The summer holidays are approaching. So the search for the perfect destination begins. Without doubt, having one of the best beaches in the world is one thing that makes any destination perfect. But add to that an island setting and you've taken it to a whole new level! In post-pandemic and troubled times, who doesn't need a getaway where relaxation and adventure are possible?
Fine white or golden sandy beaches stretching for miles and miles, rich cultures and a variety of lush green areas with unspoiled wilderness. These are just a few of the features that make an island holiday so attractive.
In addition, the islands, especially those with the best beaches in the world, offer unique accommodation options. So you can find yourself in luxurious accommodation and spoil yourself with a variety of choices. Without leaving your room, you can feel close to the sea. It will also be possible to enjoy meals in your room. Savour delicious cuisine and create interesting memories for a lifetime.
Read our article to discover the best islands or spend an unforgettable holiday revelling on one of the best beaches in the world!
1. British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands owe their place in this and every other list of island travel destinations to environmentalist Laurance Rockefeller. By choosing this destination and enjoying all it has to offer, you can thank him well. It was he who opened the islands' first resort in 1964. That resort, Little Dix Bay, now Rosewood Little Dix Bay, sits on a quiet bay in Virgin Gorda.
The resort has attracted the world's most select travellers, including Queen Elizabeth II and her husband. After closing for renovation, the resort is becoming even more memorable and luxurious.
But the British Virgin Islands offer much more. Among the best beaches in the world is White Bay on Jost Van Dyke Island where you can snorkel and sail to Sandy Spit. Sandy Spit is a small, isolated and uninhabited but beautiful beach. One of the most popular natural attractions in the BVI is the Baths National Park. Here, quiet natural pools are created between huge rocks that line the beach. The experience is certainly unique!
2. Mykonos, Greece
The beaches of Mykonos are beautiful. On one coastline you have a wide choice, from Psarou beach, Platis Gialos beach, Agia Anna beach and Paraga beach to Paradise Beach. All these beautiful beaches are connected by a path along the coast. One of the highlights of a visit to Mykonos is to walk between the 5 beaches - swimming, drinking and eating along the way. And you can take the Mykonos water taxi again if you run out of energy. The water taxi starts at Ornos Beach but Ornos is not connected to the others by the footpath.
Platis Gialos Beach is the best beach in Mykonos. Lively and wide, it offers many restaurants, several hotels, a mini-market and direct buses to Mykonos town.
The best beaches on Mykonos are found along the south coast of the island where they are protected from the sometimes strong winds that blow from the north. The northern beaches are often quite busy, especially in July and August. But they are much quieter if you manage to visit them during another period. If you arrive on a quiet day, you will have a beautiful beach almost to yourself.
3. Bermuda
Sure, you've heard of white and black sand beaches. But this British overseas territory in the North Atlantic is home to pink sand. Indeed, the latter gets its surprisingly pink hue from the presence of tiny red-shelled organisms. These are known as foraminifera.
Although there are some large stretches of sand scattered around the island, such as Horseshoe Bay and Clearwater Beach, the real joy of the beach in Bermuda is discovering hidden spots. One such place is Jobson's Cove. In fact, this beach is unique in that jagged limestone outcrops encircle it. The place also has the advantage of being teeming with tropical fish.
If it's history you're after, the St. Regis Bermuda Resort is the answer. In fact, this resort is located on St. Catherine's beach. It is in the shadow of a hilltop fortress that this beach is home to the Marriott resort. Indeed, it was in this very bay, in 1609, that the first settlers landed by chance after their ship, Sea Venture, was wrecked on the reef. It was this event that inspired William Shakespeare to write The Tempest.
4. Seychelles
The Seychelles! Even the name alone conjures up ideas of a secluded island paradise. Palm trees line the white sandy beaches. The turquoise ocean makes these beaches worthy of a place among the best beaches in the world. They simply make us think of an endless summer, of a lightness of being, of tropical scents, colours and flavours. Lined with dense groves of palm trees, six species of which are found only here, the beaches of this Indian Ocean archipelago are incredibly picturesque.
On some islands in this archipelago, you'll share space with the giant Aldabra tortoise, a species as gargantuan as its Galapagos cousins. On others, you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with celebrities: the Clooney's, the Beckhams, and Prince William and Kate Middleton, all honeymooning on the ultra-exclusive North Island.
If you don't have enough money for a private island, consider the beautiful Anse Source d'Argent, which requires a small fee to enter through an old coconut and vanilla plantation. It's apparently one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and when you see the elephant-like granite rocks scattered across the sand, you'll understand why.
