Beaches have always held a certain pull. Whether it’s the feel of soft sand underfoot, the calm sound of waves rolling in, or that instant shift into a slower pace, they have a way of making people pause and breathe a little deeper. Each year, a few beaches rise to the top of travelers’ lists, drawing attention not only for their scenery but for the experiences waiting there. Some are remote and untouched, while others hum with life and activity.
These are 10 beaches travelers are raving about for this year, and they’re as varied as the people who visit them. There are spots where you can stretch out under the sun with nothing but the tide for company, and others where music, food, and surf culture create a buzz that’s hard to resist. No matter your style of getaway, there’s a shoreline here that could leave a lasting mark on your travel memories. Start planning now and see which of these beaches might be your next stop.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay consistently earns praise for its breathtaking clarity and calm atmosphere. The sand is soft and pale, stretching for miles, while the water glows in shades of turquoise that look almost unreal. The beach is sheltered by a barrier reef, which keeps waves gentle and the shoreline perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. Visitors love the balance of peaceful stretches for quiet walks and nearby amenities like small cafés and water sport rentals. Whether you spend the day wading in the shallow water or watching the sunset sink into the horizon, Grace Bay creates a serene and memorable experience.
Navagio Beach, Greece
Navagio Beach, famously called “Shipwreck Beach,” is one of Greece’s most photographed spots for good reason. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, it feels hidden from the world, with deep blue waters that meet pale sand. The rusting remains of a shipwreck rest dramatically on the shore, giving the beach a mysterious and striking centerpiece. Accessible mainly by boat, reaching it feels like part of the adventure. The setting draws photographers, cliffside sightseers, and day-trippers alike, all eager to take in the dramatic views and stand where white sand, turquoise water, and rugged cliffs meet in one striking scene.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is a pristine stretch in the Whitsundays, famous for its dazzling white sand and sparkling water. The sand is made of almost pure silica, giving it an incredibly soft texture and a brilliant, bright appearance. Visitors often note the sand doesn’t get hot, making long barefoot walks easy and comfortable. The shallow, crystal-clear water creates a shifting palette of blues that changes with the tides and sunlight. Accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter, Whitehaven feels remote yet stunningly welcoming. It’s the kind of beach that leaves an imprint, whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or simply standing in awe of its beauty.
Maui’s Wailea Beach, Hawaii
Wailea Beach in Maui is a favorite for its balance of calm and activity. Its soft sand and gentle waves make it perfect for families, while snorkelers love spotting colorful fish and sea turtles near the rocky edges. The beach is framed by lush landscaping and high-end resorts, adding comfort without overshadowing its natural charm. Chairs and umbrellas are often available, making it easy to linger for hours. Visitors can swim in the morning, enjoy shaded breaks in the afternoon, and watch the sunset cast golden light across the water. Wailea combines relaxation with the kind of scenery Hawaii is known for.
Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Anse Lazio is often called one of the most stunning beaches in the world, and its beauty lives up to the reputation. The sand feels like powdered sugar underfoot, pale against the impossibly clear water. Large granite boulders dot the shore, giving the scene a dramatic and almost surreal quality. The shallow water near the beach is calm enough for swimming, while the surrounding scenery makes it a favorite for photographers. Palm trees offer pockets of shade, and the lack of heavy development keeps the area feeling unspoiled. Anse Lazio captures the classic vision of a Seychelles beach—raw, breathtaking, and serene.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Want to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later when you're planning your trip!
Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island is famous for its soft blush-colored sand, created by crushed coral and shells mixing with white sand. The pale pink hue looks even more striking under the sun, making it a favorite for photographers and couples. The beach stretches for almost three miles, giving visitors plenty of space for long walks and quiet moments. The calm, shallow water is perfect for swimming, wading, or floating without strong waves. With its gentle atmosphere and rare beauty, Pink Sands feels like stepping into a postcard—one where every angle looks effortlessly stunning.
Reynisfjara, Iceland
Reynisfjara isn’t your typical beach—it’s a dramatic black-sand shoreline on Iceland’s south coast. The striking dark sand, formed from volcanic activity, contrasts sharply with the roaring waves and basalt column cliffs. Sea stacks rise from the ocean like sculptures, giving the beach an almost otherworldly feel. While the scenery is breathtaking, the waves here are powerful and unpredictable, so visitors are urged to keep a safe distance from the water. Photographers, filmmakers, and nature lovers flock to Reynisfjara to see its stark beauty, where raw geology meets the restless Atlantic in one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes on earth.
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
El Nido feels like a hidden paradise, framed by limestone cliffs and surrounded by emerald lagoons. The beaches here are soft and white, while the waters shift between shades of blue and green. Boats carry travelers to secret coves, snorkeling spots, and hidden stretches of sand that can feel almost untouched. The area is popular, but its wild beauty makes it feel far from crowded. Coral reefs lie just offshore, drawing snorkelers eager to see tropical fish up close. Whether you’re exploring caves, swimming in turquoise water, or resting under palms, El Nido leaves an impression of untouched, natural beauty.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Playa Norte is known for its calm, shallow water and easygoing charm. The beach is wide, with soft white sand that stretches out into a turquoise sea. Because the water is shallow far from shore, you can wade or float without worrying about waves, making it perfect for families. Beach bars and restaurants line the edges, so food and drinks are never far away, but the scene stays relaxed rather than rowdy. Palm trees add shade, and the sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky in colors that seem unreal. Playa Norte feels like an effortless mix of comfort and beauty.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is one of the Caribbean’s most beloved stretches of sand. Despite the name, it’s closer to six miles long, but every step feels like a highlight. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is calm and brilliantly clear, ideal for swimming or paddleboarding. Parts of the beach are lined with resorts and restaurants, but there are plenty of quieter areas where you can lay a towel and hear nothing but waves. Sunsets here are spectacular, and the horizon seems endless. Seven Mile Beach is the kind of place where hours slip by without you noticing.
19 U.S. Towns Transforming Into Unexpected Vacation Hotspots
How about other vacation hotspots? Travelers often flock to well-known cities and tourist destinations, but some hidden gems in the U.S. are quickly gaining attention. 19 U.S. towns are transforming into unexpected vacation hotspots, offering unique experiences, vibrant cultures, and scenic landscapes that were once overlooked.
Read More Here: 19 U.S. Towns Transforming Into Unexpected Vacation Hotspots
17 Breathtaking Destinations in Canada to Visit Before You Die
More destinations to visit but in Canada! Canada is home to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world, and there are 17 breathtaking destinations in Canada to visit before you die. From stunning national parks to vibrant cities, this vast country boasts a diverse range of landscapes and experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s the majestic mountains, serene lakes, or charming towns, each location has its own unique charm and beauty.
Read More Here: 17 Breathtaking Destinations in Canada to Visit Before You Die
