The Best Beach Vacation Destinations In The World
The days are getting longer, the temp is getting higher…and a trip to the beach easily comes to mind. Plus, it’s good for you!
Did you know that vitamin D boosts your immune system, reduces depression and helps keep your wieght in check?
Not to mention, you can get a free dose directly from sunshine!
So, though I am not a medical professional, I highly recommend you visit one of these top beach vacation destinations around the world, as recommended by expert travel bloggers.
Whitsundays, North Queensland
Efia – Effy Talks Life
One of the best beach locations I’ve been to in the world has to be The Whitsundays in North Queensland. Not just one beach, but hundreds complete with powdery white sand occupy this collection of over 74 picturesque islands. While just visiting the islands is an adventure in and of itself you also have the chance to snorkel among an impressive variety of marine life.
Shop around for a boat tour that most suits your interests, whether that’s lounging in the sun and working on your tan or diving beneath the surface for a whole different perspective on the world.
The Islas del Rosario, Colombia
Dale – Wander Her Way
The Islas del Rosario have some of the prettiest beaches in the world. This tiny island archipelago is located off the coast of Colombia, approximately one hour from Cartagena by boat.
Visiting the Islas del Rosario is the perfect day trip from Cartagena if you want to get away from the city for a little while. You can enjoy warm, crystal-clear Caribbean water, soft white sand, and lush tropical foliage in a quiet, serene setting. Seafood fans will love the Islas del Rosario, where local fishermen will pull up in their boats and sell extremely fresh lobster and shellfish. This laid back beach is truly the perfect Caribbean paradise.
Talalla Beach, Sri Lanka
Flo – Yoga Wine Travel
Talalla Beach in southern Sri Lanka is a pristine beach that stretches along for more than a kilometer. During the early mornings, you can watch the local fishermen row their boats out to sea, and occasionally turtles come to shore in the early evenings to lay their eggs!
The sand-bottom beach and warm Indian Ocean makes it a great place to swim for beginner to intermediate swimmers, but it’s important to watch out for rip currents and shore break.
Though the most popular time to visit this part of Sri Lanka is from November to February, you can actually travel here year-round as the so-called “rainy season” is extremely manageable with spurts of showers in the late afternoons and evenings.
There are a number of boutique hotels along Talalla Beach, I recommend checking out Talalla Retreat for open-air eco-luxury rooms, or Zephyr for spacious rooms and an amazing in-house restaurant.
Oahu, Hawaii
Sarah – Borders and Bucket Lists
It’s no secret that Oahu has some of the best beaches in the world. After all, both the famed Waikiki Beach and the stunning Lanikai Beach are on this island.
Plus, it doesn’t matter what kind of beach you are looking for, Oahu has it. Swimming beaches? Yes. Surfing beaches? Of course! Snorkeling beaches? Yup! Sun-tanning beaches? Shell-collecting beaches? Cliff-diving beaches? Wave-watching beaches? Kayaking beaches? Picture-taking beaches? Turtle-spotting beaches? Oahu has got them all, and they’re all stunning!
Ilha Grande, Brazil
Or –My Path In The World
Located not too far from Rio de Janeiro, the island of Ilha Grande is an absolute paradise.
With some of the dreamiest beaches ever seen and activities like snorkeling and hiking, it is a great destination for either a group of friends, couples or families.
The tropical weather of Ilha Grande allows you to visit it all year round when October to April is the warmer and wetter season, and May to September is the dryer and cooler season.
Ilha Grande – RJ flickr photo by rvcroffi shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license
Since it is a big island (Brazil’s third-largest island), you’ll mostly need to book different tours to explore what it has to offer.
Some of the tours you can take are a boat tour to Lopes Mendes Beach, a boat tour exploring small islands and lagoons around Ilha Grande, and a scuba-diving tour.
Mont Choisy, Mauritius
Anwesha Guha –Going Places With Anwesha
Mauritius is one of the best beach vacation destinations because of the pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches. The small country is well known to be a paradise for honeymooners, but it has a lot to offer to others as well.
Out of many beautiful beaches in Mauritius, Mont Choisy is the longest and glitters with sparkling blue water. The beach attracts huge crowds (locals and tourists alike) for swimming or for just unwinding while watching the charming nuances of the world. It’s a great spot for families or thrill-seekers who enjoy speed boating.
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Layla –Alial Travel Gal
Mount Maunganui (nicknamed ‘The Mount’) is a chilled, peninsular beach town, in the sunny Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand.
It’s well-known for having some of the best weather in New Zealand and Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach was awarded New Zealand’s Best Beach by Trip Advisor, in the Traveller’s Choice Awards – five times consecutively.
