Welcome to paradise and your next dream destination. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but here are our picks for the 10 best beach destinations on the planet.
10. Thailand
A true paradise of sugar-white sand, crystal clear waters and dramatic scenery, Thailand’s tropical beaches are renowned the world over for their beauty and as a result, mass tourism has unfortunately ruined some of them. Remember the movie “The Beach”? Well, these days you’ll have to look for the slightly utopian paradise of the 1990s cult novel on the Andaman coast of Thailand. However, the little gems still shine brightly on Phi Phi Island. And some of the country’s most luxurious resorts still have their own private, pristine beach.
Best time to visit: The weather in Thailand is good at any time of the year, although the summer is definitely hot and rainy! November to February is the coolest time of the year and there is certainly less rain than at other times. However, avoid the rainy season (July to October) at all costs, as tropical downpours can be torrential.
9. Philippines
With over 7,000 islands dotted with beautiful white sand beaches lapped by warm turquoise seas and surrounded by impressive coral reefs, choosing your favorite beach in the Philippines can seem like a daunting task. El Nido in Palawan, often referred to as the last frontier of the Philippines, is definitely one of the best places in the country, not only because of its white beaches and clear waters, but also because of the fabulous limestone formations towering over the cliffs, prehistoric caves and thundering waterfalls .
Best time to visit: The Philippines has two different weather patterns. The southwest monsoon, which lasts from May to October, brings rain, while the northeast monsoon, which prevails from November to early May, is the dry season. In most parts of the country, the rainy season begins in June, peaks in July-September and ends in October. Typhoons are common from June to November, and storms rage along the east coast. January-May is the best time to visit.
8. Northwestern USA and Canada
The American northwest boasts some of the most picturesque wild beaches in the world, notably Second Beach in Olympic National Park (USA) and Long Beach in Pacific National Park (Canada). Don’t expect a tropical idyll, however, as these are some of the wettest places on earth. Here you can stroll along long sandy beaches surrounded by lush old-growth rainforest while watching the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean, where whales occasionally appear on the horizon.
Best time to visit: depends on your interests. In winter you can expect a lot of rain and potentially strong winds, but many people go just to watch the storm. July and August would be the best time in terms of less rainfall, warmer temperatures and sunshine, but fog is often a plague in the mornings.
7. Queensland, Australia
All of Queensland’s hundreds of beaches are not only world class, but also offer unique experiences. Whitehaven Beach, located on the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, has been repeatedly voted one of the most beautiful beaches on the globe, stretching over 3.7 miles (6 km) and boasting some of the cleanest silica sand in the world. Another favorite is Seventy-five Mile Beach, which is Australia’s best 4WD destination and runs along the east coast of Fraser Island: the fabulous beach boasts miles of pristine sand and sea, as well as plenty of wildlife.
Best time to visit:April to October with abundant sunshine and less rain. This is also a peak activity time for divers. The Australian summer months from November to April in Queensland are hot and humid. The north of the state experiences heavy rainfall, high temperatures, extreme humidity and cyclones.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, also called the Mother City and one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offers some of the best beaches in the world, just minutes from the city center and is surrounded by the epic Table Mountain. From family-friendly beaches on the False Bay coast to great play beaches for the rich and beautiful on the incredibly scenic Atlantic Coast, you’re sure to find a stretch of sand you’ll love.
Best time to visit: Cape Town’s hot, dry summer months run from late October to March/April. Temperatures peak between December and February and this is generally considered to be the time to head to Cape Town for the best beach weather.
5. Hawaii, USA
Besides stunning natural scenery (active volcanoes, towering cliffs and dense jungles), Hawaii also boasts some of the best beaches in the world, some built around the high drama of strong waves crashing against razor-sharp lava rocks, some so remote that they can only be reached by helicopter or jet ski, and some are so hidden and magnificent that they must remain a secret.
Best time to visit: Off-season, when the best prices are available and there are fewer people on the islands – spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) – a paradox, because these are the best seasons for vacation in Hawaii, in terms of reliably excellent weather. Winter (December to March) can be surprisingly wet and cloudy.
4. French Polynesia
French Polynesia, made up of 118 islands scattered across the mighty blue South Pacific, has, as you’d expect, some pretty steep beaches. Just 12 miles (19 km) away, a lush little strip of land called Bora Bora lies in French Polynesia’s most stunning lagoon, fringed by beautiful white sandy beaches. Luxurious overwater bungalows set over the world’s most beautiful lagoon with a tropical backdrop make Bora Bora the ultimate destination for discerning travelers.
Best time to visit: The rainy season (Polynesian summer) lasts from November to April. During this time, humidity levels can be persistently high and storms are frequent and unpredictable. The dry season from May to October is the peak time for tourism on the island. During these months the temperature is several degrees lower and rain is rare.
3. Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands have some of the most ethereal turquoise seas on the planet and the best sandy beaches, and are surrounded by the third largest coral reef in the world. While their western neighbors, the Bahamas, have launched en masse their off-the-beaten-path Las Vegas resorts, the Turks have moved with the times, quietly opening a number of very luxurious resorts over the past decade.
Best Time to Visit: As with other Caribbean islands, Turks and Caicos has a dry season and peak tourist season between December and March. However, the best time to visit Turks and Caicos is April and May, when prices are lower and there are fewer people. The weather is pleasant all year round, but these islands do have a rainy season and the threat of hurricanes persists from June to November.
2. Maldives
Located on the equator south of India and stretching over 500 miles (800 km), the Maldives are the visible coral pinnacles of an oceanic volcanic mountain range, the outer edge of which plunges to depths of more than 2 miles (3 km) at some points. The islands are blessed with stunning white beaches, crystal clear blue lagoons, incredible underwater wildlife and unrivaled luxury resorts.
Best time to visit: The best weather is from January to April, which also means high season (and high hotel prices). The monsoon lasts from May to October, peaking in June. It’s worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season, as there’s not much to do on a rainy day other than drink, exercise or scuba dive. Especially November and December, which are often referred to as the dry season months, have been very turbulent in recent years.
1. Seychelles
Mother Nature has been extremely generous to these 115 picturesque islands scattered in the Indian Ocean east of Kenya. The beauty of the beaches is undeniably beyond description: exquisite ribbons of powdery-soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters and surrounded by palm-covered hills and large rocky boulders. In recent years, some super-luxury resorts have opened their doors on this hillside paradise.
Best time to visit: The Seychelles is often marketed as a year-round destination, and it is. However, from November to March there is a greater chance of bad weather, i.e. rain. The transition months of October and April are great to visit as the ocean is very calm and the weather is mild. During the dry seasons (May to September) it can be windy (causing seaweed on the south or south-east side of the islands) with rough seas.