Every year, TripAdvisor users vote for their favourite beach in the world, with the top 20 being published by the travel company.
In 2020, Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands was crowned as number one. However, surprisingly it didn’t even make the list this year. In fact, only two beaches in Australia do feature on it, one of which made the top three.
Considering there are over 10,000 beaches in the Lucky Country, this might raise an eyebrow or two. Although when you see the list, it would be hard for even the most parochial of Aussie beach lovers to argue that the other 18 don’t deserve a place on it.
So which ones are they? Here are the top 20 beaches in the world in 2023 according to users of TripAdvisor.
20. Nungwi Beach, Tanzania
Nestled on the northern coast of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Nungwi Beach offers a picturesque tropical setting with palm trees lining the shore and traditional wooden fishing boats dotting the horizon. The beach is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming.
It is also a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, with nearby reefs housing a diverse range of tropical fish, colourful corals, and other fascinating marine creatures.
As the sun sets, it also comes alive with beach bars, live music, and bonfires. Making it a great place to enjoy a refreshing drink, sample local cuisine, and dance to African rhythms.
Away from the sand, visitors to Nungwi Beach can also explore nearby attractions such as the Nungwi Natural Aquarium, where you can learn about marine conservation efforts and see sea turtles up close.
19. Ipanema Beach, Brazil
Ipanema Beach is a world-famous beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the country’s most iconic and vibrant beaches, known for its stunning natural beauty, lively atmosphere, and cultural significance.
Situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Ipanema, the beach stretches about 2 kilometres along the coast, bordered by the Two Brothers Mountain (Morro Dois Irmãos) in the background. It boasts soft, white sand and the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ipanema Beach gained international recognition through the famous bossa nova song ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ and has since become synonymous with the carefree beach culture of Rio de Janeiro.
The beach is divided into different sections, each attracting a diverse crowd, from locals to tourists, and offers vibrant activities and attractions. Posto 9, in particular, is famous for its bohemian vibe and attracts artists, musicians, and free spirits.
One of the notable features of the beach is the postos, or lifeguard stations, which serve as
landmarks and meeting points along the coast.
Its waterfront promenade, known as the ‘Calçadão’, is lined with kiosks, bars, and restaurants offering various food and drink options. Visitors can enjoy refreshing caipirinhas, traditional Brazilian snacks, and delicious seafood while enjoying the stunning beach views.
18. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Playa Manuel Antonio is a stunning beach located within Manuel Antonio National Park along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
One of the country’s most beautiful beaches, Playa Manuel Antonio offers a picturesque setting with soft golden sands, turquoise waters, and a backdrop of dense rainforest. The beach is nestled between two rocky headlands, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere.
Playa Manuel Antonio is a terrific spot for swimming and sunbathing. The waters are generally calm, making families and novice swimmers safe. Snorkelling is also popular at Playa Manuel Antonio, as the surrounding coral reefs are teeming with colourful marine life.
The national park surrounding the beach offers hiking trails where visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, and coastal areas. These trails often provide breathtaking viewpoints of the beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Facilities at Playa Manuel Antonio include restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and food vendors, ensuring visitors have access to basic amenities during their beach visit.
17. Playa de Muro Beach, Spain
Playa de Muro Beach is a famous and picturesque beach on the northeastern coast of Mallorca, Spain. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and fine white sand.
The beach stretches for approximately 6 kilometres along the Bay of Alcudia, making it one of the longest beaches on the island. Its soft, golden sand provides a comfortable place for sunbathing, and the clear waters are ideal for swimming and other water activities like windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The gradual slope of the seabed makes it a family-friendly beach, as the water remains shallow for quite a distance from the shore.
The beach is backed by the Albufera Natural Park, a protected wetland area known for its rich biodiversity. Nature lovers will appreciate its scenic beauty as they can explore its various trails and wildlife.
16. Kelingking Beach, Bali
Kelingking Beach is an Insta-famous beach you’ll instantly recognise.
Situated on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida, a small island southeast of Bali, Indonesia, it has gained immense popularity for its dramatic cliff formation resembling a T-Rex shape, offering visitors a stunning and unique natural landscape.