The main thing that Mount Maunganui is well-known for is ‘The Mount’ itself. The town is named after a large, extinct volcano formed a few million years ago. The formation of this volcano has made this place unique, as the location of it resulted in the town having a popular swimming beach (Mount Main Beach) on one side of the peninsula and Pilot Bay on the other side, where you’ll see all the cruise ships sailing in.
View from Mount Maunganui flickr photo by Christoph Strässler shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license
The town itself also gets referred to as ‘The Mount’, because the town sits at the base of this volcano and everyone loves to hike up it, or around it. It boasts some of the most amazing views of the Bay of Plenty coastline and you can catch a great sunset from the summit, too.
Mount Maunganui is perfect for solo travellers, couples, families and groups of friends. There’s an abundance of white sand beaches and hiking to do for the outdoor lovers.
The town of Mount Maunganui itself is full of organic cafes, boutique surf shops and artisan markets. Everything that’s fun to do in The Mount is very accessible for all ages or for families.
The beaches are accessible right off the esplanade, the town is small enough to walk around with plenty of food & drink opportunities and the Mount itself even has a beautiful walking track ‘The Base Track’ which is suitable for strollers/prams. There’s also enough lively nightlife to keep you occupied from spacious beer gardens to live music and cocktail specialty nook bars.
Palm Beach, Aruba
Julie –More Than Main Street
If we’re discussing best beach vacations around the world, Aruba must be included on the list! From one end of this tiny island to the other, world class beaches are plentiful.
Although Baby Beach may get the most notoriety, the crystal-clear waters of the Palm Beach area deserves being mentioned!
If sunbathing isn’t your thing and you’re looking for a little adventure, Aruba is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and kite-surfing!
Families will also love touring Arikok National Park and visiting the California Lighthouse. Calm shallow waters, soft white sand, and warm year-round temperatures make this a fantastic family vacation destination. There are so many fun things to do in Aruba, but you certainly won’t mind simply doing nothing and relaxing on the pristine beaches!
Flamenco Beach, Culebra
Aga –Traveling With Aga
If you are looking for a gorgeous, big beach, that is not spoiled by mass tourism, look no further than Flamenco beach in Culebra.
This beach often tops the rankings for World’s best beaches and for good reason. Flamenco beach is an unspoiled piece of paradise, with powdery soft sand and water different shades of blue. Both ends of the beach have some great snorkeling, all you need to do is grab your gear and explore the underwater world.
Flamenco beach is a popular day trip from the main island of Puerto Rico, and even though getting there can be a bit of a hassle, it’s certainly worth it.
Despite the popularity and many people visiting, the beach is big enough, so it never feels crowded. A lot of effort has been made to keep Flamenco beach unspoiled, so accommodations are somewhat limited.
For those wishing to spend more than a day on the beach, there are a couple of villa rentals and a campground for the real adventurous ones.
Ursa Beach, Portugal
Bruna & Frank –Maps N’ Bags
Ursa Beach is a beautiful hidden gem in the Portuguese coast.
A small beach nestled among little hills, the walk downhill to reach it is quite unstable and steep, but those who dare to try it are rewarded with a pristine and quiet beach. It is an ideal place to meditate and enjoy a peaceful day outdoors. Just be sure to wear good walking shoes, bring food and drinks for a picnic (there is no infrastructure here), and a trash bag. The motto here is simple: Leave nothing behind, but footprints.
Praia da Ursa – Portugal flickr photo by Portuguese_eyes shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA) license
Unfortunately, ( and to be forewarned) this beach isn’t suited for families as it’s a semi-nudist beach. Summer is the best time to visit this offbeat beach, preferably in the morning to have the beach nearly to yourself.
Moreover, the stunning rocky outcrops give this beach a unique look. In fact, its name comes from one of these rocks formations that look like a bear (Ursa in Portuguese). However, part of this stone fell down a while ago, so besides striking views, only the legend of one of the prettiest Lisbon’s beaches remain here to be explored.
Gaya Island, Malaysia
Penny –Globe Trove
Penny of Globe Travel reflects fondly of the time she spend on Gaya Island, because of it’s beauty.
“(Gaya Island) has one of the most beautiful beach areas that I have been on. When I say beach areas, I don’t just mean the sand and the coast, I mean the waters. While the island is mostly frequented by people who live in the resort, a few people like us make it across on boats to spend a day on its shores. The over the water bungalows definitely make an impression as you near the island. There are plenty of activities to do while on the beach. You can have a romantic lunch, jump in a kayak, go snorkeling (highly recommended!) or visit their coral conservation area. It definitely makes for a fun packed day.”
