Bucket List: Top 10 Beaches in the World You Must See

The world is full of beautiful beaches waiting to give you the perfect break from daily life. Instead of going to the same busy holiday spots, why not plan a trip to a beach that feels truly special? In this blog, we've put together a list of the top 10 beaches in the world, handpicked for every kind of traveler. You can plan a visit with your loved ones this year to these gorgeous beaches, with crystal-clear blue water and quiet moments away from the stress of daily life. Each of these beaches has something special and different to offer, making them more than just pretty places that add a fun and cool element to your next vacation. 

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles

The first beach that we've picked is Anse Source d'Argent which is one of the most unique beaches in the world and often tops any list of the top 10 beaches in the world. It is located on La Digue Island, which is one of the quieter islands in Seychelles. What makes this beach special is its striking granite boulders. These huge grey rocks look like sculptures sitting on powdery white sand. Between the rocks, small pockets of shallow, clear water form calm natural pools, safe even for children. Activities like snorkeling are popular here because colorful fish swim near the rocks, and the water is usually calm with gentle waves. It is a very picturesque location and many people visit early in the morning for the best light for photos. There are coconut and vanilla plantations nearby, which add to the peaceful and calming vibe of the place. 

• Best time to visit: April to October 

• Approx budget: $150-$250 per day

• Nearest airport: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach in Australia is famous all around the world for its bright white silica sand. The sand is so pure that it does not retain heat, making it pleasant to walk barefoot even on warm days, marking its place on one of the top 10 beaches in the world you should definitely visit. This beach stretches for about seven kilometers along Whitsunday Island, so there is plenty of space to find your own spot. At the northern end, Hill Inlet is a highlight. This is where the shifting tides swirl the sand and water into beautiful patterns of white and turquoise. Many visitors choose to view it from a lookout or book a short scenic flight for an aerial view. You will find no buildings, roads, or shops here, and only nature, so it also makes for a great scenic getaway. Moreover, swimming is safe here and the water stays clear and calm. Visitors can enjoy boat trips, picnic on the beach, or just relax on the soft sand with their loved ones.

• Best time to visit: May to October 

• Approx budget: $200-$300 daily

• Nearest airport: Great Barrier Reef Airport (HTI) on Hamilton Island

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Next on the list for the top 10 beaches in the world is Grace Bay, which is well-known for its clear turquoise water and long stretch of fine white sand. It is located on Providenciales, which is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. The water here is very calm because of a coral reef that protects the bay. This makes it perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling right off the beach. Many visitors enjoy walking the entire length of the shore and are quiet, even with nearby resorts. Some parts have beach bars where you can try fresh seafood and tropical drinks. The sunsets at Grace Bay are beautiful, with the sky often turning shades of pink and purple above the clear water.

• Best time to visit: November to May 

• Approx budget: $250-$400 per day 

• Nearest airport: Providenciales International Airport (PLS)

Maya Bay, Thailand

Another among the top 10 beaches in the world is Maya Bay, which became famous after the movie ‘The Beach'. It is located on the small island of Ko Phi Phi Leh. This bay is surrounded by high limestone cliffs covered in green plants, which makes it feel secluded and private. The water inside the bay is shallow and warm with a soft sandy floor. Snorkeling is very popular here because the water is so clear and you can see coral and colorful fish easily. Visitors usually visit Maya Bay by boat from Phi Phi Don or Phuket and indulge in many activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the shore.

• Best time to visit: November to April 

• Approx budget: $80-$200 per day

• Nearest airport: Krabi International Airport (KBV) or Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Papakōlea Beach, Hawaii

Papakōlea Beach is one of the few green sand beaches in the world and is among the top 10 beaches in the world because of its unique beauty and peaceful vibe. The sand here looks green because of tiny green olivine crystals from an old volcanic cone. This beach is a good choice for travelers who like adventure and nature, as to reach Papakōlea, you need to hike about 2.5 miles through grassy fields and lava rock. The hike is open and can get windy, but it is not too difficult. Swimming is possible here but the currents can be strong, so many people come just to see the color and take photos. The cliffs above the beach offer great views. There are no shops or facilities nearby, so it's best to bring water and snacks. 

