Fancy a vacation in the sun or a beach paradise? Discover a selection of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the dreamy white sandy beaches that make us dream!
SOMMAIRE DE L'ARTICLE :
| BEACHES IN THE AMERICAS, CARIBBEAN AND WEST INDIES
- BAHAMAS
Eleuthera, is the island of Bahamas known for its long pink sand beach. I wanted to see if what they were saying was true, and I must admit I was bluffed. There are only a few pink sand beaches in the world. Why pink? This is due to the deposit of red coral and pink shells which, stirred up by the sea, mix with the sand to turn pink. Over 3 km of virtually deserted beach, crystal-clear water, colorful little huts, lush vegetation and sublime coral reefs. You’ve arrived in Paradise! I slept at the Coral Sands Hotel ($295 per night) and I have fond memories of this place. You can also take a day trip from Nassau to the island of Eleuthera by ferry (cost around €100 for a 3-hour crossing). Once you’re on the island, you don’t need a car – you can only get around on foot or by golf cart. What you need to know is that the Bahamas is a group of around 700 atolls and cays, of which only 30-40 are inhabited. The islands have a tropical climate, tempered by the Gulf Stream. The capital Nassau is served by many American airlines from Miami. Then take a smaller plane or boat to nearby islands such as San Salvador, Abaco, Rum Cay, Cat Island, Samana Cay, Long Island, Greet Exuma, Crooked Islands, Acklins, Little Inagua, Great Inagua or Eleuthera.
Séverine from the blog Passion Voyageuse
- GUADELOUPE
Carole from the blog Happy us book
- COSTA RICA
The Caribbean is renowned (and rightly so) for its idyllic beaches. But it’s not easy to find the perfect beach. Without the crowds, without the garbage, without the buildings… Fortunately, there are still many that match the postcard images, especially on the Caribbean mainland, which is less crowded than the islands. Being absolute fans of nature, we fell in love with Cahuita in Costa Rica. White sand, turquoise water, coconut palms… So be it! But also, and above all, capuchin monkeys, agoutis, crabs and corals. In short, a beach full of life. Lovers of idleness, beach games and ice-cream under the parasol will be disappointed. In Cahuita, you can’t just sit back and soak up the sun on your towel – the call to discover nature is too intense, whether in the forest, on the beach or underwater. All in all, we spent a perfect day walking the trails in the shade of the rainforest. Admire the tropical fish wearing a mask. Lounging for a few moments on the warm sand, enjoying the spectacle of a few brawling capuchins.
If you’re interested in this part of Costa Rica, we strongly recommend you also visit Manzanillo, where the scenery is just as beautiful, but more hilly and rocky.
Seb and Laura from the blog globe bloggers
- CUBA
Since Viñales, a small Cuban town in the Mogotes Valley, we set off for Cuba’s north coast. We heard about a secret, secluded and little-known beach ) Cayo Jutías, a small Cuban island in the Gulf of Mexico. On a winding road, we cross hills planted with pine trees and dotted with a few villages and propaganda signs. Over the last few kilometers, the road is broken, and it’s impossible to avoid all the potholes. On the last few kilometers to the mangrove-covered islet, we take the short breakwater that links the island to the mainland. It’s a two-hour drive to Cayo Jutías, a beach that has to be earned, because it’s a real nugget! A deserted beach of white sand bordered by a crystal-clear sea. The place is simply heavenly, and still little visited. Our faces light up as we take in the scenery around us. On the beach, which stretches for 3 kilometers, there’s a restaurant and nothing else: no hotel, no street vendors, no hordes of tourists. Cayo Jutías is a Cuban paradise still untapped by large hotel groups or tourism professionals. Here it’s all calm and serenity.
Isabella from the blog Lime the world
- CUBA
In Cuba, I’ve often heard that the most beautiful beaches on the island are to be found in the north, in the Varadero region or on Cayo Guillermo, and many travelers choose to end their stay with a few days’ rest there before returning home. During our two-week trip there, we tried to include a few beach days in the middle of the itinerary! And so, with a day trip from Vinales, we discovered Cayo Levisa a small paradise still untouched by mass tourism and concrete buildings on the seafront.
