Last updated July 26, 2026 · Editorial policy
The world has uncountable beaches. After years of research, here are the 20 absolute best beaches you should visit before you die.
Top 20 World Beaches
1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia
98% pure silica sand. Cool to walk on. Boat or seaplane access.
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Overwater bungalows + Mount Otemanu views.
3. Maldives – any private island
Best months: Jan–Mar · 27–28°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Crystal water + overwater villas + bioluminescence.
4. Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Pink granite boulders. Often voted #1 in world.
5. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
12 miles of soft white sand. Consistent top 5.
6. Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas
Best months: Jan–Mar · 22–26°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Crushed coral pink sand.
7. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Caribbean’s safest beach. Year-round perfect.
8. Whitehaven Hill Inlet, Australia
Aerial-view perfect swirls of sand + water.
9. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck), Zakynthos, Greece
Best months: Sep–Nov · 15–24°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Iconic Greek photo spot.
10. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Best months: Jan–Mar · 23–30°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Limestone karst island paradise.
11. Tulum Beach, Mexico
Best months: Dec–Feb · 7–23°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Mayan ruins meet Caribbean white sand.
12. Plage de Notre Dame, Porquerolles, France
Best months: Jul–Sep · 15–25°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Pristine Provence cove.
13. Anse Lazio, Praslin, Seychelles
Granite boulders + clear water.
14. Maya Bay, Thailand
Best months: Dec–Feb · 22–32°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
The Beach filming location. Limited daily entry.
15. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Best months: Apr–Jun · 12–25°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Turquoise water + pine forest.
16. Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Best months: Jun–Aug · 23–29°C days · some rain (ERA5 climate data)
Crystal water + offshore islets.
17. Diani Beach, Kenya
East African paradise.
18. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Best months: Jun–Aug · 9–13°C days · rainy (ERA5 climate data)
Black volcanic sand + basalt columns.
19. Crane Beach, Barbados
Pink-tinted sand + cliffs.
20. Tarsis Beach, Costa Rica
Best months: Jan–Mar · 16–26°C days · dry (ERA5 climate data)
Pacific + Caribbean meet. Wildlife.
Beach Travel Tips
Reef-safe sunscreen: Required in Hawaii, Mexico, Aruba, Palau. Look for zinc oxide / titanium dioxide. Skip oxybenzone + octinoxate (kill coral).
Sun protection: UV is intense near equator. Hat + UV shirt + sunglasses essential.
Water safety: Watch for rip currents. Swim where lifeguards present. Never swim alone.
Pack smart: Quick-dry towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, water bottle, waterproof phone case.
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit the World Beaches?
Most tropical destinations: December-April (dry season). Mediterranean: May-September. USA beaches: May-September depending on location.
What’s the #1 beach on this list?
Rankings vary, but Whitehaven Beach consistently makes top-10 worldwide lists.
Are these beaches safe to swim?
Most listed beaches are safe + lifeguarded. Always check local conditions, rip currents, and dangerous marine life warnings. Pack reef-safe sunscreen.
How early should I book for these beaches?
Book 3-6 months ahead for high season. Christmas + spring break book 6+ months ahead. Last-minute deals are rare in peak season.
What should I pack for tropical beaches?
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, UV shirt, sunglasses, beach bag, water bottle. Don’t forget waterproof phone case + dry bag.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches in Best?
The best beaches depend on what you want ??? some are ideal for swimming, others for surfing or snorkeling. The guide above ranks them by activity and atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Best beaches?
Beach season varies by location. Generally, dry season with warm temperatures offers the best conditions. Avoid monsoon or hurricane seasons for the safest beach visits.
Are Best beaches crowded?
Popular beaches can be crowded during peak season and weekends. Visit early morning or during shoulder season for a quieter experience, or seek out lesser-known stretches.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.