An expert panel of travel industry insiders has identified the best beaches in the world for 2023.
Presented by Banana Boat, the 50 Best Beaches in the World for 2023 features a curated list of seaside locations handpicked by an expert panel of 750 travel insiders. Travel influencers, journalists, agencies and industry experts have come together to cast their votes and the result is a bucket list of dreamy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, building sandcastles, and sipping cocktails beneath beach umbrellas. Sponsored by Turkish Airlines, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Chubbies, this ultimate list is your go-to resource for summer holidays in the sun.
What is the #1 beach in the world?
1. Lucky Bay in Esperance, Western Australia
Lucky Bay has been identified as the beach best in the world for 2023. With snow-white sand, turquoise waters and kangaroos hopping all over the 5km stretch of coastline, Lucky Bay is a beautiful untouched natural location to relax, dive, kayak or bushwalk. The best time to visit is December through March.
Which country has the best beaches?
Australia is widely regarded as the country with the world’s best beaches, with four beaches listed in the top 50 for 2023. Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and boasts more than 34,000km of coastline. Australia’s beaches are vast and varied, each one unique in its own way, and many are within easy reach of major cities and tourist hubs. Some of Australia’s most famous beaches are Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, Bells Beach in Victoria, Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, Bondi Beach in New South Wales, Cable Beach in Western Australia, Hyams Beach in New South Wales, Mindil Beach in the Northern Territory, and Lucky Bay in Western Australia.
2. Anse Source D’Argent in La Digue, Seychelles
One of the most photographed beaches in the world, Anse Source D’Argent has granite boulders, pink sand and crystal clear water.
3. Hidden Beach in Palawan, Philippines
Tucked away behind limestone cliffs, this cove can only be accessed by a boat trip followed by a swim through a rock wall opening.
4. Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, Australia
One of the most remote beaches on the planet, the powder-fine sand here is 98.9% silica, making it some of the purest sand in the world.
5. One Foot Island in Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Swaying palm trees, smooth water and vibrant fish make One Foot Island a tropical paradise.
6. Trunk Bay in St. John, US Virgin Islands
One of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, this beach is located in the Virgin Islands National Park.
7. Honopu Beach in Kauai, Hawaii
Located on the Na Pali Coast, this lush and secluded beach is only accessible by water and will conjure up images of Jurassic Park, easily marking it as one of the best beaches in the world today.
8. Reynisfjara Beach on the south coast of Iceland
Black sand, sea stacks and glaciers make Reynisfjara Beach a rugged and dramatic beach unlike any other.
9. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Also known as Shipwreck Beach due to the wreck that sits at the centre of this coastline, Navagio Beach can only be reached by boat.
10. Balandra Beach in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Balandra Beach has been a protected area since 2018 and only a few visitors are allowed each day to ensure this pristine natural gem remains as such.
11. Goloritze in Sardinia, Italy
The most interesting feature of this beach is the 143-metre limestone pinnacle that stretches over the cove.
12. Pipe Creek Sandbar in Exumas, Bahamas
Appearing for just a few hours each day at low tide, Pipe Creek Sandbar has pillow-soft sand and hypnotic waters.
13. Pink Beach on Komodo Island, Indonesia
Pale pink sand, blindingly blue water and an abundance of tropical fish make Pink Beach a fantastic place for diving, snorkeling, and admiring one of the world’s most amazing beaches.
14. Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
A vibrant reef protects this beach from big swells, making it perfect for kids and families.
15. Gardner Bay in Galapagos, Ecuador
This beach provides visitors with the unique experience of being able to watch sea lions while catching some rays.
16. McWay Falls Beach in Big Sur, California
A breathtaking 24-metre waterfall cascades right into McWay Falls Beach, which can only be viewed from a distance.
17. Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Western Australia
Cape Range forms a dramatic backdrop to Turquoise Bay, which boasts a healthy coral reef and lots of turtles!
18. Le Morne Beach in South Mauritius
Located at the foot of UNESCO World Heritage site Le Morne Brabant mountain, Le Morne Beach is one of the best places in the world to snorkel and dive.
19. Baia Do Sancho in Fernando De Noronha, Brazil
Hidden away in a protected cove against palm-fringed cliffs, this coastline requires an adventure to access: a hike, navigating a dark tunnel, and descending a steep staircase.
20. Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Palm trees, soft sand and gentle waves characterise Seven Mile Beach, where shops, restaurants and bars are just a stroll away.
21. Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Hawaii
The word ‘Lanikai’ means heavenly sea, an apt name for a beach with peaceful waters and Hawaiian green sea turtles.
22. Maya Bay in Krabi, Thailand
The unbelievable landscape of this beach make it one of the best in the world. The film ‘The Beach’ was filmed here, resulting in massive over tourism and the eventual closure of this beautiful location. However, it’s once again open to visitors – but with visiting restrictions and limited swimming times.
23. Calo Des Moro in Mallorca, Spain
This tiny cove is located at the base of a cliff and gets crowded, so be sure to visit early to enjoy this picturesque beach sans crowds.
