Imagine swaying palm trees, powder-soft sand beneath your feet and the soothing rhythm of waves rolling ashore. When you picture the best beaches in the world, you might think of turquoise lagoons, hidden coves or long stretches of coastline — somewhere that matches your idea of paradise.
Whether you’re after quiet seclusion or lively boardwalks, the perfect beach vacation starts with finding a spot that feels just right. At AAA, we’ve helped generations of travelers discover unforgettable getaways, and we’ve rounded up ten of the world’s most beautiful beaches, each offering a different way to relax, explore or simply soak up the view.
1. Elafonisi Beach
- Location: Crete, Greece
- Standout feature: Pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise lagoon
- Recommended accommodation: Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas
- Travel tip: Arrive early in the day or near sunset for the most vivid pink sand and fewer crowds.
- Best for: Families, nature lovers and travelers seeking calm, swimmable waters
With its pale pink sand and clear turquoise water, Elafonisi Beach feels like stepping into another world. The rare pink hue — one of fewer than two dozen pink sand beaches worldwide — comes from crushed shells and coral instead of silica, although the texture is similar. Visit in late spring and early summer for the most vibrant color due to seasonal currents.
This protected nature reserve on Crete’s southwest coast is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world and celebrated as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. The shallow water stretches far from shore, creating a vast lagoon perfect for families with young kids or anyone who prefers wading.
While there are no large resorts on the beach itself, you’ll find casual tavernas and sunbed rentals during high season. Many visitors join day trips to Elafonisi to explore the islet. Some tours include other local highlights, such as the dramatic Agia Sofia Cave or the village of Elos, where you can sample local olive oil, honey and traditional Cretan dishes.
2. Flamenco Beach
- Location: Culebra, Puerto Rico
- Standout feature: Wide sandy shoreline with lifeguards and the famous rusting tanks
- Recommended accommodation: Villa Tampico
- Travel tip: Bring cash for food stands and rentals, and plan a midweek visit to enjoy a quieter beach experience.
- Best for: Families, snorkelers and travelers who want a mix of beauty and amenities.
Framed by rolling green hills and bright turquoise water, Flamenco Beach is often hailed as one of the best beaches in the world. This wide crescent of powdery white sand stretches nearly a mile along Culebra’s northern shore. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, making it especially welcoming for families with young children.
One of Flamenco’s most unusual features is the rusting military tanks left behind by the U.S. Navy — colorful relics that have become an unexpected photo spot along the sand. Visitors will also find shaded picnic areas and casual kiosks serving Puerto Rican street food and cold drinks.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a family trip, Flamenco earns its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s best beaches. If you’re exploring more of the region, don’t miss the chance to discover more beautiful beaches around Puerto Rico.
Along with swimming and snorkeling, visitors can explore more of Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches, including Tamarindo Beach for calmer waters and better visibility. A short jeep ride across the island leads to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, home to native birds and secluded nature trails.
3. Whitehaven Beach
- Location: Whitsunday Island, Australia
- Standout feature: Pristine white sand and remote shoreline accessible only by boat or seaplane.
- Recommended accommodation: Mirage Whitsundays
- Travel tip: To see the famous swirling patterns of sand and sea only visible from above, book a scenic flight or hike to Hill Inlet Lookout.
- Best for: Honeymooners, couples and travelers looking for a remote, pristine escape
Stretching more than four miles along Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach is often described as one of Australia’s best beaches for its powdery, pure white sand and dazzling turquoise water. The sand here is made of 98 percent silica, giving it a brilliant color and a soft, cool feel underfoot, even on the hottest days.
Because no roads lead to the beach, visitors arrive by boat or seaplane — a key reason it stays pristine and uncrowded compared to more developed spots. The beach feels wild and unspoiled, with no buildings or resorts on the shore. Ideal for honeymooners seeking a romantic escape or anyone eager to disconnect from daily life.
Many travelers to Whitehaven Beach join day tours from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island that include guided walks, snorkeling stops and time to relax on the sand. If you’re staying nearby, consider visiting Conway National Park or booking a sailing trip through the surrounding Whitsunday Islands.
4. Siesta Beach
- Location: Siesta Key, Florida
- Standout feature: Powdery white quartz sand that stays cool, even in summer
- Recommended accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
- Travel tip: Arrive early to find parking, and bring a cart or wagon to carry your gear across the soft sand.
- Best for: Families, beach walkers and anyone who values soft sand and easy access
Stretching along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Siesta Beach has earned a reputation as one of the best beaches in the world thanks to its powdery, 99 percent pure quartz sand. The sand here feels almost like confectioners’ sugar and stays remarkably cool, even on the hottest afternoons. The wide shoreline is ideal for families, and lifeguards are on duty all year.
Beyond the sand, visitors can explore Siesta Key Village, a walkable area filled with seafood restaurants, casual cafés and boutiques. Visitors can also join a guided eco tour to explore the island by kayak or cruise the beach on an electric bike ride at sunset.
