World's 50 best beaches
Beaches are the Valium of the travel world. They soothe, they relax, they make you realize that "real life" occasionally needs escaping.
Most of all, these slivers of sand against the ocean are a reminder that the world can be quite beautiful.
Of course, we'd be fools to think we've captured every great beach out there. If you think we've missed a few, let us know: what's your favorite beach? Comment below.
50. Pigeon Point, Trinidad and Tobago
The smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 41-kilometer-long Tobago boasts an endless procession of gorgeous beaches.
The crowning glory is Pigeon Point.
Here, what is reportedly the world’s most photographed jetty juts out into the glistening sea. The beach is carpeted with powdery white sand, perfect for beach volleyball. In the distance, almond and coconut trees sway in the breeze.
Pigeon Point is such a literal representation of the Caribbean beach ideal that it almost seems like a dream -- right down to the charming old lady who sells sour-sop ice cream by the pound.
The beach is a walkable two kilometers north of Crown Point proper. For more on how to get there, visit www.simplytobago.com.
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49. Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Often voted Brazil's best beach, and one of the best in South America, Praia do Sancho is a bay on the island of Fernando de Noronha, which faces the coast of Brazil rather than out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Steep, rocky cliffs covered in vegetation form a backdrop to the clear waters that are accessible only via ladders attached to the cliff face. Or by boat.
Although much of the island's vegetation was cut down in the 19th century, when the island was used as a prison, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring the island's value as a feeding site for tuna, billfish, cetaceans, sharks, marine turtles and dolphins.
Daily flights, charters and full packages to Fernando de Noronha are available from major Brazilian cities.
48. Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
No, those aren’t pathetic sand castles, beachgoers are digging up their own man-made hot tubs.
Volcanoes near this beach on the eastern edge of New Zealand's North Island develop large underground reservoirs of extremely hot water.
Over time, this water escapes to the surface, cooling along the way, though still emerging at temperatures as hot as 64 C. The hot springs are accessible only at low tide, so grab a shovel and dig your own spa.
Take State Highway 25 to Whenuakite, where the only notable junction is the road to Hot Water Beach, Cook's Beach and Hahei/Cathedral Cove. Stay on the main road until you see the (right) turn to Hot Water Beach (roughly eight kilometers).
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47. Bottom Bay, Barbados
One of the few beautiful beaches in Barbados that has escaped development overkill, Bottom Bay is enclosed by high coral cliffs, making it an almost undiscovered pocket of paradise.
All the colors of a tropical vacation mix and merge on this curve of shoreline -- incandescent white sands, verdant green vegetation and various blue hues of sea and sky.
The waves can be fierce, but it's a great spot for a sandy picnic. Turtles and whales can sometimes be spotted from the tops of the cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Most resorts and hotels provide shuttle transportation to and from the
airport, and around the island to beaches and other tourist hot spots.
46. Paradise Beach, Rab, Croatia
The Croatian island of Rab claims to be the birthplace of modern skinny dipping.
In 1936, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson obtained permission from city authorities to bathe naked in the inlet of Kandalora, and people have been doing the same on the island’s beaches ever since.
The Lopar peninsula alone has three clothing-optional beaches. Sahara beach, a sandy shore fringed by shrubs, is the most famous. But it's the two-kilometer curve of Paradise Beach, or Rajska Plaza, that draws in-the-know crowds.
The sea remains shallow even half a kilometer out, making it an ideal place for novice swimmers. Though it can get crowded during peak season, the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag award by the Foundation for Environmental Education for its environmental management and safety record.
For information on how to get to Paradise Beach visit www.croatia-beaches.com.
45. Lover’s Beach, Baja California Sur, Mexico
A semi-hidden cove best accessed by boat, Lover’s Beach sits on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.
Rock formations spring out of the sand and turquoise waters, creating a dramatic landscape once popular with pirates, now with photographers.
The beach is small and the sea can get rough, so this isn’t a place to plan to stay for long. You should also pre-arrange return transport, as come 4 p.m., boats are scarce.
