The perfect day at the beach means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It could be waking up at the crack of dawn with your friends to catch the first waves, a long day of beach volleyball and swimming with the family, or relaxing in the sun and listening to the waves with a cold drink in hand. Luckily, no matter what your perfect beach day is, you have an abundance of spectacular beaches around the world to choose from.
Finding the perfect beach can be challenging. Sometimes, deciding which beach is the best in a single country, let alone the world, can be complicated. Countless beaches excel in certain areas while lacking in others, while some excel to the level of iconic. Join us and venture beyond the Caribbean to seven of the most iconic beach destinations and discover the natural beauty, unique culture, and exciting experiences that promise unforgettable days at the beach.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia's stunning collection of pristine white-sand beaches could secure this group of archipelagos a spot on this list alone. But, when you add in multiple glimmering pink-sand and volcanic black-sand beaches, it becomes a no-brainer. The famed Matira beach is the largest public access and most popular beach in Bora Bora. You could spend days floating in the shallow turquoise blue waters or lounging on the mile of gentle white sand stretching off the southern coast of the beautiful Bora Bora.
The beaches in Tikehau and Rangiroa showcase awe-inspiring displays of pink sand that are almost enough to keep you from exploring the vibrant and diverse underwater world offshore. The several photo-perfect pink beaches you'll find exploring these atolls are taken right out of postcards and are sure to excite you about this tropical paradise. Lafayette beautifully contrasts the rest of French Polynesia's shining beaches with a secluded stretch of black sand meeting the deep blue ocean. It's one of the most stunning beaches in Tahiti, and its soft volcanic sand is the perfect base for any beach day.
The Maldives
The Maldives' unparalleled scenery and tropical island experiences set it apart as one of the world's premier beach destinations. Experiencing the serenity and island luxury of stepping out from your overwater bungalow to your choice of immaculate beach is one every globetrotter will enjoy.
Where the Maldives shine the most might be the sheer selection of world-class beaches at your fingertips. With over a thousand islands, a secluded piece of paradise is always ready for you in the Maldives, whether you’re looking for a calm, romantic day with your partner or an exciting day of family fun.
There's plenty of opportunity for an underwater adventure, with endless snorkelling and scuba diving experiences bringing you up close to vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine wildlife. Swim with sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles before returning, indulging in delicious Maldivian cuisine in an underwater restaurant. No matter how you experience the Maldives, its natural beauty and secluded island luxury elevate it to icon status.
Fiji
Fiji is an icon of the tropical South Pacific. Its vibrant culture complements its outstanding natural beauty, highlighted by pristine beaches and coastlines. Embrace the lively energy of Viti Levu's Natadola Beach with a fresh coconut before your surf lesson, or escape to your spacious villa on the secluded Savasi Island, where you'll have quieter hidden beaches to explore.
Perfect for watersports, Fiji offers an array of thrilling activities against an extraordinary backdrop. There's something for every adventure seeker, from snorkelling to sailing, kayaking to scuba diving, windsurfing and water skiing. Creating your perfect beach day in Fiji is hassle-free, thanks to warm Fijian hospitality and incredible natural scenery. Fiji's global reputation as a premier beach destination is well-earned and unforgettable, offering the perfect tropical escape.
Australia
Beach culture is engrained in Australian culture in many respects, and many of the country's beaches have reached global recognition for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
The television show Bondi Rescue, countless postcards, and endless ads immortalized Sydney's Bondi Beach's lively atmosphere, beautiful coastal scenery, and renowned surfing. The famous Gold Coast boasts over 44 mi (70 km) of gold-sand beaches, Surfers Paradise, and several unique neighbourhoods just a few hours outside Brisbane with a thriving culinary scene.
Australia's beaches also host many unique experiences, including snorkelling and diving along the Great Barrier Reef, watching the penguin parade at Phillip Island, racing across Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, in a 4x4, and several Aboriginal culture experiences. As long as you don't find yourself in the heart of the outback, there's likely an unforgettable Aussie beach nearby you must consider for your next perfect beach day.
Greece
Greece's timeless wonder extends from the peak of Mount Olympus to its crystal-clear coastal waters, revealing a diverse collection of beaches, cementing the country as an iconic beach destination. The beaches of the Aegean Archipelago and the Cretan and Ionian seas all showcase distinct Greek beauty while boasting their unique character.
Marvel at the dramatic coastal cliffs enclosing you in atmospheric bays of soft, warm sand and pure blue seawater as you explore the Aegean Sea. As Greece's largest island, Crete boasts hundreds of beaches perfect for families, solo travellers, adrenaline junkies, and groups alike. Venture to the mesmerizing pink sands of Elafonisi Beach in Crete and embrace the lively energy from land to sea.
Whether you're spending all day in the water or exploring the coastline, Crete's juniper-clad mountains offer a dramatic backdrop to immerse you in Greece's enchanting allure.
Hawai’i
Hawai'i is another beach destination showcasing a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, laid-back surf culture, and untouched natural scenery.
You'll never run out of beaches in Hawai’i, whether the sands are red, white, or black. The iconic Waikiki Beach on Honolulu's southern shore boasts some of Hawai'i's best surfing and incredible views of Mount Lēʻahi, just a few steps away from the action along the famous Kalākaua Avenue.
Kaua'i's 50 mi (80 km) of coastline are where you'll find some of Hawai'i's most beautiful beaches. Explore stretches of golden beaches, atmospheric lagoons with vibrant coral reefs, and tropical forests iconic enough for Jurassic Park and discover how Hawai'i has captivated globetrotters for generations. Hawai'i also offers a variety of water activities throughout its islands, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and paddleboarding, promising action-packed experiences every time.
Brazil
Brazil's extensive coastline features a variety of beaches with unique experiences, from the energy of Rio de Janeiro to the tranquillity of Fernando de Noronha.
These world-famous beaches, Copacabana and Ipanema, are not just beaches-they are cultural icons that offer quintessential Brazilian beach experiences. With the rhythm of samba in the air, they are a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a lively atmosphere. The presence of the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking these beaches adds to the authentic Brazilian atmosphere that defines them.
Beaches like Baía do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, a protected marine park, offer more serene options with crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffs. They also offer incredible snorkelling, scuba diving, and a diverse collection of wildlife above and below the water.
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Born to two parents who met travelling, Sael has always wanted to travel the world. Sael has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, visited blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos Islands, stood on both hemispheres of the equator in Ecuador, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiked the base of Uluru, surfed Pacific Ocean waves in Mexico, and skydived over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Meeting new people and sharing stories are some of Sael's favourite parts of travelling, and he hopes he can help ignite this passion for discovery in others.
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