Who wouldn’t love to take a year off to travel the world and visit the most amazing beaches? Although it would be quite a challenge to see every seaside spot on Earth, even in a decade! Still, let’s imagine there are around 50 to 100 beaches that are a must-see. Pictures don’t do them justice—you need to feel the sand beneath your feet. But first, you should know where to find these dream destinations.
In Europe, some of the best beach spots are along the Mediterranean. This sea is divided into regions like the Aegean, Ionian, Adriatic, Balearic, Ligurian, and Tyrrhenian. The French Riviera is probably the most famous and luxurious summer vacation area in Europe, with St. Tropez being a name everyone recognizes. However, this beauty comes with a price, and it’s among the priciest regions in Europe.
The Balearic Islands are a bit more affordable and are a popular summer getaway for Europeans. Ibiza in Mallorca is the ultimate party destination in the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for something quieter, Spain has lovely beaches on its mainland too, like Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, and Asturias.
Italy is beloved for its stunning landscapes, wine, cuisine, and beaches. The Amalfi Coast is often listed as one of the top beach destinations in Italy. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, offers fierce competition with its beautiful shores. Adjacent to the French Riviera, Italy borders Croatia, which boasts beaches like the captivating Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast with its stunning castles and views.
Greece might not be large, but it sure has an extensive coastline. The mainland offers places like the Sithonia region in Chalkidiki and Dunes Beach in the Peloponnese. The Greek islands are even more enchanting, with hundreds scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, including popular spots like Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, and Zakynthos.
Turkey straddles two continents, with its primary summer spots in the larger Asian section known as Anatolia. Antalya is a premier Turkish resort, alongside Bodrum, Kusadasi, and Kas, all offering beautiful Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines. Meanwhile, the Turkish Black Sea resorts may be lesser-known, unlike the Bulgarian resorts of Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Nessebar, and Sozopol.
Heading to the Indian Ocean, true adventure seekers might visit Asia’s incredible beaches. Luxury seekers might head to Dubai or nearby Arabian Sea destinations, but many journey to the remote and expansive Indian Ocean. The Maldives is often considered the beach of dreams, but Seychelles and Mauritius are strong contenders. These distant areas offer isolation from the rest of the world.
In Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines, beaches can be busier due to larger populations. In Thailand, Phuket is a major draw, with Koh Samui and Khao Lak attracting international visitors too. Indonesia is home to beautiful Bali, while the Philippines offers destinations like Puka Beach.
Then there’s the vast Pacific Ocean with countless islands to explore. Hawaii might be the most accessible for many, being part of the USA. French Polynesia offers wonders like Bora Bora, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands. The allure of these remote islands lies in their beauty and adventure, though getting there can be time-consuming. Australia, with its extensive coastline, is another unique spot, featuring highlights like Byron Bay and Port Douglas, alongside Tasmania and Hamilton Island.
Americans don’t need to travel far for a summer escape, with options both within the country and the nearby Caribbean islands. But that’s a story for another day.