10 BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD
Palm-fringed golden sands and tropical turquoise waters... the 10 best beaches in the world await! If you're looking to get away, why not head to one of these magical stretches of sand? From secluded swathes in Greece and famed stretches in Thailand to the pristine golden sands of Portugal, there are plenty of spots worth adding to your bucket list.
Check out our 10 most beautiful beaches on earth and grab your bathing suit...
NAVAGIO BEACH, ZANTE
Greece holidays are a beach-hopping paradise, plain and simple. This gorgeous Greek island has a treasure trove of sights worth seeing, but the most breathtaking is certainly Navagio beach. Nestled in the northwest of Zakynthos (Zante), this secluded cove has soft white sands, startling turquoise sea and a famous abandoned shipwreck to explore. You’ll have to hop on a boat to visit this picturesque stretch but once you do, it’s easy to see why it gets more attention than the Acropolis!
KUTA BEACH, BALI
Bali is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Indonesia and once you step foot on its soft golden sands, you’ll see why. Kuta Beach is a haven for surfers with rolling waves that you can revel in all day long - but the entertainment doesn’t stop there. As the sun sets, Kutu is the place for beach parties and thanks to the nearby Hard Rock Café, you can eat, drink and dance until dawn here.
PINK SAND BEACH, BAHAMAS
Harbour Island’s Pink Sand Beach catapults into our top ten thanks to the gorgeous ribbons of soft, pale rose sands, located in the heart of the beautiful Bahamas. The pretty pink colour isn’t thanks to a million pieces of shattered coral like you might think, it actually comes from microscopic shelled animals known as Foraminifera, which have bright reddish-pink shells. Swimming and snorkelling is brilliant here thanks to the warm waters - so when you’re not staring at the sands you can make a splash instead!
The beauty doesn't stop here, you'll find bundles of otherworldy beaches when you browse the 8 best Caribbean Islands, too!
PRAIA DA CAMILO BEACH, ALGARVE
If you’re looking for a blissful beach holiday, the Algarve boasts some of the most alluring stretches around. The gorgeous golden sands spill for miles and the Algarve's famous beaches are backed by towering orange cliffs and rows of waterfront restaurants and bars. Praia da Camilo beach is a small, picturesque stretch in Portugal's Algarve region that’s connected to a second beach through a tunnel. The calm waters are ideal for swimmers and snorkellers and the nearby resorts offer family friendly restaurants and a plethora of hotels. It's no wonder it's one of the most popular holiday destinations of 2017!
CALA D'OR, MAJORCA
Cala D’Or is one of five pretty cove beaches a stone's throw from the resort. Its soft, golden sands are sheltered by lush pine trees and the brilliant blue sea is perfect for paddle boarding, snorkelling and swimming. Whether you're in search of couples holidays, last minute deals or if you want to keep an eye on the kids as they play in the sand, the biggest Balearic Island Majorca has a sun-kissed resort for everyone, and a beach for every day of the week!
SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI
Miami's iconic strip of golden beach that runs parallel with all the glitz of Ocean Drive is one of the most famous beaches in the world, so be sure to head there during your Miami holidays. Popular South Beach is abuzz with world-class shopping, colourful bars, waterfront clubs, cool art deco buildings, and nightlife that thrives all day and night - it's also a hot spot for gay-friendly holidays whether you're looking to shop, party or hit the beach.
MAYA BAY, THAILAND
Maya Bay is a natural wonder and if you're looking for amazing Thailand holidays, this stunning cove surrounded by spectacular limestone cliffs will be the icing on the cake. Its soft powder-white sands and shallow turquoise waters attracts day boats day-in and day-out throughout the year - and we'll never tire of it. This must-visit cove first made its name after Leonardo Dicaprio’s 2000 movie “The Beach” was filmed here and has been at the top of our beach bucket-lists ever since! Hop on a long-tail boat and float across to this spectacular stretch and you’ll be blown away by its beauty.
And if that's not tempting enough, we've got a luxurious list of top 10 long haul holidays that are sure to lure you, too!
PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
If palm-fringed beaches lapped by turquoise Caribbean seas are what you’re dreaming of, Punta Cana beach is a top pick. The beaches around the Playa Bavaro area are the best in the Dominican Republic, with white sandy stretches serving up fantastic watersports and cool beach bars to grab a cocktail or two. We've got all you need to know about Punta Cana resorts, so you'll be sipping cocktails by the sea before you know it.
SES SALINES BEACH, IBIZA
If you're after party-loving Ibiza holidays, this long, sandy beach is one of the most famous on the White Isle. Backed by pretty pine woods and with a string of lively restaurants and bars serving up delicious dishes, great music and gorgeous cocktails - it's a must-visit. The waters here are crystal clear and abuzz with watersports. Walk the length of the beach and you’ll come to Sa Trinxa, a lively restaurant and bar with buzzing music spilling out onto the beach.
Browse our pocket guide to the Balearics for more beaches, bars and blissful weather!
TULUM BEACH, MEXICO
If you’re wondering what put the Riviera Maya on the map, you can thank the pearly white sands of Tulum Beach. Spend hours lazing on long uninterrupted stretches of sand or swimming in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. And if you like to soak up a little history while you’re by the coast, Tulum is the only beach you'll find during your Mexico holidays that boasts an archeological site by the sea!