Sunsets here are especially memorable, with the sky turning shades of pink and orange over the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you’re planning an evening stroll or a day building sandcastles, Siesta Beach’s soft sand and laid-back atmosphere make it one of the best beaches in the U.S.
5. Eagle Beach
- Location: Aruba
- Standout feature: Wide strip of white sand shaded by Aruba’s iconic leaning fofoti trees
- Recommended accommodation: Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort
- Travel tip: If you visit between March and September, look for marked turtle nests on the sand and always keep a respectful distance.
- Best for: Couples, families and wildlife watchers during turtle nesting season
Regularly listed among the best beaches in the world, Eagle Beach combines soft white sand, calm turquoise water and Aruba’s famous fofoti trees — windswept icons often called divi-divi, which lean gracefully toward the sea.
The beach is public and easy to access, with palapas and lounge chairs for rent and gentle waves ideal for swimming or wading. This spacious shoreline feels more relaxed than some of the island’s busier resort beaches, perfect for couples searching for a romantic backdrop or families who want plenty of room to spread out.
When you’re ready to explore more of Aruba, nearby Oranjestad offers colorful Dutch Caribbean architecture, shopping and local restaurants serving fresh seafood. Visitors can also explore the rugged beauty of Arikok National Park and visit the stunning conchi natural pool.
6. Falésia Beach
- Location: Algarve, Portugal
- Standout feature: Dramatic red and orange cliffs rising behind a wide stretch of golden sand
- Recommended accommodation: Bela Vista Hotel and Spa
- Travel tip: Bring a camera — sunsets from the cliff tops are unforgettable, and parking is easier if you arrive later in the day.
- Best for: Hikers, photographers and beachgoers who enjoy scenic cliff views
Falésia Beach stretches for nearly four miles along Portugal’s southern coast, framed by towering cliffs in vivid shades of red, orange and white. These colorful formations create a stunning backdrop that makes Falésia one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
While parts of the beach can be lively near the main access points, it’s
easy to find quieter spots by walking a little farther from the parking areas. Families appreciate the gentle waves and clean facilities, while couples and solo travelers often come for the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views from the cliffs.
A few small restaurants and beach bars sit just beyond the dunes, making it easy to spend the whole day here. Travelers can also hike the clifftop trails toward Vilamoura or Olhos de Água for panoramic coastal views. The nearby town of Albufeira also offers cobblestone streets, fresh seafood and lively markets for a taste of Algarve culture.
7. Bavaro Beach
- Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Standout feature: One of the Caribbean’s longest stretches of continuous white sand, lined with palm trees and coral reefs
- Recommended accommodation: Barcelo Bavaro Beach
- Travel tip: Walk farther from the main resorts to find quiet and space, and bring small bills for tips and souvenirs.
- Best for: All-inclusive resort lovers, groups and travelers who want activities on and off the water
World-famous Bavaro Beach — often included under the umbrella of Punta Cana — is among the longest and most impressive stretches of white sand in the Caribbean. The beach is lined with swaying coconut palms, and you’ll find no shortage of amenities, from beachfront resorts to open-air restaurants and shops just steps from the sand.
While parts of Bavaro can feel lively near the big hotels, it’s easy to find peaceful spots if you walk farther down the coast. The shallow, clear water makes this area especially popular with families, and there are plenty of opportunities to try activities like parasailing, kayaking or hopping aboard a catamaran tour.
Nearby, you’ll find shopping plazas and cigar lounges that reflect the area’s Caribbean heritage. Explore further afield with a day trip to nearby attractions like Saona Island or Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, where travelers can hike through tropical forest and swim in freshwater lagoons.
8. Playa de Muro
- Location: Mallorca, Spain
- Standout feature: Long sandy shoreline divided into four unique sectors, from lively cafes to peaceful natural areas
- Recommended accommodation: IBEROSTAR Playa de Muro
- Travel tip: Arrive before noon in summer to find parking and bring water shoes for walking in the shallows.
- Best for: Families with small children, nature lovers and beachgoers who want variety
Known for its soft golden sand and shallow turquoise water, Playa de Muro stretches for over three miles along Mallorca’s northeast coast. Featuring four distinct sectors, there is something for everyone, from busy spots near Port d’Alcúdia with restaurants and rentals, to quieter areas by S’Albufera Natural Park.
Families appreciate the gently sloping shore that stays shallow far from land, though waves can pick up on breezy days. Couples and solo travelers often head to the more natural sections for space to relax. Wooden boardwalks make access easy, and there’s plenty of room even in peak season.
Alcúdia’s old town, just a short drive away, offers historic architecture, tapas bars, and local artisan shops. When you’re ready to take a break from the sun, join a boat tour of the Caves of Drach — complete with a concert.
