- Activity
- Beach
- Coasts & Islands
- Asia
- South America
- Bali
- Hawaii
- Cape Town
- Ko Pha Ngan
- Inspiration
- See & Do
- Greece
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Costa Rica
- Brazil
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Japan
- Austria
- Cuba
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 3.08.2023
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 3.08.2023
From the pristine shores of Bali to the rugged beauty of Australia's Whitehaven Beach, these are some of the best beaches in the world. From secluded tropical hideaways to breathtaking coastal wonders, discover the beach paradises of the world.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for visiting the world.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Ko Pha Ngan.
Haad Yao Beach on Koh Phangan Island, Thailand © jasomtomo/Shutterstock
Stretching along Thailand’s spectacular Andaman Coastline, bordered by striking limestone karsts and provides visitors with a relaxing getaway in Krabi. On this tailor-made Krabi Beach Escape, soft-sand beaches and inviting turquoise waters await.
Find more accommodation options to stay near Phra Nang Beach.
Aerial view of Phra Nang Cave Beach with a traditional long-tail boat, Krabi, Thailand © Avigator Fortuner/Shutterstock
Rainbow Beach, Queensland, Australia © mantisdesign/Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay near Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia © Shutterstock
Aharen Beach, Tokashiki island © mapman/Shutterstock
With this tailor-made trip to Indulgent Malaysia, you will discover a multicultural hotspot with amazing food, stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Take in popular KL malls, architecture, landmarks and gardens, before hitting colonial towns and luxurious tropical beaches.
Perhentian Kecil Island, Terengganu, Malaysia © Ruzaini Haron/Shutterstock
Cayo Largo, Cuba © BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock
On this tailor-made trip to the Magic of the Yucatan and Mexico City, you will explore the magic of the Yucatan Peninsula: from colonial towns like Merida to Archaeological sites like Uxmal and Calakmul, close to the Guatemala border, to beaches in Bacalar and Tulum.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Tulum.
Caribbean coast and Mayan ruins in Tulum © DC_Aperture/Shutterstock
Visit the nearby Puerto Vallarta for a charming beach town that is known for its street food and raicilla. It is a popular stop for LGBTQ+ travellers and is over time becoming known as an emerging gay centre in Mexico.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Puerto Vallarta.
View of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta © Ferenz/Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay in Patnem.
Fishing boats kept in Patnem beach in Goa, India © Saurav022/Shutterstock
Hawaii, Lanikai beach © 7maru/Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay in Matemwe.
Matemwe beach, Zanzibar. Tanzania © Marius Dobilas/Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay in Morro de Sao Paulo.
Aerial view of Morro de Sao Paulo, Bahia, Brazil © Sergio Rocha/Shutterstock
On this tailor-made trip to Breathtaking Brazil, you will explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system.
Find more accommodation options to stay near Ipanema Beach.
Ipanema Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the world © Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay near Myrtos Beach.
Road to Myrtos Bay and Beach on Kefalonia Island, Greece © Igor Tichonow/Shutterstock
Hop between the islands of Milos, Naxos, and Amorgos on this romantic tailor-made Greek Island-Hopping Honeymoon. Drive around stunning coastlines, explore mountain villages, visit ancient sites, and luxuriate on golden beaches as you are transfixed by the allure of the Aegean’s turquoise waters.
Navagio beach with shipwreck and motorboat on Zakynthos island in Greece © Samot/Shutterstock
Take this tailor-made trip to Colombia's Beaches and make your way down to Colombia's tropical beaches and lush rainforests but not before you get to know some Colombian cultural and traditional food, music and dance in Cartegena.
Tropical Beach in Tayrona National Park, Colombia © chrisontour84/Shutterstock
Celebrate your love union with our tailor-made Love Trip to Bali. Included are couples massages at relaxing spas, a blessing ceremony by a Balinese priest, an authentic cooking class and of course - a beautiful white sandy beach on Nusa Lembongan to relax towards the end of your trip.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Kuta.
Silhouettes of people at sunset on the beach of Kuta, Bali, Indonesia © Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock
A fascinating underwater world is ready to be explored. Coron is known for its wreck diving while El Nido has one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, hidden lagoons, and hundreds of species of coral and marine life. This tailor-made diving adventure in Palawan allows you to discover both places, above and below the water.
Find more accommodation options to stay in El Nido.
El Nido, Philippines © Dmitry Pichugin/Shutterstock
Beautiful beach at Providenciales island in Turks and Caicos © BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock
Gazebo at Halfmoon Beach in Jamaica © Framalicious/Shutterstock
Hanalei Bay and pier on the Hawaiian island of Kauai © Steve Heap/Shutterstock
From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, this tailor-made trip to Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, and head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Uvita.
Costa Rica, playa Uvita © Judith Lienert/Shutterstock
African penguins on Boulders Beach, Cape Town © Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay in Cape Town.
View over Camps Bay South Africa © Marisa Estivill/Shutterstock
Divi tree on the island of Aruba © EGT-1/Shutterstock
Source d'Argent beach, La Digue Seychelles © Shutterstock
Find more accommodation options to stay in Bora Bora.
Matira beach in Bora Bora island, South Pacific © Shutterstock
Beach lovers should head straight to Siesta Key Beach - one of the best beaches in Florida, beside Beach Road, where the sand has an uncommon sugary texture due to its origins as quartz. It’s a wide, white strand that can – and often does – accommodate thousands of sun-worshippers.
Find more accommodation options to stay at Siesta Key.
Siesta Key, Florida © Shutterstock
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 3.08.2023
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