hen we think of vacationing the most obvious place that comes to mind is the beach. Clear blue skies, the turquoise oceans and the bright yellow sun beaches have an irresistible allure. Sitting on a beach chair sipping a mojito while watching the sun go down, it is an ideal way to de-stress and unwind. There are gorgeous beaches all over the world each with their own attractions. Here are the top ten beaches of the world that you absolutely must visit at least once!
10. Ipenama beach
One of the most fun beaches around the world, the Ipenama beach in Rio de Janerio, Brazil is known for setting beach trends like the tanga bikini, crocheted men’s g-string and the dental-floss bikini. A beautiful tropical weather, two kilometers of gorgeous white sand and picturesque mountains called the dois irmaos at the western end of the beach, this beach is a marvelous tourist attraction. This beach was made famous by the song “the girl from Ipenama”, it is also located in one of the best neighbourhoods of Rio with hip and happening restaurants, upscale shops and the Rua vincius de morais strips lined with cool bars, shops and eateries. With a night life to die for, this is easily one of the best beach attractions in the world.
9. Matira beach
The most popular beach of the island of Bora Bora,Tahiti, it can be described in just one word- magnificent! With shallow pristine water and divine bright white sands, this beach lies in a protected lagoon along the south pacific. Blessed with lovely weather throughout the year, it is an ideal holiday spot for those of you with unplanned holidays. Perfect for all kinds of tourists, it has intimate hotels and silent spots for the romantics as well as shark feeding expeditions on the lagoons, snorkeling expeditions and jeep tours in the forested interiors of the island for the adventure buffs or the simply a perfect day at the beach to laze around for the holidaymakers. With a large number and variety of resorts offering traditional or budget friendly rooms it is a very tourist friendly destination.
8. Lanikai beach
Located in Lanikai on the windward coast of Oahu, Hawaii, this small beach is a hidden treasure. Despite lacking in public amenities and parking facilities, the soft sands and lovely view of the crystal blue waters more than makes up for it. The waters are full of sea turtles swimming around and at some places the reef just steps off the beach. With calm and clear waters snorkeling is an obvious attraction. Peaceful and relaxed lanikai which means heavenly sea is the perfect name for this beach.
7. Ko PhaNgan beach
Thailand is famous for its beaches almost as much as its nightlife. Ko PhaNgan is an island in the gulf of Thailand made famous by the the 1996 novel ‘the beach’ written by Alex garland. A dream come true for party animals, it is a major youth attraction especially the world famous full moon party held every month on the full moon. About 10,000 to 25000 party lovers come for the dance music fest which starts in the evening and features all genres of music from trance, techno, bass and reggae. Entertainment, besides the dance furor, is provided by jugglers and fire-eaters. There are many shops and shacks by the beach and the party lifestyle is reflected among the locals. A laid back attitude and beautiful beach landscapes makes it one of the best beaches in the world.
6. Perhentian beach
The name Perhentian in Malay translates to stopping point which was in reference to its role as a way point for traders previously though currently its income depends primarily on tourism. Located off the north-east coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian islands are composed of two separate islands called the Perhentian Besar and the Perhentian Kecil which are fringed by beautiful coral sand beaches. The clear waters have a numerous variety of cuttlefish, parrotfish, small sharks and corals. Popular water sports activities like scuba-diving and snorkeling are also available. The interiors of the islands are covered by tropical jungles where camping and jungle trekking are done as well. Unfortunately the monsoon season limits the beach between the period of March or April to October. Wide variety of marine wildlife as well as local wildlife it is a great destination to get closer to nature.
5. Horseshoe Bay beach
Exquisite pink and white sand, lovely breeze and halcyon waters it is a paradise on earth. Located in Southampton parish in Bermuda, this prominent tourist destination is usually very crowded but its popularity as a tourist destination also makes it very easily accessible by buses and shuttle vehicles. Named horseshoe beach on account of its shape, there are limestone rocks surrounding the boundary line. There are walking trails to the south shore beaches and lovely coves. The ocean abounds in Marine life with diverse species of fishes like parrot fish, sergeant majors, angel fish, wrasse and snappers which makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling. With a spectacular weather for sunbathing and chilling on the beautiful beach it certainly features on the top ten beaches of the world.
4. Mahabang Buhangin beach
Secluded and unspoilt, the natural beauty of this beach is unsurpassed. A long beach with fine sands and the eye gratifying water, the Mahabang Buhangin beach located on the northern part of the Calaguas island in Philippines. Offering a gorgeous respite from the troubles of everyday life by virtue of its wondrous scenic appeal, this utopia has no commercial establishments, no electricity, no internet or cell phone network. So ideally it is a complete cut off from the mainland and a chance to reconnect with nature and oneself. Usually tourists rent tents and camp here for the night and have bonfires at night. With beautiful waves and snorkeling spots this beach is an absolutely delight.
3. Whitehaven beach
Located on the sparsely populated Whitsunday islands of Australia, it is one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Calmness and serenity are the two words that can best describe what this beach has to offer. Clean and quiet, with the beautiful clear ocean for swimming, it is the perfect getaway destination for relaxation and escape from mundane daily life. Reputed to be one of the most eco friendly beaches worldwide, the enticing fine, white sands stretching over seven kilometers are the most comfortable to walk on. The mainland beach is the Airlie beach which has many cruises to visit the Whitehaven beach, there are also snorkeling tours held around the reefs of the island. One of the favourite beaches of Australia, it makes its way into one of the must visit beaches of the world.
2. Grace bay beach
The islands of Turks and Caicos are composed of 40 islands and cays and are host to one of the best beaches of the world the grace bay beach on Providenciales Island. A variety of water activities such as Parasailing, scuba diving, fishing trips, banana rides, wind surfing as well as water skiing are also major attractions. A perfect family destination it is the ideal choice for a family holiday on account of its excellent tropical weather, and a lovely view of the charming sunset. Kept particularly exclusive the huge expanse of stunning sands and sublime turquoise sea makes for a paradisaical beach walk which has earned grace bay beach the distinction of being one of the world’s best beaches.
1. Rabbit beach
Voted by travelers in a survey by TripAdvisor website as the best beach in the world, the rabbit beach in Lampedusa of Italy stands up to its reputation with clear blue skies and azure water. Though it is for the most part rocky, its small stretch of sand is a well preserved haven for travelers. Famous for the loggerhead sea turtles who lay eggs here, this beach is still not a very popular tourist destination hence protected from exploitation. It derived its name from the several rabbits that once used to inhabit the island. It is surrounded by cliffs which give an overwhelming view of the beach surrounded by the crystal clear water. A little difficult to reach, it is worth all the trouble as one of the best beaches of the world.