Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World You Must Visit

Now that spring has officially sprung (finally), it’s about to get even harder to avoid the temptation to just walk out of the office and hop on a flight straight to a remote island. If you don’t live near a beach, you’re probably constantly thinking about heading toward one, and with good reason.

If you want to do a little more traveling around the world this year, and want to hit a beach or two while you do it, you will have no problem finding beaches that suit all your foreign vacation needs. There are dozens of beautiful beaches scattered all around the world, some in places you might not even think of.

Here are the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world you must visit at least once, maybe even twice in your lifetime. Once you visit, you’ll have more incentive to keep working hard so you can go back again.

1. Pansy Island, Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

Pansy Island

Source: Eyes On Africa

You may not think of cool beaches and calm waters when you think of traveling somewhere in Africa, but Mozambique’s Pansy Island in Bazaruto Archipelago has all of that and more just waiting for you. Collect shells, relax and engage in any of the nearby lodge’s many activities to get the most out of your unique beach vacation.

2. Barnes Bay, Anguilla

Barnes Bay Anguilla

Source: Alan Tarkus | Flickr

Barnes Bay is beautiful not only because of the beach itself, but the life many have managed to build around it. It is a beach perfect for walking and exploring and always offers the opportunity to meet plenty of new people who love spending time on the beach just as much as you do.

3. Blue Beach, Vieques, Puerto Rico

Blue Beach Vieques Puerto Rico

Source: Vieques

The clear blue waters of appropriately named Blue Beach in Vieques, Puerto Rico are the kind of natural beauty you will have to see firsthand to believe it’s real. This is the kind of beautiful beach that is so breathtaking you will find yourself simply standing and staring out at the waves. It is both calm and quiet, so you can come here to relax, walk across the sand and enjoy the amazing scenery firsthand.

4. Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Lopes Mendes, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Everyone needs to visit a beach surrounded by clear blue waters and green lush foliage at least once in their lifetime. Take a trip to Brazil’s Lopes Mendes beach in Ilha Grande, where you will be able to see the sand and water from any angle you want before you even step onto the sand and dip your toes in the water. You will find all the scenery you could hope to gaze upon here.

5. Puka Beach, Boracay, Philippines

Philippines beach with boat

Those who enjoy going to the beach for its quietness and for the opportunity to collect a wide array of shells will want to plan a trip to Puka Beach in Boracay, Philippines. Puka Beach is named because of its plethora of puka shells, so you will have no trouble gathering a few to take home as souvenirs from your trip. You will find that this stunning beach is also quite calm, not flooded with tourists or vendors trying to make a profit off of travelers.

6. Ngapali Beach, Ngapali, Myanmar

Source: Lonely Planet

If you have been dreaming of white sand and swaying palm trees, there is a perfect beach setting just waiting for you to arrive and settle in. Ngapali Beach located in Ngapali, Myanmar, is the place to be during the months of November through March. You will finally get the relaxing beach vacation you have been hoping for. Just choose one of many resorts along the coastline and prepare to take in the scenery.

7. Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia

Fraser Island Shipwreck

If you are ever headed to Australia, you don’t want to miss one of its most beautiful beaches while you stay. Head to Fraser Island in Queensland, Australia, the largest sand island in the world. Fraser Island lets you engage in all kinds of outdoor activities, everything from hiking to whale watching and swimming. Its beaches, including those along Gold Coast, are some of the most renowned in the world. This is the perfect place to go if your idea of relaxing involves more active movement, thrill and socialization than just sitting alone in the sunshine.

8. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba

Playa Paraiso Cuba

Those seeking out a calm and quiet beach vacation will want to head to Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo in Cuba. This beach really will make you feel like you are in paradise. The waters are calm and shallow, which are perfect if you want to go for a swim. It is also the perfect beach for lying out and relaxing because it is so peaceful. Rest beneath the shade of an umbrella and listen to the calm waves as you enjoy the stillness of the moment.

9. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay Bermuda

Horseshoe Bay is Bermuda’s most popular shoreline, and deservingly so. It is not only covered in pink-tinted sand and dotted with shells, but it also offers snorkeling and diving to keep you entertained and cool you off after a long morning spent basking in the sun. This beach is both beautiful and diverse in its offerings, with easy access to great food and retail shops not far from the shore.

10. Long Beach, Phi Phi Island, Thailand

Beach Thailand

If you are looking for a beach filled with dazzling white sand, turquoise waters and more to do than just lie out on a towel in the sunshine, Long Beach on Phi Phi Island in Thailand. You will stay at the nearby resort while you’re there, which offers plenty of chances to meet other world travelers during the day and quiet evenings to rest and recharge at night.

You don’t have to just dream about lounging on beautiful beaches: you can visit a few of them, too. Beaches are some of the world’s most outstanding natural wonders, and everyone should get the chance to visit as many of them as possible in their lifetime. Depending on what you are looking for in a beach vacation, there are plenty of options out there for you.