Hire a water taxi at Cabo San Lucas marina, and don’t forget to arrange the return trip in advance. There are no services on Lover’s Beach. Lote A-18 De la Darsena, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; +52 624 173 9140
44. Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay has a magnetic appeal for travelers. Pubs, cafés, bookshops and buskers line the streets. Musicians, artists and drift-ins walk the streets barefoot and bleary-eyed.
There’s a lingering scent of the Flower Power Generation, while surfers search for that perfect wave. It’s also Australia’s unofficial capital of leftism, meditation and ganja. No wonder so many beach bums call it home.
Every year, the Byron Bay Bluesfest attracts some of the biggest names in world music, and with it, thousand of Sydneysiders.
With breaks, Byron Bay is about a nine-hour drive from Sydney and a two-hour drive from Brisbane. For more information visit www.byron-bay.com.
43. An Bang Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam
Near the former trading port of Hoi An, An Bang Beach has long been popular among locals for its gentle waves and soft white sand.
Recently, it's picked up speed among expat tourists, which explains the Western-managed bars and restaurant along the waterfront. The bars are a great spot to mingle, but if you’re in a solitary mood, walk away from the main stretch and you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself.
Many restaurants in the town of Hoi An specialize in the Viet imperial cuisine Hoi An is known for around the country.
Read more: Hoi An -- food and fashion by the sea
42. Bandon, Oregon, United States
It’s hard not to fall in love with the Oregon coast town of Bandon.
It’s got beauty, especially when the sun sets over the striking rock formations along the coast. It’s got good food, thanks to a long growing season and influx of ambitious chefs.
It also has diversions to keep holiday-makers happy, with a safari game park to the south and spectacular, seaside Bandon Dunes Golf Resort to the north.
According to Native American folklore, the unusual formation of Face Rock represents the face of a princess who was drowned by an evil sea spirit.
For more information visit www.bandon.com.
41. Puka Beach, Boracay, Philippines
Boracay may be a pimped-out tourist zone, but there’s a reason it remains atop many travel rankings.
Making a respectable claim to its “tropical paradise” reputation, Boracay has something for everyone, from powdery beaches to water sports and spas.
Those who like peace and quiet might want to skip the famous White Beach and instead head to Puka Beach. It's named for the Puka shells that can be found on the beach, so expect the sand to be coarser than that of its neighbors.
Puka is the second-longest beach in Boracay and also relatively empty most times, with no resorts on the sand and a limited number of restaurants.
The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach. You can also hire a tricycle to get there in about 10 or 15 minutes from the centrally located White Beach; www.islandboracay.com.
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40. Las Salinas, Ibiza, Spain
Some people like to party in Ibiza’s clubs. Others prefer to do it on the beaches.
Las Salinas, a 1,600-meter-long crescent of sand in the island’s southernmost tip, is the most happening beach of them all.
Music blasts from Las Salinas’ beach bars from morning till night, attracting some of the world’s most famous bodies, including the stick thin frames of Kate Moss and Jade Jagger.
Even if you don’t get to see them on Las Salinas, you probably won’t mind, since the beach is also a magnet for nude sunbathers.
Las Salinas can be reached by bus from Ibiza or by cycle from the city (11 kilometers from Ibiza and 25 kilometers from San Jose). It's a 10-minute drive from Playa d'en Bossa or Ibiza Town; www.ibiza-tourism.net.
39. Cape Maclear, Malawi
Cape Maclear sits on the edge of Lake Malawi, a lake so large it feels like an ocean.
Thanks to an abundance of endemic fish species, the lake area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The beach, something of a hippie hangout, is linked to the town via a single dirt road lined with a handful of hostels and dive shops.
Beach bums love Cape Maclear for its diving, snorkeling and kayaking -- the water is free from brine, and there are no sharks or jellyfish.
From the bus station in Lilongwe, take a minibus to Monkey Bay. Flag down a pick-up to take you the rest of the way into Cape Maclear; www.capemaclear.co.za.
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38. Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
In the province of Eastern Cape, Jeffreys Bay has everything a beach needs.
Its legendary breaks attract the world’s top surfers to the annual Billabong Pro ASP World Tour surfing event. It’s rife with photo ops when migrating whales pass by the bay to give birth every season.