Unlike most Cayos, Levisa is not linked to the main island by a bridge, so you have to take a boat from Palma Rubia for a crossing that takes about 30 minutes. The only facilities on this small island, … km long, are a hotel with a few wooden bungalows, a bar-restaurant directly on the beach and a small nautical center. It offers boat trips around the island, diving courses and snorkeling trips. With only a mask, snorkel and flippers, exploring the seabed is already a wonderful discovery: you can observe multicolored fish characteristic of the warm Caribbean sea, as well as numerous corals. For the rest of the activities, you can enjoy delicious cocktails in the shade of the palm trees, or get away from the sunbathing tourists to discover mangrove-like landscapes. Time-bleached tree branches plunge into turquoise water to create a picture-postcard setting that I’ll remember for a long time to come!
Solène from blog My Little Road
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic is far from mass tourism, which is why I invite you to discover the most beautiful beachesof this island.
- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Discover the island’s most beautiful beaches in our dedicated blog posts.
- BELIZE
Discover this small Central American country with Mayan, Jamaican and British influences, which has everything to seduce you… Read our articles on Belize
- FLORIDA
At the southernmost tip of Florida lies an archipelago of hundreds of islands bordering the Gulf of Mexico: the Keys. The main islands are linked from the mainland to Key West, the Keys’ largest city, by 41 different bridges and a 110-mile-long road. On the island of Islamorada, the beach of Founders Park is probably one of the smallest beaches on the archipelago. The sandy beach, surrounded by coconut palms and bordered by mangroves, is around 100 metres long. It’s a beach dedicated to idleness, although there’s a children’s playground and swimming pool adjoining. Its shallow waters are also ideal for snorkeling.
Founders Park beach is not well known to tourists and is mostly frequented by locals. The reason is simple: it’s a private beach and not part of a state park, unlike the Keys’ most visited beaches (Bahia Honda or Zachary Taylor, for example). Note that in the United States, access to coastlines and beaches is generally subject to a fee. We didn’t know this beach existed until we checked into one of the town’s motels. The manager then gave us a voucher allowing us access to this beach as guests of the establishment. If you’re not staying on site, the cost is $8 per person (+ $3 for the pool). The best time to go is at the end of the day, when you’ll have the beach all to yourself, or almost all to yourself, and a magnificent sunset to boot.
Maud & Xavier de Serial Pix
- FLORIDA ( Bahia Honda beach)
- MEXICO
In northern Yucatan, Mexico, lies the small island of Holbox, just a few kilometers long. A dirt road for everything and everywhere, the beach. But one is more magical than the rest. We rent an electric buggy (the only vehicle on the island) and head due north, only to be stopped dead in our tracks by a small river. We park the buggy and cross the river on foot. And now we’ve reached Punta Mosquito, a totally deserted beach. Only a few flamingos and iguanas show signs of life. Here, the colors of the sea oscillate between dozens of different blues, with occasional shades of pink. Definitely my most beautiful beach in the world: magnificent and secret!
