5 Best Beach Destinations In The World To Visit In 2023

While it is difficult to rank the beaches of the world, as travelers have their own preferences, there are some stretches of sand that stand out. Whether it’s the cleanliness of the sand and water, the backing landscapes, or the available amenities, some are simply the best. Admittedly, there are too many spectacular beaches to list here, so we have picked five of what we consider to be among the best and most beautiful beaches in the world.

1. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

You might recognize Maya Bay from the fan-favorite Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach. This beautiful place was the perfect filming location, which made it popular with travelers who had seen the movie. Admittedly, Thailand blocked visitors from heading to Maya Bay for a while in order to restore its beauty. Now, care is being taken to preserve this gorgeous spot. The sheltered bay features a ring of white sand, backed by limestone cliffs, mangroves and dense foliage. Meanwhile, the main beach in the bay is around 650 ft of silky white sand, while divers can experience a beautiful underwater world in its clear water, with its colorful coral and multicolored fish.

2. Long Beach, Vancouver Island, Canada

While Vancouver may not be tropical, it still boasts beautiful beaches, especially Long Beach. This longest stretch of sand on the island is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and washed by the surf. Meanwhile, it forms part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve between Tofino and Ucluelet, which preserves its beauty and biodiversity. Of particular interest are the grey whales that migrate up this coastline every spring and summer in their thousands.

3. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos Island, Greece

Greece has many gorgeous beaches to its name, both on the mainland and on its many beautiful islands. One that does stand out is Navagio Beach, an isolated sandy cove on the island of Zakynthos. The beach is sometimes known as Shipwreck Beach, as it hosts the wreck of what is believed to be a smugglers’ ship, the Panagiotis on its sand. With its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters and striking limestone cliffs, the gorgeous spot attracts many visitors each year. Meanwhile, Navagio Beach is only accessible by boat, but can also be viewed from the top of the surrounding cliffs.

4. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia

Now heading to Australia, Whitehaven Beach is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park and is right in the heart of the iconic Great Barrier Reef. This pristine stretch of sand runs for 4.4 miles and is lapped by blue, turquoise and green water. Meanwhile, the pure white silica of the sand gives the beach its almost luminescent, swirling shade. Whitehaven is accessible by seaplane, helicopter or boat.

5. Tulum, Mayan Riviera, Mexico

This iconic beach is not only famous for its beautiful views but it also hosts some of the most iconic Mayan ruins in Mexico. Meanwhile, the idyllic, white-sand beach, lapped by the crystal clear aqua Caribbean waves makes it a great choice. However, the ancient walled city, perched on a rocky cliff overhead, is a major bonus.

Explore some of the best beaches in the world this year, set in beautiful landscapes and clean sand lapped by the waves.