9. Kelingking Beach
- Location: Nusa Penida, Bali
- Standout feature: Dramatic cliff shaped like a T-Rex towering over the hidden white sand beach
- Recommended accommodation: Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Bali
- Travel tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the steep hike, and be aware that the waves here are strong and swimming can be dangerous.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, hikers and photographers
Kelingking Beach has become one of Bali’s most iconic spots, recognized for its towering cliffs that curve into the shape of a T-Rex head that overlooks bright turquoise water. From the viewpoint at the top, the scenery is breathtaking, creating one of the most photographed vistas in Indonesia.
Getting down to the beach is part of the adventure. The trail takes about 30 to 45 minutes and involves steep stairs and sections of dirt path with bamboo railings. Many visitors choose to admire the view from above, but if you make the climb, you’ll find a secluded stretch of sand where the cliffs rise dramatically around you.
After exploring, you can stop at small local warungs at the cliff top for fresh coconut water and Indonesian snacks before checking out Nusa Penida’s other attractions. Stop by nearby Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach — two of Nusa Penida’s most scenic coastal spots. Many day tours also include snorkeling at Manta Bay.
10. Anse Source d’Argent
- Location: La Digue, Seychelles
- Standout feature: Massive granite boulders framing shallow pink-tinged sand and turquoise lagoons
- Recommended accommodation: Story Seychelles
- Travel tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and catch the soft morning light on the boulders.
- Best for: Honeymooners, couples and anyone seeking dramatic, romantic scenery
Anse Source d’Argent is famous for its giant granite boulders rising out of powdery white sand. At certain times of the day, the shoreline takes on a delicate pink hue, contrasting with the clear turquoise water. Calm shallows protected by offshore reefs make it an inviting place to wade, snorkel, or simply relax and take in the scenery.
Reaching the beach involves a short walk or bike ride through L’Union Estate, a historic coconut plantation with a small entrance fee. Once there, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere with few facilities, so bring water, snacks and anything else you might need for the day.
After relaxing on the beach, rent a bike to explore more of La Digue, including the island’s vanilla plantations and charming Creole architecture. If you have more time, venture farther into the Seychelles, some of the world’s best islands to visit.
Discover the Best Beaches in the World with AAA
From hidden coves to wide stretches of white sand, these destinations show why travelers consider them some of the best beaches in the world. Whether dreaming of a romantic escape or planning a family adventure, AAA Travel can help you find the perfect spot and make the most of your next vacation.
When you’re ready to book, consider the benefits of a AAA membership — for travel discounts, exclusive deals, roadside assistance and peace of mind wherever you go. It’s an easy way to make every trip smoother, safer and more rewarding.
Best Beaches in the World FAQs
Curious about where to find the most beautiful coastlines and pristine sand? Here are answers to some of the most common questions travelers ask.
Which country has the most beautiful beaches in the world?
No single country claims to have all the most beautiful beaches in the world, but a few stand out for their variety and stunning scenery.
International highlights include:
- Australia is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise water, especially along the Whitsunday Islands and Western Australia’s Coral Coast, which is named as one of the world’s most beautiful spots.
- The Seychelles is home to unique granite boulders, pink-tinged sand and shallow lagoons.
- Greece is famous for hidden coves and dramatic island coastlines, especially on Crete and Zakynthos.
- The Maldives has iconic overwater bungalows and bright coral reefs on hundreds of small islands.
Top U.S. beach destinations include:
- Hawaii’s Napili Bay has calm waters and great snorkeling on Maui.
- Florida’s Siesta Beach is beloved for its soft, white quartz sand.
- California’s Pfeiffer Beach is known for purple sand and rugged coastal cliffs.
Whether you prefer dramatic cliffs, calm lagoons or lively boardwalks, you’ll find a country that matches your style. Ultimately, the best beaches are the ones that feel right for you, whether that’s an easy domestic getaway or an adventure halfway around the globe.
Where are the cleanest beaches in the world?
Many of the world’s cleanest beaches are found in places that invest in protecting their coastline. One indicator to look for is Blue Flag certification, an international award that shows a beach meets high standards for water quality, safety and environmental care.
Spain has hundreds of Blue Flag beaches, and Florida was the first U.S. state to earn this designation at Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. In the U.S., Hawaii and California are known for well-kept sand and strong conservation programs, while Florida has earned recognition for excellent water quality and beach management.
Australia, New Zealand, and many Caribbean islands also maintain exceptionally clean shorelines. Wherever you go, checking local tourism boards and looking for awards like the Blue Flag can help you find a beach you’ll feel good about visiting.
Where is the best place to enjoy a beach vacation?
The best place for a beach vacation depends on what you hope to find. The Maldives and Bora Bora are hard to top for luxury resorts and crystal-clear lagoons. Families often love Florida’s Gulf Coast or the Outer Banks in North Carolina, where calm waves and amenities make travel easy.
If you’re interested in snorkeling, surfing, or exploring unique landscapes, consider Hawaii, California’s Pacific coast or the Riviera Maya in Mexico. For something more secluded, the Seychelles or parts of Indonesia offer quiet coves and hidden beaches that feel like a private retreat.
No matter where you go, planning ahead with trusted resources can help you discover the best beaches in the world without the guesswork.