5. Anguilla
This lush, small and formidable island has some of the best snorkelling in the Caribbean. It's only 11 kilometres from St. Martin. But unlike Sint Maarten, peaceful Anguilla offers its visitors a low-key, relaxing pace of life. You can spend every day lounging on the beach. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel in crystal clear water.
The island is only 35 square miles, yet it has some of the most luxurious hotels in the region. Its restaurants are also among the most upscale.
With 33 beaches to choose from on an island of 35 square miles, you're never far from a relaxing place to dip your toes in the fine Caribbean sand. On this island, the trade winds serve a dual purpose. They act as a natural air conditioner, but also as a delivery device for the floating aromas of grilled lobster and crayfish. The latter are lovingly prepared at the many barbecue stands along the island's main road.
With its powdery white sand, the buzzing Shoal Bay East is the island's most popular beach. Its bars attract visitors even from neighbouring islands.
6. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
It's not hard to see why newlyweds flock to this French Polynesian gem to celebrate their honeymoon. In fact, there are countless reasons. Turquoise lagoons bordering a majestic extinct volcano, bungalows on stilts, breathtaking sunsets, flat, sandy islets called motus, coconut palms surrounding some of the world's best beaches, and so on.
In fact, the vast majority of Bora Bora's beaches are private. In fact, many are the personal strongholds of international luxury resort brands. For example, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, owns Motu Tapu. Motu Tapu is a small island (motu) that was once the private beach of the 19th century Tahitian queen Pomare IV.
But don't despair! Luckily, one of the few public beaches on the island also ranks among the best. The waters off Matira Beach are as warm and calm as an infinity pool. This beach covers two kilometres and has soft white sand that will enchant you. You can occasionally walk out to the surrounding reef for easy diving among the confetti-coloured fish and rays.
7. Boracay, Philippines
Boracay, 6.5 km long, is an island in the Philippines with sandy beaches. It is so unique in the archipelago that it seems to exist outside of time. The island is accessible first by a one-hour flight from Manila to Caticlan, then by a 10-minute ferry ride. When you visit Boracay, you'll find not only idyllic beaches, but also a vibrant nightlife, good spas and some of the best snorkelling in the world. And that's not all that makes this place a true paradise, as travelling to Boracay is also pretty good value.
At less than four square miles, this compact Philippine island has grown rapidly. Indeed, it has gone from being an under-the-radar island to an overly touristy place in the space of a few decades. In fact, it was temporarily closed in 2018 to allow for much needed redevelopment and rehabilitation.
The island's most famous beach is the three-mile White Beach, where the fine white sand provides the perfect canvas for magical sunsets and blue-sailed boats skimming the horizon. On Boracay's east coast, constant winds create some of the best kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions in the region.
8. Ko Samui, Thailand
This is arguably one of Thailand's greatest gems. Koh Samui is world famous for its beaches and restaurants. But these are not the only reasons why you should visit this amazing island. After some time at the beach, consider heading into the rainforest and exploring some of the lush hiking trails. You can continue your hike by relaxing in one of the many spas.
Koh Samui's beaches offer the chance to relax as well as enjoy water sports in equal measure. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Chaweng. It is home to some very luxurious resorts such as Vana Belle and Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.
The south-east coast is less popular, but this is where you will find Laem Setbeach. In fact, it's a small, peaceful piece of paradise that offers access to a stunning coral reef off the coast and unique rock formations. If you're looking to see a magical sunset, you'll find your desire by heading northwest to Phang Kabeach Beach which offers spectacular views.
At Lamai Beach, Koh Samui's second largest resort, you'll have the chance to admire the distinctive rock formations described as 'Grandfather' (Hin Ta) and 'Grandmother' (Hin Yai). To the northeast of here, Silver Beach also offers excellent snorkelling in the calm bay.
9. Fiji
From gentle snorkelling adventures in the soft coral reefs to white water rafting and multi-day hikes in Fiji's hinterland, you'll never run out of things to do in this spectacular corner of the South Pacific.
With over 330 islands and pristine coral reefs that would entice fish from around the world to rise and move, Fiji is one of those tropical wonderlands where it's hard to imagine being bored. With so many beaches, villages and jungles to explore, it helps to know some of the highlights when considering where to spend your holiday.
Looking to spend your holiday lounging in a floating bar? Fiji is the perfect destination for you. It's much more than an island that offers some of the best beaches in the world. Indeed, here you can also surf on some of the most challenging waves in the world. But you can also try to get certified to dive on the spectacular coral reefs in the region.
