The Cobb Group Blog

There are many amazing things to see while traveling, but few beat the feeling of arriving at a beautiful beach. Picture palm trees, coral reefs, beach bars, and sea turtles – all the best beach characteristics. Whether you want an inner city spot to sunbathe and play volleyball or a remote haven for marine life, the good news is that the world is a big place with many options. The best beaches are spread far and wide and full of surprises.

Ready to hit the beach? This guide will cover the 21 beaches in the world.

Nungwi Beach, Tanzania

Nungwi beach is gorgeous, with soft white sand and the beautiful clear water of the Indian Ocean backed by palm trees and lined with traditional fishing boats. Nungwi Beach is a lovely place to visit. It also has plenty of culture, with vendors selling handicraft goods and freshly caught fish straight off the boat. You can relax on the soft sand, get involved in laid back beach activities, or enjoy the water. There are also plenty of colorful fish to spot in the water.

This beach is located in Zanzibar, a highly sought island off the coast of mainland Tanzania. Nungwi Beach is on the island’s northern tip and is surrounded by many luxury resorts.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach is situated on the northeastern coast of Aruba. While surrounded by many other beaches, this beach stands out for its bright white sand and crystal clear blue water. As a protected marine zone it is home to animals like sea turtles, who sometimes nest in the sand. It has the vibe of paradise, yet also caters to more adventurous souls with water sports like jet skiing.

The postcard image of Eagle Beach is a gnarled tree growing out of the sand. While it is relatively touristy, the beach retains a sense of natural identity, it is a must stop when visiting Aruba.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda

Ready to spice things up? Forget about white sand beaches and visit a pink sand beach. Bermuda has many tropical beaches, but Horseshoe Bay Beach is extra special. The beach is a bright pink, backed by limestone cliffs, and spread out in a unique horseshoe shape. The sand is turned pink by a tiny invertebrate called homotrema rubrum, which extracts calcium carbonate from seawater and uses it to form red skeletons. These invertebrates are then crushed up over time and help create the distinctive sand of Horseshoe Bay Beach.

The beach is located on the south coast of Bermuda and is scenically backed by South Shore Park.

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos Islands

Grace Bay Beach has that classic white sand beach and turquoise bay allure. It is also backed by luxury resorts like the Royal West Indies Resort.

The Turks and Calico Islands are situated north of Haiti and West of of the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. The ocean surrounding Grace Bay Beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park (aka Princess Alexandra Marine Park). Thanks to protected status, you’ll easily be able to spot colorful fishes and other beautiful marine life.

Plaza Punta Uva, Costa Rica

This beach is set in a secluded cove and offers a “hidden beach” experience in the quiet fishing village of Punta Uva. Its shallow waters have many coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving. Its waters are extremely calm because of its sheltered location.

Plaza Punta Uva is located on the southern coast of Costa Rica, near the Panama Border. It opens onto the Caribbean Sea and is surrounded by serene nature areas like the Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge.

Rialto Beach, Washington, USA

Rialto Beach is one of the most dramatic looking beaches in the world. The beach has quite a gothic appeal with characteristically overcast and drizzly weather, dense pine forests, and black sand combining to create a dark effect. Rialto Beach is famed for its sea stacks, which jut out from the sea at high tide like tiny island towers. It is also known for its driftwood which often washes up intact as colossal tree trunks.

Rialto Beach is located right near the USA/Canadian border, below Vancouver Island. It is well combined with a hike to Hole in the Wall, a rock with a huge hole sculpted by a volcanic eruption. Of course, you will also want to visit the nearby Olympic National Park.

Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA

Florida beach lovers flock to this calm-watered spot for almost year-round water sports and sunbathing. A little quieter than iconic Miami Beach, Clearwater Beach still offers some Florida buzz and is lined by beach bars and hospitality venues.

Clearwater Beach is located just outside of Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The beach is situated on a long barrier island connected to the mainland by a scenic causeway.

Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Miami Beach is the bread and butter of the city beach experience in the USA. It is mainly known for its skyscraper backdrop and artistic surroundings. The city’s art decor influence spills out onto its white sand beach with brightly painted beach architecture like the lifeguard huts. Miami Beach (especially the South Beach section) is famed as a cultural getaway destination.

Miami Beach is great for surfers and those wanting to combine a city break with a beach holiday.

Praia de Copacabana, Brazil

Praia de Copacabana is a goldensand hotspot outside Rio de Janeiro. It is a 2.2-mile beach lined with action (be it food stalls, beach bars, or hotels) and a constantly busy promenade. It is well-suited for those who want to experience a cultural beach with plenty going on and a slightly hectic vibe.

While Praia de Copacabana is situated outside Rio de Janeiro, it is still lined by skyscrapers and has that city-beach appeal. However there are also distinctive mountains surrounding the beach that give it a natural atmosphere as well. And when you’ve had enough time at the beach, you can head to the nearby Christ the Redeemer statue or Tijuca National Park.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach might be one of the most photographed beaches in the world, thanks to its unique swirled pattern of sand and turquoise water shore. The pristine sand and offshore view make it one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. You can relax on Whitehaven Beach, take a helicopter ride over it, or visit Hill Inlet Lookout for a stunning vantage point

Whitehaven Beach is part of the great Barrier Reef Marine Area. It is located on Whitsunday Island, off the coast of Queensland.

Skeleton Beach, Australia

Skeleton Beach is an eye-catching outlet, jutting out from the mainland in its own little headland. The remote location is its biggest draw, surrounded by nothing except sand until you reach the small town of Coral Bay. Skeleton Bay is fantastic for snorkeling and is home to plenty of baby reef sharks in spring and summer and tropical fish all year round.

