Ocean Channels - Dive deep into marine life, ocean conservation, and coastal adventures.