Absolutely Stunning Beaches Around The World

Absolutely Stunning Beaches Around The World


May 22, 2025 | Alex Summers

Absolutely Stunning Beaches Around The World


Same Beaches, Different Story

If your heart skips a beat at the sight of turquoise waves, you’re in the right place. Start packing your linen clothes, we’ve got 44 dream destinations for you.

Intro

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Imagine your footprints trailing along three miles of soft blush-pink sand, created from microscopic coral insects. Harbour Island, resting in the Bahamas, offers a whimsical backdrop perfect for vows, elopements, or honeymoon strolls. Rent a pastel beachfront villa, and you’ll feel like a character in The Notebook, only with better weather. 

File:Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island, Bahamas (5279465868).jpgMike's Birds from Riverside, CA, US, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Grace Bay, Turks And Caicos

This pristine haven, stretching 3 miles, consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches. You’ll find no seaweed, rocks, just silky sand and calm, gin-clear waters. The reef system, which is a mile offshore, keeps waves at bay, which means stress-free beach ceremonies. 

File:Grand Turk beach.JPGJersyko at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Set sail to Australia’s Whitehaven Beach and let the sand—98% pure silica—glide like powdered sugar beneath your toes. This beach lies on Whitsunday Island and can only be accessed by seaplane, boat, or helicopter, adding exclusivity to your escape. Planning a proposal? Time it at low tide.

File:Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland.jpgSlug69, Wikimedia Commons

Navagio Beach, Greece

Also known as Shipwreck Beach, this beach cradles the rusted hull of a smuggler’s ship wrecked in 1980. Access it only by boat, and you’ll be rewarded with sapphire-blue waters and surreal seclusion. Picture this—down on one knee as the cliffs echo your question into the Ionian breeze.

File:Amazing beach on the island Zakynthos Greece (44652933410).jpgdronepicr, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Anse Lazio, Seychelles

Anse Lazio glows like honey under the Seychelles's sun. It’s picture-perfect and yet, surprisingly uncrowded. Host an intimate barefoot ceremony here while parrotfish dart through the turquoise shallows beside you. Local legend speaks of pirates who once hid treasure nearby. Spoiler: the real treasure is the uninterrupted views.

File:Anse Lazio-Praslin-Seychellen.jpgTobias Alt, Tobi 87, Wikimedia Commons

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Slip into Aruba’s quiet rhythm on Eagle Beach, where divi-divi trees lean photogenically toward the sea, shaped by steady winds. These iconic trees frame many proposals, and rightfully so. This beach holds the title for the widest on the island, offering privacy and soft sands that don’t scald your feet. 

File:Eagle Beach Aruba.jpgThe original uploader was Rumblebee at English Wikipedia., Wikimedia Commons

Lanikai Beach, United States

Wake up early and catch the sunrise at Lanikai Beach in Oahu. The name means “heavenly sea,” and it delivers with half a mile of powdery sand facing the twin Mokulua Islands. If you want something whimsical, rent a kayak and paddle to the islets, often visited by sea turtles. 

File:Lanikai beach, Oahu Hawaii.JPGVlachos, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

Drop anchor in Bora Bora and wander down to Matira Beach, the island’s only public stretch of sand. Its allure lies in the golden-hour magic that bathes every palm tree and bungalow in fiery light. This beach is not just romantic; it’s surreal. You might even spot stingrays waltzing nearby.

File:Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.jpgThe original uploader was Sba2 at English Wikipedia., Wikimedia Commons

Maya Bay, Thailand

If The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio rings a bell, you already know Maya Bay. Located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, this Thai cove reopened with eco-guidelines after years of over-tourism. Plan early morning arrivals for the softest light and the fewest crowds.

File:Playa Maya, Ko Phi Phi, Tailandia, 2013-08-19, DD 04.JPGDiego Delso, Wikimedia Commons

Camps Bay, South Africa

Camps Bay, set against the dramatic backdrop of South Africa’s Twelve Apostles mountains, brings urban glam to seaside romance. Here, you get sunsets that seem to pause time and a promenade packed with stylish cafes for post-ceremony feasting. If you are planning a wedding, consider a clifftop setting.

File:Camps Bay Beach ..., Cape Town.jpgNithin bolar k, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Baia Do Sancho, Brazil

Hidden behind cliffs in Fernando de Noronha, Baia do Sancho rewards the curious. You’ll climb steel ladders and pass through narrow rock walls before reaching this jaw-dropping expanse. But oh, the reward. Turquoise water, playful dolphins, and lush, forested cliffs. Locals consider it Brazil’s best-kept coastal secret, and UNESCO agrees. 

File:Baía do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha.pngHigh source, Wikimedia Commons

Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Turn up the drama at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s most cinematic beach. Forget sunbathing because this black-sand wonder stages a gothic kind of romance, with towering basalt columns and roaring Atlantic waves. Folklore says trolls turned to stone trying to drag ships to shore. 

