On our blue planet we have 595,814 km of coasts. A mixture of long beaches, rocky coves, shiny black sandy shores… Beaches are one of the most precious treasures our landscape has to offer and that is why every year they receive a millions of visitors, both to enjoy a swim and to relax just taking in their spectacular beauty.
But do we know which are the best beaches in the world? This classification could depend on factors such as accessibility, environment, cleanliness or whether or not they are suitable for bathing… Below, we’ll show you some of the ones grouped in among the best beaches in the world according to the most prestigious travel magazines. Get your favourite boardshorts or bikini ready to discover these natural gems!
European beaches
The Old Continent has some of the best beaches in the world in 2024. The list includes beaches with golden sands to huge cliffs. A diversity as great as the countries themselves.
The best beaches in Spain
Spain is, without a doubt, one of the great exponents of spectacular beaches in Europe. In fact, in the ranking of the world’s best beaches, La Concha beach in San Sebastián takes third place. Visitors highlight it for having some of the softest sands, the calmest waters, and all kinds of services for the comfort of its visitors. Additionally, no one wants to miss its beautiful promenade or the great offer of local gastronomy in its surroundings.
Another beach that receives this acclaim is Corralejo beach in Fuerteventura. Not only is it a must-visit in the northern part of the Canary island for windsurfers, but it also boasts two natural treasures, the Corralejo Natural Park and the Lobos Island Natural Reserve, the latter highly appreciated by scuba divers. Make sure to wear comfortable trainers to explore the trails that cross the park.
The best beaches in Portugal
If there is one area in Portugal known for its spectacular beaches, it is the Algarve. This coastal region is home to some of what have been considered for years as the best beaches in the world. In 2024, one of the chosen beaches is Praia da Falésia, considered the best beach in the world, surrounded by reddish stone cliffs and featuring a spectacular panoramic trail for a unique walk. Moreover, it is a beach with easy access by public transport.
H3 The best beaches in Italy
The Mediterranean coast is teeming with spectacular beaches and coves where you can enjoy a day at the beach. In Italy, one of the most renowned is the Scala dei Turchi, near Agrigento, on the island of Sicily. Surrounded by archaeological sites and temples from the Greek and Roman eras, this beach of limestone rock and a dazzling white hue allows for a swim in some of the clearest waters in the country.
Among the Italian beaches that have been deemed some of the best beaches in the world is Spiaggia di Castello in Apulia. A beach distinguished by the majestic castle that sits atop the nearby cliff and the large limestone monolith known as Il Pizzomunno. Its waters, in addition to being crystal clear, are shallow, ideal for families. If you visit, make sure the kids wear the right shoes to avoid accidents.
The best beaches in France
It is impossible to talk about beaches in France without our minds automatically thinking of the French Riviera. One of the iconic summer holiday spots for Europeans, where the beautiful white sand beaches and bright blue waters invite you to spend a delightful summer. Do not miss the chance to enjoy them, and also enjoy the sun while strolling through the old town of its cities and having an ice cream or fresh fish of the day. Antibes, Saint Tropez, or Cassis are just some of the places you must not miss.
The best beaches in the United Kingdom
While the beaches of the Scottish coast have a wild and captivating beauty, it’s the beaches of the south, especially those located in the region of Cornwall, that have conquered the lists of the best beaches in the world. Turquoise waters, white sands, and picturesque coastlines welcome visitors for a pleasant beach day.
Some of the most notable are Pentle Bay, one of the most remote and also pet-friendly. Another spectacular visit you shouldn’t miss is on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, where you can find meadows full of undergrowth, very calm waters, and the company of birds and the occasional dolphin.
The best beaches in Germany
The beaches of northern Germany are especially known by those who practice sports like surfing or windsurfing, but some, like Warnemünde beach, go beyond and captivate anyone who visits with their vast expanse and superfine sand. A beach where you can find tranquillity and all kinds of activities and which also offers the opportunity for a pleasant walk while watching the cruise ships enter the port.
Beaches in North and South America
Talking about the best beaches in the world also means talking about the coastlines of North and South America. Both in the northern and southern countries, you can find beaches that will stay in your memory forever, like Praia de Muro Alto in Porto Galinhas, Brazil. A beach where a large natural pool forms thanks to a huge coral reef that creates a wall around the beach. You can also visit Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, a true natural treasure that paints the perfect Caribbean picture with palm trees, white sands, and clear waters where you can show off your favourite flip flops.
The United States also offers unique beaches, such as Cannon Beach in Oregon. Full of flora and fauna to observe during a comfortable walk along its 16 kilometres of coastline, this beach is far from the overwhelming tourist pressure and invites you to enjoy a peaceful day on the sand.
Beaches in Asia
While it’s true that whenever beaches in Asia are mentioned, people usually think of Bali or Thailand, the reality is that there are lesser-known locations that also boast some of the best beaches in the world. One of them is Palolem beach in Goa (India), a filming location for movies like The Bourne Supremacy and very close to the habitat of monkeys and Bengal tigers. Another area we highlight is El Nido, in Palawan (Philippines), between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. This beach is located in a very exclusive part of the Philippines, and its waters offer biodiversity that attracts many divers to this part of South-east Asia.
Beaches in Africa
The African coast offers spectacular landscapes that the general public is unaware of, such as Matemwe beach in Zanzibar (Tanzania). A paradise beach with white sand, lined with palm trees that provide cool shade and numerous corals to dive among.
Much further north and on the west coast is Essaouira beach in Morocco, a must-visit destination for any surfing and windsurfing enthusiast who wants to enjoy spectacular waves. Additionally, the walls surrounding this city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you shouldn’t miss them, nor its gastronomy or visits to the souk.
Beaches in Oceania
Finally, we focus on Oceania. This small continent is full of spectacular beaches on its numerous islands. Among them, the one that has earned a place as one of the best beaches in the world in 2024 is Cathedral Cove, in New Zealand.
Near Hahei beach, Cathedral Cove stands out for its impressive pointed arch of white rock, reminiscent of the Gothic cathedrals of Europe. This small strip of sand is full of Pohutukawa trees, typical of the area, and is bathed by the Pacific waters. In the middle of the waters of this beach stands Te Hoho, a rock pinnacle that turns pink with each sunset, offering the visitor a unique image.
