Palm trees on the beach and very clear water: simply dreamy! A good beach holiday mainly requires two things: the right destination and good planning. Think of thorough research, a complete packing list and the right insurance coverage so that you can enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.
Summary of the most important points:
- The 10 most beautiful beaches in the world: Currently, Whitehaven Beach (Australia) and Cala Goloritzé (Italy) top the list of the world’s most beautiful beaches. And of course, tropical spots also make it into the top 10.
- Alternatives nearby: For a quick getaway, Austria offers beautiful beach resorts with real sand.
- Safety & precautions: Make sure you pack everything important. Avoid dangerous beaches and protect yourself on worldwide trips to the most beautiful beaches with appropriate travel insurance.
The 10 most beautiful beaches in the world
Are you looking for the perfect surf spot, a beach with gentle waves for the family or a secluded bay for pure relaxation? The world offers countless dream destinations by the water. And you have the choice: quick accessibility or exotic adventure. In any case, good research is key – and we are here to support you.
While European coasts in Italy or Greece offer ideal conditions for a spontaneous seaside getaway, long‑haul destinations like the Seychelles or Brazil lure you into a world full of exotic magic.
You don’t yet know which beach to choose? We have compiled the ten most beautiful beaches in the world for you, according to “Condé Nast Traveller” and “World’s 50 Best Beaches.”
The most beautiful beach in the world
According to Condé Nast Traveller, the most beautiful beach in the world is Whitehaven Beach in Australia. It is the crown jewel of the Whitsunday Islands and famous worldwide for its almost 98 percent pure quartz sand, which stays pleasantly cool under your feet even in extreme heat. From the Hill Inlet viewpoint, you can admire the tides and sandbanks particularly well.
The beach is strictly protected and there are no buildings whatsoever. This offers visitors a pristine natural experience that can only be reached by boat or seaplane
2nd place: Cala Goloritzé, Italy
In second place is a European destination that “World’s 50 Best Beaches” declared the most beautiful beach in the world in 2025: Cala Goloritzé. The bay lies on the east coast of Sardinia and is one of the most spectacular places in the Mediterranean. The natural monument is especially famous for its striking 143‑meter high rock needle Aguglia and the impressive natural rock arch that frames the bay.
The beach captivates with turquoise, crystal‑clear water and a bright white pebble shore. The bay is protected and access is strictly regulated. It is only reachable via an approximately one‑hour hike through the Supramonte mountains or by boat.
3rd place: Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent on the Seychelles island of La Digue is considered one of the most photographed beaches in the world – and the epitome of a tropical paradise. Its unique feature is the smooth, massive granite boulders that rise from the sugar‑white sand like sculptural works of art.
The beach is protected by an offshore coral reef, making the water particularly shallow and calm. This makes the bay an ideal, safe spot for a relaxing beach holiday.
Anyone bathing between the striking rock formations in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean experiences a backdrop so perfect that it is often used as a set for Hollywood films – an eternal favourite on every list of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
4th place: Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Bay on the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Leh is one of the most famous beaches in the world, gaining worldwide fame through the film “The Beach.” Enclosed by limestone cliffs up to 100 meters high, it offers an almost closed lagoon with emerald‑green water and silky soft sand.
After being closed from 2018 to 2021 to allow the fragile ecosystem and coral reefs to regenerate, the paradise now shines in full splendour again. Access is now strictly limited to preserve its natural beauty. Boats are no longer allowed to enter the bay directly and visitors may only spend limited time in the water.
5th place: Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach on the Windward Coast of Oahu is the epitome of the Hawaiian island dream. In the local language, Lanikai means “heavenly sea.” What makes this coastal stretch special is the combination of almost still turquoise water and the view of the famous Mokulua Islands, a popular destination for kayakers.
There are no hotels or resorts on the beach. Access is only possible via narrow lanes – helping the beach preserve its charming, exclusive character.
6th place: Pink Sand Beach, Bahamas
Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island in the Bahamas owes its name to a fascinating natural phenomenon. The mixture of white sand and tiny reddish‑coloured organisms washed up from the offshore coral reef gives the coastline a delicate, pastel pink shimmer.