24. Kelingking Beach in Bali, Indonesia
Not for the faint of heart, Kelingking Beach is a remote stretch of sand that requires visitors to traverse down a steep cliff in order to dip their toes into the sea.
25. Meads Bay in West End, Anguilla
This beach is a fantastic location for sunbathing, floating in the calm waters or enjoying the breathtaking sunsets.
Read more:
The best places to go diving
Unmissable South Coast holiday destinations
The best wild travel experiences to add to your bucket list
26. Flamenco Beach in Culebra Island, Puerto Rico
Check out the naval tanks left by the United States in the ‘70s on this interesting beach, or snorkel the coral reef.
27. Cayo Arena, Dominican Republic
More sandbar than beach, Cayo Arena is best for snorkeling and diving around the beautiful coral reef that surrounds it.
28. Little Hellfire Bay in Esperance, Western Australia
This sheltered bay is a little-known beach and an excellent spot for swimming.
29. Anse Lazio on Praslin Island, Seychelles
Whether you want to snorkel, swim or take in the view, Anse Lazio is a lovely little beach with palm trees, granite boulders and serene waters.
30. Vaeroy Beach in Lofoten, Norway
With mountains, cliffs and still water, this beach is perfect for hikers who wish to take in the view rather than take a dip in the cool waters.
31. Horseshoe Bay in Southampton Parish, Bermuda
Easily accessible with lush vegetation, Horseshoe Bay has pink sand and crystal clear waters that invite every visitor in for a swim.
32. Myrtos Beach on Kafalonia Island, Greece
A crescent-shaped cove framed by cliffs and a sparkling sea, Myrtos Beach is known for its cleanliness and natural beauty.
33. Hidden Beach in Jalisco, Mexico
Locally known as Lover’s Beach, this secluded place is accessed via a water tunnel and has a green canopy that feels utterly magical.
34. Grand Anse, Grenada
Lush greenery and palm trees meet soft sand and azure waters at Grand Anse, located on the cultural island hub of Grenada, one of the world’s best beaches.
35. Xpu Ha Beach in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Pronounced ‘shpu-ha’, this often-overlooked beach is located in a small inlet with calm water and friendly fish.
36. San Josef Bay on Vancouver Island, Canada
Hidden away in Cape Scott Provincial Park, San Josef Bay nestles up against thick wilderness and caves.
37. Matira Beach in Bora Bora, French Polynesia
With snow-white sand, sparkling blue water and palm trees, Matira Beach is a tropical oasis with plenty of fish swimming near to the shore – perfect for snorkeling!
38. Capriccioli Beach in Sardinia, Italy
This beach serves up pleasant views of Costa Smeralda’s islands alongside clean water and a flat coastline.
39. Pasjaca Beach in Konavle, Croatia
This small and hidden beach requires a little bit of work to find, but rewards those who do with stunning rock formations and refreshing waters.
40. Boulders Beach on Western Cape, South Africa
An opportunity to get up close and personal (but never touch!) with wild animals makes Boulders Beach one of the best beaches in the world. Get to know the African penguin a little better at Boulders Beach, where the little critters enjoy the water alongside human swimmers.
41. Salines Beach in Martinique
A long strip of white sand, coconut palms and aquamarine ocean gently lapping at the shore make Salines Beach an idyllic locale.
42. Champagne on Espiritu Santo island, Vanuatu
Named for the way volcanic activity beneath the water causes bubbles on the surface, this beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty.
43. Praia de Marinha in Algarve, Portugal
This beach is world-renowned and award-winning, named one of the most beautiful in Europe multiple times.
44. Balos Beach in Crete, Greece
Sitting below the Platiskinos mountain range, Balos Beach has ever-shifting swirls of white sand and beautiful light blue waters.
45. Achmelvich Beach in the Highlands Region, Scotland
Few people associate Scotland with spectacular beaches, but Achmelvich Beach is a beauty that’s popular with kayakers, water skiers and windsurfers.
46. Kaputas Beach in Turkey
Although this little beach can get a bit crowded at times due to its compact size, its rolling waves, soft pebbles and picturesque location make it worth braving the crowds.
47. Radhanagar Beach, India
One of the best beaches in Asia, Radhanagar has emerald water, salt-white sand and a rainforest creeping at its borders.
48. Varadero Beach, Cuba
Bodysurf on friendly waves or read a book on the sandy shores of Varadero Beach.
49. Piha Beach in Auckland, New Zealand
Popular with both locals and tourists, Piha is beloved for its rugged beauty and Lion Rock, a volcanic monolith that presides over the entire beach.
50. Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island, Bahamas
Stained by the red and pink shells of foraminifera coral insects that inhabit the area, Pink Sand Beach is an Instagrammable dream.
Read more:
The best beach clubs in Bali
The ultimate beachside getaway in Maui
Gorgeous beachside Airbnb homes
