Whether you’re a fan of surfing or sunbathing, visiting a range of beaches can be one of the best things about travelling!
The sandy or pebble-ridden locations are so versatile and can differ between one another in the extreme. Do you prefer a pebble beach with treacherous cliffsides, or are palm trees and white sands more your speed?
We take a look at some of the most beautiful and unique beaches to explore on your travels, so grab your wetsuit and sunscreen to prepare for these must-visit locations!
Must-Visit Beaches Around the World
Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides
When thinking of the top beaches in the world, your mind probably wanders to somewhere warm and tropical. However, colder beach locations can be just as beautiful and worth visiting!
Located in the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, this location is home to stunningly clear waters with a surprising aquamarine hue. The crystal clear waves roll onto pale sandy dunes that span the length of the beach.
Despite its tropical appearance, the Luskentyre waters are not for the casual swimmer. The cold water is beautiful to behold, but usually a little too chilly for a dip!
Hiking enthusiasts will be tempted by the nearby Mount Harris that overlooks the island and is sure to provide the best views of the beach below!
Ericeira, Portugal
Portugal is famed for its brilliant surf spots and boasts some fantastic beaches. Ericeira is a small fishing village outside of Lisbon and is a particular favourite for surfers from around the world.
Sandstone cliffs and warm sands complement the picturesque ocean vistas. If you’re not a keen surfer, there is still plenty to tempt you to this beach!
The atmosphere surrounding the beach is peaceful, providing the perfect getaway; it’s not a massive tourist destination so can feel slightly off the beaten track than the more well-known spots in Portugal.
As a fishing village, the surrounding beach-side restaurants offer some delicious local cuisine, especially seafood! The village’s name translates to ‘a place flush with sea urchins’. The spiny delicacies are abundant and favoured, especially during the Ourico-do-Mar Festival in April.
Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Just off the coast of Mozambique, in the Bazaruto Archipelago, sits the serene island beaches of Benguerra. The protected marine reserve is touted by many as a slice of paradise.
These beaches are home to warm waters and two miles of coral reef that is ripe to be explored. If you’re a fan of palm-tree beaches, this is the location for you! Here, the soft dunes are dotted with native trees swaying in the balmy breeze.
Animal lovers will also be interested in this beach as it is home to flocks of flamingo that wade through the sandbar channels. These pink birds are not the only draw; Benguerra is also home to the biggest dugong population in the western Indian Ocean.
Lucky travellers may also catch a glimpse of migrating humpback whales or local crocodiles in the surrounding waters.
Glass Beach, California
If you’re on the lookout for something that would be considered more unusual than idyllic, then this may be a spot of interest. Unlike our previous sandy picks, this shoreline is made up of something a little different.
As the name might suggest, this beach is covered in glass. However, if your mind has conjured up images of sharp broken glass fragments, think again! The beach is actually made up of smooth water-polished sea glass in a multitude of colors.
Before conservation efforts, this beach was located next to a landfill site. Over 50 years, the tumbling waves have smoothed what was originally rubbish and have created a beautiful spectacle.
This is a great spot for photographers, especially when the sun sparkles and glints off of the unique stretch of beach!
Honorable Mentions
There are so many amazing beach locations around the world but we couldn’t possibly name them all!
Here are a couple of picks we didn’t mention that might be worthy of further exploration:
- Railay Beach, Thailand
- Whitehaven Beach, Australia
- Al Mughsail, Oman
- Koekohe Beach, New Zealand
- Papakolea Beach, Hawaii
- Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
- Ora Beach, Indonesia
- Pardoe Beach, Tasmania (pictured above)
Hopefully, we have inspired you to take the leap and go a little further afield when you next fancy a trip to the beach.
Where will your next adventure take you?
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
