10 Most Exquisite Beaches Around the World to Spend Summer

Summer spent on a beach is the ultimate way to unwind, and some of the most exquisite beaches around the world offer far more than just sun and sand. These beaches combine natural beauty, adventure, and serenity, making them perfect for your next summer escape. They offer the soothing sounds of waves and the heat of the sun. The sand, sun, and sea work wonders for many who visit. 

Discover the 10 most exquisite beaches around the world for the ultimate summer escape. From Fiji to the Philippines, explore stunning shores, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable adventures.

All of these beaches have something to offer, whether it be pure sand and water or stunning scenery and activities.

1. Fiji – Blue Lagoon & Natadola Beach

Blue Lagoon Beach on a Fiji island featuring soft white sand, leaning palm trees, and clear turquoise waters under a bright blue sky—a serene and picturesque South Pacific escape.
Bask in the unspoiled beauty of Blue Lagoon Beach in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands—where powdery white sands, swaying coconut palms, and shimmering turquoise waters invite you to the ultimate island retreat.

Fiji has 333 islands of magnificent resorts, sparkling waters and miles of white sand. Snorkelers will want to head for Taveuni’s diverse coral reefs, while those in search of tropical beaches can catch a ferry from Port Denarau to the Mamanuca Islands, including such favorites as Qalito Island (Castaway Island) and Vomo Island.

Natadola Beach is crescent-shaped with cookie-crumb sand. In high season, local women perform traditional massages, and horse owners give rides. Cocktails and beers are available at adjacent resort bars. Monuriki has soft white sand, and day trips from major resorts serve the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups. Blue Lagoon is a fine, soft sandy beach, named for the hit 1980 era film, boasts clear turquoise waters and leaning palms. It’s seldom crowded, despite its fame.

2. Bahamas – Gold Rock Beach

Visitors wade into the shallow, crystal-clear waters of Gold Rock Beach in Grand Bahama, Bahamas, surrounded by soft white sand and a tranquil turquoise sea under a partly cloudy sky.
Gold Rock Beach in Grand Bahama offers an untouched stretch of white sand, calm turquoise waters, and serene surroundings—perfect for peaceful beach days, family fun, and natural beauty.

With 700 islands and countless beaches, the best sandy patch in the Bahamas is easy to find. There’s a wide range, from cement blockbusters like Atlantis Paradise Island to privately owned islands. Don’t miss the pink sands of Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island and the swimming pigs of the Exumas. Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island is home to underwater caves and was a filming location for “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

3. Maldives – Glowing Beach on Vaadhoo Island

Bioluminescent waves shimmer in electric blue along the dark shoreline of Vaadhoo Island’s Glowing Beach in the Maldives, with city lights reflecting across the horizon.
The Glowing Beach on Vaadhoo Island, Maldives, transforms into a magical Sea of Stars at night as bioluminescent plankton light up the shoreline in a dazzling neon blue—an unforgettable natural wonder.

A paradise in the Indian Ocean, this archipelago is made up of some 1,200 islands, all boasting dreamy beaches with pearlescent sand, towering palm trees, impossibly blue waters and surreal sunsets. Though since the Maldives is an Islamic country, bikinis are confined to resorts and certain tourist beaches, excursions to swim with whale sharks and visit a deserted sandbank by boat are essential.

The Vaadhoo Island (Glowing Beach) is the Maldives’ own “Sea of Stars” beach and is known for its bioluminosity as tiny plankton illuminate the shoreline at night, creating stunning visual effects of glowing waves. Dhigurah Island is a lively beach destination featuring a long stretch of white sand and spectacular coral formations, combining both living and relaxation. Because of its rich marine life, it is perfect for water sports like diving and snorkeling.

4. Turks and Caicos – Grace Bay Beach

Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales Island, Turks and Caicos, featuring turquoise waters, white sand shoreline, beachfront resorts, and blue beach umbrellas under a sunny sky.
Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos offers a picture-perfect blend of luxury, tranquility, and natural beauty—with soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and upscale resorts lining the shoreline.

The Turks & Caicos Islands offer pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water perfect for snorkeling. Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales has over 3 miles of Instagram-friendly shore, while Taylor Bay Beach’s shallow waters are family-friendly with younger children. Laid-back island hopping is best from Governor’s Beach on Grand Turk.

The specific ecotope of Turks and Caicos is a major factor in the quality of its parts. The stunning sand is mainly made up of crushed-up shells and coral and takes a white, pink, and peachy color. The translucent blue waters of the islands are also supported by the white marine limestone foundation upon which they sit, a healthy barrier reef system, and the absence of rivers, streams, and hard rock. 

5. Sardinia, Italy – La Pelosa Beach

La Pelosa Beach in Stintino, Sardinia, featuring transparent shallow waters, soft white sand, rocky hillsides, and a distant Aragonese tower under a clear blue sky.
La Pelosa Beach in northern Sardinia offers a breathtaking blend of silky white sands, calm aquamarine waters, and views of the iconic Torre della Pelosa—making it one of Italy’s most spectacular Mediterranean escapes.

Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, offers more than 1,000 miles of coastline where the white sand meets the cyan sea. Its crystal-clear, shallow waters make Spiaggia Rena Bianca in Santa Teresa di Gallura perfect for swimming, even for families with young children. 

Spiaggia della Pelosa, north of Stintino, is famous for its white sand and the shallow sea, which is bright aquamarine and topaz in color. Cala Brandinchi, known as ‘Little Tahiti, ’ has soft sand and crystalline turquoise waters framed by pine woods. On the Costa Verde is Spiaggia di Piscinas, a wilder setting of golden sand dunes that reach up to 60 meters.

6. Bora Bora – Matira and Matas Beaches

Overwater bungalows on turquoise waters beneath the dramatic peak of Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, surrounded by palm trees and tropical scenery.
Experience paradise in Bora Bora, where iconic overwater bungalows float on serene turquoise waters and Mount Otemanu rises majestically in the background—your ultimate South Pacific dream escape.

This tiny French Polynesian isle is saturated with dramatic beaches, emerald jungles and luxury resorts with overwater bungalows. Matira Beach is perfect for sunbathing and strolling, while resorts on Bora Bora’s motus have views of Mount Otemanu and calm water. Snorkeling, diving and stingray and shark-feeding excursions are also offered.

When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Bora Bora’s lagoon is rich with marine life and provides a perfect spot for this type of experience. Popular spots include the Sofitel Private Island, which is considered a natural aquarium with colorful corals and sea turtles. Matas Beach is in front of The Westin Bora Bora, popular for its crystal clear water, ideal for photographing tropical fish and coral. 

7. Okinawa, Japan – Aharen Beach & Kerama Islands

Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island in Okinawa, Japan, featuring clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and beachgoers enjoying swimming and snorkeling under a sunny blue sky.
Aharen Beach on Tokashiki Island offers dazzling turquoise waters, coral-rich reefs, and postcard-perfect scenery—an ideal spot in Okinawa for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up tropical tranquility.

Referred to as “the Hawaii of Japan,” the main island of Okinawa has about 100 stretches of soft white sand. Excellent visibility, combined with abundant, colorful beds of coral, make Okinawa a paradise for snorkelers, especially around Aharen Beach in the surrounding Kerama Islands. Moreover, Okinawa has 160 islands with isolated beaches that offer a variety of experiences and beauty. Northern Okinawa has lush beauty and a sparkling seaside. 

Central and Southern Okinawa have beautiful beaches to enjoy the sun and surf. Consider Kume Island, the Miyako Islands, and the Yaeyama Islands for great beaches and otherworldly islands. Other popular beaches include Sunayama Beach, Nishihama Beach, Yonehara Beach, Aharen Beach, Emerald Beach, Furuzamami Beach, and Naminoue Beach.

8. Mauritius – Flic en Flac and Le Morne

Sunset at Flic en Flac Beach in Mauritius with golden hues on the horizon, dark clouds scattered across the sky, calm rippling waves, and a peaceful sandy shoreline under twilight.
Witness the magic of a Flic en Flac sunset on Mauritius’ west coast—where fiery skies, peaceful surf, and the silhouette of Le Morne create an unforgettable coastal moment.

This picturesque African island, located east of Madagascar, has a few beaches. On the west coast, there are white sand beaches like Flic en Flac and Le Morne, famous for sunset views. The north coast at La Cuvette is near amenities, while the east coast has upmarket beach resorts. On land, lush parks, waterfalls and geological wonders await.

Besides lying on clean, soft sand and swimming in the ocean, Mauritius has a wide variety of activities. Tartar Beach at Tamarin Bay and Le Morne receive prime swells between June and September so anyone with a surfboard, or some good instincts, will love it here. The climate is different at different times of the years with the peak travel months such as May offer pleasant temperatures and reduced humidity. However, during September, it is considered to be the best time for snorkeling and diving because of calm weather and clearer waters.

9. Australia – Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands, Australia, featuring swirling white silica sand bars and vibrant turquoise waters with yachts anchored in the shallows, bordered by lush forested hills.
Whitehaven Beach, located in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, offers a surreal landscape of silky silica sands and shimmering turquoise tides—one of Australia’s most iconic and pristine coastal wonders.

This archipelago lies off the north-eastern coast of Australia to form part of the Great Barrier Reef, a unique, diverse ecosystem. The islands come with turquoise waters, lovely private beaches, and adventurous activities. It has mild temperatures and around 300 sunny days a year, the perfect summer spot.

Whitehaven Beach — a seven-kilometer swath of snow-white silica sand on Whitsunday Island- is one of the best-known beaches in Australia. This sand is 98% pure, tiny silica beads that don’t absorb the sun’s heat, so it’s perfect for a walk at the beach. The constantly shifting opening is among the most photographed sites. Hill Inlet is a tidal water inlet at the northern end of Whitehaven, where white sand and turquoise waters blend and create a swirly marble effect.

10. Philippines – Islands and Beaches

The Philippines is one of the world’s largest archipelagos, made up of over 7,000 islands. It offers some of the most exquisite beaches around the world. Each region features stunning coastlines, white sand, clear waters, and rich marine life. Whether you love beach parties or quiet escapes, the Philippines has it all.

The Philippines has so many beautiful beaches that offer different types based on different needs.

Boracay Island – White Beach & Puka Shell Beach: Boracay is known for its powdery white sand and vibrant atmosphere. White Beach has three stations, each with a different vibe. Station 1 offers upscale resorts. In contrast, Station 2 is filled with shops, bars, and lively restaurants. For a more peaceful experience, head to Station 3, which is quieter and more laid-back.

Golden sunset over the calm waters of Boracay Beach in the Philippines, with soft clouds scattered across a colorful sky and traditional paraw sailboats silhouetted on the horizon.
As the sun dips below the horizon, Boracay’s White Beach transforms into a golden masterpiece—calm waters, soft sands, and silhouetted sailboats define this unforgettable tropical sunset scene.

Palawan – El Nido, Coron & Nacpan Beach: Palawan is often ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. El Nido and Coron are perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving. Their turquoise lagoons and limestone cliffs are unforgettable. Nacpan Beach stretches for 4 kilometers with golden sand and tranquil blue waters.

A traditional Filipino outrigger boat docked in the shallow turquoise waters of El Nido, Palawan, surrounded by tropical foliage, white sand, and distant forested islands under a vibrant blue sky.
Set sail in El Nido, Palawan—where crystal-clear waters, island-hopping adventures, and postcard-perfect shores make every moment unforgettable in this Philippine paradise.

Cebu – Bantayan, Malapascua & Moalboal: Cebu offers a combination of beaches and city life. A few other white sand beaches can be found on Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island, both known for their lush marine life, which is best traversed by snorkeling and scuba diving. Underwater enthusiasts will also love Moalboal.

Aerial view of White Beach in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines, showing a curved shoreline with soft white sand, turquoise waters with visible coral formations, and people relaxing near beach huts and vibrant rooftops.
Aerial shot of White Beach in Moalboal, Cebu—where powdery sands, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs meet a laid-back coastal community in one of the Philippines’ best snorkeling destinations.

Siargao – Cloud 9 & Island Lagoon: This is the surfing capital of the Philippines. The island also features lagoons, caves, and hidden rock pools. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike will feel at home here.

A traveler relaxes on a bamboo raft drifting along the Maasin River in Siargao, Philippines, surrounded by towering coconut palms, lush tropical greenery, and calm green waters under soft morning sunlight.
Float through the emerald waters of Maasin River in Siargao, where bamboo rafts, swaying coconut palms, and the famous leaning tree create a peaceful jungle paradise like no other in the Philippines.

 Bohol – Panglao Island & Alona Beach: Bohol is an easy pick with many accommodation choices and many fun activities. For instance, Panglao Island, known for its white sand, clear waters, and rich underwater world, is home to the stunning Alona Beach. It also has a nice white-sand beach, Dumaluan Beach.

A vibrant tropical beach on Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines, with clear blue water, white sand, palm trees, and traditional outrigger boats (bangkas) anchored along the shoreline under a bright blue sky.
Soak in the vibrant coastal charm of Panglao Island in Bohol, where crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and island-hopping bangka boats make it a must-visit destination in the Visayas region of the Philippines.

Camiguin – White Island Sandbar: Known as the “Island Born of Fire”, this small island offers unique destinations, such as White Island, the famous sandbar with beautiful views and waters. White Island is an uninhabited sandbar with fine sand, clear waters, and a view of the Hibok-Hibok Volcano.

Aerial view of White Island in Camiguin, Philippines—an uninhabited, crescent-shaped sandbar surrounded by clear turquoise waters, with boats and beach huts on the brilliant white sand.
White Island, Camiguin’s iconic offshore sandbar, offers ever-shifting curves of pure white sand surrounded by shimmering turquoise water—a must-see natural wonder off the coast of northern Mindanao.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Beach Adventure Awaits

Whether you dream of lounging on Fiji’s soft sands, snorkeling through the reefs of the Maldives, or watching the sunset on Boracay’s White Beach, the world’s most exquisite beaches are ready to welcome you. Each destination offers something unique—from bioluminescent shores to crystal-clear lagoons and powdery white coastlines. These breathtaking beach escapes combine natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and tranquil relaxation—making them perfect for your next summer getaway.

So pack your swimwear, grab the sunscreen, and start planning your tropical escape. These top beaches around the world promise unforgettable memories and the ultimate summer vacation.

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