From fabled golden bays to little-known coves, no shell has been left unturned throughout our hunt for the world’s greatest seashores.
Now we have despatched our writers in all places looking for elegant, surf-pounded shorelines and distant pockets of hard-to-reach paradise for Lonely Planet’s new ebook Greatest Seashores within the World. From Albania to Yemen and in all places in between, our crew has swam, snorkeled, slugged cocktails and hiked via rainforests, to create the definitive seashore bible.
Listed here are 25 of the 100 that have been chosen as our choose of the very best seashores on the planet.
1. The Cross, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
When the swell is nice, The Cross has a right-hand level break that turns this stretch of pinkish-cream, pillowy-soft sand right into a surfer’s paradise. Positioned on the most easterly level on mainland Australia, Cape Byron, it would not matter in case you’re a professional or a novice with the board, the bay has one thing for everybody, together with classes for freshmen. (Please be aware that if you wish to surf The Cross, a 2023 legislation requires you to make use of a surfboard leash.) Even in case you’re not within the temper to surf, The Cross allows you to discover the whole lot from native Aboriginal historical past, to koala recognizing and scenic mountain climbing alongside the realm’s trails, a few of that are wheelchair-accessible.
Getting there: The seashore has restricted paid parking. Both arrive early or stroll from central Byron (20 minutes; the foreshore has a wheelchair-accessible path). Alternatively, neighboring Captain Cook dinner and Clarkes seashores even have restricted parking.
2. Ipanema Seashore, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Famend for some astonishing sunsets that the locals applaud, Rio’s Ipanema Seashore stretches for 1.9 miles (3 km). Native subcultures use its numbered lifeguard chairs to designate particular areas of this well-known Brazilian seashore. For instance, Posto 9, positioned off Rua Vinícius de Moraes, is the go-to spot for the modern crowd, attracting each the younger and exquisite, alongside artists and hippies. Praia Farme, located in entrance of Rua Farme de Amoedo, is the place the homosexual neighborhood gathers. Posto 8 is the place children from the favela come collectively. Between Ipanema and Copacabana, Posto 7 is standard with surfers, and Posto 10 is the place you will discover video games of volleyball, soccer, and futevôlei (footvolley) happening.
Getting there: Ipanema Seashore is within the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Avenida Vieira Souto runs alongside the seashore, and the closest Metrô station is Common Osório.
3. Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
At simply 49ft-wide (15m) and 820ft-long (250m), Ao Maya is a slip of a Thai seashore hidden by limestone cliffs. But it caught the attention of movie director Danny Boyle who used its ombré turquoise waters and nice white sand because the setting for The Seashore, the 2000 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Sadly, all that recognition led to overtourism and heavy air pollution, however new guidelines (together with a 375 visitor-per-hour cap) and up to date infrastructure enhancements are serving to Mom Nature restore Ao Maya’s immense magnificence. The journey is certainly worthwhile to spend time on this unbelievable paradise and respect the pure magnificence that was nearly misplaced.
Getting there: From neighboring Ko Phi-Phi Don, take an early morning boat tour right here (20 minutes every manner) to beat the crowds. Alternatively, it is reachable by speedboat from Phuket and Krabi.
4. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
After just a few action-packed days on safari in mainland Tanzania, Mnemba Island acts as the proper retreat. Solely accessible to friends of the andBeyond resort, which sleeps 23, this attractive white-sand seashore usually appears like your private coastal paradise. Take pleasure in lengthy walks, and luxuriate in a number of the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling you’ll discover in all the continent.
Getting there: Resort stays embrace transfers from both Stone City or Abeid Amani Karume Worldwide Airport on Unguja Island, Zanzibar. It is then a brief boat trip to Mnemba Island.