File:Reynisfjara, Iceland, 20230501 1639 4044.jpgJakub Hałun, Wikimedia Commons

Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

Giant granite boulders rise like sculptures at Anse Source D’Argent, making it one of the most photographed beaches on Earth. And yet, it never feels overdone. The tide carves pathways between rocks to create your private slice of paradise. Bring your beloved for a sunrise swim. 

File:La Digue,Seychelles, Anse Source d´Argent.JPGMartin120, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Playa Del Amor, Mexico

Playa del Amor—or the “Hidden Beach”—requires a swim through a rock tunnel just to get in. But once inside, you’ll find a sandy crater open to the sky. It feels like nature’s love letter to explorers. A private picnic here? Absolutely. A vow exchange under that skylight? Even better.

File:Playa del amor.jpgCarlos Santos , Wikimedia Commons

Diani Beach, Kenya

White sand so soft it squeaks, palm trees that bend as if bowing to your presence, and warm waters where dolphins sometimes join your swim. This Kenyan gem stretches for miles and never feels crowded. Spice up your wedding with Swahili-inspired decor or a traditional Taarab band.

File:Diani Beach, Mombasa - 51998680685.jpgNinara, Wikimedia Commons

Praia Da Marinha, Portugal

Golden cliffs rise like cathedral walls around Praia da Marinha in the Algarve. Paddleboard beneath the arches or sip Vinho Verde while the tide rolls in. Known for its arched rock formations and glass-clear waters, this beach turns any event into a postcard moment. Time your photos for golden hour.

File:Praia da Marinha-Algarve-Portugal.jpgTobi 87, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach brings Caribbean flair and postcard-worthy beauty with its half-moon shape and electric blue waters. But the real kicker? An old military tank, now rusted and splashed with graffiti, sits casually in the sand. The natives often host family weddings here, and it’s perfect for beachy barefoot dancing. 

File:Tank on Flamenco Beach.jpgJami Dwyer, Wikimedia Commons

Cloud Nine, Siargao

The name says it all. This isn’t your average “white sand and chill” kind of place because it buzzes. Think hammocks strung between palm trees and moon parties on driftwood decks. Plan an adventurous vow exchange followed by a surf lesson, or just slow dance under fairy lights strung across the jungle.

File:Cloud 9 Boardwalk, Siargao.jpgJupitReyes, Wikimedia Commons

Etretat Beach, France

Etretat Beach in Normandy feels like something Monet forgot to finish. Towering chalk cliffs arch over the English Channel, carving natural bridges into the sky. Couples often climb to the clifftop chapel for epic photos, then descend for seaside kisses among pebbles that crunch like secrets. 

File:Etretat beach 01.jpgUnukorno, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Paje Beach, Zanzibar

This Zanzibar’s water sports capital still manages to keep its heart romantic. Kitesurfers dot the sky, and walking a few meters may land you at quiet coves ideal for barefoot “I do’s”. The residents recommend a honeymoon dhow ride with grilled lobster and Swahili love songs.

File:Paje beach at low tide.jpgMatt Kieffer from London, United Kingdom, Wikimedia Commons

Santa Giulia Beach, Corsica

Santa Giulia Beach cradles couples in a crescent of sugary sand and gentle lagoon waters. Just imagine living in Mediterranean elegance without the Riviera price tag. Ceremonies here often feature violinists echoing across the bay—yes, it’s that kind of place. 

File:Porto-Vecchio plage de Santa Giulia.jpgPierre Bona, Wikimedia Commons

Monterosso Al Mare, Italy

Colorful umbrellas line the shore, while medieval towers peek from surrounding cliffs. Proposals here often include gelato, cobbled alleys, and accordion players. The old convent up the hill offers cliffside vows for weddings above the Ligurian Sea. Can you hear the “That’s Amore” soundtrack yet?

File:Monterosso al Mare-panorama-paese.jpgDavide Papalini, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Aitutaki Beach, Cook Islands

If heaven had an entrance lounge, it would look like Aitutaki Beach. This lagoon paradise shimmers with blues that belong in a jewelry box. Couples often opt for canoe arrivals to tiny islets for intimate ceremonies. Add a Polynesian dance blessing, and you’ve got a postcard-perfect moment. 

File:Aitutaki from top 2006.jpgMr Bullitt, Wikimedia Commons

El Nido Beach, Palawan

Float into fantasy on the shores of El Nido, where jagged limestone cliffs frame aquamarine lagoons and secret coves. This corner of Palawan whispers serenity, making it perfect for intimate ceremonies. Locals call this place the “last ecological frontier” for a reason. 

