Over the years, we’ve had the fortunate opportunity to explore numerous countries. Perhaps it was luck, destiny, or our love for warm, waterfront locales, but many of the destinations we’ve visited have featured stunning beaches.
It wasn’t until I came across an article a few years ago listing the 25 most beautiful beaches in the world that I realized just how many exceptional shores we had set foot on. Interestingly, I was on a plane bound for yet another picturesque island when I read it. To my surprise, we had already walked, relaxed, swum, or set up hammocks on 20 of the beaches mentioned in that list.
Although I wish I had kept that article for reference (it would have made this list a breeze!), here are 10 of our absolute favorite beaches worldwide. While some may not boast the softest sand, the most impressive surf, or the seclusion we cherish, each beach holds a unique significance to us. I’ve chosen one beach per country to share the love, but I also mention another favorite from the same locale.
Our Top 10 Beaches from 20 Years of Travel
Twenty years of travel may seem extensive, yet it’s only a fraction of the adventures we envision for the future. As our children embark on their own journeys, we too will start to explore those bucket-list destinations and revisit cherished places from the past two decades. This list is crafted for beach lovers who can never get enough of sun, sand, and surf. Enjoy!
Whitsundays – Queensland – Australia
As the largest island nation globally, Australia probably hosts more beaches than some countries have inhabitants. But how do you choose a favorite? You reflect on the beach that left an indelible mark on you, and for us, that beach is the Whitsundays, particularly Whitehaven Beach.
After several days of sailing around the Whitsundays, we arrived on the island and hiked across a trail to reach the other side. To say that Whitehaven Beach captivated us would be an understatement: stunning aquamarine waters lapping against brilliantly white sandbars, with hardly any civilization in sight? Yes, please!
Australia: A special mention goes out to Fraser Island (now known as K’gari). Stretching 122 kilometers, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, and we spent an exhilarating week 4x4ing and camping on its main beach. While it may not match the Whitsundays in sheer beauty, its size and the adventure it offers make it a worthy contender. Plus, who can resist driving on a beach long enough (75 miles) that it doubles as a highway and an airplane runway?
Long Beach – Ko Phi Phi – Thailand
Our three-week stay on Long Beach in Thailand’s backpacker haven, Ko Phi Phi, remains one of our most cherished memories. We resided in a humble hut mere steps from the surf, and our days were filled by swimming in the ocean, snorkeling alongside fish and reef sharks just a stone’s throw from our door, and watching movies on our laptop amidst the crashing waves.
Although we haven’t returned since the island was devastated a decade ago, we’ve heard it’s regained its popularity. A quick water taxi ride to town for a meal or a half-day tour to Monkey Beach provided wonderful diversions.
Thailand: A mention of Ko Lanta is warranted as well. While we wandered and splashed on numerous Thai beaches (some among the most beautiful in this entire list), Micki and I fell head over heels for Ko Lanta. The sand here is a bit coarser, and the water clarity doesn’t quite belong on this list, but we spent serene weeks there during the off-season, after the bustling summer crowds subsided. Not to mention the amazing Thai food everywhere, particularly a cozy Italian restaurant we discovered that rivaled any culinary experience we’ve had in Italy (the owner had just moved there).
We also fell for the stunning Emerald Cave on Ko Mook, Thailand, a unique beach only reachable by swimming through a cave!
Reflecting on our time at Ko Mook brings a different memory to mind. Micki experienced a kidney infection that required a private boat off the island and an ambulance to the nearest hospital. This experience reinforces our consistent recommendation to secure travel medical insurance before leaving home.
We’ve come to love the SafetyWing Nomad 2.0 insurance for its flexibility—allowing us to choose the clinics we prefer (essential when we faced closed hospitals in Greece). It’s a pay-as-you-go subscription that covers us up to $250,000 across 180 different countries. With a $0 deductible, even small claims, such as traveler’s belly or ear infections, are covered, and the new Nomad 2.0 policy offers an adventure sports add-on and electronics insurance. Plus, the claim process is streamlined, allowing us to start a claim via a simple form in just five minutes, with reimbursements occurring within 2.8 days.