Nearby lagoons make ideal venues for water sports, such as boardsailing and canoeing. The Seekoei River Nature Reserve, a haven for rare birds, is close by. Its Blue Flag Beach status makes it attractive for holidaying families.
Best of all it feels uncrowded compared with other world-class beaches.
Jeffreys Bay Tourism (PTY) LTD, Shell Museum Complex, Da Gama Street, Jeffreys Bay; +27 42 293 2923; www.jeffreysbaytourism.org
37. Vilanculo Beach, Mozambique
Lazy. Friendly. Scenic. What else do you want in a beach? How about great swimming?
The coral reefs and rich marine wildlife growing off the archipelago here create a forest beneath the sea, making Vilanculo one of the best diving destinations in the West Indian Ocean.
The small coastal town of Vilanculo has thatched huts lining the streets, a friendly local population and a plethora of laid-back bars and restaurants. It’s named after Gamala Vilanculo Mukoke, a local tribal chef -- many locals share the same surname.
Vilanculo Beach is eight kilometers from the airport by road. Transfers are available to and from the airport; www.vilanculos.co.za.
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36. Capo Sant’Andrea, Elba, Italy
Looking at Elba today, it’s hard to imagine why Napoleon ever wanted to leave.
Almost all the beaches on the island are worth checking out, but if you want to make your Facebook friends really jealous, post some pictures of Capo Sant’Andrea.
At this inlet, the azure water is clear enough to see the seabed even in the deepest sections. Chestnut trees sweep right down to the coastline.
The inlet’s golden beaches are framed by softly sloping granite blocks -- natural sun beds that are taken over by sunbathers during summer.
From Porto Ferraio, take the ATL bus to Zanca. Information on bus timetables available from ATL (+39 0565 91 43 92).
35. Venice Beach, California, United States
Yes, the many gorgeous beaches of Orange County caught our eye, and we love nearby Santa Monica. But no trip to Los Angeles is complete without a visit to Venice Beach. The beachfront district is a SoCal institution and a freak show free-for-all.
Qi gong masseurs, hair braiders, fortune tellers and artists all jostle for tourist dollars along the four-kilometer Venice Boardwalk. It's been this way since the 1950s and 1960s, when it became a center for Los Angeles’ Beat generation poets.
Hang around the basketball courts in Venice and you might just spot the next NBA superstar -- street ball is famously intense at the outdoor, beach-side courts.
Take the 405 Freeway from either direction to Venice Boulevard. Exit West and drive until you reach sand. Parking is available at the end of Venice Boulevard, right on the beach. Or take a US$20 cab from the airport.
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34. Plage de Piémanson, France
With the Atlantic Ocean to its west, the Mediterranean to its south and the English Channel up north, France has no shortage of picturesque beaches.
For sheer scale, gloriously unspoilt wilderness and nude bathing, however, Plage de Piémanson ranks among the finest. Part of Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, this obscure beach has tawny sand that stretches forever.
Clear Mediterranean waves lap at the shore. Tourists roast under the sun, many of them French and German, some of them nude.
To get there, you’ll have to drive through colonies of pink flamingoes. Also keep an eye out for Camargue horses, an ancient breed of white horse native to the region that roams wild in the reserve.
33. Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson, New Zealand
Golden sand and the highest rate of sunshine hours in New Zealand give Kaiteriteri Beach all the qualities of an idyllic seaside experience.
The gateway to magnificent Abel Tasman National Park, the beach is located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. From here you can hike the area’s well-known walking tracks, swim, sunbathe, enjoy local seafood or hire a kayak to paddle around the many coves and lagoons that surround Kaiteriteri.
The golden color of the sand comes from a high quartz content, which produces a glittering, Midas-like effect.
Penguins, seals and dolphins are common, so make sure those camera batteries are fully charged.
A short drive from the Nelson Township and picturesque Motueka, Kaiteriteri is decidedly the best beach in the South Island.
Kaiteriteri is located in Abel Tasman
National Park. www.abeltasman.co.nz
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32. Southwestern Beach, Koh Rong, Cambodia
Koh Rong is easily one of the Gulf of Thailand’s most gorgeous islands, with 43 kilometers of beach.
