There is no universally accepted ranking of the world’s most beautiful beaches even if there are many unofficial competitions around the globe, but these five have high visitor numbers and are consistently featured for their exceptional scenery, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable settings. We would go further to state: each location has relatively calm waters, and certainly not like Pipeline in Hawaii or Teahupo’o inTahiti. Further each location routinely enjoys a comfortable climate with warmth, and lots of sun.
1. Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Island, Australia
Whitehaven Beach stretches for about 7km along Whitsunday Island and is famous for its incredibly pure white silica sand which gives the beach its brilliant white colour and soft, cool feel underfoot. The turquoise waters of the Coral Sea create a stunning contrast with the sand, while the swirling patterns at Hill Inlet form one of Australia’s most photographed natural landscapes. In contrast to highly visited Australian beaches such as Bondi & Manly Beaches in NSW, whitehaven it is the optimum of serenity, and with little waves to contend, a safe option for all, with excellent conditions for swimming, sailing, snorkeling, the list goes on. Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island in the Whitsunday Islands, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments.
2. Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay in the Caribbean, is renowned for its calm, impossibly clear turquoise waters and powder-soft white sand. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the sea remains remarkably tranquil, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The beach extends for over 5 kilometres, offering plenty of space to find your own slice of heaven, while enjoy ing its pristine beauty. It is always a strong contender of international beach awards. Grace Bay is located on the island of Providenciales (often called “Provo”) in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the northern Caribbean.
3. Anse Source d’Argent – La Digue, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent is instantly recognisable for its enormous smooth granite boulders that frame shallow turquoise lagoons and white sand. The dramatic rock formations, lush tropical vegetation and warm Indian Ocean create one of the most photographed beaches on Earth. Anse Source d’Argent is located on the island of La Digue in the island nation of the Seychelles, in the western Indian Ocean, about 1,500 km east of mainland Africa and northeast of Madagascar.
4. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) – Zakynthos, Greece
Hidden beneath towering limestone cliffs, Navagio Beach is famous for the rusting shipwreck resting on its brilliant white pebbles. The vivid electric-blue waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean, and the secluded setting creates an unforgettable view from both sea level and the cliff-top lookout. Navagio Beach (also called Shipwreck Beach or Shipwreck Cove) is located on the island of Zakynthos (Zante) in western Greece, in the Ionian Sea.
5. Bora Bora – Matira Beach, French Polynesia
Matira Beach is located on the southern tip of Bora Bora, one of the islands of French Polynesia in the South Pacific. It is famous for combining almost every element people imagine in a tropical paradise including emerald green water and spectacular cliff scenery. Matira Beach is located on the southern tip of Bora Bora, a volcanic island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean.
Each beach offers a different kind of beauty, from tropical lagoons and coral reefs to dramatic cliffs, unique geological formations and generally good climate, making them perennial favourites among travellers, photographers and nature lovers alike. Our favourite is still Whitehaven but we are biased, everyone would have different needs and wants for a beach vacation, so their numbering would no doubt be altered.