Fiji is also synonymous with relaxation. On more than 300 islands, you can choose from secluded or tourist beaches where you can relax and feel the sand between your toes. Fiji also offers some of the most luxurious resorts with beautiful spas and wellness centres.
10. Maldives
Without a doubt, the Maldives can't be absent from this list of the world's best beaches. This Indian Ocean nation is made up of some 1,200 coral islands, the largest of which is no bigger than 5 square kilometres. But, these beaches are incredibly intimate, and it is their exclusivity that keeps you coming back.
Many tourists who have visited the Maldives will assure you that it is the most romantic island destination in the world. Others will say that the ocean on which the islands open is among the most beautiful in the world. Without doubt, if you choose the Maldives, you will never be disappointed by the Maldives.
You will be able to admire a stunning sunset landscape from the beach. You will also swim in the turquoise waters, in the centre of a huge lagoon enjoying the unique feeling of being alone in the world.
In the Maldives, you can also admire a magnificent marine fauna. The purity and diversity of the Maldives' seabed is dazzling. Indeed, all around you, marine life is teeming. Moreover, here you can find very well preserved coral reefs. You can go scuba diving, or even just snorkelling. Whichever you choose, the experience is always an incredible one.
11. Palawan, Philippines
This island is listed under the protection of UNESCO as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the islands in Asia that is often chosen for such lists. In fact, it is famous among tourists for its karst limestone cliffs and underground river.
Offshore, its beaches that seem to have emerged from another time give way to an underwater landscape of seagrass meadows and coral reefs, home to sea turtles, dolphins, manatee-like dugongs and endangered giant clams.
Here you will find some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches along the northern tip of the island at El Nido, which takes its name from the Spanish words for 'the nest'. The name is actually a reference to the salanganes that build their (edible) nests on the cliff faces. And it is also the ideal gateway to the other islands among the lush and mostly uninhabited islets of the Bacuit Bay archipelago.
12. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
The sunniest place in all of Croatia invites you to a chic stay. In fact, this is the island where you can enjoy everything. You can find chic restaurants and high-end resorts. You can also go hiking or choose to do water sports.
Whether you choose to party on the beach, explore their lavender fields and vineyards, or soak up the history of the 13th century walls and fortress of Hvar, this is a great place to experience authentic Dalmatian culture. These islands are perfect for a long holiday or a short stopover on your trip to Croatia, the glitz of Hvar is hard to beat.
The beaches on the island of Hvar are truly spectacular and among the best in Croatia. Breathtaking bays, in great number and variety, line the hilly coast of the famous holiday island. The beaches in the south and southwest of the island are particularly stunning. Most of the beaches are pebble beaches, surrounded by fragrant pine forests. But also a really unique sandy beach can be found on the neighbouring island.
13. Corfu, Greece
With its sheltered bay and narrow strips of land, the Ionian island of Corfu, close to the coasts of mainland Greece and Albania, is an ideal place for sun lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The unique mix of cultures adds a distinct charm to Corfu. The island is in fact rich in British, French and Venetian influences. So you'll find it hard to take your eyes off the remarkable architecture, fortresses, churches and temples. You will quickly see that Corfu's rugged mountains dominate much of the landscape. These mountains are perfect for hiking and walking.
Of course, you can't visit an island without going to the beach. So if you only go to one beach during your stay in Corfu, make sure it's Canal D'Amour. In fact, this is where you can discover the mineral-rich mud.
Corfu's coastline is lush with trees and plants, giving a sheltered feel as you swim and sunbathe. There are secluded pebble beaches and more popular stretches of coastline with ample facilities to relax during the day.
14. Sicily, Italy
The coast of Sicily has some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Bathed in turquoise blue Mediterranean waters, these beaches are warm enough for swimming from mid-May to October. While some beaches are part of nature reserves and have only basic tourist services, others are fully equipped and very typical of the area. In fact, here you can rent a deckchair (lettino) and use the tents, showers and toilets.
These loungers have a particular appeal and are numerous on many of the smooth pebbled rather than sandy beaches. But you can always find your own spot on one of the free beaches where you can lay down a towel and relax, read a book, watch the sea or sunbathe.
Sicily has a wide variety of the best beaches in the world. This means you can choose the beach that suits you. A secluded spot in a nature reserve is ideal for the more discreet. An idyllic island beach close to a tourist centre, such as Taormina's Isola Bella, is perfect for those seeking luxury. And for those who like a lively place, a beach at the foot of the bustling city centre, like Cefalù, is the right destination. Many of these beaches are surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, such as the spectacular stepped cliffs above the beach at Scala dei Turchi.