Caroline from the blog Voyage Family
BEACHES OF OCEANIA
- WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Direction Turquoise Bay, in Western Australia. More than 1,300 kilometers from Perth, this beach is one of many in the Cape Range National Park on the Exmouth Peninsula. Yes, you have to earn it! However, once in Exmouth, it’s easily accessible by road, both by van and 4×4. Turquoise Bay beach offers dunes to marvel at, a wide stretch of white sand for sunbathing and crystal-clear turquoise waters for swimming and snorkeling. But given the transparency of the water, you don’t need much equipment: just good eyes! But be careful when swimming: don’t stray too far from the shore, as currents can sweep you out to sea. The only drawback when you go there with the kids is that the sand isn’t the best for making sandcastles! But it’s still very comfortable for enjoying the Australian sun. It’s about 1 hour’s drive from Exmouth: on the map, it’s not far as the crow flies, but by car, you’ll have to go all the way round the headland! Park entrance : 12 AU $ /vehicle. Camping tax: on average AU$10/person and depending on the type of camping space you decide to occupy (with or without shower, with or without picnic area…)
Prisca from the blog Pym around the world
- AUSTRALIA (Plage des Whitsundays)
- AUSTRALIA (Plage Wharton beach)
- POLYNESIA
When it comes to paradise beaches, it’s hard to miss Bora Bora. While the beaches on the main island are interesting (especially Matira), the best ones are reached by taking a boat to an isolated motu (a motu is a small islet off the main island). The view is simply spectacular! Before your eyes is an unreal blue-green lagoon, with the peak of the “Pearl of the Pacific” in the background. Ideal for those in search of peace and quiet. For lovers of pelagic fauna, it’s also a superb place to appreciate the stingrays and sharks that inhabit the lagoon.You’re probably thinking that to bask in the sun on a Bora Bora beach, you need to be a millionaire! Well, no! It’s true that airfare to the island is a bit of a burden on the wallet… However, it’s perfectly possible to find low-cost accommodation on Bora Bora! There are dormitories and, for even more Robinson Crusoe feeling, you can pitch your tent on a secluded motu. So you can enjoy the same decor as the “rich and famous” for a very reasonable price! So, are we leaving?
Pierre-Luc from the blog Exploring the planet
- NEW CALEDONIA (Nokanhui beach and Ouvéa all information here )
ASIAN BEACHES
- INDONESIA
If we had to name just one beach on our 19-month trip around the world, it would undoubtedly be Selong Blanak on Lombok Island, Indonesia. And why this one in particular?
- Because like any paradise beach, its sand is whiter than white, the water is simply turquoise and there are coconuts to sip.
- Because if you come out of season, you’ll be almost alone on the beach (we took the photo in April, at the end of the rainy season).
- Because the waves are ideal for beginner surfers and you can rent surfboards in a small hut (perfect for keeping your man busy when he can’t sunbathe for more than an hour).
The best way to get there is to stay in the small village of Kuta Lombok and rent a scooter. The beach is a bit far from the village (a 40-minute scooter ride on a small asphalt road), but you won’t see the time go by, I promise! The scenery is absolutely spectacular, and it’s highly likely that you won’t be able to resist stopping to take a few photos, or even stopping off at one of the beaches along the way (such as Mawi or Mawun). And if you’re brave enough, after Selong Blanak, drive a few kilometers further along the road to reach a pretty viewpoint a little way up.
Benoit and Fabienne from the blog Novomonde
- INDONESIA
There are places like that, which can only be reached by long journeys. Lost paradises, where time seems to stand still. Places where the days pass to the rhythm of the tides, the sun, meals, naps and aperitifs. All this is punctuated by swimming, lounging, reading, or having a good laugh with the owners of the place, when they’re not out fishing for fresh fish. During the day, we climb coconut palms to reach the holy grail, the famous coconut, which we sip with our feet in the hot sand. We swim in the turquoise waters to meet the baby sharks and hundreds of colorful fish that dart between our legs. In the evening, we drink and sing around the campfire. At night, the stars and phosphorescent plankton illuminate the beach, giving it a magical air… This little corner of paradise is Sera Beach in Sulawesi.
How do I get there?