Akumal – Yucatan Peninsula – Mexico
Mexico boasts hundreds of stunning beaches, but our all-time favorite remains Akumal. While not as crowded as Cancun or Playa Del Carmen, nor as untouched as Tulum, Akumal is renowned for its resident sea turtles. Over the years, we’ve spent countless days on this beach, from our pre-kids’ days to now, and there’s always something magical about it. The water is incredibly calm, with palm fronds swaying nearby, leaving us refreshed every time we visit.
Ironically, despite spending months (even years at this point) exploring the Mayan Riviera, we’ve never actually spent a night in Akumal. So, if you’re considering a week or two in the area, I suggest staying just outside Playa Del Carmen or near Playa Paraiso in Tulum, but ensure you carve out a day for Akumal Beach and its sea turtles. You won’t regret it!
Mexico: A brief acknowledgment of Yelapa in Jalisco is also deserved. Just a quick 30-minute boat ride from Nuevo Vallarta, it feels like a different world altogether. With its charming, laid-back atmosphere, the beach, sand, and water far exceed many spots on the Pacific Coast.
Lanikai Beach – Oahu – Hawaii
Hawaii is rich in beautiful beaches, and while the North Shore’s waves are impressive, the soft sand and clear waters of Lanikai Beach are tough to rival. This beach holds special significance for us as it’s where we first experienced stand-up paddleboarding—a pastime that has led us to own four paddleboards today!
Also known as Kaʻōhao Beach, Lanikai Beach regularly appears on lists of the world’s best beaches, and it’s popular for good reason. With stunning views of the Mokulua Islands and its central location on the island (we toured the entire island in a day, stopping numerous times), it’s a fantastic place to spend a day while in Oahu.
Hawaii: A brief note about Witches Brew Beach in Hanauma Bay is warranted for its fantastic snorkeling opportunities if you’re already on the island. While it may not compare to Lanikai in terms of beach aesthetic, the snorkeling is remarkable, teeming with sea turtles, moray eels, and a vibrant array of fish—just steps from the shore. It was a hit with both us and the kids, thanks to the gentle surf.
Tortuga Bay – Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are most famous for their giant tortoises, but they also deserve recognition for their salt-crusted sea iguanas, playful sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and the only penguin species found north of the equator. Most of these incredible creatures can be seen on nearly any beach in the archipelago, making every beach outing a memorable adventure.
While Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island is not a spot where you’d swim, it’s still unforgettable due to its impressive length and the diverse sea life we encountered while walking along its shoreline. Swimming isn’t permitted due to the strong currents, but after a picturesque walk, we reached a smaller cove with delightful swimming conditions. Along the way, we spotted numerous sea lions and many iguanas basking (and exuding salt) in the sunlight. Just before reaching the cove, we even witnessed several iguanas swimming out to catch their lunch.
Galapagos: A quick acknowledgment is warranted for Gardner Bay on Española Island, known for its exceptional beauty. Though overnight stays aren’t possible on the island itself, numerous day cruise options will transport you to this idyllic, lengthy white sand beach, perfect for swimming. If you’re fortunate, you might even have a resident sea lion decide to join you in the surf.
Varadero Beach – Cuba
While Varadero Beach isn’t remote or particularly difficult to access, its long stretch of white sand, known as Playa Azul for its clear blue waters, is popular for a reason. Spanning 21 kilometers (13 miles), it’s the longest beach in the Caribbean. Although it’s lined with all-inclusive resorts, the water remains stunning, and the sand feels soft beneath your feet. The advantage of nearby civilization is that a world-famous mojito or a Cuba Libre (rum and cola) is just a few steps away, and a day trip to Havana feels like a journey back in time.
Cuba: A brief mention of Cayo Blanco is also worth noting. Accessible only by boat, this beautiful strip of white sand and aquamarine waters provides a more rustic ambiance. A day trip here is unforgettable, though it can get busy at times.
White Beach – Boracay – Philippines
What can I say about Boracay? It’s constantly buzzing with activity, yet its powdery sand is among the finest you’ll find anywhere in the world. The grains are so fine that they actually squeak when you walk on them, making it nearly impossible to remove the sand from your clothes after a day of playing in the beautiful aquamarine surf. I often wish I could have experienced this area before all the development, but there’s a reason White Beach and Boracay Island remain so highly regarded.
While the beach can get quite crowded at certain times of the year, venturing to the quieter edges can lead you to a perfect spot to lay out your towel. It’s a fantastic swimming beach, offering plenty to explore along its 4-kilometer stretch; if you’re seeking more excitement, take a ten-minute walk to the other side of the island for some thrilling kitesurfing and windsurfing at Habagat Bay.