5. Sarakiniko, Milos Cyclades, Greece
You may must deliver all your individual provides for Sarakiniko, a set of sun-bleached volcanic rocks that dip right into a small deep turquoise stretch of the Aegean. Centuries of wave-and-wind erosion made the rock formations on the seashore dip and arch, creating caves to discover and alabaster cliffs to leap off. Sunbathe on the rocks or use them as your entry level to slide into the water for some snorkeling. Ranked among the many best-loved seashores in Greece, Sarakiniko can get full of vacationers. To keep away from the crowds, go to in September and October. In the event you’re right here through the excessive season, arrive within the morning for a calmer time on the seashore.
Getting there: Sarakiniko is 1.9 miles (3km) north of Adamas port, on Milos’ northernmost coast. A number of each day buses run right here from Adamas throughout summer time months and there’s parking for anybody arriving by scooter, automobile, or ATV. Milos airport has home flights to and from Athens, or you can even attain Milos by ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port (2½ to 6½ hours) in addition to different islands resembling Santorini (two hours).
6. Chesterman Seashore, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Most individuals come to Chesterman Seashore to surf, however there’s a lot extra to see and do right here. This scenic Canadian seashore can also be nice for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, and observing the lots of of colourful starfish, anemones, urchins and different sea creatures that seem in tide swimming pools. The calm summer time months are good for newbie surfers and with a number of expert-led surf faculties primarily based regionally. Winter, and its critical swells, draw skilled surfers. It additionally hosts surf competitions. Be sure to deliver your wetsuit – water temperatures don’t get a lot greater than 57°F (13.8°C).
Getting there: Chesterman Seashore is 3.1 miles (5km) south of Tofino, close to the far west finish of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim Freeway. You may simply cycle right here from Tofino. Common ferries run between Vancouver metropolis and Nanaimo (on Vancouver Island) in slightly below two hours. From there, it’s a 125-mile (200 km) drive west to Tofino – round a three-hour drive or a four-hour bus trip.
7. Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Pure Tayrona, Colombia
Ringed by rainforest, the golden sands and coconut palms of Colombia’s Caribbean coast are picture-perfect—particularly Cabo San Juan del Guía. It’s positioned in a nationwide park that stretches alongside the coast from the Taganga close to Santa Marta to the mouth of the Río Piedras, 22 miles (35km) east, and covers some 29,900 acres (12,100 hectares) of land and 7400 acres (3000 hectares) of coral-rich sea. Whereas it’s a little bit of a hike (roughly 2 hours) to get to this set of picturesque turquoise bays enclosed by rocky outcrops, it’s properly price it—and lots of others agree, because the seashore is standard with locals and vacationers alike.
Getting there: It takes an hour by bus from the Santa Marta Public Market to succeed in the El Zaino park entrance, 23 miles (37km) to the east, with frequent each day departures. From the park entrance, colectivos (minibuses) run to the start of the path. You can even attain the seashore by way of a two-hour hike or a tough 50-minute boat trip.
8. Anse Supply d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
With its pristine white sands shaded by coconut palms and shallow turquoise waters that lightly lap in opposition to granite boulders, Anse Supply d’Argent is normally discovered on lists of the world’s greatest seashores and rightly so. That is the seashore of goals. It’s an journey to get right here, however a enjoyable one which entails a ferry, a motorcycle trip (or stroll) to L’Union Property, a former vanilla and coconut plantation that prices a small price to entry the seashore. Take a second to tour the estate-turned-museum earlier than you head 0.43 miles (700m) down the street ti get your first glimpse of heaven on Earth. When you benefit from the seashore you can even sip on recent fruit juices and coconuts (with rum, if you want) from one of many rustic seashore bars alongside the seashore. To keep away from the inevitable crowds, come within the early morning, however then return within the late afternoon (along with your identical entrance ticket) to benefit from the attractive sundown on a near-empty seashore.
Getting there: It takes lower than two hours to succeed in La Digue by ferry from Victoria on the primary island of Mahé, and simply quarter-hour by ferry from Baie Ste Anne in Praslin.
9. Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, México
An enclosed cove seashore with shallow deep blue waters, Playa Balandra is one among Mexico’s most uniquely lovely seashores. Aside from having fun with the views, that is additionally very a lot an activity-oriented seashore with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards out there for lease. Beachgoers may also discover tide swimming pools and hike to neighboring coves. A protected space surrounded by arid, cacti-covered mountains, the seashore is a part of the azure Balandra Bay, which has glass-clear waters and white sands. Solely 450 individuals are at the moment allowed on this seashore per day, so it by no means feels too crowded, nevertheless it’s nonetheless greatest to get there early to safe a time slot (both 8am-noon, or 1-5pm). The primary Sunday of each month is completely reserved for locals, so be sure to plan your seashore day upfront. Be aware that seashore chairs and umbrellas can be found to lease, however there aren’t any different services.
Getting there: Make the 30-minute drive north from La Paz in a rent automobile or catch a bus from the La Paz Malecón bus station, with departures roughly each two hours from 9am.
10. Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
With its tender sands, glowing waters, and wind-carved dunes set in opposition to a backdrop of Morocco and the Strait of Gibraltar, it’s simple to see why Punta Paloma is likely one of the most seductive seashores in Spain. The deep blue Atlantic gives wonderful water for swimming, the dunes provide dazzling views, and this seashore even sports activities pure mud baths the place you possibly can paint your pores and skin with mineral-rich mud. There are a number of strolling and horse-riding routes alongside the encompassing hills, a few of which lead you to sights such because the prehistoric Los Algarbes necropolis. In the event you’d fairly follow the seashore, there are a number of alternatives for kitesurfing leases and classes. Or, in case you desire sticking to the sands and watching the waves, you’ll doubtless additionally catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales, migratory birds, and perhaps even a turtle.
Getting there: Punta Paloma is about 6 miles (10km) northwest of Tarifa, and it’s solely linked by bus through the summer time months. Tarifa is well reached by automobile or bus from Málaga, Gibraltar, Jerez, or Seville, all of which have worldwide airports.
11. Punta Rata Seashore, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia
Dreamy Punta Rata extends 1312ft (400m) round a headland protected by a nature reserve in a magical place the place the Aleppo pine forests meet the cool, clear Adriatic Sea. One of many Croatian coast’s most beautiful seashores, the aromatic pine groves present shade, whereas the deep blue waters provide perfect temperatures above 70°F (20°C) from June to October) for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. This seashore is pure bliss. Linger on the close by promenade to catch the magnificent sunsets, when the sky glows with deep orangey-reds and neon pinks, because the solar dips under the pine-dotted outcrop that rises from the ocean.
Getting there: The seashore is on the northwest fringe of Brela (simply reached by strolling or biking), round 31 miles (50km) southeast of Cut up on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Cut up has a global airport and good bus hyperlinks to Brela (1 hour).
12. West Seashore, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
The seashores of the Outer Hebrides appear like they belong someplace tropical fairly than the North Atlantic shores of Scotland. West Seashore is among the many most picturesque – its powdery sands meet each the jewel-like green-blue waters and machair (grazing land). The wilds of this shoreline make it appear like an untouched paradise, however these three miles (5km) of coast are a draw for vacationers in addition to locals. The courageous may go for a swim in these chilly waters that hardly ever get above 55°F (13°C), nevertheless it’s a paradise for beachcombers, bird-watchers, and hikers. The grassy elevated dunes provide the proper perch for pristine views of the seashore and the very best place to identify cormorants, gannets and extra. Come within the spring, when the encompassing panorama is a burst of coloration because of the wildflowers that develop in abundance.
Getting there: Stretching alongside all the west coast of Berneray, you will must catch a ferry from Leverburgh in neighboring Harris (the southern half of the Outer Hebrides’ important island) to get right here. There are flights from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Southampton to Stornoway Airport in Lewis (the northern half of the principal island), which additionally has ferry hyperlinks. You’ll need a automobile to discover; ebook the ferry upfront.
13. Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland
Iceland’s Rauðasandur is a wild, 6-mile-long (10km) magnificence with breathtaking sea cliffs and a turquoise lagoon that snakes via a sprawl of pink, orange and pink sand – colours from crushed scallop shells. Positioned within the Westfjords, it’ll really feel as if in case you have the seashore to your self, save from the corporate of gray and harbor seals that generally frolic on the shore. Rauðasandur additionally has some wonderful mountain climbing trails. It’s attainable to stroll to the well-known Látrabjarg chicken cliffs the place hundreds of puffins, razorbills, gannets, and terns collect through the hotter months.
Getting there: Rauðasandur sits 19 miles (30km) south of Patreksfjörður within the Westfjords, reachable on a 1-hour flight from Reykjavík. It is a 640-mile (400 km) drive from Reykjavík, or you possibly can catch the Baldur automobile ferry to Rauðasandur from Stykkishólmur, 106 miles (170 km) north of the capital. The usually-unpaved roads in The Westfjords require time, persistence, planning and a sturdy 4WD car.
14. Pink Seashore, Padar Island, Komodo Nationwide Park, Indonesia
Solely a handful of seashores on the planet have the rosy, cotton-candy sands of Pink Seashore, positioned inside Komodo Nationwide Park. Its distinctive hue comes from deep pink organ pipe corals which have damaged down offshore over centuries and blended with the nice white sand grains to supply the tender, pink shoreline. With an abundance of coral, the seashore is a well-liked snorkeling spot – faculties of tropical fish love the reefs too. Easy seashore huts dot the shoreline right here, providing drinks and easy meals in addition to the one shade on the sun-drenched seashore. Pink Seashore is standard with vacationers; arrive early or simply earlier than sundown for a quieter expertise.
Getting there: On the northwest shore of Padar Island, round 25 miles (40km) from Labuan Bajo, Pink Seashore can solely be visited on a day tour from the fishing city or a personal day liveaboard cruise.
15. Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark
The wild Baltic Sea surrounds Denmark’s sunniest island, Bornholm. Famed for its crisp pure mild, head to Dueodde on the southern tip to see why. The solar’s rays kiss the pearl-colored sands and make the tender jade and cerulean waves at this beautiful seashore shimmer. Wading via the shallow water right here appears like stepping right into a portray. Within the night, its sunsets flip the sky pink, orange, and yellow. While the campsites and cafes are busy in the summertime, do not rule out visiting within the winter when the locals toboggan down the snow-covered sand dunes. For the very best views, climb the 196 steps to the highest of Dueodde’s blue-and-white Nineteen Sixties lighthouse.
Getting there: Dueodde’s important patch of seashore is 6.2 miles (10 km) south of Nexø, on the southern finish of Bornholm, round 125 miles (200 km) east of Copenhagen. There are automobile parks at close by Fyrvejen and Skrokkegard. Bornholm Airport has year-round 35-minute flights to and from Copenhagen, in addition to seasonal hyperlinks with Berlin, Aarhus and others. There are additionally common ferry companies to and from Ystad in Sweden (1¼ hours).
16. Keem Bay Seashore, Keel, County Mayo, Eire
A brief 4.9-mile (8km) drive from Keel village, on the western finish of County Mayo’s Achill Island, is one among Eire’s most wonderful, secluded bays: Keem Bay Seashore. The verdant inexperienced hillsides spill all the way down to a deep-set horseshoe-shaped bay, the place a pale-blonde seashore sits framed by the Croaghaun Cliffs and the swell of the wild Atlantic. Tucked away beneath the cliffs, the bay affords calm (if cool) waters. Swimmers and snorkelers can each benefit from the mild sea right here. Launch a kayak from the shore through the hotter summer time months for fabulous views of the agricultural Eire from the water. You may also catch a glimpse of pods of dolphins, which generally swim and feed by the bay.
Getting there: Keem Bay is accessible alongside western Achill Island’s snaking R319 street. The closest airport is Eire West Airport Knock, 59 miles (95km) east of Achill Island, or a 1½-hour drive away, with some worldwide flights.