Skeleton Beach is located on the Northern Coast of Western Australia. It is easily combined with a visit to the nearby Ningaloo Reef which is famous for whale sharks.

Camps Bay Beach, South Africa

Camps Bay Beach is another popularly photographed beach. It is “the” beach in Cape Town and is dramatically backed by lush mountains. The beautiful beach is easily one of the best white sand city beaches in the world. Iconic, and deservedly so, Camps Bay Beach is an amazing place to appreciate Cape Town’s beautiful geographical layout.

After you’ve experienced Camps Bay Beach, head to Table Top National Park for some hiking and more incredible views. Alternatively spend a day in the city center which is full of attractions.

Matira Beach, French Polynesia

This sandy beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and palm trees with vibrant turquoise water and distant views of jagged mountains. The water is calm and shallow. Matira Beach is stunning, that’s for sure.

If you are looking for a beach with luxury accommodations nearby, this is the place. The beach is next to a gorgeous selection of overwater bungalows which are perfect if just a daytime visit sounds like too little time to spend in such a beautiful place. These bungalows will allow you to  spend a few days in paradise. Matira Beach is situated on the Southern Coast of Bora Bora. It is a fantastic beach to visit in the South Pacific.

Le Morne Public Beach, Mauritius

Le Morne Public Beach is a relatively narrow strip of golden sand, but its dramatic backdrop is its selling factor. The large hill behind the beach is home to Le Morne Cross and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can hike it or enjoy the view from Le Marne Public Beach, whatever suits your fancy. The beach is also perfect for snorkeling, thanks to its calm waters.

Le Morne Public Beach is located on the southeast coast of Mauritius and is well combined with a visit to the Black River Gorges National Park, Underwater Waterfall, and the fascinating Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark.

Anse Source D’Agent, Digue Island, Seychelles

Anse Source D’Agent is one of the most famous of the world’s beaches and is most known for its granite boulders and white sand which make for a beloved photoshoot spot. The palm-lined beach is one of the most striking beaches mentioned so far. Anse Source D’Agent is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a bucket list beach setting. And if you need more persuading, this beach also has turtles.

La Digue is located northeast of the East African Seychelles mainland. The island offers an unspoiled atmosphere and works hard to protect its natural beauty. It is easily reached by ferry from the mainland.

Kelingking Beach, Indonesia

Kelingking Beach is a dramatic strip of sand at the bottom of a cliff face, accessed by a photogenic set of wooden steps. The limestone cliffs and rock formations around the island are extremely characteristic. The beach is stunning and full of wildlife, so keep your eye out for manta rays and monkeys.

Kelingking is on Penida Island, which is best reached by ferry from Bali. If you have time, stay on the island for a few days as it has lots to see and do. Teletubbies Hill, Diamond Beach, and Paluang Cliff are great attractions, to just name a few. Kelingking Beach itself deserves at least half a day to explore.

Saud Beach, Philippines

Saud Beach is one of the best beaches in the world if you are chasing an uncrowded tropical beach. Saud Beach has gentle waves and shallow water and its sands stretch out in a huge area, leaving you plenty of room to find a space for your towel away from other people. Backed by quiet resorts and vegetation, Saud Beach is a peaceful spot and easily one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Saud Beach is on the northernmost tip of the main island of Luzon. However, it is worth the extra travel to get there. While you can reach Saud Beach as a day trip from Manila, we recommend staying in the area for a few days or more to get the most out of the peaceful environment.

Railay Beach, Thailand

Railay Beach is another beautiful beach that is only accessible by boat. The beach is situated in Krabi, surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky mountain outcrops. Railay Beach is perfect for experiencing that classic Thai beach atmosphere you see on social media and travel advertisements.

For the ultimate experience, you can catch a traditional tail boat ride to Railay Beach. And when you’re finished enjoying the beach, there is rock climbing, monkey spotting, and a massage to enjoy.

Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Beach), Greece

Navagio Beach is a gem of a beach to visit in Europe. The beach is only reached by boat and has been immortalized by social media (usually with pictures taken from the cliffs above). Its characteristic white limestone cove, rusted shipwreck, and bright blue waters have made it a real destination beach.

Navagio Beach on the north end of Zante. This Greek island is also known as Zakynthos and it’s one of Greece’s most popular islands among tourists. There’s much to do on the island, so a beach day will be a welcome treat and downtime. If you hire a car, it’s worth driving around the north coast after visiting Navagio Beach to see the Blue Caves.

Praia de Marinha, Portugal

Praia de Marinha is one of the darlings of Portugal's renowned Algarve Coast. The beach has rich-colored golden sand and rustic beauty, with sandstone arches, sea stacks, and caves. Praia de Marinha is an excellent option if you love a beach that gives you plenty of exploring. You could spend an hour just wandering through and around the rock formations and you can walk across one of the sandstone arches. Praia de Marinha is only accessible by steps, so prepare to get a sweat on. Still, it feels more like an adventure than extra effort.

Praia de Marinha is located minutes from the famed Benagil Cave, a dramatic sea 

cave only accessible from the sea by kayak or boat. The cave has a characteristic hole in its roof which visitors can also peer through from above. If you visit Praia de Marinha, schedule a visit to Benagil Cave next door.

Elafonissi Beach, Greece

The color of Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete is a topic of debate. In some lights, it appears a cream color and in others, it appears pink. Finding out what color it is will be part of the excitement when arriving. And either way, the water is a bright blue, perfect for a beautiful swimming spot.

You can walk from Elafonissi Beach to Elafonisi Island during low tide. The island is excellent for hiking and is a must-do for any adventurous visitors to Elafonissi Beach. The beach itself is located on the western tip of Crete and is near the Lissos Archeological Site and Castel Selino.