The black sands of Iceland, the dramatic cliffs of Thailand, the pink sand of the Bahamas.
Beautiful beaches can be found in every corner of the world and it can be a (good sort of) headache deciding which one to visit. Luckily, there’s this list of the best beaches of 2018 to help you decide.
Travel site FlightNetwork has ranked the world’s 50 best beaches after sifting through the opinions of more than 1,200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies. It scored the beaches on sheer untouched beauty, remoteness and quality of the sand and water.
The best ranked beach is Navagio Beach, located on the Greek island of Zakynthos, which is particularly famous for being the site of an exposed shipwreck.
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in Australia comes in second place, while El Nido beach in the Philippines is third and Praia do Sancho off the coast of Brazil is fourth.
Scroll down to see a run-down, ranked in order, of the stunning beaches making the top 50…
The Mediterranean oasis of Navagio Beach, located on the Greek island of Zakynthos, is named the world’s best beach for 2018. It is particularly famous for being the site of an exposed shipwreck. Navagio is only accessible by sea. It sports an annual average 275 days of sunshine. The beach received a perfect 10 for sheer untouched beauty and an eight for both remoteness and sand and water quality. Journalist Erin Miller said: ‘It’s something out of a dream. The crystal clear waters lap against this small beach with the bones of an old ship rusting away in the sand. It’s quite literally a once-in-a-lifetime kind of beach’
Whitehaven Beach in Australia comes in at number two. The four-mile-long stretch of sand earned perfect 10 scores for sheer untouched beauty and remoteness. The beach is on tropical Whitsunday Island, off the coast of Queensland and about 900 miles northeast of Brisbane. The remote beach, which has 292 days of sunshine on average, can only be accessed by sea or air. Greg Barton from Reader’s Digest pointed out that it’s a most practical paradise: ‘A picturesque oasis, Whitehaven Beach is an ideal spot for families looking to fully settle into the laid-back, beach lifestyle, as there are gorgeous camping spots and BBQ facilities’
El Nido or Hidden Beach, on the island of Palawan in The Philippines, finishes third in the ranking. The beach, framed by towering cliffs and lush palm trees, scored highly for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality. It received a seven for remoteness. The beach receives, on average, 231 days of sunshine per year. Travel industry expert Sachin Aggarwal said: ‘The wild, vegetation-covered rock formations and crystal clear waters of Hidden Beach will make you feel as if you’ve been dropped into a movie’
Nestled on the small island of Fernando de Noronha — about an hour off the coast of Brazil — the remote Praia do Sancho comes fourth on the list. The beach itself is hard to access but once you arrive, there are golden sands and blindingly blue waters. The beach scored 10/10 in all categories and has on average 268 days of sun per year. Ann Abel from Forbes explained: ‘Fernando do Noronha is an archipelago midway between Brazil and Africa. Tourism is very limited and the nature is pristine. Not only is the beach a perfect crescent of stunning sand, but it is also reachable only by climbing down a rickety ladder – meaning it’s accessible only to the intrepid and never overrun with people’
Coming fifth in the list is Tulum Beach in Mexico, which is described as an ‘idylllic, serene getaway’ that has ‘white sands and bright teal waters’. The beach scores 10/10 for sand and water quality as well as nine for sheer untouched beauty. It also enjoys 175 days of average sunshine per year. Travel expert Lisa Wright said: ‘The laid-back, bohemian vibe of Tulum combined with the stunningly clear blue waters and powder-soft white sand makes it one of the best beach destinations in the world’
Last year’s winner, Grace Bay in the Caribbean archipelago of Turks and Caicos, slips to sixth in the 2018 ranking. The beach, on the island of Providenciales, enjoys 319 days of sunshine annually, according to the travel site. It received a perfect 10 score for both ‘sheer untouched beauty’ and ‘sand and water quality’ and received an 8/10 for remoteness. Blogger Stuart Brown wrote: ‘From its pure white sand to rich blue water, this beach is absolutely flawless. I cannot imagine a location more picturesque than this’
At number seven is Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean Sea. On Grand Cayman Island the beach is a stone’s throw from the islands’ capital of George Town. The beach enjoys, on average, 242 days of sunshine per year. It received an eight for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality and a seven for remoteness. Blogger Nicolette Orlemans said: ‘From endless snorkeling to lazy palm trees bordering the sand, Seven Mile Beach is picture-perfect. Strolling down this white-sand beach, all of your problems melt away’
Anse Source d’Argent, in The Seychelles, comes in at number eight. The beach, famed for its unique rock formations, enjoys 325 days of sunshine per year, on average. It received perfect 10 scores for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality. For remoteness, it received a nine. The beach is on the island of La Digue and is accessible by boat. Author Alexander Lobrano said: ‘I am still dreaming of this beach 25 years after spending a day in the shade of the coconut palms on this private stretch of white sand!’
Maya Beach, on the island of Koh Phi Phi Le in Thailand, comes in at number nine. The beach was used as a filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. It was recently closed to tourists to allow damaged coral in the bay a chance to recover. Maya Beach scored a perfect 10 for sand and water quality, an eight for sheer untouched beauty and a nine for remoteness. The beach enjoys 352 days of sunshine annually, on average. April Cole writes: ‘This famous Thai beach, surrounded by 100-metre-high cliffs in the middle of the ocean, exudes a beauty so exquisite it’s nearly impossible to leave its shores’
Rounding off the top ten is Varadero Beach in Cuba, which is often described as ‘one of the best on the island.’ It boasts fine white sand as well as bubbling blue water. The beach scored nine for its sand and water quality, eight for its sheer untouched beauty and seven for remoteness. Blogger Shea Powell said: ‘Varadero has everything you’d want out of a dream beach vacation; Cuban culture, flawless nature and relaxing amenities. I cannot wait to go back!’