17. Ruby Seashore, Olympic Nationwide Park, Washington, USA
Two miles (3.2km) south of the Hoh River and bordered by a rainforest, Ruby Seashore is a superb introduction to Washington State and the US’ Pacific Northwest. It seems like waters have lashed wildly in opposition to the shoreline right here till timber have toppled and the ocean are stacks discovered with a swirling froth crashing at their ft. It is nice for beachcombers—agates, garnets and sea glass all glitter within the sand—however there may be treasure inside its tide swimming pools, too. Anemones, sea urchins, purple starfish and skittering crabs, make it a wonderland for kids and adults alike.
Getting there: Ruby Seashore is on the southwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula and borders Hwy 101, which loops across the peninsula and the nationwide park. The seashore is 172 miles (277km) west of Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport.
18. Stanhope Seashore, Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park, PEI, Canada
Stanhope at Prince Edward Island Nationwide Park has a few of Canada’s greatest seashores. Glistening wetlands meet the north coast of the Atlantic, with 25 miles (40km) of seashore framed by rolling dunes that present refuge for the endangered piping plover chicken. Boardwalks hover above the red-gold sand, and provide lovely views of the coast whereas additionally connecting the dunes to the shoreline. Throughout summer time the water is heat sufficient for swimming and there’s a well-liked campsite among the many timber simply again from Stanhope Foremost Seashore, so you possibly can keep for the gorgeous sundown and get up to the lapping of the waves in opposition to the shore.
Getting there: Stanhope Seashore is round 12 miles (20km) north of Charlottetown, PEI’s provincial capital, which has flights to Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa and elsewhere in Canada. You can even attain PEI by street from New Brunswick or by ferry from Nova Scotia. The nationwide park is open year-round, however seashore services are solely out there from mid-Could to early autumn.
19. Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India
For a secluded seashore the place it feels as if time has slowed down, look to Radhanagar. Positioned on India’s distant and exquisite Andaman Islands, this dreamy spot with the softest of sand kisses a vivid inexperienced forest stuffed with historical species discovered nowhere else on earth. The area’s pure magnificence is the primary draw right here: come for a number of the most interesting diving and snorkeling in India, look out for an elephant or two strolling alongside the shoreline, and collect with the locals who spend their evenings chatting because the solar units casting blazing coral hues throughout the sky.
Getting there: The remoted Andaman Islands sit nearly 870 miles (1400km) east of mainland India, so getting right here is a part of the journey. Fly into Port Blair (the small regional capital, on South Andaman), then catch a two-hour ferry to Swaraj Dweep. Radhanagar awaits on the island’s northwest coast, with a few eco-luxe resorts hidden among the many timber.
20. Pacifico Seashore, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
A secret amongst surfers till pretty lately, Pacifico Seashore is a picture-perfect tropical seashore with azure-colored lagoon waters, coconut palm-shaded sands and a beautiful low-key vibe. When a devastating storm flattened the area in 2021, the locals’ resilience received out and the island staged an unbelievable comeback. Many houses and companies, together with a handful of locations to remain and eat in Pacifico, rebuilt and reopened inside the yr. That is one place the place tourism is crucial to the island’s ongoing restoration. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for an idyllic seashore to calm down or a paddle throughout the lagoon for a left-hand reef break, Pacifico Seashore and the fledgling seashore city of Siargao is the place you wish to be.
Getting there: Pacifico Seashore is 13 miles (21km) or a 30-minute drive north of Surigao’s home airport, and 31 miles (50km) north of the island’s important tourism hub, Common Luna. The drive from the latter, sometimes undertaken by rental scooter, takes simply over an hour, however most guests make a day of it, lingering on the many viewpoints and different points of interest alongside the way in which.
21. Plage de Ta’ahiamanu, Moorea, French Polynesia
It’s not that usually once you discover a public seashore that appears like a (considerably) personal slice of paradise. But once you attain Plage de Ta’ahiamanu on the uniquely attractive French Polynesian island of Moorea, you’ll uncover one of many area’s most lovely seashores sporting tender sand, turquoise water, perfect situations for swimming and snorkeling at sea, and even some nice alternatives to identify native wildlife like tropical fish and sea turtles. And although this seashore generally appears like a distant nirvana, it’s open every single day and free to the general public.