Philippines: A significant mention goes to Entalula Beach, a stunning spot accessible only by tour. Most tours leave from El Nido and often include the unique sandbar of Snake Island. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out on Nacpan Beach, another beautiful beach that’s easy to reach.
Cathedral Cove – The Coromandel – New Zealand
As an island nation, New Zealand offers a plethora of beaches, but unlike its Australian neighbors, the sand here is generally coarser. That said, our love for the country grew so strong that we even chose to get married there. What does that have to do with Cathedral Cove in the northern Coromandel area? Not much, but we enjoyed a few beautiful days there, taking in the famous arch and lovely beach.
Back then, you could hike out to the beach, but currently, the trails are closed, requiring visitors to take a water taxi to reach the cove. The journey is worth it for the stunning backdrop, with plenty of attractions to explore nearby, including Hot Water Beach, where natural hot springs meet the ocean. A little digging can provide you with your personal sandy hot tub just steps from the surf.
New Zealand: A small mention is due for Abel Tasman Park on the South Island. I can’t pinpoint a specific beach we loved the most, but the entire park is a breathtaking wonderland. The photo on the side with kayaks in the backdrop was taken there, and it brings forth wonderful memories from our visit.
Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Overflowing with all-inclusive hotels and massive resorts, Bavaro may not be your ideal choice if you seek a quiet escape from the crowds. However, it offers miles of stunning white sand and inviting water to swim in. While true solitude may be hard to find, the considerable size of various resorts scattered along this paradise means plenty of tranquil spots to lay out your towel. Like several others on this list, the beauty of this beach is undeniable.
Dominican Republic: A quick nod goes to Playa Rincon, a couple of hours away. This stunning stretch of untouched beach offers a glimpse of what the Dominican Republic may have looked like decades ago.
Praia da Falésia – Algarve – Portugal
Europe is lined with breathtaking Mediterranean beaches with crystal-clear waters worth relocating for, yet none resonate with us quite like Praia da Falésia in Portugal. This stunning 6-kilometer stretch can be divided into three areas, with the cliffs around Olhos de Agua being the most picturesque.
This beach is hugely popular during the summer months, but the shoulder season truly brings it to life, resulting in quieter days and manageable temperatures. The dramatic cliffs surrounding Praia da Falésia create a sense of isolation from the rest of the world, making us spend just as much time mesmerized by the cliffs as by the blue-green waters. Our children adored the cliffs, perhaps explaining why this beach remains so vivid in my memory, but like all the places on this list, it’s the memories we’ve made that bind us to these locations.
Portugal: A small shout-out is deserved for Praia da Mareta near Sagres. While the sand doesn’t compare to Falésia, the views from this beach are simply stunning, with breathtaking vistas of the ocean stretching south and west.
Special Mention – Anguilla
While Micki and I have mostly traveled together, there are a few destinations that one has explored without the other. A few years ago, Micki ventured to Anguilla and fell in love with its numerous beaches, particularly Shoal Bay, known for its serene atmosphere and white sands.
Final Thoughts on Our Favorite Beaches from 20 Years of Travel
Each beach is distinct, carrying a significance that resonates with someone, whether it’s a lakeside beach visited every summer or a dream vacation to the Maldives on your honeymoon. Pinpointing a favorite shore becomes challenging when you’ve been lucky enough to experience countless stunning beaches over the years.
If you disagree with our list, that’s perfectly fine. Every beach has its unique allure, and factors such as the people, food, nature, crowds (or lack thereof), sand quality, crashing waves, water hues, and the local wildlife can overshadow its other charms.
There are countless beaches we’ve explored that are likely more secluded, prettier, and less affected by human intervention; however, sometimes they’re forgettable for precisely that reason. When faced with an excess of idyllic beaches on an island or distant coastline, they can all meld together, leaving behind an impression of “wow, there are many lovely beaches here.”
This might be a blessing in disguise, as we preserve their untouched beauty for future generations, or perhaps we just desire them to remain as pristine as the day we first stumbled upon them…
If you’d like to share your favorite beaches and tell us why our list may be missing the mark, please do! We love hearing about new places and learning why a particular beach holds significance for you.
Safe travels!