Sera beach is located on the island of Malenge, in the Togian archipelago of Sulawesi. This beach is not easily accessible: it takes 9 hours by boat from Ampana or Gorontalo to reach the island’s landing stage. Please note that ferries do not operate daily and timetables sometimes change. To book or enquire about the boats, write to Sera Beach Cottages, one of the island’s two hotels. Made up of just a dozen bungalows on the beach, the staff take great care of you throughout your stay. They pick you up from the landing stage by boat, and then prepare 3 delicious meals a day for you. No internet, no stores, everything is really organized to disconnect you from the world around you. And all for €13 per night per person, all inclusive…
Mag from blog maglobetrotteuse
- PHILIPPINES
When it comes to dream beaches, the Philippines are never far away! The possibilities are endless! But let us tell you about Malcapuya Island, a small island accessible by day from Coron. In a few words: white sand, half-transparent/half-turquoise water, 12 people in the water at peak times, no need to buy a postcard – you’re looking at it! With an image, it looks like this (we decline all responsibility for any retinal fractures while looking at this photo!). For those who are worried, we reassure you that the water is as good as it looks! A good 30° (approximately 2 times the temperature of the water in St Malo on the chilliness scale), enough to get you hot just by dipping your toes in! And the magic of the Philippines is that there are dozens of islands like this per km2! We can also tell you about Bulog Island and Banana Island which are as much a treat as Malcapuya Island. It’s no secret that the hardest thing to do in the Philippines is to find a corner that’s more beautiful than the one before, because everything is magnificent! But don’t worry, it can be done 😉
Anaïs and Florent from the blog big bags
- THAILAND
My trip to Thailand’s little-known Trang region yielded some lovely surprises on the dream beach front, including the island of Koh Mook (or Koh Muk). The “Pearl Island” (literally in Thai) boasts fine sandy beaches bordered by a turquoise sea on one side and coconut palms on the other. Fiddler crabs, with their large asymmetrical yellow claws, colorful fish and starfish. But Koh Mook is also an island full of life, with a population living mainly from the sea (the Mokens, sea nomads who have now settled and are essentially Muslim). There’s a school, a market, a fishing village with huts on stilts… The beaches are immense, rather quiet and varied: from the wildest to the most developed for tourists. In this last category, the two most famous beaches are Koh Mook Sivalai Beach Resort, on the tip of the peninsula, and Hat Farang (or Charlie’s Beach, named after the large resort located there), with its magnificent view over the rocky islands that seem to float in the open sea, an ideal place to admire the sunset. On site, don’t hesitate to rent a motorcycle or take a mototaxi to discover the heights of the island. You can also take a boat to the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot), named after the color of the water: a truly adventurous experience, as if you were entering a pirate’s lair! Koh Mook is reached by boat (approx. 1/2 h) from the Kuan Thung Ku pier, 9 km from Trang.
Amandine and François from the blog A bag on your back
- CAMBODIA
The 4K beach sur Koh Rong island in Cambodia, One of my favorite beaches is in Cambodia. It was on Koh Rong that I put down my suitcases to enjoy a few days of idleness, and my choice fell on the “4K beach “. In the middle of January, there wasn’t a cat in sight. There are only a few restaurants and small resorts, and prices are a little higher than elsewhere. What you pay for here is tranquility, white sand and warm, clear water. For parties and entertainment, the Reef on the Beach resort has a boat that shuttles between 4K beach and the village free of charge. It was also off this beach, just a few metres away, that I swam with the phosphorescent plankton for the first time… a magical moment! To get there, simply take a ferry from Sihanoukville, specifying which beach you’re going to and which hotel (it’s best to book in advance). Beach bungalows are spacious and cost around €35/45 a night. From this beach, you can enjoy diving, snorkeling and boat trips. The best part is lounging on the beach!
Pauline from the blog Traveller’s seed
BEACHES OF AFRICA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN
- MADAGASCAR
In the heart of the Nosy Be archipelago (northwest of Madagascar) lies Nosy Iranja, an island straight out of paradise, or rather two islands. Connected by a two-kilometer-long fine sandbar that is completely submerged at high tide, Iranja Kely and Iranja Be join and separate with the tides, offering travelers and fishermen the chance to experience the turquoise blue of the ocean, the dazzling green of the endemic species and the heavenly white of the fine sand. To the west, a fishing village, traditional straw huts, lush vegetation and a breathtaking view from the lighthouse, while opposite, birds, sea turtles and other marine life come and go several times a day on the island, which is cut off from the rest of the world. From east to west, north to south, it’s all luxury, calm and pleasure. To discover these landscapes and bask in the shade of coconut palms, there’s only one solution: the sea! Whether in Nosy Be or Nosy Komba, you’ll find agencies that organize day trips or two-day bivouacs and take you to the island by speedboat (approx. 1h30).