Getting there: Plage de Ta’ahiamanu may be accessed from the primary coastal street that wraps across the whole island. It’s a couple of 10 mile (or 16km) drive west of Moorea Airport, and it normally takes lower than half-hour. It’s additionally solely a couple of 15-minute (or 1km) stroll from the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, and it’s inside strolling distance of a number of extra accommodations and inns.
22. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
There could also be no scarcity of phenomenal seashores abutting the Mediterranean Sea, but there’s no European seashore fairly like Plage de Palombaggia on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. Sure, this seashore tends to attract main crowds, particularly throughout peak summer time season. However so long as you’re prepared to courageous the crowds, you can be rewarded with a protracted and storied stretch of white sand seashore, glowing turquoise water that’s simply swimmable, and seemingly limitless vistas that make this one of many world’s most lovely seashores.
Getting there: Plage de Palombaggia is a reasonably simple 7 mile (or 11km) journey southeast of Porto-Vecchio—aside from, after all, the windy Route de Palombaggia that leads from the RT10 freeway all the way down to the seashore. Parking is normally out there by the seashore, however it’s possible you’ll wish to arrive early through the summer time season, as areas replenish rapidly.
23. Gardner Bay, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Positioned on Española Island, the southernmost of the Galapagos Islands, Gardner Bay would be the most visitor-friendly of Española’s seashores. Stretching for over a mile (or 2km), this white sand seashore is a favourite amongst native sea lions and vacationers searching for optimum relaxation and leisure. But for these wanting extra journey, relaxation assured that Gardner Bay is a superb launchpad for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. At sea, put together to see some sea turtles, marine iguanas, loads of colourful tropical fish, and perhaps even a white-tipped reef shark. At land, it’s possible you’ll spot animals like Hood mockingbirds, Galapagos hawks, and lava lizards along with the famed sea lions.
Getting there: Merely put, you possibly can solely attain Gardner Bay by boat. You may both go for a tour main from San Cristobal Island, or you are able to do a multi-day cruise across the Galapagos Islands that features a cease on Española.
24. Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Regardless that Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is Costa Rica’s smallest, it’s nonetheless turn into Costa Rica’s hottest nationwide park. When you attain Playa Manuel Antonio, you possibly can see for your self why it’s so standard. Nestled alongside a sheltered bay, Playa Manuel Antonio is blessed with calm turquoise water, a beautiful stretch of fresh blonde sand, and an abundance of native wildlife. Not solely do three species of monkeys (howler, white-faced, and squirrel) name this seashore and this park residence, however so do sloths, toucans, iguanas, and lots of extra animals. And every time you need to use some change of surroundings, benefit from the park’s trails to expertise extra of this extremely lovely Costa Rican rainforest.
Getting there: This seashore is positioned inside Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, which is a couple of 106 mile (or 171km) drive south of San José. If you wish to keep someplace nearer to the park, one can find some accommodations simply to the north of the park entrance. For extra lodging, the city of Quepos is about 5 miles (or 7.5km) away.
25. Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Parque Nacional Jaragua, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana could have a number of the Dominican Republic’s most well-known seashores, however Playa Bahía de las Águilas on the opposite aspect of the nation is most definitely among the best seashores on the planet. This seashore options 5 miles (or 8km) of diamond white sand, dazzlingly clear turquoise water, and an abundance of native wildlife because of its location inside the UNESCO-recognized Jaragua Nationwide Park. You may get to see some starfish and stingrays within the water, and at land you possibly can discover one of many Caribbean’s best-protected expanses of subtropical dry forest.
Getting there: As a result of its location close to the southwestern tip of the Dominican Republic, Playa Bahía de las Águilas is way from the nation’s main tourism hubs. It’s a couple of 192 mile (or 309km) drive west of Santo Domingo, and it’s about 313 miles (or 503km) west of Punta Cana. You can find just a few inns and lodges across the close by city of Cabo Rojo, the place you possibly can take a ship to the seashore.