The highlight of Kelingking Beach is the towering limestone cliff that plunges dramatically into the
crystal-clear turquoise waters below. From the top of the cliff, you can see incredible panoramic views of the beach and the vast Indian Ocean.
To access the beach, you must navigate a steep, challenging trail descending from the cliff top. The trail can be rugged and requires caution and proper footwear. However, the effort is well worth it, as the pristine white sandy beach awaits at the bottom.
Once at the beach, visitors can enjoy the picturesque setting, relax on the sand, and take a refreshing swim. However, it’s important to note that ocean currents can be strong, so you should exercise caution if venturing into the water.
15. La Concha Beach, Spain
La Concha Beach is considered one of Europe’s most stunning urban beaches. It’s located in San Sebastian, Spain, and is surrounded by two hills, Urgull and Igueldo, creating a breathtaking bay that opens to the Cantabrian Sea.
The beach spans 1.5 kilometres and is known for its clear turquoise waters and fine golden sand. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque setting, surrounded by elegant architecture, lush gardens, and a lively Paseo de la Concha promenade. They can also stroll on the promenade for breathtaking views of the bay and the city skyline.
The beach is ideal for swimming and aqua activities as the waters are generally calm, and lifeguards are available during summer. Rental facilities are also available for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats for visitors to explore the bay from a different perspective. At the beach’s western end lies a small Isla de Santa Clara, which offers additional beach space and hiking trails. You can easily get to it by boat.
14. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is a world-renowned beach located on the western coast of Grand Cayman, the largest island of the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.
Despite its name, Seven Mile Beach stretches for about 8.9 kilometres along the coast. It is renowned for its soft, powdery sand that feels like walking on silk, making it a delight for sunbathing, strolling, and building sandcastles.
The calm and gentle waters of Seven Mile Beach are also conducive to a wide range of water activities. They include kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing. Scuba diving enthusiasts can also explore the nearby dive sites, including the famous Kittiwake Wreck.
Beyond its natural beauty, Seven Mile Beach is near George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. Visitors can explore the city’s shopping districts, enjoy local cuisine, and learn about the island’s rich history and culture.
The beach is also dotted with restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, where visitors can indulge in delicious Caribbean cuisine, sip tropical cocktails, and enjoy live music.
13. Manly Beach, Australia
Manly Beach is one of Sydney, Australia’s most iconic and popular beaches.
On the northern side of Sydney Harbour, Manly Beach is easily accessible from the city by a scenic ferry ride or a short drive. The beach stretches for about 1.5 kilometres and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
The southern end of Manly Beach, South Steyne, is a popular surf spot due to its consistent waves. Surf schools operate in this area, providing lessons for beginners and equipment rental for those looking to catch their first wave.
Over in the central section of Manly Beach, North Steyne, is a hub of activity. It features a paved promenade known as The Corso, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors here can enjoy a nice walk while browsing boutique stores and sampling delicious local cuisine. The Corso also connects the beach to the Manly Wharf, where the ferry arrives and departs, making it a bustling area for locals and tourists.
The northern end of Manly Beach, Queenscliff, offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. It is an excellent spot for families and those seeking a peaceful beach experience. The beach here is generally less crowded, and grassy areas are perfect for picnics and barbecues.
12. Driftwood Beach, Georgia
Driftwood Beach, on Jekyll Island in Georgia, USA, is a unique and mesmerising coastal destination known for its hauntingly beautiful landscape.
It is part of the larger Jekyll Island State Park, offering diverse natural habitats, including maritime forests, marshes, and pristine beaches. The beach itself stretches for over 3 km. It is characterised by its collection of driftwood and fallen trees that have been sculpted by the elements over time.
The striking visuals of Driftwood Beach make it a photographer’s paradise, offering countless opportunities for capturing stunning and dramatic images. The skeletal remains of the trees, often sun-bleached and weathered, stand as unique works of art against the sandy shore and the expansive Atlantic Ocean.
Visitors to Driftwood Beach can explore the beach’s tranquil surroundings. Its remote location and serene atmosphere make it a perfect spot for relaxation, reflection, and connecting with nature.
While swimming is not advised due to strong currents and shifting sands, Driftwood Beach is an excellent place for beachcombing, particularly birdwatching, as the beach attracts various coastal species.