The roughly five‑kilometre stretch of beach looks almost surreal, especially at dawn and dusk, offering a breathtaking contrast to the vivid turquoise of the shallow Atlantic. Even in high temperatures, the sand remains pleasantly cool, letting you stroll barefoot along the coast in comfort.
7th place: Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Matira Beach lies at the southern tip of Bora Bora. It is the island’s only public beach and one of the most pristine places in all of French Polynesia. Because the seabed is covered with fine white sand and there are hardly any currents, being in the water feels like bathing in a giant natural infinity pool.
Especially at sunset, Matira Beach unfolds its full magic when the sky shines in purple hues above the silhouette of Mount Otemanu – an absolute highlight for a romantic beach holiday.
8th place: Baia do Sancho, Brazil
This bay is located on the Brazilian archipelago of Fernando de Noronha and is a secluded natural paradise framed by majestic, vegetated cliffs. It is only accessible by boat or via an adventurous metal ladder through a narrow rock fissure. Once at the bottom, visitors find crystal‑clear, emerald‑green water.
As the beach is part of a protected national park and visitor numbers are strictly limited, you can enjoy exclusive tranquillity far from mass tourism.
9th place: Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands, southeast of the Bahamas in the Caribbean, offer sunshine all year round. Grace Bay Beach impresses with natural beauty: eleven kilometres of fine white sand and calm, turquoise water. What makes the bay special is the absence of rocks, seaweed or debris, creating a unique aesthetic together with the clear Caribbean water.
A huge offshore barrier reef protects the bay from big waves, making it a paradise for a relaxing beach holiday.
10th place: Balos Lagoon, Crete
In tenth place, another European destination makes the list. Balos Lagoon lies on the northwestern tip of Crete. It captivates with shallow, crystal‑clear water basins and gentle waves – ideal for families.
You reach the lagoon via an eight‑kilometre gravel road. The journey may be a bit bumpy, but at the end awaits one of Crete’s most beautiful coastal landscapes.
The Balos Lagoon enchants with its shallow water in various turquoise tones and a fine sandy beach where natural shell fragments give some areas a delicate pink shimmer. The scenery with the offshore island of Gramvousa makes Balos one of the most photographed destinations in Greece.
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Beach resorts & lakes with sandy beaches in Austria
If you prefer not to travel far or are looking for a shorter break, you can also enjoy a beach holiday with sandy shores right here at home. Even though Austria has no sea, you will still find beautiful beach resorts and lakes offering true sandy‑beach vibes. Highlights include:
- Podersdorf on Lake Neusiedl (Burgenland): Affectionately called the “Sea of the Viennese,” Lake Neusiedl is a classic among Austrian sandy beaches. The shallow water and wide sandy shores on the north and south banks make the lake a paradise for families and windsurfers. With its iconic lighthouse, you’ll feel true maritime flair here.
- Gänsehäufel beach resort (Vienna): This Viennese institution on the Old Danube offers its own sandy beach area. Here, urban vibes meet fine sand and a view of the skyline of the Danube City – perfect for a quick break from everyday life.
- Lake Längsee (Carinthia): The beach resort has an artificially created, very well‑maintained sandy beach. As one of the warmest lakes in Carinthia, the water often feels as mild as in the south.
- Klagenfurt beach resort (Lake Wörthersee): Although Lake Wörthersee is primarily known for its jetties, the largest beach resort in Europe has sandy zones and beach volleyball courts that deliver that perfect summer feeling.
Important note: Many of these places use specially prepared quartz sand to bring the feeling of the world’s most beautiful beaches right into the Alps.
What you should consider for a beach holiday
For a carefree beach holiday, preparation is key. Thorough research on which beach to visit is essential to avoid accidentally ending up at one of the world’s most dangerous beaches. A packing list is also helpful – sunscreen, a water bottle, insect repellent and a few beach games or books for entertainment should definitely be in your suitcase. And very important: don’t forget the right travel insurance!
Choosing the right travel insurance
The choice of the right insurance depends on various factors, such as the travel duration, planned activities and destinations. Find the travel insurance package that best fits your travel plans – tailored to your wishes and safety needs.
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