On the southwestern side of Koh Rong you'll find a beach comprising 5,000 meters of untouched white sand fringed with palm trees and dazzling turquoise waters.
At the southernmost end of this beach are rocks where snorkelers swim with schools of colorful rabbitfish, sergeant fish and parrot fish.
From Sihanoukville, catch a boat to Koh Rong with any of the guesthouses on the island. The trip takes two to three hours. Monkey Island (southeast side Koh Rong; +855 81 830 991; monkeyisland-kohrong.com) or Paradise Bungalows (southeast side Koh Rong; +855 34 933 664) are based on the other side of the island, but can organize boat tickets and help hire fishing boats to the western side of the island.
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31. Skagen Beach, Denmark
It’s easy to see why Denmark’s coastal town of Skagen became an artists’ colony in the 19th century.
The shore at Skagen is a 65-kilometer-long sandy ribbon that hugs the northern tip of the country. The picturesque landscape consists of milky white sand dunes, fairytale forests and wind-blown beaches.
At Grenen, the northernmost tip of Denmark, the seas of Kattegat and Skagerak meet, giving the sea a stormy, two-tone appearance.
Skagen’s waters are too cold for swimming for most parts of the year, but there are plenty of attractions nearby. These include an annual midsummer's eve bonfire on the sandy stretch of Skagen Sønderstrand, the Bolcheriet candy factory and Råbjerg Mile, the largest sand dune in Northern Europe.
For information visit www.skagen-tourist.dk.
30. Isshiki Beach, Japan
Hayama’s Imperial Villa, which faces Isshiki Beach, has been used by Japanese emperors since 1894 as a winter holiday house.
During the peak of summer, the beach’s two crescents of sand (separated by a small, grassy isthmus) buzz with windsurfers, kayakers and swimmers who all come to play in the warm, silty water and relax on ash-colored sand.
Although it can get busy here (especially on weekends), Isshiki never loses its dignity in the fashion of beaches further up the coast.
Typical with most Tokyo beaches, the metropolitan government rents beach space for vendors to erect makeshift wooden shacks housing bars, restaurants and shower units.
Operating for nearly 15 years, the Blue Moon is the most well known of these beach shacks for holding concerts on weekend evenings.
Take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Zushi station and change onto a Keikyu Bus (located outside the ticket gates) bound for Hayama Isshiki via Kaigan or Hayama. Get off at Isshiki Kaigan (Shiosai Koen-mae).
29. Haad Rin, Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand
Haad Rin's infamous full moon parties are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mostly because once is enough.
Every full moon evening, tens of thousands of (predominately Aussie) travelers flock to the island for drunken, chemical-fueled revelry. Lining up for toilets and drinks can get annoying, and chances are you’ll lose your friends in the crowd, only to discover your phone reception is gone as well.
But for many party fiends, the buckets of cheap alcohol, great food and fun-loving crowd makes the experience worth the hassle.
Ban Tai, Ko Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, Thailand; www.phangan.info
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28. Beidaihe, China
Hainan Island may be China’s beach getaway du jour, but it’s Beidaihe up north that’s been pleasing China’s upper echelons for decades.
Beidaihe is a few hours from Beijing and offers a fascinating view of China’s bygone political intrigue. Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping hashed out national policies in private villas here, and the area remains popular among Russian tourists -- a reminder of erstwhile Sino-Soviet ties.
Cloaks and daggers aside, Beidaihe's restaurants offer simpler pleasures, mostly good seafood and ice-cold beer.
Beidaihe is a five-hour train journey from Beijing. For more information visit scenery.cultural-china.com.
27. Na'ama Bay, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
The beaches at Sharm el Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula stretch for 40 kilometers along Egypt's Mediterranean coast. Bang in the middle of that coastline is Na'ama Bay.
The marine life is diverse, colorful corals can be viewed from the surface and if you’re lazy, the snorkeling is still good near the reefs on the beach. The best place to snorkel though is at the pier from the beach in front of the Jolie Ville Hotel.
With temperatures during November and December of 23-27 C and 10 hours of sunshine a day, this is the ideal place to take advantage of one of the many winter deals to Egypt on offer.
