Incredible Beaches Around the World

1. Fitzroy Island

Situated just off the coast of Djujbirri, Fitzroy Island is surrounded by a barrier reef system that forms portions of gorgeous Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Most of the island's lands are protected within beautiful Fitzroy Island National Park, which is populated by lush rainforest habitats. Preserved historic lighthouses can be toured throughout the year along Lighthouse Road. Stunning Nudey Beach offers excellent conditions for stand-up paddleboarding and glass-bottom sea kayaking. Map

2. Baia do Sancho Beach Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Baia do Sancho Beach is located in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago off the northeast coast of Brazil. The beach can be reached via an island trail, or by boat. A surreal ambience is created by the soft white sand beach, crystal clear emerald waters, and surrounding towering cliffs. The archipelago is a protected marine park, so there are times of the year when beach access at Baia do Sancho is limited. Visitors traveling to the island during rainy season (February through June) need to be off the beach by noon when it closes for egg-laying turtles. Visiting during rainy season offers an added bonus of two gorgeous waterfalls that cascade from the cliffs to the sea. Map of Baia do Sancho Beach Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

3. Bondi Beach, Australia

Bondi Beach is one of Australia’s most famous beaches. This iconic 1.5 km stretch of sand offers a laidback beach culture visitors are sure to love. Sandstone headlands are at either end of the beach offering a coastal walking experience with epic views of the beach and ocean. This part of the ocean is one of the best for snorkeling and diving. The waves at the south end of the beach are dotted with skilled surfers, and there are plenty of surf schools to help visitors up their own skills. Campbell Parade is a street overlooking Bondi Beach where swimmers can grab fish and chips to-go. Bondi Beach Map

Sydney Visitor Center, The Rocks – Shop 1-2, Playfair/Argyle Streets, Sydney, Phone: +02-82-73-00-00

4. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico

Flamenco Beach in Culebra, Puerto Rico has been hailed the world’s second-most beautiful beach by the Discovery Channel. This easily accessible beach is a prime location for sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming, lounging around, and even camping. The beach’s soft white sand stretches the entire length of Flamenco Bay offering visitors plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the Caribbean sun.

Several beach vendors supply tents, umbrellas, chairs, camping gear, and barbecue gear, along with drinks and food. This stretch of beach is also the only place to camp on Culebra Island. Guests will be able to take freshwater showers during early evening. There is also potable water, and bathrooms.

Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico Tourism, Edificio Galería 100, Cabo Rojo, PR, Phone: 787-721-2400

5. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is about as close to perfect as a beach can get with its white sand leading to gorgeous calm waters.

Visitors can engage in several watersport activities like parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet-skiing. A wide promenade winds its way along the beachfront with numerous cafés and restaurants along the way. Pier 60 extends from the beach over the water and provides a magical space for beachgoers once the sun begins to go down. The pier is a popular place to watch the sunset. At dusk, the pier is alive with buskers, crafters, and local artisans while music pours from Pier 60 Pavilion.

419 East Shore Drive, Clearwater Beach, FL, Phone: 727-298-2600, Map

6. Dreamland Beach, Bali

Travelers itching to explore Bali’s ‘hidden’ beaches will want to include Dreamland Beach. Living up to its name, this white sand beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs offering the seclusion beachgoers crave. Dreamland Beach is located along the otherwise craggy coastline of Bukit Peninsula that has seen huge development in recent years. Still, the beach manages to hang onto its rugged charm. Beachgoers can rent beach gear like chairs and umbrellas, or get an oceanfront massage. Surfers will love the waves in front of the beach, but advanced surfers will head to either end of the beach to the Balangan or the Impossibles – world-class reef breaks. Dreamland Beach, Bali Map

7. Glass Beach, USA

Glass Beach used to be wildly popular with artists and jewelers because of all the sea glass the beach is named for. Conservation efforts to keep the sea glass from disappearing have made it so the only souvenirs visitors can take from the beach now is photos.

The colorful sea glass treasures are the result of the ocean wearing on discarded glass bottles and jars from a trash dump site. Beachgoers can access the otherwise pebbly beach via a wide path from the Glass Beach Road parking area. Kids will love the colorful beach too, but the water is unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. It’s a great place for tidepooling, hiking, and beachcombing at low tide.

Glass Beach, USA , MacKerricher State Park, Glass Beach Drive, Fort Bragg, CA, Phone: 707-937-5804

8. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Grace Bay Beach is located on the island of Providenciales, also known as Provo, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Provo Island is both the most developed and the most loved, regularly earning “Best Beach” accolades from the World Travel Awards.

On the island’s northern end, Grace Bay Beach provides visitors with an astounding 12 miles of glistening white sand, turquoise waters, and a coral reef with ample aquatic life – perfect for snorkelers. This part of the island is also home to Princess Alexandra Marine Park, and various watersports like wakeboarding, diving, and fishing. Map of Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos