Beach vacations are one of the most popular getaways for travelers looking for a change of pace. And while many beachgoers are satisfied with the beautiful sands of Mexico and Florida, there are so many more incredible beaches destinations around the world. With around 372,000 miles of coastline on earth, there are beaches to suit every type of traveler – the adventure seeker, the sun worshiper, the wildlife fanatic, and more.
After analyzing tens of millions of user reviews, the travel experts at TripAdvisor have determined which beaches are the best in the world. And yes, old favorites in Hawaii and the Caribbean are on the list. However, this year’s top beaches also include some not-so-typical beach destinations located all over the globe.
Where Are the World’s Best Beaches?
TripAdvisor’s list of the best beaches in the world encompasses sandy shores all over the world. The only U.S. beach to crack the top 10 is Kaanapali Beach in Maui (#10). Some, like Varadero Beach in Cuba (#9) and Sicily’s Spiaggia dei Conigli (#8) are known for beautiful sands and clean waters. Others, including Radhanagar Beach in India (#7), and Portugal’s Praia de Falésia (#6) boast fantastic sunsets and stunning natural beauty.
Read on to find out which beaches are ranked the top 5 in the world:
5. Grace Bay Beach, Turks And Caicos
Located on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay Beach is a beautiful destination with white sands, calm turquoise waters, and no rocks or seaweed. The beach is home to many of the island’s best resorts, and there are plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars nearby. Many visitors enjoy taking a sunset cruise to take in the beauty of the surrounding area.
4. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Reynisfjara beach is one of Iceland’s most dangerous places. Powerful waves, strong currents, and frequent rockfalls mean that visitors need to be extra cautious. The water is wild and frigid, and swimming is not allowed here, so why is it such a popular beach? Visitors come to see the otherworldly rock formations and black sands and awe at the dramatic ocean. The caves, basalt columns, and sea stacks make for great photo ops and are a perfect spot to sit and ponder the power of nature.
3. Cable Beach, Australia
Tucked along Australia’s northwestern coast is Cable Beach – 13 miles of white sand that stretch alongside the Indian Ocean. Cable beach boasts the most spectacular sunsets, especially when the tide is out and the expansive beach is exposed and reflects the colors of the sky.
Even during its peak season, May – October, the beach is uncrowded, meaning visitors have plenty of space to swim, fish, kayak, or surf. However, many visitors choose to explore the beach by less traditional means – on camelback. Camel tours are popular, especially during the golden hour when the sun sinks into the sea.
2. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba’s Eagle Beach is exactly what many people envision when they think of the ideal Caribbean beach. Soft white sands, warm tropical waters, chilled-out vibes, and maybe a few cocktails while lounging under an umbrella. There are several resorts along the beach, and those areas can be crowded, but a short (or long) walk down the beach will leave visitors feeling they’ve found their own private utopia.
1. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
Getting to the world’s best beach is quite an ordeal. As if reaching the small island of Fernando de Noronha 220 miles off the coast of Brazil wasn’t adventure enough, once there, visitors need to descend 100 ft. down ladders and stone steps before reaching the beach.
After all that hard work, visitors are rewarded with a secluded crescent of golden sand and turquoise waters full of colorful marine life. Even with the title of the World’s Best Beach, Baia do Sancho is often uncrowded, meaning some lucky beachgoers could have an entire paradise all to themselves.
(https://www.traveloffpath.com/these-are-the-worlds-top-beaches-according-to-tripadvisor/)