15. Aruba
For first-time visitors to this Dutch Caribbean island, it would be easy to never leave the two-mile strip of Palm Beach, with its luxury hotels and access to water sports, from parasailing to kite-surfing to fly-boarding, zooming over the water's surface on a water-powered jetpack.
But look elsewhere on this nearly 70-square-mile island and you'll find beaches that show off its surprisingly diverse landscape. Eagle Beach, for example, is home to gnarled fofoti trees that twist and bend like bonsai trees in the trade winds. While rugged Blackstone Beach is covered in smooth black pebbles shaded by natural land bridges.
For something completely different, it's hard to beat the friendliness of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort's private beach (you can get a day pass!), where you can hand-feed the flock of flamingos, who strut around on lounge chairs and palapas as if they own the place.
16. Djerba, Tunisia
The Mediterranean pearl lies off the southern coast of Tunisia and has some of the best beaches in the world. The island is famous for its picturesque coastline with white sandy beaches, lined with palm trees and warm crystal clear waters. The towns of Djerba are full of oriental bazaars and museums, offering a fascinating study of the island's history and culture. The hot desert offers adventurous tours on camelback or high-speed dune bashing on mountain bikes.
The most beautiful beaches in Tunisia are in Djerba. It's amazing to just soak up the sun, get that tan you've always wanted and swim in the incredibly turquoise waters that surround the island of a thousand palm trees. Djerba is a top tourist destination for a reason, and if you're looking for the perfect beach getaway, this is all you need. The powdery white sands of Sidi Mahrez Beach and Seguia Beach are perfect for sunbathing, while the best seafood dishes await you here too.
17. Corsica, France
Corsica is the queen of the Mediterranean when it comes to the best beaches in the world. Indeed, it has a wild mountainous landscape that turns the sea a deep emerald colour and enhances the fine, soft sand of the beaches.
The most beautiful - and most famous - beach in Corsica is undoubtedly Palombaggia. Towering pine trees overhang a beach dotted with large reddish granite rocks and small islets. Warm, shallow lagoon-like waters bathe the shore. This is one of the most exotic sites in Europe. But expect company in summer. Sometimes it feels like half of Corsica has decamped here for the day.
If you're looking for more privacy, Sperone is your answer. On the south-eastern tip of Corsica and a short drive from Bonifacio, lies this beautiful and uncrowded beach. In fact, the nearest car park is in Piantarella, and you'll have to walk the last bit. This is why Sperone is not as busy as the other beaches.
18. Malta
Although popular for surfing, sailing, snorkelling, etc., the historical sites are really Malta's appeal. Having more than 10 rulers in its time, from the Phoenicians to the Knights of St John, expect to see many architectural monuments and some of the oldest structures in the world. Fortresses and megalithic temples are some of the most interesting sites you will see here.
Yes, you'll love the beaches and the scenery, but its rich history is what makes Malta one of the best island holidays ever. Malta's beaches are among the best in the world. There are three idyllic islands to choose from, each with its own unique coastline. There's mainland Malta in the south, Gozo in the north and the tiny island of Comino sandwiched in between.
19. St Lucia
No matter why you come, you'll find what you're looking for in St Lucia, which is why some people would say it's the best island to visit and has the best beaches in the world. Known for its resorts and spas that pamper their guests, you'll have no trouble finding a perfect place for you. If you want to save money and have a unique experience at the same time, head to Sulphur Springs, the world's only drive-in volcano. After visiting the hot springs, you can give yourself a mud bath before washing in the waterfall. Rainforest hikes, zip-lining, sailing and diving are just the beginning of the list of fun activities St. Lucia has to offer.
20. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Beaches, hiking and rainforests make the Whitsunday Islands the best island holiday for a solo trip, couples trip or family holiday. If the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, this is your destination.
Whether you prefer a secluded enclave to yourself, a long stretch of sand to stroll or a soft sandy beach to play Australia's favourite beach cricket, the Whitsundays have some of the world's most beautiful beaches. One of the best beaches here is also known as the disappearing beach! In fact, Langford Island is made up of a lush cliff at the western end and a spit of tidal sand to the east. Go there at low tide and enjoy this perfect little stretch of beach with its views of Hayman Island, Black an Hook and the coral reefs on the north side of the spit. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling with its resident turtle community, a game of beach cricket or a picnic.
Best beaches in the world, finally!
Whether you're looking for zen and relaxation or crowds and parties, the islands are a perfect destination. Whether you're travelling as a family, a couple or even solo, the island beaches have everything to make your holiday unforgettable.
See also:
Top 25 most beautiful islands in the world
Top 10 most beautiful beaches in Turkey
The most beautiful beaches in Cuba