File:Entalula Island, El Nido, Philippines.jpgFabio Achilli, Wikimedia Commons

Elafonissi Beach, Crete

Here’s where it gets wild—Elafonissi Beach offers bubblegum-pink sand and shallow lagoons that stretch forever. It’s actually a protected nature reserve, which means your celebration will be set among wildflowers and wind-sculpted dunes. The pink tint comes from crushed shells that are very real. 

File:Elafonisi beach on Crete, Greece.jpgdronepicr, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Cala Macarella, Menorca

Menorca’s southern coast serves up a beach that feels like pure escape. At sunrise, local planners can set the scene with private beach setups, cava toasts, and tapas picnics. It’s quiet and effortlessly photogenic. It is coastal Spain as it should be, without the crowds or cliches.

File:Cala Macarelleta (Menorca).jpgBolinhodeamor, Wikimedia Commons

Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

Seven Mile Beach is a Caribbean classic in Grand Cayman with water that is so clear you’ll think it’s fake. Yet what sets it apart is the service: five-star everything, from beachfront resorts to sunset catamaran cruises. Fancy a wedding, proposal, party, or getaway at a private villa? They’ve got that.

File:Resorts on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman.jpgRoadTripWarrior, Wikimedia Commons

Ipanema Beach, Brazil

Rhythmic and radiant, Ipanema pulses with life and romance. Here, bronzed locals play volleyball to samba beats as Sugarloaf Mountain looms in the background. You could savor a golden-hour stroll, with waves gently nudging your feet, then hop over to a rooftop caipirinha bar. Just don’t forget your shades.

File:Ipanema Beach Rio.jpgCesvieira, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Koekohe Beach, New Zealand

At Koekohe Beach, the unusual becomes unforgettable. Scattered across this South Island stretch are massive spherical boulders, some up to seven feet wide. Maori legend says they’re the remains of ancient canoe cargo turned to stone. This setting brings a mythic twist to any event held here. 

File:The Moeraki Boulders NZ (48525391441).jpgBernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, Wikimedia Commons

Tulum Beach, Mexico

Mayan ruins teeter over Tulum Beach like ancient guardians watching the sea. Here, ceremony and soul collide with white sand, teal waves, and history stitched into the air. Mexican traditions often weave copal incense and Mayan blessings into the celebratory vibes. Bonus: Eco-chic hotels line the shore, offering candlelit jungle dinners. 

File:Beach at Tulum Mexico.jpgLridgard, Wikimedia Commons

Pfeiffer Beach, United States

Brace yourself because Pfeiffer Beach isn’t your average California surf spot. Located in Big Sur, it dazzles with purple-streaked sand and waves that roar. This is where nature shows off. When lit by a setting sun in winter, the keyhole rock creates an ethereal firebeam that’s straight from fantasy. 

File:Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California, United States.jpgRobert Brett, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Shell Beach, St Barts

Laid-back luxury meets raw nature at Shell Beach in Gustavia. Its name is exactly what this beach is: covered in millions of tiny shells, all softly crunching underfoot. Sip chilled rose at the nearby restaurant, then wander into a cove that feels like a private pocket of calm. 

File:Shell Beach St. Barts.jpgNolangaskill, Wikimedia Commons

Cala Goloritze, Italy

It’s remote, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful and it is fed by underwater springs, the electric blue sea stays refreshingly cool and crystal clear. Cala Goloritze is where adventurers celebrate love, sun-soaked and glowing beneath the Mediterranean sky. It’s not just a beach; it’s a reward.

File:Cala Coloritze vom Land.JPGYesuitus2001, Wikimedia Commons

Cannon Beach, United States

Gothic romance fans, look no further. Cannon Beach rolls out misty mornings, and moody Pacific backdrops straight from Twilight. Most people love to wed at golden hour, when fog wraps the coast like silk. Grab a blankie and listen as the wind whistles tales of old sailors and untamed love.

File:Haystack Rock northwest face.jpgKirkouimet, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Nacpan Beach, Palawan

A quiet stunner just north of El Nido, Nacpan Beach stretches across four blissful kilometers. Here, celebrations happen under coconut palms with toes in soft amber sand, and the Sulu Sea dances nearby. No crowds. No rush. Just raw beauty that welcomes you to take it all in. 

File:Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines (36286998483).jpgFabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, Wikimedia Commons

Hyams Beach, Australia

Hyams Beach carries the Guinness World Record for the whitest sand on Earth. Seriously. It’s so bright that you might need sunglasses at dawn because the sun shines super duper bright. Picture your ceremony on that blinding shoreline, barefoot and laughing, with dolphins gliding by offshore. 

File:Hyams Beach - Jervis Bay Marine Park.jpgCharliekay, Wikimedia Commons

Waimea Bay, United States

Waimea Bay lives a double life. In winter, it’s wild with 30-foot waves and surfing legends riding giants. But in summer, it’s all serenity with glassy waters, rock jumps, and romantic hideouts. Hawaiians once held spiritual ceremonies here, believing the bay to be sacred.

