You can spend hours dreaming about the best beach resorts in the world. But how do you choose the one that’s right for you?
The following list can help. All of the following beaches offer exceptional beauty, clean sand and water, and nearby tourist infrastructure – many of which tend to be popular with travelers.
Top 10 Beach Destinations in the World
Providenciales – Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales is home to Grace Bay Beach, which made Tripadvisor’s list of the top 25 beaches in the Caribbean, as well as SmarterTravel’s own list of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.
“Provo” is an ideal Caribbean destination that has been discovered but not occupied. With clear turquoise waters, coral reefs for snorkeling, and soft white sand, you can sweep along the beach for miles without encountering crowds. Paz listens to rip-roaring music with the locals and enjoys shellfish fritters and dry chicken at the island’s outdoor fish fry on Thursday nights.
Bali – Indonesia
Find your beach nirvana on Bali’s southern peninsula, where the scenes for “Food, Prayer, Love” were filmed. Spirituality permeates many aspects of daily life here, so expect to encounter local traditions that will encourage you to do a little soul searching.
Some of Bali’s best beaches are Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida, about 500 steps away (but don’t worry, the view from above is worth it), and Gunung Payung Beach (Pantai Gunung Payung), one of the island’s hidden gems.
Maui – Hawaii
Maui is one of the most iconic beach destinations in the United States. Its beaches – including Kaanapali Beach and Kapalua Beach – are consistently ranked among the best in the world. what Maui lacks in accessibility, it makes up for in beauty and novelty, far outweighing the palm-fringed perfection of the beaches.
Experience fire dancing at Luaus, watch the sunrise from the top of a dormant volcano and admire the countless waterfalls along the winding road to Hana. Getting there has become more affordable now that Southwest is offering regular service from select West Coast cities to Maui (and other Hawaiian destinations) starting in 2019.
Grenada
Surrounded by silky white sands, Grenada is the “Spice Island” of the Caribbean, where nutmeg is grown and even smells like paradise. While you’ll find cruise ship passengers and vendors if you go looking for them (for example at Grande Anse Beach), the beauty of this island lies in its quieter corners, including Morning Glory Beach, an underwater sculpture park, and a rainforest.
Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of 21 islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 224 miles off the northern coast of Brazil and is home to three of the world’s most popular beaches. One of them, Baia do Sancho, was named by Tripadvisor as one of the top three beaches in the world in 2021.
The archipelago limits the number of visitors to protect its fragile ecosystem and wildlife. Those lucky enough to visit Noronha’s secluded beaches will be treated to crystal clear waters surrounded by pale red sand, volcanic cliffs covered in lush vegetation, and spectacular sightings of native spinner dolphins.
Clearwater Beach – Florida
White sand as soft as icing sugar brings spring breakers and retirees in droves to Clearwater Beach, where restaurants, hotels, and gift stores compete for space in the calm waters. clearwater is on Tripadvisor’s list of America’s Best Beaches for 2021.
The most pristine beach in the area is at Kaladi Island State Park, an undeveloped paradise accessible only by ferry.
Crete – Greece
The release of the 2018 Mamma Mia! sequel brings the hype back to the magical Greek island where the storyline unfolds. Crete isn’t as popular or expensive as Mykonos or Santorini, but it still offers an abundance of sun, sand, and history.
You can divide your time between the island’s rich culinary culture, ancient ruins, and inviting beaches. Relax in secluded coves or on the first-class Elafonisi beach, a nearly 1,000-meter strip of protected white sand with shallow turquoise lagoons and sea turtles.
Saint Lucia – Caribbean
A favorite among honeymooners, Saint Lucia is becoming increasingly popular with visitors of all kinds, and in 2019 this unique tropical paradise welcomed a record number of visitors.
Between adventures like swimming in waterfalls, hiking to Mount Grosse Piton, and kayaking to Pigeon Island, you can relax on one of Saint Lucia’s many beautiful beaches. Traveler favorites include the beaches of Ansmarmen and Jalousi.
Praslin – Seychelles
The Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, is secluded and romantic, with a mystical appeal. the beaches of Seychelles, including Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin, are among the most photographed in the world.
Anse Lazio is a wide white crescent surrounded by granite cliffs and tropical rainforests. It is isolated but well worth the trip to Anse Lazio, where solitude and nature reign supreme. Or take the 15-minute ferry ride from Prahran Island to La Digue Island to see the stunning pink sandy beaches of the headwaters of Ansei.
Myrtle Beach – South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is one of the most family-friendly and affordable beach destinations in the United States, offering 60 miles of sandy shoreline, non-stop fun for the kids, and affordable condo housing that parents love so much.
There’s always something going on in Myrtle Beach, from new restaurants and breweries to special events throughout the year.
