The best beaches in the world you need to know before choosing your next destination

Picturing the perfect holiday destination can feel overwhelming when the world offers so many spectacular corners. The best beaches in the world go far beyond stretches of golden sand: they include dramatic cliffs, impossibly coloured waters and experiences that completely transform your idea of paradise.

Every coastal corner of the planet has its own personality, from the top 10 beaches in the world according to experts to hidden gems that few people know about. Choosing the perfect destination depends on the kind of experience you are looking for: absolute tranquillity, ocean adventure or simply that perfect moment by the sea wearing the bikini that best represents you.

In the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, Isla Pasión has claimed the top spot in international rankings. This small islet, accessible only by boat from Cozumel, delivers exactly what comes to mind when you think of paradise: fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and the kind of peaceful atmosphere you only find in truly special places.

The experience includes full services with food, drinks and water activities, making it a hassle-free getaway. The ideal destination to debut your favourite bikini set and simply let go.

The iconic divi-divi trees of Eagle Beach lean eternally toward the sea, shaped by decades of Caribbean winds. This beach of ultra-fine white sand stands out not only for its scenic beauty but also as a natural sanctuary where sea turtles choose to nest every season.

As the afternoon fades, the sky turns into a spectacle of orange and pink hues that alone justify the trip to this island in the Dutch Caribbean. If you are looking for inspiration to pack your beach bag, don’t miss the best bikini colours for the season.

Elafonisi represents Mediterranean magic at its finest. Its most distinctive feature is the pink-tinted sand, the result of tiny shell and coral fragments that tinge the shoreline with soft, almost surreal shades. This Greek beach is connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar that, depending on the tide, you can walk across on foot.

The shallow, crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for unhurried swimming or snorkelling, while its commitment to environmental conservation has turned it into a haven for various species of migratory birds.

Among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, Spain makes its presence felt with Platja de Muro in Mallorca. This expansive beach of fine golden sand, lapped by a calm Mediterranean, perfectly combines natural beauty and family-friendly amenities.

The features that set it apart include:

• Shallow waters ideal for families
• A dune system with preserved native vegetation
• Full infrastructure with quality services
• Easy access by public transport or car

A Mediterranean destination where choosing patterned bikinis is always a winning move to capture the essence of summer.

La Jolla Cove proves that the best beach experiences don’t always involve tropical sand. This cove, sheltered by golden sandstone cliffs, offers surprisingly calm waters where sea lions rest, completely unfazed by visitors.

At low tide, natural rock pools appear like tiny open-air aquariums, while the nearby Sunny Jim sea cave adds a touch of adventure, accessible through a tunnel carved into the rock.

An hour from Cape Town, Boulders Beach offers a one-of-a-kind experience: sharing the beach with a colony of African penguins that live and breed freely among enormous polished granite boulders.

The elements that make this experience special are:

• Penguin observation from eco-friendly boardwalks
• Small sheltered coves nestled between rock formations
• Natural pools for refreshing dips
• Coastal trails with open Atlantic views

Far from the bustle of Phuket’s most crowded beaches, Banana Beach reveals a more intimate version of the Thai paradise. Tucked between hills cloaked in tropical vegetation, this cove of pale sand boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush nature.

The plan here is simple and perfect: swim in warm, transparent waters, explore its reefs teeming with marine life through a snorkel mask or simply let time slip by in the shade of the palm trees. For a destination like this, it is well worth choosing a triangle bikini that blends comfort and style.

On the island of Palawan, El Nido offers not one but numerous spectacular beaches spread across islands and archipelagos. Speedboat excursions with local crews take you through the crystal-clear blue waters of Bacuit Bay in search of secluded beaches and hidden lagoons.

If you are planning a trip like this and want to pack smartly, take a look at our guide to choosing a bikini according to your style and needs.

Scotland is not the first destination that springs to mind for a beach holiday, but Achmelvich defies all expectations. Nestled in a bay in the Western Highlands, this beach offers turquoise waters on clear days that rival the Mediterranean, along with a peaceful 200-metre stretch of white sand.

The contrast with the rugged Scottish landscape creates a truly unique visual experience, while the proximity to Lochinver’s famous bakery and the tiny Hermit’s Castle adds cultural charm to the trip.

When considering which is the best beach in the world for your next trip, keep these factors in mind:

• Type of experience you want: total relaxation, marine adventure or cultural exploration
• Time of year: Some beaches have specific ideal seasons
• Accessibility: from adventurous hikes to comfortable arrivals by public transport
• Available facilities: from completely wild experiences to full-service comfort

And one piece of advice that is often overlooked: choose your swimwear wisely. A quality swimsuit or bikini that withstands chlorine, salt and sun will help you enjoy any of these destinations far more. If you want to delve deeper into this topic, we recommend our guide on types of fabrics for swimwear.

The top 10 beaches in the world we have explored show that there is no single formula for coastal perfection. Each destination offers its own interpretation of paradise, from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the dramatic Mediterranean cliffs, through to once-in-a-lifetime encounters with wildlife.

The true magic of these destinations lies in their ability to create unforgettable memories — those perfect moments when time stands still, and you understand why certain places remain etched in the memory of everyone who visits them.