Do you want to be laying on a beach somewhere, sloth-like, with warm sand beneath your toes and the sun shining down on you with only the sound of water lapping the shore? Don’t we all! For many of us, the beach is our happy place, and for most of us, even the thought of lying on a beach gets the wanderlust juices flowing.
Trying to narrow down the best beaches in the world is not an easy task. In fact, it’s almost impossible! After all, isn’t beauty subjective? Don’t we all have different ideas of paradise? Whilst an isolated island, complete with a white sandy beach and crystal blue waters, might be the best beach for one person, a beach with epic waves perfect for surfing or a tourist spot lined with bars may be the best for another.
Whether you’ve found your beach paradise or you’re still searching for the one, we’ve listed our top beaches in the world for you to get some idyllic inspiration!
Best beaches in the world according to Eatwith
Phra Nang Beach, Thailand
Thailand is known for stunning beaches and Phra Nang is among the best of the bunch! Accessible by longboat only, this secluded beach is known for the mystical Tham Phra Nang Nok or “Princess Cave” in which fishermen believed was home to a mythical sea princess. As if this isn’t cool enough, there are also no restaurants on the beach, so the only drinks and snacks you can get are sold in the colorful longboats themselves!
Want to learn how to cook authentic Thai food? If so, local host Pen will teach you the secrets of this delicious cuisine.
Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
About 75km southwest of Salvador, you’ll find the jaw-dropping island of Tinhare full of famous beaches at Morro de Sa Paulo and just as many hidden gems! If you’re looking for a beach that gives you some serious beach bum vibes, you’ll find some great beaches here full of vibrant reggae bars, chilled out surfers and amazing seafood digs!
Pampelonne Beach, France
When thinking of the best beaches in the world, the most famous beach in Saint-Tropez definitely comes to mind! Full of everything you’d want from a trip to the gorgeous French Riviera, head to Pampelonne Beach to feast your eyes on beach clubs, expensive yachts, and beautiful people!
Haven’t got your fill of adventure, then why not experience the Provencal colors and flavors with local host Marie-Ange in Nice?
Kuta Beach, Bali
Kuta Beach is a surfer’s paradise! Stretching for 8km with huge crashing barrels and powerful waves thrashing onto glorious white sand, this is one beach that will satisfy any need from relaxation to adventure. At the end of the day, you can then spend some time admiring the breathtaking sunset and feeling truly at peace. Sounds perfect right?
Lido Beach, Italy
Yes, Venice has a beach, one that hugs the Adriatic Sea for several miles and takes travelers by surprise every day! We suggest a visit to the magical Lido di Venezia, with a lively season from May to September where you can enjoy sunning yourself or seeking shade in wooden cabanas. If you fancy a quieter stay, stay away from September when the Venice Film Festival hits the shore!
When you can tear yourself away from the glorious sand, head to Gioia’s apartment and enjoy an authentic Italian dinner on her beautiful terrace.
Cayo Largo, Cuba
Some of the best beaches in the world can be found on Cuba’s Cayo Largo (Large Island)! To find them, head to the west and look out for Playa Sirena and Playa Paraiso. For a more lively day out, check out Sirena, while if you’re looking for serenity, the private Paraiso will be more your style. Either choice you make, you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable beauty and warm shallow waters to dip your toes in!
Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Elafonissi Beach has to make our best beaches in the world list, purely because it is a natural wonder! Full of people sunning and swimming, the beach itself is dotted with ancient windswept cedar trees and sand that is rippled with white and pink islets made by the movements of the tide. The water also creates aquamarine pools which make the whole landscape look truly unbelievable!
Experience Greece to the full with a stroll through history and gastronomy in Rethymnon! This is one food experience not to be missed!
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
If you’re heading out on an Australian adventure, this is one country that is in no short supply of stunning beaches. One of our top picks though is Whitehaven Beach in Queensland. Accessible solely by boat, beware of your jaw hitting the floor when you feast your eyes on this sweeping stretch of soft white sand lined with a dense jungle backdrop! Here you will experience what breathtaking really means.
Hemmick Beach, England
Surprisingly to some, one of the best beaches in the world according to Eatwith lies in the British town of Cornwall. Just west of Dodman Point, if you walk through grassy plains and sandy dunes, you’ll discover a small, sandy and secluded cove which is a favorite swimming spot among the locals. For quiet and privacy, with some intriguing rocky outcrops, this hidden gem won’t stay unnoticed for long!
Playa Uvita, Costa Rica
Last, but certainly not least, is Playa Uvita! Nestled in the charming Marino Ballena National Park, the highlight of this beach is the exhilarating feeling of spotting the humpback whales! Whether you’re watching the whale tail formation in the water, grabbing a refreshing drink at the beach bar, or exploring coral rocks or the old lighthouse, you can be sure that this beach will give you the feels!
So, do you have your towel and flip flops at the ready? Have these best beaches in the world given you twitchy feet? If so, don’t hesitate to head to your favorite local spot or travel the world to spend some time in the sea, sand, and sun. Just remember to wear your sun cream!
Don’t forget to check out the local food experiences in your area with Eatwith! There might just be a local close by who will join you for a gourmet picnic on the beach!