11. Siesta Key Beach, USA
Tucked away on a barrier island off the southwestern coast of Florida, Siesta Key Beach is championed as one of America’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. Its powdery white sands, clear turquoise waters, and natural beauty have earned it numerous accolades, including being named the number-one beach in the United States by Dr Beach in 2020.
The beach is known for its incredibly soft and fine quartz sand, which has a cool, powdery texture that feels wonderful underfoot. The sand is so unique that it’s often described as fine as powdered sugar or flour. Not only does it feel amazing on your feet, but it also remains cool even on the hottest
days, making it comfortable for walking and lounging.
Siesta Key Beach is expansive, stretching about 13 kilometres, providing plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach games. There are also designated areas for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty throughout the year.
The clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico are also perfect for swimming and snorkelling – during their time at the beach, visitors may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine animals.
Additionally, the beach is known for its stunning sunsets, and many visitors gather along the shore to witness the vibrant colours illuminating the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.
10. Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii
Ka’anapali Beach is a world-renowned beach destination in Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
One of its iconic landmarks is Black Rock (Pu’u Keka’a), a lava peninsula at the beach’s northern end. It is a popular spot for cliff diving and offers fantastic snorkelling opportunities. Tourists can witness ceremonial cliff diving at sunset, a tradition honouring ancient Hawaiian warriors.
Stretching for about 4.8 kilometres along the west coast of Maui, Ka’anapali Beach is known for its excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions. Snorkelers can discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles.
It also has plenty of luxury resorts, hotels, and condominiums, lining its oceanfront. Many offer direct access to the beach and provide amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and beachside service.
9. Varadero Beach,Cuba
Varadero Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Caribbean, attracting visitors worldwide.
Nestled on the Hicacos Peninsula in Cuba, it is renowned for its stunning 20 km stretch of powdery soft brilliant white sand, creating a striking contrast against the vibrant blue hues of the ocean.
Varadero Beach is known for its well-developed tourist infrastructure. Its beachfront is flanked by all-inclusive resorts, hotels, and beach clubs offering amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, water sports equipment rentals, and beachside service.
It also has a tropical climate that ensures warm temperatures and sunshine throughout the year. Therefore, it is an appealing destination for beach lovers seeking a winter or summer getaway.
8. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
Spiaggia dei Conigli is a stunning beach on the island of Lampedusa in southern Italy.
Facing the Mediterranean Sea, the beach is named after the wild rabbits that inhabit the surrounding dunes and vegetation, thus giving it a unique charm.
One of the notable features of Spiaggia dei Conigli is its pristine and undeveloped surroundings. The area is part of the Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Lampedusa, a protected nature reserve that
safeguards the beach’s natural ecosystem. Therefore, it has no large hotels, resorts, or beachfront infrastructure to affect its natural allure.
The beach is defined by its fine, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, nature walks, and birdwatching opportunities. As it resides in a remote protected reserve, it receives fewer visitors than other beaches on this list.
7. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman Islands
Radhanagar Beach is also known as Beach No. 7, which is convenient because it occupies that position on TripAdvisor’s list.
A pristine and picturesque beach located on Havelock Island in the Andaman Islands of India, the beach is relatively small at just 2 km long. However, what it may lack in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty.
The beach is known for its white sand, turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and sunbathing. It is also lined with lush greenery, including swaying palm trees and tropical foliage, which creates a picturesque backdrop.
Radhanagar Beach is a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers. The coral reefs near the shore are teeming with vibrant marine life, including colourful fish, turtles, and various species of coral.
To make the most of this paradise, the best time to visit it is between the dry season, which typically extends from November to April.
6. Praia da Falesia, Portugal
Praia da Falesia is a spectacular beach in Olhos de Agua, a coastal village in the Albufeira municipality of the Algarve in Portugal.
It offers a picturesque and tranquil setting for visitors to enjoy, comprising dramatic cliffs, 6 km of golden sand and azure waters.
The name ‘Falesia’ refers to the stunning reddish cliffs that tower over the beach, creating a striking contrast against the blue hues of the Atlantic Ocean. These cliffs are composed of sedimentary rock layers and showcase the region’s geological history.
