From the white sand beaches of the French Polynesia to the turquoise waters of Fiji, there are hundreds of breathtaking beaches around the world worthy of a visit. For beach bums and surfers, finding the perfect beach to relax in or ride some waves feels like a match made in heaven – especially now that we’re all free to travel again after a global pandemic! In fact, because beaches offer an unmatched experience of serenity and peace, more and more people are choosing to move to locations near the ocean so that they can enjoy the stillness of the waters anytime they need a breather.
Now, if you’re planning to relocate or just looking for some of the most beautiful beaches you can visit when you’re traveling alone for a short respite from your normal city life, you’re in luck. We’ve listed some of our favorite beautiful beaches around the world so that you can take your pick for your next beach escapade.
- El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines
“Heaven on Earth,” this is how a lot of tourists and visitors describe El Nido in the Philippines. With its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, and hidden lagoons, this comes as no surprise for the locals. When you visit El Nido, not only are you treated to the breathtaking views of the water and limestone formations, but you’re also free to explore the islands through kayaking. Together with the innate hospitality of the Filipino people, El Nido is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world you could ever visit.
- Srithanu Beach in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand
Are you fond of snorkeling and just watching the diversity of sea life move in their most natural habitat? If you are, Srithanu Beach would be the perfect choice for you. Because of the beach’s close proximity to a river estuary, snorkelers can see a variety of saltwater and freshwater creatures as they swim, wade and snorkel around the stunning beach. Because Srithanu Beach is located on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, it is also in close proximity to other breathtaking beaches, including the Thong Nai Pan, and the famous Haad Khuat or Bottle Beach.
- Pink Beach in Indonesia
Indonesia’s Komodo Island is home to one of the most unique and most beautiful beaches in the world – The Pink Beach. Famous for the pale rose-colored sand, the Pink Beach welcomes millions of visitors per year who are all trying to document the fascinating phenomenon. But aside from the views and scenery afforded by the unique sand, it’s also a great beach for you to sunbathe in and just admire the glory of nature.
- Pointe-Denis Beach in Libreville, Gabon
The Pointe-Denis Beach in Gabon is probably one of the most beautiful yet under-appreciated beaches. One of the less commercialized options on this list, this beach boasts striking blue waters and fine white sands without the large crowds that are often found on beaches. Whether you want to go for a stroll or you just want to enjoy the feeling of fine sand between your fingers and toes, Pointe-Denis Beach would be the perfect choice for some quiet alone time. To see the breathtaking views of this beach, you can check out Nadav Berenstein’s pictures and see the blissful setting that this beach can offer you.
- Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, Australia
Australia’s Whitehaven Beach is an award-winning beach that is famous for its pristine turquoise waters and pearly white sands. In fact, Whitehaven Beach is considered one of the few beaches in the world that has the purest and cleanest sands, which are purported to have been deposited by sea currents millions of years ago. For people who aren’t familiar with this beach, however, there’s a chance that you’d recognize it due to the distinct patterns that the white sand and waters form with the waves. The soft ripples that the water forms make it one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
- La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Spain
One of the most recognizable beaches in the world, the La Concha Beach in San Sebastian is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, thanks to the spectacular views, gorgeous surrounding architecture, and the peaceful and tranquil vibe it gives off. Aside from the overall atmosphere of La Concha, however, it is also one of the best beaches to choose from if you’re looking to enjoy water sports and a few water activities. There are numerous stores and shops near the beach where you can sign up for surfing lessons or just enjoy a calm paddling session.
- Fiorenzuola di Focara in Le Marche, Italy
The Fiorenzuola di Focara beach in Italy is one of the few beaches that boasts a unique setting, with the long stretch of sand being enclosed by and mountains. Because of the secluded area where this beach is found, it’s one of the few beaches around the world that hasn’t been spoiled by tourism and modernization. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the mountain cliffs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
- Praia de Galapinhos in Setubal, Portugal
A breathtaking beach located in Setubal, Portugal, Praia de Galapinhos is considered a hidden gem for beachgoers. It’s nothing short of a paradise thanks to the warm waters, cozy atmosphere, and incredibly soft sand. You can sunbathe, go for a walk, or just bask in the stunning sceneries that Praia de Galapinhos has to offer.
- Voidokilia in Peloponnese
If you’re looking for a calm and serene retreat that will help you connect with nature, Voidokilia in Peloponnese is a great choice. With an “omega” shape that’s unique to this beach, you can enjoy tranquil turquoise waters that have been preserved from modernization due to it being surrounded by a nature reserve. You can enjoy golden fine sand, calm, clear waters, and sceneries that will leave lasting memories.
- Nyang Nyang Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia is one of the most well-known destinations for beachgoers, thanks to the world-class waves and the scenic views it offers. However, while some of their beaches are more popular than others, there’s one beach that’s probably the most beautiful yet is fairly secluded due to its accessibility – Nyang Nyang Beach. With its golden sand and breathtaking reefs that are framed with lush greenery, Nyang Nyang Beach is a great choice for people trying to avoid the large beach crowds. However, because of the strong and rough currents, this beach may be a better choice for experienced surfers instead of casual swimmers.
- Miyako Island in Japan
While Japan is well-known for its rich culture and history, it is also home to some of the most picturesque natural destinations in the world. These include Miyako Island in Okinawa, a beach paradise that features immaculate white sands, and shimmering turquoise waters. With a 7-kilometer stretch, this beach offers a tranquil escape for people who are looking for peace and quiet, away from the bustling cities of Tokyo and Yokohama.
- Murvica in Brac, Croatia
Not fond of crowds and the occasional rowdy beachgoer? Murvica Beach in Brac, Croatia is a quiet haven that boasts clear blue-green waters and a serene vibe. You can freely wade and swim and just enjoy the warm waters in the morning and the soft breeze come late afternoon. It’s a great alternative to the commonly overcrowded Zlatni Rat, which is just a few minutes’ drive from Murvica beach.
Enjoy the Sun and Water With Some of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
With summer just around the corner, you’re probably starting to narrow down all the beaches you’d want to visit for a quiet vacation or a thrilling adventure. And what greater feeling is there than when you wake up to the cool breeze and the sunrise just above the serene waters?
However, because of the high demand for beach trips, beaches around the world are often loaded with people, taking away the serenity and the quiet that some of you may be looking for. In the list above, we’ve listed some of the most underrated yet most beautiful beaches that can easily play alongside the most popular choices. We hope that we’ve pointed you to the next destination that will help you connect with nature in its purest form.