Flights are available to Sharm el Sheikh with Egyptair, while coach services from Cairo arriving at the Delta Sharm bus station take up to eight hours. Na'ama Bay is just 10 kilometers from the Sharm El Sheikh Airport. For information on Jolie Ville Hotel visit www.jolieville-hotels.com.
26. Akajima, Okinawa, Japan
Part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands, the islet of Akajima is popular among Japanese day-trippers during summer, but foreign travelers are a rare sight.
For that reason, Akajima retains a blissfully sequestered charm even during peak season.
The beaches are spotless, usually dotted with just a handful of Japanese surfers. Locals are effusive and friendly. Further inland is a quaint Ryukyuan heritage house open to visitors.
Travel to Akajima from Tomari Port at Naha on Okinawa, one hour by express boat; jin.jcic.or.jp.
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25. Phra Nang Beach, Railay, Thailand
With Dali-esque limestone structures, hundreds of challenging cliff-climbing routes and Tiffany-blue waters, Railay is the seasoned rock climber's dream.
Phra Nang, the area's fine-grained main beach, offers a sweeping view of the area's rugged beauty and is flanked by stalactite-rimmed cliffs that tourists can jump from.
Although Railay is accessible only by longtail boat from Krabi and Ao Nang, it can get crowded during tourist seasons.
The spectacular Phra Nang Peninsula is cut off from the rest of Krabi by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys; the only access is by sea; www.railay.com.
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24. Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island, Canada
If perfection unnerves you, avoid Prince Edward Island.
Cavendish Beach, the island's most idyllic feature, is famous for inspiring scenes in “Anne of Green Gables,” a Victorian literary blockbuster eternally beloved by preteens and Japanese readers. You’ll find them in hordes in the pretty township, visiting beaches and other landmarks to pay homage to the book.
With creamy sands flanked by sandstone cliffs and sandy dunes, the rugged loveliness of Cavendish Beach has captured the imagination of writers and tourists alike.
The entire beach is located in the Prince Edward Island National Park. To drive, follow the Trans-Canada Highway to Route 1A to Kensington, then follow Route 6 to Cavendish. For more information visit www.pc.gc.ca.
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23. Panama City Beach, Florida, United States
It's not the spring break capital of the world for no reason. Each year, more than six million college kids and sun seekers pour into Panama City Beach, lured by promises of emerald waters, blinding white sand, colorful reefs, fishing and hard-core people-watching.
Historic wrecks off Panama City Beach's shores make it a superb dive site. Goofy Golf, a mini-golf institution since 1959, has a kitschy, retro charm.
Many road routes to Panama City Beach are easily accessed from Interstate 10. For more information visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
22. Porto da Barra, Salvador, Brazil
In many ways, Porto da Barra is to Salvador what Bondi is to Sydney and Venice Beach is to Los Angeles.
You'll find something happening on the beach around the clock -- tiny fishing boats bringing in the day's catch, beach volleyball and bustling activity at the Fisherman Colony Manguinhos, a traditional fish market in Buizos.
Porto da Barra is surrounded by a string of bars and restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for choice after spending the day splashing in the clear sea.
It's also one of the few beaches in Salvador that faces west, so you’ll be able to catch magnificent sunsets.
For more details visit www.bahia-online.net.
21. Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, Malaysia
The island cluster of Langkawi is spearheading Malaysia’s bid to become the next major resort destination in Southeast Asia. On the main isle (also called Langkawi), most tourists flock to Pantai Cenang beach, but the quieter Tanjung Rhu has an earthy beauty and serene atmosphere.
The three-kilometer Tanjung Rhu beach area is surrounded by ancient limestone caves, rippling waterways and dense mangroves.
The plush Four Seasons Resort offers boat tours around the mangrove forests.
Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia operate daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. For more details visit www.langkawi-info.com.
20. Patnem Beach, Goa, India
Most tourists know Goa for Anjuna beach, hippie heaven of the 1960s and now a tourist magnet.
If the cacophony of flea markets and tourist raves are not your thing, head to the lesser-known shores of Patnem, a stone’s throw from the increasingly crowded Palolem beach.
