Best Beaches in the World for 2025

The definition of a perfect beach will vary with each traveler. Some prefer wide swaths of sand with ample activities and throngs of people to watch, while others desire deserted coves with calm waters. Some seek out the softest sand to dig their toes into, while others prefer more rugged shorelines with epic views. U.S. News took this and other factors – such as unique scenery, beach quality and overall accessibility – into consideration to determine the destinations with the best beaches in the world. See your favorite shoreline on this list? Cast your vote below to help determine next year's ranking.

Fiji

Boasting 333 islands, resplendent resorts, sparkling waters and endless stretches of pristine sand, Fiji is the perfect spot for paradise-seeking beachgoers. Travelers who want to snorkel while on vacation should set their sights on Taveuni's diverse coral reefs. Meanwhile, those pining for the tropical beaches featured in the movie "Cast Away" and multiple seasons of the TV show "Survivor" can catch a ferry from Port Denarau and head directly to one of the 20 islands that make up the Mamanuca Islands. Popular options include Qalito Island (also known as Castaway Island) and Vomo Island.

Bahamas

With countless beaches to choose from on 700 islands, finding the perfect sandy spot in the Bahamas couldn't be easier. From massive resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island to privately owned islands, the variety of beaches here run the gamut. Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island will wow you with its rosy hue, while The Exumas will delight you with their wild swimming pigs. If you're after underwater caves and a stretch of sand featured in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, look no further than Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island.

Maldives

This Indian Ocean paradise is made up of approximately 1,200 islands – and each beach is more beautiful than the last. You'll likely stick to the island where your resort is located, but you can expect pearlescent sands, towering palm trees, incredibly blue waters and surreal sunsets wherever you choose to stay. Because the Maldives is an Islamic nation, most public beaches require visitors to cover up; however, bikinis are allowed at resorts and on designated tourist beaches. When you want to stray from the shore, swimming with whale sharks and boating to a deserted sandbank are must-do excursions.

Turks & Caicos

The Turks & Caicos Islands, located southeast of the Bahamas, are renowned for their spellbinding white sand beaches, crystal-clear water and an abundance of snorkeling sites. The island of Providenciales draws sun-seekers in droves with the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, which boasts more than 3 miles of picture-perfect shoreline, and the crescent-shaped Taylor Bay Beach, home to shallow waters excellent for families with small children. If island-hopping is on your agenda, check out laid-back Governor's Beach on Grand Turk. After a long day spent lounging on the beach, travelers can retreat to their luxurious digs at one of the destination's top all-inclusive hotels.

Sardinia

One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, this Italian slice of paradise treats visitors to more than 1,000 miles of coastline, where white sand and rocky outcrops meet the cyan sea. Well-heeled travelers jet set to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, Sardinia's best-known resort area, to lounge on moon-shaped shores like Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli. But the island's less assuming destinations are equally stunning. Take time to visit the hard-to-reach Cala Mariolu for breathtaking scenery or the perfectly wild Is Arutas, unique for its pebbled quartz. If you don't want to compete for umbrella space, avoid arriving in July and August, when summer vacationers descend on Sardinia.

Bora Bora

This French Polynesian island is small but mighty. Measuring only 6 miles long and less than 3 miles wide, Bora Bora is packed with stunning beaches, green jungles and ritzy resorts featuring overwater bungalows. Matira Beach (the main island's public beach) is ideal for sunbathing and strolling along sandy shores. For those willing to splurge, the resorts on Bora Bora's motus (surrounding islets) offer views of Mount Otemanu and calm water. Snorkeling and diving, as well as stingray and shark-feeding excursions, are also available if you enjoy adventurous pursuits.

Okinawa

Though Okinawa is often dubbed "the Hawaii of Japan," many argue that this 160-island archipelago has the edge when it comes to beaches. While the main island alone boasts more than 100 stretches of soft white sand, beaches on the outlying Miyako Islands, Yaeyama Islands and Kume offer unmatched seclusion. Okinawa's combination of impossibly clear water and rich coral beds make it a dream destination for snorkelers, so don't miss a chance to swim among sea turtles off Aharen Beach in the Kerama Islands.

Mauritius

This scenic African island, which sits east of Madagascar, offers a multitude of beaches. The island's west coast is where you'll find some of the best strips of white sand, including Flic en Flac and Le Morne beaches, which boast superb vantage points for sunsets. Those who prioritize access to amenities will appreciate north coast shores like La Cuvette, which is just removed enough from the tourist hub of Grand Baie, while those seeking a more exclusive experience can shell out a luxury beach resort on the east coast. If you can tear yourself away from the sand, head inland to explore the island's lush parks, waterfalls and geological wonders.

Whitsunday Islands

Located off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Whitsunday Islands feel like an entirely different world. The archipelago sits within the Great Barrier Reef and offers an incredibly unique, albeit fragile, ecosystem. Some of the best beaches on this collection of 74 islands (only eight of which are inhabited) include Whitehaven Beach and Chalkies Beach, characterized by their snow-white silica sand, but there are plenty of stunning spots to choose from. When you're not sunbathing on pearl-white sand or sailing or snorkeling through turquoise water, unwind at one of the bungalows or luxury ecoresorts situated on Hamilton Island or Long Island.

