In 2022, traveling out of the country for a beach vacation needs to be worth the time and the hassle. There's no better way to guarantee time and energy well spent than to visit one of the world's best beaches.
These beaches are the destinations you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel, and where you booked flights to as soon as you could once again.
They're the places that regularly appear at the top of reviews by travel experts and visitors, as well as surveys that rate everything from facilities and amenities to the quality of the water and the friendliness of the locals.
Starting with number 10, let’s dive into our rundown of the world's best beaches and discover exactly what makes them so special.
These beaches are the destinations you longed to visit when you couldn’t travel, and where you booked flights to as soon as you could once again.
They're the places that regularly appear at the top of reviews by travel experts and visitors, as well as surveys that rate everything from facilities and amenities to the quality of the water and the friendliness of the locals.
Starting with number 10, let’s dive into our rundown of the world's best beaches and discover exactly what makes them so special.
10. Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
As one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, Trunk Bay also unsurprisingly makes a regular appearance on the list of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The half-kilometer-long stretch of sparkling white sand is found on the northern side of St Johns island in the US Virgin Islands. The beach is backed by thick, towering coconut palms that extend over the sand and provide a natural shade and is fronted by aqua blue water that offers extraordinary views and snorkeling.
A highlight at Trunk Bay is the self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail, with underwater information about coral formations and sea life. Trunk Bay is the only St. John beach that charges an entrance fee, but it is more than worth it.
The half-kilometer-long stretch of sparkling white sand is found on the northern side of St Johns island in the US Virgin Islands. The beach is backed by thick, towering coconut palms that extend over the sand and provide a natural shade and is fronted by aqua blue water that offers extraordinary views and snorkeling.
A highlight at Trunk Bay is the self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail, with underwater information about coral formations and sea life. Trunk Bay is the only St. John beach that charges an entrance fee, but it is more than worth it.
9. Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach), Isla Marietas, Mexico
A true one-of-a-kind beach, Playa del Amor, commonly known as the Hidden Beach, seems as if it came straight out of a fantasy novel.
Located on one of the Marieta Islands, 22 nautical miles west of Puerto Vallarta at the mouth of Banderas Bay, this beach is completely hidden from view until you arrive just a few feet away.
Suddenly, the surface of the lush green island opens up to reveal a wide, sandy cavern with the blue waters of the Pacific rushing in.
No boats can arrive into the bay, so visitors must swim under the rocks. Once you arrive, the crystal-clear water and ample shade will mean you'll never want to leave.
Located on one of the Marieta Islands, 22 nautical miles west of Puerto Vallarta at the mouth of Banderas Bay, this beach is completely hidden from view until you arrive just a few feet away.
Suddenly, the surface of the lush green island opens up to reveal a wide, sandy cavern with the blue waters of the Pacific rushing in.
No boats can arrive into the bay, so visitors must swim under the rocks. Once you arrive, the crystal-clear water and ample shade will mean you'll never want to leave.
8. Hyams Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Renowned for its powdery white sand, Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, is the complete beach vacation destination.
Aquarium-clear snorkeling water, packs of dolphins, seals, and penguins, and walkable secluded bays and beaches sit harmoniously at the fringe of the Jervis Bay National Park. In the park, visitors can go trail walking, birdwatching, and get intentionally lost in the lush forest.
Hyams Beach is tucked in between some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, such as Murrays Beach and Greenpatch, and is located 3 hours drive from Sydney.
Aquarium-clear snorkeling water, packs of dolphins, seals, and penguins, and walkable secluded bays and beaches sit harmoniously at the fringe of the Jervis Bay National Park. In the park, visitors can go trail walking, birdwatching, and get intentionally lost in the lush forest.
Hyams Beach is tucked in between some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, such as Murrays Beach and Greenpatch, and is located 3 hours drive from Sydney.
7. Playa Paraiso, Tulum, Mexico
Sitting just south of the Tulum archeological ruins, the wide Playa Paraíso is consistently ranked as the best beach in Mexico and is frequently tops the list of best beaches in the world.
Stretching far and wide along the coast, Playa Paraiso is just a short journey from the extremely popular Playa del Carmen and Cancún, making it popular amongst daytrippers and locals alike.
Although it lacks some of the privacy and tranquility of other beaches on this list, it makes up for it with plenty of opportunities for watersports and an array of luxurious bars, restaurants, nightlife, and beach clubs.
You can pack your own towels, chairs, and snacks, or pay for access to the beach club (about $10 to $15 for two beach chairs, or minimum service charge for the restaurant daybeds).
Stretching far and wide along the coast, Playa Paraiso is just a short journey from the extremely popular Playa del Carmen and Cancún, making it popular amongst daytrippers and locals alike.
Although it lacks some of the privacy and tranquility of other beaches on this list, it makes up for it with plenty of opportunities for watersports and an array of luxurious bars, restaurants, nightlife, and beach clubs.
You can pack your own towels, chairs, and snacks, or pay for access to the beach club (about $10 to $15 for two beach chairs, or minimum service charge for the restaurant daybeds).
6. Baia Dos Porcos, Brazil
One of the smallest beaches on this list, Baía dos Porcos has just 100m of golden sands divided by huge dark volcanic rocks that rise up on all sides.
This rock-studded beach is home to white sands and unbelievably turquoise waters, including many pools with colorful fish due to the shelter provided by the high walls of black stone.
Visitors also find sensational panoramas of the Morro Dois Irmãos and calm, gentle waters for swimming.
Access to Baia Dos Porcos is only possible during low tide as it's necessary to cross a headland from neighboring Praia Cacimba do Padre.
This rock-studded beach is home to white sands and unbelievably turquoise waters, including many pools with colorful fish due to the shelter provided by the high walls of black stone.
