Discover the World’s Best Beaches According to Travel Experts
Every traveler dreams of finding that perfect stretch of sand—a place where the water is a mesmerizing hue, the landscape is breathtaking, and the atmosphere is exactly what they’re looking for. But with so many coastlines around the globe, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely beautiful? This is where the pros come in. Travel experts, who have traversed the planet and evaluated countless shores, have curated lists of the world’s most stunning beaches. We’ve distilled their insights to bring you a definitive guide to the planet’s most spectacular coastal escapes.
What Makes a Beach “The Best”?
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to understand that “the best” is subjective. For some, it’s about powdery white sand and turquoise water. For others, it’s dramatic cliffs, unique wildlife, or a vibrant social scene. Travel experts consider a combination of factors:
The Crown Jewels of the Caribbean and Atlantic
The Caribbean remains a perennial favorite for beach lovers, and for good reason. Its idyllic conditions are the stuff of legend.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Often topping global lists, Grace Bay is the quintessential Caribbean dream. Located on the island of Providenciales, this beach boasts 12 miles of pristine, powdery white sand that feels like sugar underfoot. The water is a remarkably clear, shallow turquoise, protected by a massive barrier reef that makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The vibe is upscale yet relaxed, with luxurious resorts nestled behind a protected reserve of vegetation, ensuring the natural beauty remains uncompromised.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Widely considered one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Eagle Beach is famous for its incredibly wide, soft white sands and iconic, picture-perfect Fofoti trees. The water is calm and brilliantly blue, ideal for a refreshing dip. What sets Eagle Beach apart is its serene and spacious feel; you never feel crowded, even in high season. It’s also a major nesting site for sea turtles, adding an extra layer of natural wonder.
Praia da Falésia, Portugal
Venturing to Europe, Praia da Falésia in the Algarve consistently wins accolades for its stunning beauty. This beach is defined by its dramatic, vibrant red and orange cliffs that contrast spectacularly with the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and the golden sand shoreline. A long, wide beach, it’s perfect for long walks and offers a more active, scenic experience compared to the languid lagoons of the Caribbean.
Asian Paradises and South Pacific Wonders
For those seeking unparalleled beauty and a sense of remote adventure, the beaches of Asia and the South Pacific are in a league of their own.
White Beach, Boracay, Philippines
After a major rehabilitation project, White Beach in Boracay has reclaimed its status as a world-class destination. This 4-kilometer-long stretch is famous for its “powder-like” white sand and stunning sunsets. The water is shallow and warm, and the atmosphere is vibrant, with a famous beachfront path lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and convenience.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Perhaps one of the most photographed beaches on Earth, Anse Source d’Argent is the definition of otherworldly. Located on La Digue island, its signature features are the giant, smoothly sculpted granite boulders that dot the shoreline, set against a backdrop of lush palm trees. The sand is pink-tinged, and the water is a calm, crystal-clear aquamarine lagoon, protected by a natural reef. It’s a truly magical and romantic setting.
Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
As the quintessential South Pacific paradise, Bora Bora is home to Matira Beach, a public stretch of sand that feels like a private slice of heaven. The sand is so soft it seems to melt into the incredibly clear, warm, shallow water, which shifts in color from aqua to deep blue. It’s the perfect place to wade waist-deep for hundreds of feet and simply soak in the majestic beauty of the famous Bora Bora lagoon.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Delights
Beyond the well-known names, experts also highlight beaches that offer something truly unique.
Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
A stark contrast to the tropical paradises, Reynisfjara Beach near Vík is a powerful and dramatic black sand beach. Its basalt columns, towering sea stacks, and crashing waves from the North Atlantic create a moody, awe-inspiring landscape straight out of a fantasy epic. A word of caution: this beach is as powerful as it is beautiful, so respecting the waves is paramount.
Glass Beach, California, USA
A testament to nature’s resilience, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg was once a trash dump. Over decades, the ocean has tumbled discarded glass into smooth, colorful pebbles that now cover the shore. While collecting the glass is now prohibited, it remains a fascinating and beautiful spot to witness a unique environmental transformation, with the sea glass sparkling in the sunlight.
Planning Your Trip to Paradise
Now that you’re inspired, here are a few expert tips for planning your beach getaway:
The world is filled with incredible coastal wonders, each with its own unique charm. Whether you seek the classic Caribbean calm, the dramatic cliffs of Europe, or the remote beauty of the South Pacific, this expert-vetted list is your starting point for an unforgettable journey to the water’s edge. Your perfect beach paradise is out there, waiting to be discovered.