If you’re on a budget, don’t hesitate to talk to the locals, who will be more than happy to offer you their transport services, and to share their experience with you during the 3-hour fishing boat trip. You can stay with local people and eat seafood and fish in Iranja Be, or enjoy the comfort of a three-star hotel in Iranja Kely.
Céline from the blog Travels of a feather
- MAURITIUS
We discovered the Morne Barbant beach during a weekend while living in Mauritius in May 2013, the time when Charlotte was volunteering with an association helping the most destitute families in Rivière Noire. It was a beautiful day when we set off for the Morne rock Barbant to enjoy its beautiful white sandy beach. The scenery along the way is magnificent, passing through forest and zigzagging between hills. The closer you get to it, the more the Morne imposes its grandeur, its massive shadow spreading over the surrounding landscape. The place is very natural, the only infrastructure present being the public toilets close to the parking lot on which you will find numerous food trucks with a choice for sweet and salty eaters: ice creams, churros, chips, burgers…. the perfect way to recharge your batteries after a day on the beach and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. Although it’s not the largest on the island, it’s still one of the most beautiful, with two distinct parts to suit your taste. If you’re more interested in lazing around and taking a leisurely dip, head for the northern part, a true paradise for relaxation, but if you prefer water sports, mainly kitesurfing and windsurfing, you’ll have to head south. Something for everyone…
Charlotte from the blogTravel trail
- MAURITIUS
Céline from the blog I’m chatting and Motizil
- RODRIGUES ISLAND (Trou d’argent cove)
- SEYCHELLES
Practical info: Anse Source d’Argent is located on the small island of La Digue, accessible by ferry from the two main islands of Praslin and Mahé. As cars are banned on La Digue, it can be reached on foot or by bike in twenty minutes from the port. You have to pay 100 Seychelles rupees to access the beach.
EUROPEAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN BEACHES
- GREECE
The most beautiful beaches in the world are my favorite things to explore when I travel! I love the beach, the sea, the sun! And having traveled extensively to exotic destinations, I can tell you that the beaches of Greece are among the most beautiful I’ve seen in my life. And to be more precise, especially those on the Cyclades islands; I spent two months exploring them and never got bored. All the beaches are beautiful in the Cyclades: calm turquoise water, white sand, etc… The beach I found the most original and intriguing was that at Sarakiniko on the island of Milos. White volcanic rocks surround it like a lunar landscape, it’s fascinating. Of course, you can swim in the tranquil sea, but you can also jump off rocks several metres high. Milos is the Cycladic island with the most beaches: 74! And there are many other sublime beaches on this island. So if you’re heading to the Cyclades, be sure to explore the island of Milos.
- GREECE (Zakynthos beach on the island of Zakynthos)
- MOROCCO
Where the Sahara desert meets the Atlantic coast, in the far south of Morocco, there’s a magical bay. Situated on a forty-kilometer sandy peninsula on the Tropic of Cancer, the Dakhla is the jewel of the kingdom. What makes Dakhla so unique is its isolated location and unspoilt natural setting, combining the charms of the sea and the desert. The beaches around Dakhla are reminiscent of the famous Whitsunday Islands in Australia, with kilometers of white sand bordering the placid waters of a lagoon in a thousand shades of blue, warmed all year round by the sun. Already at first light, kitesurfing wings flutter across the sky like multicolored butterflies over the lagoon, while pink flamingos stroll along the sandbanks. A 4×4 excursion through the desert’s lunar landscapes leads to the White Dune, a genuine geological curiosity forged by the desert’s encounter with the ocean. The wild beaches on the Atlantic coast, populated by colonies of birds and marine mammals, are reminiscent of the Galapagos Islands. I always say that if paradise exists, it’s called Dakhla. In any case, Dakhla is my own little paradise.
Nadia and Mike from the blog lovetrotters
- CORSICA(Ostriconi beach)
- SARDAIGNE (cala Gonone and cala Goloritze)
If you know of any other dream beaches, white sandy beaches, in France or abroad, if you’d like to share your secret beaches then please don’t hesitate to mention them in the comments! And what are the world’s most beautiful beaches?
