Translucent turquoise water lapping softly on a sandy shore is always hard to resist. With blue skies overhead, it calls to you – just like those ice-cold beers at the beach bar or the fresh seafood sizzling on the grill…It’s a nice thought, right? But where exactly should you go to experience it? Here are 12 dreamy travel destinations that have some of the best beaches in the world.
12. Sardinia, Italy
This beautiful island 120 miles west of mainland Italy is a hotbed of history, culture, cuisine, and, yes…beaches with cobalt-blue waters. Cala Luna (i.e., “Moon Cove”), with its crescent of white sand surrounded by limestone cliffs, and Cala Brandinchi (nicknamed “Little Tahiti” by the locals), with its calm clear waters, are among the best beaches in the world. However, they’re only two of over 200 spectacular bays and coves you can explore in Sardinia.
11. The Exumas, Bahamas
Ask most people to picture a tropical paradise, and their minds will go straight to Caribbean destinations like The Exumas. This chain of 365 islands in the Bahamas offers flawless weather, glorious stretches of untouched coast, and more deserted cays than you can shake a stick at. Beaches are everywhere in The Exumas. However, Pig Beach on Big Major Cay is particularly unique. You’ll share the clear waters with the colony of feral pigs that calls it home…
10. Cayo Coco, Cuba
This beach resort destination in the Jardines del Rey, an archipelago off Cuba’s northern coast, is notoriously beautiful. Expect a large cay covered in white sand and surrounded by clear, warm waters – not to mention coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving. Throw in Cayo Coco’s endless amenities and local infrastructure, including its own international airport, and it’s easy to see why so many people visit each year.
9. Fiji
This tropical archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean comprises approximately 300 islands (only a third of which are inhabited) and 540 islets. The result? Fiji offers paradise beaches and crystal-clear water galore. It’s impossible to name them all, but two of the best include Natadola Beach on Viti Levu (Fiji’s biggest island) and Liku Beach, meaning “sunset beach,” on Tokoriki Island.
8. Maldives
No list of destinations with the best beaches in the world would be complete without the Maldives. This inimitable Indian Ocean archipelago is famous everywhere for its beaches and overwater bungalows. Coral reefs, complete with diverse marine life, add to the appeal. People visit the Maldives for sublime nature, stunning views, and a taste of luxury in one of the most divine locations on the planet.
7. Seychelles
The Seychelles is another archipelago in the Indian Ocean known for outstanding beaches and incredible marine life. It’s located 1000 miles or so off the east coast of Africa. It comprises around 115 islands, all of which boast paradisiacal waters to swim in, lush vegetation, and iconic granite rock formations.
6. Palawan, Philippines
Seeking crystal clear waters, Lost World landscapes, and a tropical climate? This municipality in the Philippines is hard to beat. Limestone cliffs covered in lush forest rise strikingly from clear cobalt waters, creating countless heavenly coves to explore. Ultimately, Palawan is nature at its finest. Expect reefs, lagoons, underwater rivers, and all sorts of exotic wildlife.
5. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Suppose you really want to push the boat out. Why not visit a paradise island off the coast of mainland Tanzania in East Africa? Zanzibar’s name alone conjures images of something tropical and exotic. And reality doesn’t disappoint! There’s mile upon mile of white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and lapped by warm, turquoise, and transparent waters.
4. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
While most of Thailand’s coastline is absolutely divine, Koh Phi Phi is one of the most famous places to enjoy it. Popular among partygoers, this exotic set of islands has no shortage of pristine beaches, all with sugary soft sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. Maya Bay is the best-known. A true paradise, this is where they filmed the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. It’s just reopened to the public, too, meaning now is an excellent time to go!
3. Hawaii, US
Hawaii is another destination notorious for its beautiful beaches and clear aquamarine water – as well as waves that draw surfers from around the globe. Although each island has dozens of sandy bays worth seeing, Hapuna Beach State Park on Hawaii Island, Waimea Bay Beach Park on Oahu, and Hanalei Bay on Kauai deserve special mention.
2. Zamami Island, Japan
Japan is one place on this list that fewer people will associate with paradise islands. But take a look at Zamami Island! A short 50-minute ferry ride from the city of Naha, it has sweeping white sand beaches (Furuzamami Beach is a whopping 800 meters long), wild, verdant hills, and so-called “Kerama blue” waters.
1. The Whitsundays, Australia
The Whitsundays are a small collection of islands about 34 miles off the coast of Queensland, northwest Australia. Its most famous spots are a swirl of white sand and milky turquoise waters. There’s adventure and luxury in equal measure, but the main appeal is the Whitsundays’ wild tropical beauty. You can sail, snorkel, swim with turtles, see baby sharks in their natural nurseries, and much more.
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