Patnem may be smaller than its famous neighbor, but it’s also less claustrophobic, with cheaper beach hut accommodations. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset while congratulating yourself on ducking the Goan tourist radar.
Take a taxi from the pre-paid taxi counter outside the Madgaon Railway Station in Goa to Patnem Beach. This will cost you around Rs 700 (US$14); www.goabeachhuts.com.
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19. D-Day beaches, Normandy, France
History was made at Normandy’s D-Day beaches. On the morning of June 6, 1944, tens of thousands of Allied soldiers stormed the beaches, code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. It was the largest amphibious operation in history.
The Normandy landings and subsequent Battle of Normandy eventually helped free Europe from Nazi occupation.
Visitors can retrace the fateful landings at the five D-day beaches, which are still referred to by their invasion code names. Moving cemeteries, memorials and small World War II museums dot the area.
In Caen, a nearby city that was heavily bombed during the D-Day invasion, a large museum now commemorates peace.
Normandy is easily accessible from Paris, either by car (two or three hours drive) or train (two hours from Paris St. Lazare station to Caen central station). Alternatively, a ferry across the channel takes just more than three hours from Portsmouth in England to Ouistreham, the easternmost D-Day landing zone, an ideal starting point; www.normandie-tourisme.fr.
18. Dominical Beach, Costa Rica
People often stay longer in this sleepy surf town than they intended to, thanks to monster waves and lush green forests. Dominical’s warm waters also make it ideal for long, lazy swims.
Dominical’s beach shacks offer great food and company, but the highly regarded Tortilla Flats is the best -- it's a surfer hotel, seaside restaurant and happening night spot rolled into one.
For details visit www.costaricatravelsite.com.
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17. Canggu Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Bali's Canggu Beach is a long stretch of surf-perfect coastline, with everything from easy waves for beginners to serious breaks for those who need a challenge.
The scene is unpretentious and the mood is laid back. Expect to rub shoulders with adventurous people who know Asia well.
Since there are hardly any bars on Canggu Beach, don’t expect much nightlife. Instead, travelers tend to chill and get to know one another and the locals who run the venues after dark.
Located in Canggu Village, Kerobokan, Denpasar, Bali. Taxis can be difficult to find in this area and most travel tends to be by private car or hired motorcycle. Consider booking a hotel that provides airport pickup, as this is the easiest way to reach Canggu. www.balistarisland.com
16. Karekare, West Auckland, New Zealand
Easily accessible from Auckland, Karekare was immortalized in 1993 film, "The Piano."
As seen in the movie, a grandiose sweep of black sand stretches as far as the eye can see, with bush-clad hills backing an isolated, wild beach.
Karekare tends to be less touristy than nearby Piha. If you prefer a quieter beach, this is the one for you.
The water can be extremely rough and swimming only “between the flags” is advised.
Karekare is popular for its annual beach race day, in which local ponies and horses race to raise money for charity. Beach race day is usually held in early April.
An hour's drive from central Auckland. Head west to the suburb of Glen Eden. Take West Coast Road and turn right onto Scenic Drive. Turn left onto Piha Road and follow it to Karekare Road. For more details visit www.auckland.nz.com.
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15. Bahia Solano, Colombia
The beach town of Bahia Solano is a unique scene of immobile boats rusting where river meets ocean. Fishermen languidly cast nets over a huge bay.
Fashion shops, vegetable markets, cafés and bars line a vibrant main street.
US$8 beds near the beach are a godsend for budget travelers.
For details visit www.mantarayatravel.com.
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14. Margaret River Beach, Australia
Nature has been kind to Margaret River. Not only is the western Australian town blessed with mild climes, baby powder beaches and drop-dead gorgeous scenery, it also produces some of the country’s finest wines.
The surf at Margaret River is top notch -- head to Margaret River’s official tourism website for details on the best breaks.
Wine-tasting at Margaret River’s 60-plus wineries is a favorite tourist activity. The town’s many art galleries showcase vestiges of the hippie culture that characterized the area in the late 1960s.
For more visit www.margaretriver.com.
13. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba
Cuba's finest beach island goes overkill on clear. Water like crystal, sand like sugar, there's barely even a cloud to disrupt the electric smoothness of the sky most days.