Maui

If you're looking for a taste of Hawaii's beautiful beaches without the crowds on O'ahu, retreat to Maui. The island boasts impressive beaches both big and small, adult- and family-friendly, and in a variety of hues (such as the black sand shores at Wai'anapanapa State Park). South Maui is especially popular with families, as it is home to the resort-studded Wailea Beach and the contrasting undeveloped shores of Mākena State Park. Meanwhile, the North Shore attracts active travelers keen on taking advantage of the superb windsurfing conditions at locales like Ho'okipa Beach Park.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach abuts the Andaman Sea from its location in Thailand's Krabi province. The region is composed of three main beaches and is home to pillowy sand, crystal-clear water, staggering yet scalable cliffs (for the experienced climber) and lush jungles. For a truly spectacular beach experience, head to Phra Nang Beach, where you'll find caves, islands and coral reefs to explore. Meanwhile, the narrow Railay East sits within walking distance of a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, while Railay West offers a wider swath of sand and breathtaking sunsets.

Tahiti

The largest of the French Polynesian islands is known for its verdant mountains, lavish hotels and postcard-worthy shores. The smaller section of Tahiti (known as Tahiti Iti) is more secluded than the larger Tahiti Nui, but both offer scenic shorelines. Tahiti Iti's famous beach, La Plage de Maui, is highly regarded as one of the only white sand beaches in Tahiti, but the popularity comes with weekend crowds. On Tahiti Nui, take in scenic views of Tahiti's neighbor, Moorea, from black-sand Lafayette Beach or hang 10 on Plage de Papenoo, known for its excellent surfing conditions.

Phuket

Trust us, you're going to want to go the extra miles for a vacation on Phuket's captivating beaches. This island is home to some of Thailand's best beaches, such as the resort-lined Bang Tao and the idyllic Nai Harn. These stunning shorelines lead to striking teal water, which you can explore on a traditional longtail boat. While you won't find many untouched, secluded shorelines in this tourist hot spot, Phuket's top beaches feature restaurants, beachside massage services and bars, not to mention a host of amenity-filled hotels ideal for a carefree beach vacation.

Kaua'i

Adventurous travelers flock here in droves for the many heart-pumping excursions this Hawaiian island has to offer (think: helicopter tours and thrilling zip line rides). However, Kaua'i's beaches should not be overlooked. Take a trip to Polihale State Park to check out the 17-mile beach that overlooks the jaw-dropping cliffs along the Nāpali Coast. Or, relax on an easily accessible stretch of sand at Po'ipū Beach Park. Separated into two halves by a large sandbar, this beach is popular with families because kids can wade in the shallow area on one side, while more advanced swimmers can practice bodyboarding on the other.

Sri Lanka

This teardrop-shaped island situated off of India's southeastern coast has a range of weather patterns, ecosystems and beaches, guaranteeing that no two trips will be the same. It's no surprise Mirissa Beach is a visitor favorite; this palm-lined strip in southern Sri Lanka features a bevy of beachfront cafes and a sandbar that grants access to a small island at low tide. Those looking for a more remote option should seek out Nilaveli Beach on the east coast, where beachgoers can also boat to Pigeon Island National Park. Meanwhile, wildlife lovers should post up on the west coast's Kosgoda Beach, a prime sea turtle nesting site.

Bermuda

Bermuda, a British overseas territory, is home to a bevy of picturesque shorelines. Popular pink sand beaches here include Horseshoe Bay Beach (known for its wide selection of nearby restaurants and shops) and Elbow Beach (beloved for its relaxing atmosphere). For more seclusion, check out alternative gems like Astwood Cove Beach, which is worth the steep trek down to the sand, and Jobson's Cove Beach, a quiet oasis bordered by rocky cliffs that is perfect for leisurely swimming and snorkeling. After sufficient lounge time, golfers can trade pink sands for lush greens on one of Bermuda's seven top-notch courses. But be forewarned: The views may be distracting.

Seychelles

There are a lot of reasons to start planning a Seychelles getaway. From the turquoise ocean to the palm-fringed beaches, this cluster of 115 islands off Africa's eastern shore comes straight out of a postcard. Kick back on beautiful Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue, which features smooth granite rock formations and shallow waters, or lay down your towel at Beau Vallon Beach on Mahé, where you'll discover a wide sandy shoreline ideal for a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, Jet Skiing and more.

U.S. Virgin Islands

A trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands will charm just about any type of traveler. Beach lovers who want to get away from the crowds should head straight to St. John, where the quieter sands of Honeymoon and Salomon Bay beaches appeal to privacy-seeking couples. St. Thomas' photogenic Magens Bay is perfect for photo-ops (though cruise ship tourists might get in your shot), and St. Croix's Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (closed April through August for turtle nesting season, and only open on weekends the rest of the year) is ideal for vacationers looking for an undeveloped shore.