Ngapali Beach , Myanmar
Soumya Gayatri –Stories By Soumya
Ngapali beach in Myanmar is one of the least explored beach destinations in the whole of Asia. Yet, with its soft white sands, picturesque palm trees, and a never-ending view of the Indian ocean, it is one of the prettiest.
Ngapali is so pristine and that makes it the perfect place to unwind, away from the crowds. You will probably not find an exciting nightlife here but you will find plenty of opportunities to get friendly with locals, eat delicious seafood, catch magical sunsets, lounge in the sun, and build sandcastles with your kids. A perfect family getaway!
Ngapali has good accommodation options ranging from budget guest houses to luxury villas. And it has a good seafood culture. Definitely try out grilled fish at the seaside shacks that crop up every evening.
Goa, India
Odette –Omnivagant
When thinking of dream beach destinations, there is only one place that comes to mind: Palolem Beach in Goa, India.
A long stretched beach, filled with beach huts, restaurants and countless palm trees. No matter if you are a solo backpacker, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, if you want to relax, then Palolem is the place for you.
Rent one of the many beach huts, may it be luxury or budget, with a view over the ocean so you can see the sun set from the comfort of your balcony.
Or perhaps take a dip in the ocean at the first rays of light in the morning followed by a delicious breakfast at one of the many restaurants.
But there is more than just beach in Goa; go shopping for souvenirs at one of the little shops, or explore the surroundings of Palolem by scooter, Palolem Beach could easily keep you busy for days.
Kapalua beach – Maui
Sarah Vanheel –Cosmopoliclan
According to Sarah of Cosmopoliclan, Kapalua beach on Maui is one of the best beach destinations on the island.
This crescent-shaped beach is located in a small bay, protected by two headlands. The beach is not very wide but the sand is super-soft and the water crystal-clear, so clear that Kapalua bay is known for its excellent snorkeling conditions. Just a few steps into the water and you’ll find yourself surrounded by tropical fish.
The most idyllic spot to relax is the south side of the beach, next to the big lava rocks. Another thing that’s great about Kapalua beach is that it’s the starting point for the Kapalua Coastal Trail, a 2-mile family-friendly hike along the ocean.
Kapalua Bay Maui flickr photo by Hawaii Savvy shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license
The trail also passes the posh Ritz-Carlton Kapalua resort, an ideal base to explore the island. Since Kapalua bay is located at the north-side of West-Maui, you might get a few more raindrops here than at Ka’anapali beach which is located a few miles to the south. But don’t let that spoil the fun! Kapalua’s setting is simply enchanting and truly picture-perfect.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Alicia Richards –Travels With The Crew
When most people think about the best beach vacation they generally think of a tropical island. But, a unique and fun beach vacation is in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Due to the shallow depth of the water and a jet stream, the beaches in Prince Edward Island are the warmest north of the Carolinas. In addition the beaches on the north shore of the island are red!
Our favorite beach is North Rustico beach, even in August you will have much of the beach to yourself. The kids love to skip rocks, climb around the cliffs and splash in the water. The clay in the sand help to make the best sandcastles!
If you tired of sun and sand, biking trails run up and down the coast steps away from the shore. Or bring your kayak and spend some time wandering around the the red cliff shore.
Alleyne’s Bay Beach, Barbados
Joanne –Sunsets and Roller Coasters
Alleyne’s Bay Beach in beautiful Barbados is truly one of the most amazing beaches on the island.
Whether you’re staying at one of the hotels or villas located at the beach or coming from elsewhere on the island, travelling as a couple or as a family with kids, Alleyne’s Bay is a great location for beach time and water fun. Alleyne’s Beach is a quiet, wide beach that runs almost 1km in length.
Rent a beach chair and enjoy a peaceful walk along the soft beach and collect colorful sea glass, find ghost crabs or seek out nearby cheeky green monkeys. If you prefer to be in the water, the sea in this area is calm and serene with very few waves so its the perfect location to float, relax and enjoy the Caribbean sun.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can snorkel in search of colorful fish and amazing sea turtles or rent jet skis, kayaks, paddle boats, hobie cats, stand up paddleboards and more!
Alleyne’s Bay is also home to several beach restaurants that are included in some of the best restaurants in Barbados. You’ll be able to enjoy authentic Bajan specialities including delicious fish cakes, flying fish and macaroni pie.
Alleyne’s Bay Beach is absolutely one to put on your bucket list!! If you’re looking for more ideas for enjoying Barbados, check out Sunsets and Roller Coasters.
Playa Sucia-Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
Allison –She Dreams of Alpine
Puerto Rico is known for some of the best beaches in the world, and among one of those great beaches is Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo.
Located on Southwest corner of the island, Playa Sucia makes for a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of San Juan.