• Best time to visit: May to October 

• Approx budget: $50-$150 per day

• Nearest airport: Kona International Airport (KOA)

Shell Beach, Western Australia

The next on this list is Shell Beach. What makes it among the top 10 beaches in the world is that it is not like other beaches because it does not have sand; it is made entirely of tiny white shells. You'll see billions of shells stretch for more than 70 kilometers along the coast. Walking on this beach feels crunchy and different from soft sand. The water here is calm and salty, so you also float easily. Moreover, this beach is part of Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and you might also see dolphins or rays swimming near the shore. Many people like to bring a picnic and watch the sunset here, which turns the white shells pink and gold. There are no shops here, so best to pack what you need. 

• Best time to visit: April to October 

• Approx budget: $100-$200 per day 

• Nearest airport: Shark Bay Airport (MJK)

Vaadhoo Island Beach, Maldives

Vaadhoo Island is part of the Maldives and is famous for its glowing beach at night, called the ‘Sea of Stars'. Tiny plankton in the water here glow blue when the waves move, creating a magical effect that looks like tiny lights floating on the water. It is one of the top 10 beaches in the world and is highly visited by tourists all year round. During the day, Vaadhoo has clear warm water and soft white sand, just like other Maldivian beaches. The place is a popular honeymoon destination with a bunch of activities like swimming and snorkeling. There are additionally small local guesthouses on the island and some tours even offer night trips to see the glow. 

• Best time to visit: July to February 

• Approx budget: $200-$400 per day 

• Nearest airport: Malé International Airport (MLE)

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway is definitely one of the top 10 beaches of the world, a unique coastal spot as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is not a soft sand beach but a dramatic stretch of coastline made of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. The columns resemble stepping stones that lead into the ocean. Tourists walk along these stones and enjoy the excellent views of the coastline from the cliffs above. This place is also linked to old Irish myths about giants crossing the sea and is perfect for visitors who like natural rock formations and enjoy coastal walks along the beach.

• Best time to visit: May to September

• Approx budget: $100-$200 per day

• Nearest airport: Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

The Pink Sands Beach, located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, is also easily one of the top 10 beaches of the world you would not want to miss. It is famous for its soft pink-colored sand, which comes from tiny coral pieces mixing with the white sand. The water here is clear, calm, and shallow, which makes it good for swimming and relaxing. Visitors mostly come here for honeymoons or romantic photos and some people even ride horses along the shore. The island is small and peaceful, with pastel cottages and friendly cafes around. You can snorkel, paddleboard, or simply read a book by the shore. Sunsets here are soft and beautiful and are ideal for a gentle and beautiful vacation by the sea.

• Best time to visit: November to May

• Approx budget: $200-$350 per day

• Nearest airport: North Eleuthera Airport (ELH)

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, Hawaii

Lastly, on our list of top 10 beaches in the world is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, on Hawaii's Big Island. It is known for its dark black sand made from cooled lava. The black sand here makes the green palm trees and blue waves stand out beautifully. The beach is famous for the sea turtles that often rest on the warm sand. Visitors love to take photos of the turtles, but must not touch or disturb them. The water here can have strong currents, so swimming is for confident swimmers only and many visitors come for a short visit to see the black sand, watch the waves and capture unforgettable memories with their loved ones.

• Best time to visit: April to October

• Approx budget: $100-$200 per day

• Nearest airport: Hilo International Airport (ITO)

Conclusion

These top 10 of the world's best beaches demonstrate the beauty and uniqueness of nature. They all have smooth sand, serene sea, and something special for every traveller. You will make new memories and experience tranquil moments away from hectic days when you visit these beaches with your friends and family, so select one and get ready for your ideal beach vacation this year.