Playa Paraiso, meaning "paradise beach," is not quite as exposed to the elements as some of the other beaches on the island. The weather is usually calm and the sea here remains shallow most of the year.
Visitors will find a smattering of beach umbrellas and a small bar. But for the most part this place is about sea and sand and not much else.
A free shuttle leaves nearby hotels several times a day for the 20-minute drive to Playa Paraiso. For more details visit www.cayolargo.net.
12. Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, United States
Mountains in the background, ocean in front and five kilometers of sand underfoot, Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai is one of the most picturesque in the world.
It's a surfer's and paddle boarder's dream, with a reef to the right-hand side of the bay (looking out to sea). Closer to the pier, novices and weaker swimmers can splash about without fear.
Hanalei can be a tempestuous mistress. Storms and poor weather will turn the strip into a formidable beast, with choppy ocean conditions and beach run-off that's best avoided.
From Princeville, drive down Highway 56. Take a right on Aku. Continue driving until you reach Weke Road. Take a right at the junction to reach Hanalei Bay Beach Park. For more information visit www.to-hawaii.com.
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11. Sun Island Beach, Maldives
Recognized in some polls as the world's best beach, this diamond in the middle of the Indian Ocean has become a favorite with celebs and rich honeymooners drawn by the thought of sleeping over the water, literally.
Nearby resorts offer luxury bungalows on stilts in the water, where you can be sent to sleep with the sound of real water lapping at your doorstep, not the fake kind from you iPhone app.
Nearby coral reefs attract thousands of tropical fish, snorkelers and divers.
But you don't even need to be a water baby to enjoy the scenery -- parts of the reef are visible from the beach, so clear is the water.
The Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa is located on Rangali and Rangalifinolhu Islands in the South Ari Atoll, 90 kilometers southwest of the capital city, Male. For more details visit www.mal-dives.com.
10. Nungwi, Zanzibar
The island of Zanzibar has long been loved by intrepid travelers for its enigmatic old Stone Town and 30 or so pristine beaches.
Tourists tend to gravitate towards Nungwi, a settlement located along the coast of north Zanzibar. In Nungwi’s extremely shallow shores, travelers can quite literally walk on water, with baby formula sand between their toes.
The azure waters and coral around Nungwi are home to scores of marine creatures.
Nungwi can be reached by bus, tourist minibus or hired vehicle from Zanzibar. For information visit www.zanzibar-travel-guide.com.
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9. Boulders Beach, Cape Town
At Boulders Beach, you’ll find one of the scenes that South Africa is most famous for -- penguins on a beach.
Boulders Beach is home to a colony of 3,000 jackass penguins that can be easily spotted waddling in and out of the sea.
The best place to see the penguins is from a special viewing boardwalk constructed on nearby Foxy Beach.
Boulders Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.
For details visit dostuffct.com.
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8. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Affectionately known as Provos, this 40-kilometer-long island, part of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, gives up half its length to one of the world's finest stretches of sand.
Now that the word is out, tourism infrastructure on Providenciales is developing a bit faster than some people would like.
Grace Bay Beach, a stunning, 19-kilometer stretch of sugary white sand, is host to most of the island's resorts. Other parts of the island, such as the Copper Jack beaches, still feel undiscovered.
Diving at Providenciales is world class, with stacks of healthy coral close to shore. The island is also close to a humpback whale migration route.
Many international airlines offer daily flights to Providenciales from several U.S. cities, Europe, the Bahamas and Caribbean cities. For more details visit www.turks-and-caicos-beach-vacation.com.
7. Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Yes, it’s filled with tourists, thanks in part to Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred in “The Beach,” which was filmed here. But there’s a reason Maya Bay is still on our list -- it’s just too perfect to pass up.
Maya Bay is a white sand beach hugged by steep limestone cliffs. Coral reefs make it an excellent spot for snorkeling.
Thousands of people visit the bay every day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or after 5 p.m.
From Phi Phi Don you can rent a longtail boat for 1,000 baht (US$32) for three hours, or 2,000 baht (US$64) for a full day, maximum four passengers, to get to the island. For more information visit www.krabi-tourism.com.