There’s a beautiful lighthouse and epic tall cliff-sides that surround the beach and are there to explore during your visit, plus a couple of hidden archways you can hike to.
Then when you are ready to relax, make your way to the beautiful beach front and spend your day soaking up the sun, drinking Medalla on the beach, and enjoying the beautiful blue ocean views.
Black Beach-Iceland
Albína Mrázová –Ginger Around The Globe
Albina of Ginger Around The Globe says “my most favorite beach is little bit out of standard, it is the Black Beach on south of Iceland, so it is not exactly the place where you can sunbathe. But it is very adventurous place, really great for nice walk and watching puffins flying around you.”
For good weather and some puffin watching, she would recommend to visit it in May or June, alternatively in September, when the weather is still nice, and there isn’t a crowd of tourists. Remember to take good boots with you and binoculars for the puffins.
The Beaches of Bonaire
Alina –The Happy Kid
Featuring constant air and water temperature and located outside the hurricane belt, Bonaire is the perfect Caribbean getaway throughout the year.
All over the island you will find over 20 small beaches, natural and wild. The magnificent blue waters that surround the island and the reef located within meters from the shore offer additional reasons to love Bonaire beaches. Most of them are public and still natural and wild, with no touristic amenities of any kind.
Many areas are marked with turtle nest on many of them, which is a great indicator of the degree of wilderness they still manage to keep. This is perfect for those who prefer to just to enjoy the beauty of the nature in the sound of the waves when going to the beach, rather than having a crowded and noisy sun-bed area.
Canal d’amour- Corfu, Greece
Corina –Another Milestone
Corina of Another Milestone shares the story of how she discovered Corfu…and also it’s fun legend.
“When I started googling about Corfu, to see if this Greek island deserves to be my next beach holiday destination, an image kept popping up. An image with a narrow channel, with sandy orange walls and a small beach became the main reason why I chose Corfu. And once I got there, I went directly to see the place in that image: Canal d’amour.
Though the beach is very small, the crystal clear waters and the beautiful views around it attract a lot of tourists here. Canal d’amour has also a legend behind: it says that if two lovers bathe together in this channel, their love will last forever. I have never seen a beach like that, so it totally deserves to be mentioned as a special place.”
Uvita, Costa Rica
Sarah –Costa Rica Vibes
People often think that Costa Rica is filled with Caribbean style white sand beaches, but that’s not true. The beaches are beautiful, but they have a more raw feel to them.
Uvita actually borders the jungle. You can be on the beach and within five minutes be deep in the jungle. Uvita beach is also home to the whale’s tail. This is a unique phenomenon in which during low tide you can walk out on a jut of land into the Pacific Ocean and it resembles the tale of a whale.
best spot for whale watching flickr photo by best spot for whale watching shared under a best spot for whale watching
Off the coast of this beach also happens to be the best spot for whale watching in the country.
Fort James Beach, Antigua
Stella Jane –Around The World in 24 Hours
Citizens of the Caribbean nation of Antigua like to say that their country has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. The idea of moving to Antigua for a year to test this theory is one of the most appealing travel-related ideas imaginable.
But if you aren’t able to take a year off from work and need to choose only one, Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours recommends Fort James Beach.
This beach is only about a ten minute drive from the cruise ship port, making it an ideal resting place if you’re only in Antigua as one stop on a cruise itinerary. However, it’s far enough off the beaten track that the beach isn’t deluged with tourists, so you can enjoy the white sands, a mystery novel, and a refreshing cup of rum punch in peace.
Stella Jane would “happily spend every February of my life at Fort James Beach” if she could. The weather in Antigua is a gorgeous break from the typical frigid North American winter, and you will definitely avoid hurricane season at this time.
Sun Bay Beach, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Martha Lueders –Quirky Globetrotter
When it comes to the beach, there’s no better place to soak up the sun than in complete solitude with a pristine view.
Sun Bay Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico, is one of the most underrated beaches in the Caribbean. The beach is tucked behind the island’s wild horse nature preserve.
If you need a break from the sun’s ray you can watch the horses gallop through the hills and sand dunes nearby. The Sun Bay is also secluded from the touristy parts of the island. I spent the afternoon watched sailboats glide along the horizon.
The soft sand is the perfect spot to watch dynamic sunsets that ignite the sky into a kaldeiscope of colors. The beach is also not located too far from the boardwalk where you can grab an obligatory Pina Colada and dance the sand off your body to some raeggeton.
Read Martha’s full Puerto Rico Itinerary here.
Special thanks to all the awesome travel bloggers who contributed their faves! Is your favorite beach destination mentioned? If not… let us know where it is in the comments!
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