Visitors also find sensational panoramas of the Morro Dois Irmãos and calm, gentle waters for swimming.
Access to Baia Dos Porcos is only possible during low tide as it's necessary to cross a headland from neighboring Praia Cacimba do Padre.
5. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove), Greece
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Cove, on the Greek Island of Zakynthos (Zante) off the southwest coast of Greece is not just a beach but also the site of a world-famous shipwreck.
The stunning Greek beach is surrounded by brilliant blue ocean water on one side and towering limestone cliffs on its 3 other sides.
Right in the middle sits the rusting remains of an old shipwreck: the MV Panayiotis, after washing up on the shores of the bay in October 1980.
Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat. It is worth adding to your itinerary while exploring Zante's magnificent beaches, secluded coves, and verdant valleys.
The stunning Greek beach is surrounded by brilliant blue ocean water on one side and towering limestone cliffs on its 3 other sides.
Right in the middle sits the rusting remains of an old shipwreck: the MV Panayiotis, after washing up on the shores of the bay in October 1980.
Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat. It is worth adding to your itinerary while exploring Zante's magnificent beaches, secluded coves, and verdant valleys.
4. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
Found on Harbour Island, one of the smaller islands of the Bahamas, Pink Sands Beach is aptly named for its 5km long stretch of unbelievable soft pink sand.
The pink color makes this beach one of the most unusual and impressive beaches in the world.
The light rose color is a result of foraminifera — a marine animal — and its red shell, which crushes and mixes with the white sand.
Located along the island's eastern Atlantic Ocean side, the beach is a highly desirable vacation destination, offering numerous activities, great beaches, and luxury resorts.
You can get to Harbour Island via a ferry from Eleuthera, with easy access from Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
The pink color makes this beach one of the most unusual and impressive beaches in the world.
The light rose color is a result of foraminifera — a marine animal — and its red shell, which crushes and mixes with the white sand.
Located along the island's eastern Atlantic Ocean side, the beach is a highly desirable vacation destination, offering numerous activities, great beaches, and luxury resorts.
You can get to Harbour Island via a ferry from Eleuthera, with easy access from Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
3. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Sitting along Chevalier Bay on Praslin's north coast in Seychelles, Anse Lazio beach is an incredibly secluded tropical beach paradise.
The calm waters and abundance of underwater life at Anse Lazio have earned the beach international acclaim, especially by snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts.
Located to the northeast of Madagascar, the beach is bordered by large unearthly granite boulders and is completely engulfed by thick tropical greenery,
Anse Lazio sits about 11km northwest of Baie Ste and is easily accessed by car, bus, or bike from the island's main road.
The calm waters and abundance of underwater life at Anse Lazio have earned the beach international acclaim, especially by snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts.
Located to the northeast of Madagascar, the beach is bordered by large unearthly granite boulders and is completely engulfed by thick tropical greenery,
Anse Lazio sits about 11km northwest of Baie Ste and is easily accessed by car, bus, or bike from the island's main road.
2. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia
An award-winning beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the seventy-four islands in the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach stretches over 7km and is home to white silica sand that is among the purest in the world.
Many people claim Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet (best seen from Tongue Point) where the tide shifts the sand and water to create an ethereal fusion of colors, are the most beautiful places they've ever seen.
The sand at Whitehaven Beach contains 98% silica, meaning it is extremely fine and soft, with some comparing the consistency to that of baby powder.
Whitehaven Beach is best experienced as a day trip via ferry, powerboat, or luxury cruising yacht that departs from Airlie Beach.
Many people claim Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, a stunning inlet (best seen from Tongue Point) where the tide shifts the sand and water to create an ethereal fusion of colors, are the most beautiful places they've ever seen.
The sand at Whitehaven Beach contains 98% silica, meaning it is extremely fine and soft, with some comparing the consistency to that of baby powder.
Whitehaven Beach is best experienced as a day trip via ferry, powerboat, or luxury cruising yacht that departs from Airlie Beach.
1. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Our top pick here at EliteLyfe and the recipient of many designations, awards, and accolades, Grace Bay Beach is clearly the world's best beach for too many reasons to mention.
The 4.8km long beach is located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales and is home to an extensive barrier reef, situated about a mile (1.6 km) offshore.
The reef protects Grace Bay from the ocean swells of the Atlantic, helping to keep the water calm and safe, and providing endless opportunities for snorkeling, kiteboarding, kayaking, and more.
Grace Bay Beach is where you find nearly all of the large and luxury resorts on Providenciales, as well as world-class dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
A huge perk of Grace Bay is that the remote island of Providenciales is less than a 2-hour flight from Miami and a little over 3 hours from New York.
Allow EliteLyfe's luxury travel team to arrange everything for your next luxury beach vacation, from pre-travel itineraries to restaurant reservations, so you enjoy every single moment to its fullest.
The 4.8km long beach is located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales and is home to an extensive barrier reef, situated about a mile (1.6 km) offshore.
The reef protects Grace Bay from the ocean swells of the Atlantic, helping to keep the water calm and safe, and providing endless opportunities for snorkeling, kiteboarding, kayaking, and more.
Grace Bay Beach is where you find nearly all of the large and luxury resorts on Providenciales, as well as world-class dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
A huge perk of Grace Bay is that the remote island of Providenciales is less than a 2-hour flight from Miami and a little over 3 hours from New York.
Allow EliteLyfe's luxury travel team to arrange everything for your next luxury beach vacation, from pre-travel itineraries to restaurant reservations, so you enjoy every single moment to its fullest.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Our top pick here at EliteLyfe and the recipient of many designations, awards, and accolades, Grace Bay Beach is clearly the world's best beach for too many reasons to mention.