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6. Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Malaysia
If you’re a beach bum you’ve probably already heard of, or visited, or fallen in love with, Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands.
The two main islands are the backpacker-happy Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island), and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian Island), which has slightly more expensive accommodation.
Dive in the crystal blue waters off Pulau Perhentian Kecil and you’re almost guaranteed to swim with sea turtles and small sharks.
Hang around the island’s beach-side restaurants at 5 p.m. to watch fishermen bring in the day’s catch and haggle with restaurant owners.
The only way to get to the Perhentian Islands is by sea. Boat services are available from Kuala Besut. Read more at www.pulauperhentian.com.my.
5. Tulum, Mexico
There aren’t many places in the world where people can swim in the shadow of ancient Mayan ruins. Mexico’s Tulum is one of them.
Tulum is famous for being the home of a Mayan archeological ruin that teeters on the edge of a sheer cliff. Beneath it, baby powder sands and jade green waters glisten.
The dramatically situated ruin makes it one of the three big Mayan sites for tourists, the other two being Chichen Itza in Mexico and Tikal in Guatemala.
The Yucatan's turquoise cenotes and excellent diving are also tourist draws. Everything from mega-resorts to thatched cabanas offering boutique accommodations are available.
For information visit www.travelyucatan.com.
4. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
With more than four kilometers of sand that is 98 percent pure silica -- so clean it squeaks -- Whitehaven Beach is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park.
As part of the park’s conservation policy, visitors have to register with a tour guide for access, and can stay only for a few hours. That’s one way it maintains its postcard-like perfection.
Local conservation efforts here have been internationally applauded. In 2010, the beach won CNN’s Most Eco Friendly Beach award.
Watch out for jellyfish in summer. For those who’d rather look like a condom than get stung, most tour boats provide head-to-toe, skin-tight stinger suits.
Whitehaven Beach is a natural park, so tour boats can stay only for brief periods. For more details visit www.whitehavenbeach.com.au.
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3. Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu broke into the headlines a few years ago when the Happy Planet Index ranked it the happiest nation on earth. With beaches like this, how could locals not be euphoric?
The crescent of sand at Champagne Beach looks upon a lagoon fringed with coral. The beach gets its name from a phenomenon witnessed by the first travelers to the region -- the shallow waters appear to fizz at low tide, as if the beach is swimming in bubbly.
In truth, the effect is caused by gas escaping from volcanic rocks on the sea floor.
On the east coast of Espiritu Santo, the country's biggest island, Champagne Beach is a relatively popular tourist destination, particularly with Australian cruise shippers, though it does retain a quiet, laid-back feel.
There is no public transportation to the beach. For information on how to access the beach, visit www.vanuatu-hotels.vu. Champagne Beach Road, Lonnoc Village, North East Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu
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2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
A major contender for the top spot, this ribbon of sand on the Seychelles’ third-largest island, La Dique, mixes salt-white and flamingo-pink sands to create one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
A reef keeps the water calm, so make the most of rental snorkels to explore the shallow waters, after which you can explore granite boulders further inland.
The nearby restaurant, Lanbousir, offers local Creole dishes, including the tempting fruit-bat curry. DIY lovers can fix their own picnic from a supermarket just five minutes from the beach.
From the Seychelles’ main island of Mahe, take a ferry to the jetty at La Passe, on La Dique Island. From there flag down an ox-cart to L'Union Estate. A footpath leads to Anse Source d'Argent. There's a small entrance fee for non-residents.
1. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, Tahiti
Bora Bora is like the Gwyneth Paltrow of beaches -- a little too perfect to be believable.
But the spell that this small island in French Polynesia has cast on probably every traveler ever to dip a toe into its soft sands or calm waters has yet to be broken.
No question, Bora Bora is a heavy tourist destination -- luxury resorts and budget bungalows dapple the white sand perimeter. But its best spot, Matira Beach, reminds you why places like this become popular in the first place.
Feed sharks, hunt for black pearls, look through World War II memorabilia or just laze on the sand. At the world's greatest beach, life takes you easy.
Fly to Papeete in Tahiti, about seven and a half hours from Los Angeles. Then catch a flight to Bora Bora's tiny airport on Motu Mute.
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