7 Best Beaches in the World
What are the best beaches on the planet? There's a long list of contenders, but we've looked to sites like CNNGo, National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, Lonely Planet. Here's the scoop on seven of the best beaches in the world - and where to stay.
BEST BEACH FOR STUNNING PHOTOS
Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
The craggy shoreline and pink-sand beach of Anse Source d'Argent make this a favorite among film directors and fashion photographers. Its offshore reefs provide protection from any waves, making it perfect for swimming. Nature lovers can spot giant tortoises and endangered birds as well.
How do you get there? Air Seychelles offers non-stop flights from Johannesburg, South Africa. Stay and explore the exciting city and its surrounding attractions, such as Lion Park, home to the rare white lion.
BEST WHITE SAND BEACH
Pigeon Point Tobago
This stunningly beautiful coral sand beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Tobago. In addition to its calm, gentle waters, Pigeon Point is an easy jumping-off point for boat rides to Buccoo Reef, which Jean Jaques Cousteau described as one of the most beautiful reefs he'd ever seen.
Find the perfect place to stay in Tobago.
BEST SURFING BEACH
Canggu Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Canggu Beach is located on the south coast of Bali. Its long stretch of coastline offers surfing opportunities for all levels - from smaller waves for beginners to world class waves for avid surfers. Horseback riding along the beach is also popular, and golf lovers can visit the nearby Nirwana Bali Golf Course, one of the top courses in Asia. The village of Canggu itself offers travelers a glimpse into life in a Balinese village.
Find the perfect place to stay in Bali, starting at $15/night.
BEST BEACH IN SOUTH AMERICA
Praia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Praia do Sancho is a bay on the island of Fernando de Noronha, which is 354 km (220 mi) off the eastern coast of Brazil. The beach is only accessible by boat or by ladders attached to the cliff face, and a strict limit on the number of visitors allowed on the island at any given time is enforced.
How do you get to this tropical paradise? It's just an hour away from Natal, a city boasting beautiful nature areas and beaches. Stay in a beautiful Natal home on your way and find out why it's one of the most visited cities in Brazil and a popular spot for summer beach houses, for Brazilians and foreigners alike.
Make the most of your vacation and explore other regions of Brazil. Browse photos and reviews to find the perfect Brazilian rental.
BEST BOHEMIAN BEACH
Byron Bay, Australia
The seaside town of Byron Bay has some of the most beautiful beaches, with clear blue waters and endless stretches of white sand. Located on Australia's eastern coastline, it has been a favorite hangout for alternative communities since the 1970s. The funky vibe remains today and now draws visitors of all varieties.
Find the perfect home rental in Byron Bay.
BEST BEACH TO SKINNY DIP
Paradise Beach, Croatia
Paradise Beach is located on the Croatian island of Rab, which claims to be modern skinny dipping's birthplace. Yup. It all started when King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson obtained permission from city authorities to bathe naked there. People have been following suit ever since.
How do you get there? Fly into the airport in the city of Rijeka, where there's a daily catamaran all year to Rab. The city, with its historical buildings including a 13-century castle, and the biggest carnival in Croatia is a fun place for visitors to explore. Stay in a traditional Dalmatian villa in Rijeka or a home along the sea.
BEST UNIQUE BEACH EXPERIENCE
Hot Water Beach, New Zealand
An underground river of hot water flows out to the Pacific Ocean and bubbles under the surface of Hot Water Beach ( on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the North Island of New Zealand). Find a spot on this long white beach and dig your own spa pool.
How to get there: fly into Auckland and enjoy the city. Wake up to an ocean view like this one in Auckland and take a scenic two hour cruise to Coromandel Town on the year round ferry.
That wraps up our list of seven "best" beaches in the world.
Have any best beaches to add? We wanna know!
And whichever beach you choose to visit, we wish you Happy Travels. :)
Photo Credits
Canggu Beach
Fernando de Noronha
Byron Bay
Auckland: photo by Benji Wagner
Sources: cnngo.com ; worldtravel.com ; travelandleisure.com ; Wikitravel (Canggu) ; Wikitravel (Fernando_de_Noronha); Wikitravel (Natal) ; croatiatraveler.com ; lonelyplanet.com ; thecoromandel.com
Post by Anis Salvesen