File:WaimeaBay.jpgTravisthurston, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

White Beach, Boracay

Boracay’s White Beach brings sparkle and softness in equal measure. The sand? Fine as flour. The water? As calm as a sleeping baby. Resorts offer everything from floating breakfasts to bamboo arch weddings. And yes, fire dancers light up the beach by night. Say “forever” as sparks fly.

File:White sand beach, Boracay Island - panoramio (2).jpgAlexey Komarov, Wikimedia Commons

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar

Sunsets slam into your soul at Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar. Fishermen sail out on dhows, casting ancient silhouettes against a pastel sky. Such views deserve an audience of two or twenty. Walk hand in hand beneath leaning coconut trees while Maasai guides tell you stories.

File:Nungwi, Zanzibar (51554771606).jpgNina R from Africa, Wikimedia Commons

Playa Balandra, Mexico

Ever dreamed of swimming in a blue so pale, it looks painted on? Playa Balandra, hidden away in Baja California Sur, delivers that and more. Shallow waters stretch for what seems like forever, perfect for floating hand-in-hand. Couples kayak past mushroom-shaped rocks or wade through mangroves. 

File:Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur 5.jpgProtoplasmaKid, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Curved like a crescent moon, Myrtos sits below steep white cliffs and offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. This Greek icon is known for its blinding white pebbles and dazzling water gradients, from deep sapphire to turquoise. Photographers go wild here, especially during sunset when the whole cove glows. 

File:Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia.jpgMatt Sims, Wikimedia Commons

Champagne Beach, Vanuatu

Bubbles rise from the seafloor at Champagne Beach, giving the water a fizzy sparkle, hence the name. Weddings here often include traditional Melanesian songs and fragrant flower leis. Want a proposal straight from a fairy tale? Try whispering your love in a hammock as parrots fly overhead.

File:Champagne Beach Espiritu Santo (28660966453).jpgSimon_sees from Australia, Wikimedia Commons

Trunk Bay, United States Virgin Islands

With its underwater snorkeling trail and lush forest edge, Trunk Bay is ideal for vows with a view. Walk the soft sand, then wade in and spot coral gardens that rival your bouquet. This is among the most photographed beaches in the Virgin Islands; when you visit, you’ll understand why.

File:St John Trunk Bay 1.jpgFred Hsu (Wikipedia:User:Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia), Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

La Pelosa Beach, Italy

Protected by a 16th-century watchtower and backed by rolling dunes, La Pelosa feels like a secret passed down through generations. Its Caribbean-clear waters and fine, floury sand draw couples seeking something sweet yet grounded. Take a boat beyond the shallows for privacy, or walk the endless shallows hand-in-hand.

File:La Pelosa beach, north Sardinia (Italy) (24086631522).jpgTommie Hansen from Stockholm, Sweden, Wikimedia Commons


READ MORE

Internalfb Image

Absolutely Stunning Beaches Around The World

If your heart skips a beat at the sight of turquoise waves, you’re in the right place. Start packing your linen clothes, we’ve got 44 dream destinations for you.
May 22, 2025 Alex Summers

Archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman warrior mass grave beneath a soccer field in Vienna, after a construction crew unintentionally dug up human remains.

Archaeologists make an unprecedented discovery after an ancient Roman warrior mass grave was unearthed beneath a soccer field in Vienna.
May 22, 2025 Allison Robertson

The Living Legacy Of The Tlingit, The People Of The Tides

The Tlingits' deep connection to the ocean is reflected in the meaning of their name: "People of the Tides." Let's take a look at their incredible legacy, and how they're keeping their culture alive today.
May 21, 2025 Ella Mason
Spartans Facts

The Most Feared Military In The Greek World

The Spartans were the most feared military force in the Greek world, earning legendary status in their wars against Persia—but how they got so powerful is anything but pretty.
May 15, 2025 Samantha Henman
The cruise ship 'Costa Concordia' lies stricken off the shore of the island of Giglio, Italy on January 14, 2012. More than four thousand people were on board when the ship hit a rock.

The Dark History Of Cruise Ships

For years, cruise ships were seen as floating condos for retirees—but in the past few years, the industry has begun to shed that image, with the average age of customers going down…and revenue going up. The industry is expected to make a whopping $30 billion in 2024. But cruises go back much longer than most people realize—and have a surprisingly dark history.
May 22, 2025 Samantha Henman
The tunnels in the Owl Mountains - Poland

The Secret Tunnels Of The Third Reich

Near the end of WWII, the Third Reich hid their greatest secret within Poland’s Owl Mountains—a network of tunnels with a mysterious purpose. It was a bizarre project with the code name "Riese".
May 20, 2025 Samantha Henman