The beach is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The Blue Flag status has been awarded to it, indicating its high environmental and safety standards.
Praia da Falesia is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with many people partaking in windsurfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. Additionally, natural tidal pools are formed on the beach during low tide, providing a unique opportunity for children and families to explore and splash in shallow waters.
5. Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Found on the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, this fantastic 19 km beach
boasts soft powdery sand composed of crushed coral and shells.
Its turquoise waters are so clear, and one could easily be forgiven for thinking they could drink it. Subsequently, snorkelling is popular, as the beach is fringed by a vibrant coral reef system teeming with colourful marine life. Scuba diving excursions are also available for those who wish to explore the deeper waters and discover hidden treasures.
Other activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing are also regularly practised. At the same time, visitors can also indulge in delicious local cuisine and sip cocktails while enjoying the ocean views at one of the waterfront cafes and restaurants.
4. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
Coming in at number four is Reynisfjara Beach. It is one of the world’s most unique and striking beaches, a stunning black sand beach near the village of Vík í Mýrdal on the South Coast of Iceland.
Known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, powerful waves, and stunning rock formations, the contrast between the dark sand, crashing waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding basalt cliffs create a mesmerising and otherworldly atmosphere.
One of the main attractions at Reynisfjara Beach is the impressive Reynisdrangar sea stacks. These towering basalt rock formations rise dramatically from the sea. They are said to be petrified trolls from ancient Icelandic folklore. The sea stacks and the nearby Dyrhólaey peninsula provide a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration.
Another notable feature of Reynisfjara Beach is the basalt column cave known as Hálsanefshellir. This cave offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and witness the fascinating geology of the area up close.
3. Cable Beach, Western Australia
Cable Beach in Broome is one of Australia’s most famous beaches.
Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, long stretches of white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the beach was famously named after the telegraph cable between Broome and Java in the late 19th century. It extends more than 22 km and is well known for its incredible sunsets.
The beach faces the Indian Ocean, and the vast expanse of the horizon creates a perfect setting for witnessing the spectacular colours as the sun dips below it. Visitors often gather along the shoreline or take camel rides along the beach to capture the captivating beauty of the sunset.
Cable Beach is also known for its tidal movements, which create unique patterns and expose extensive intertidal mudflats during low tide. This phenomenon offers opportunities for mudflat exploration and observing the diverse marine life that inhabits the area.
Also notable about the beach are the iconic red cliffs that line parts of the shoreline. These ancient Pindan soil cliffs provide a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters, adding to the beach’s visual appeal.
2. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Just missing out on the top spot is Eagle Beach, located on the Caribbean island of Aruba.
Not far from the capital city of Oranjestad, the 3.2 km beach is particularly famous for its iconic Divi Divi trees, which dot the shoreline and provide natural shade for beachgoers. These unique trees, characterised by their distinctive bent shape, are synonymous with the Aruban landscape, creating a picturesque backdrop for photos and beach walking.
The beach is known for its uncrowded and tranquil setting, providing a sense of serenity and relaxation for those who visit. It also features idyllic, powdery sand that is exceptionally soft and cool.
Additionally, Eagle Beach is also known for its commitment to environmental preservation. It has been awarded the rare Blue Flag beach status, which signifies its high standards of cleanliness, water quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.
1. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
So which beach made it to number 1?
That would be Baia do Sancho Beach, on the island of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.
Anyone who has been there will tell you it’s a worthy winner, as the coastal paradise comprises pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush natural surroundings that are incredibly beautiful.
Baia do Sancho is in a secluded cove, surrounded by towering cliffs covered in vibrant green vegetation. Access to the beach is through a staircase carved into the cliffside, adding to the sense of adventure and exclusivity.
The beach is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, with vibrant marine life and coral reefs providing an underwater spectacle of colourful and fascinating sea creatures.
Its unspoiled and untouched natural beauty is primarily due to it being part of the Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park. This protected area ensures the preservation of the island’s ecosystem. As a result, the beach remains pristine and free from excessive development, maintaining its natural charm and tranquillity.
For this reason, to visit it, tourists are required to obtain a permit in advance, as the number of daily visitors is restricted to preserve the environment and ensure a sustainable tourism experience.