Diani Beach in Kenya comes in at number 11. The beach is about an hour south of Mombasa by car. Beachgoers can see the Whale Shark out at sea and monkeys in the lush trees framing the pristine stretch of sand. The six-mile-long beach scored a nine for sand and water quality, a nine for sheer untouched beauty and a seven for remoteness. It has 111 days of sunshine annually, on average. Jess from Odyssey Safaris explained: ‘From sparkling white sand and lush greenery to camel and bike rides through local villages, Diani has it all!’
Pink Sands Beach in The Bahamas is in 12th place. The three-mile beach on Harbour Island is about 350 miles east of Miami, Florida. The beach received a perfect 10 for sand and water quality and an eight for both sheer untouched beauty and remoteness. The beach receives 223 days of sunshine per year, on average. Social media star Chelsea Henriquez said: ‘The pink sand and Georgian houses near the beach reinforce the idea that you’re in an idyllic paradise. Soak in the sun and settle into your dream vacation with a pina colada in-hand’
At number 13 is Anse Lazio in The Seychelles, an archipelago about 1,000 miles east of Kenya. The beach on Praslin Island is backed by lush coconut palms and unusual granite boulders and faces the vibrantly blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The beach scored a perfect 10 for sheer untouched beauty, a nine for sand and water quality and a seven for remoteness. It has, on average, 216 days of sunshine per year. Norbert Figueroa of GloboTreks said: ‘Bring your flippers and snorkel gear, the bustling reef just off shore at Anse Lazio Beach will bring you up close and personal with hundreds of rainbow-coloured fish. Whether it is your first time or you’re a snorkel pro, you’ll find water and reefs at your comfort level’
Railay Beach located in Krabi, south west Thailand, is 14th on the list. It attracts tourists who want to climb the challenging rocks around the cliffs and gaze at the beautful waters. The beach scored a perfect 10 for remoteness as it is only accessible by boat. It also scored eight for both sand and water quality and sheer untouched beauty. Railay Beach enjoys an average of 272 days of sun a day. Omar Hassan, from Destination 31 Adventure Travel, revealed: ‘Railay Beach can only be accessed by boat, which typically makes it less crowded than other nearby coastlines’
Playa Norte is a stretch of sand on the island of Isla Mujeres off the coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea and it comes in at number 15 on the list. The beach scored eight for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality as well as a seven for remoteness. It has, on average, 137 days of sunshine per year. Yadira Acosta, from Price Travel, said: ‘Floating in the warm, chest-deep water while watching the sun set, reflecting bright oranges, pinks, and reds in the crystalline waters. It doesn’t get much better than this’
Located down an exclusive gravel road, Noetzie Beach in South Africa is number 16 on the list. It is tucked into a hidden nook of Plettenberg Bay and rimmed by a dense forest. The beach scored a perfect 10 for both sheer untouched beauty and remoteness. It also scored eight for sand and water quality and has on average 277 of sunshine per year. Tour guide Rushdi Harper wrote: ‘A secluded beach located in one of South Africa’s most beautiful towns, Noetzie Beach is the perfect escape from a busy city. Fall asleep on the white sand with the sound of the waves as your lullaby’
Located in the desert climate of Baja California, Mexico, Balandra Beach sits in a pretty bay that protects it from the ocean. It was named a Natural Protected Area in 2008 and comes 17th in the ranking. The beach scored 10 for its sheer untouched beauty and nine for both remoteness and sand and water quality. It has an average of 125 days of sun per year. Divina Araiza said: ‘The stunning contrast of perfectly calm, deep blue waters set against the harsh, dry desert landscape of Baja California will leave an impression that you won’t soon forget!’
Coming in at number 18 is Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. Offering a different sort of beach-going experience, the subarctic stretch of sand is about two hours by car from Reykjavik. The beach enjoys, on average, 160 days of sunshine per year. It received a perfect 10 for sheer untouched beauty, a nine for sand and water quality and an eight for remoteness. Georg Haraldsson, from Iceland Travel, said: ‘Iceland is known for its raw natural beauty and this unbelievably beautiful black sand beach on the south coast is no exception’
Coming in at number 19 is Honokalani Beach, on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The beach scored nine for sheer untouched beauty and enjoys 273 days of sunshine per year, on average. It also scored nine for sand and water quality and seven for remoteness. Leigh Kunnis said: ‘Black sand, a quiet cove, and calm waters make this one of the best beaches in the world’
At number 20 is Bavaro Beach in the Dominican Republic, which is littered with beach huts along its crystal clear shoreline. The beach scored eight for sand and water quality and seven for remoteness. Bavaro enjoys on average 255 days of sun per year. Journalist Daniela Paleo explained: ‘Grab a bite to eat oceanside while looking out at the sunset, burying your feet in the velvety sand’
Found on South Africa’s ‘Wild Coast’, Coffee Bay takes 21st place on the list. The bay is said to offer pristine swimming beaches, excellent fishing and breathtaking scenery. The beach scored 10/10 across all three areas of sheer untouched beauty, sand and water quality and remoteness. Francois Cronje, from Green Monkey Safari, wrote: ‘Start your day with a stroll across Coffee Bay’s jagged beach, enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with staying on the outskirts of the city. As the sun rises, dive into the beautiful water for a swim, only coming up to search for endangered birds that frequent the area’
Platja de Formentor, located on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca, is a long, skinny, white sand beach that comes in 22nd spot. It scored eight for its sand and water quality, seven for sheer untouched beauty and six for remoteness. The beach on average has 300 days of sunshine a year. Nick Wayland, of TravMedia, said: ‘Forget Ibiza. Mallorca is truly the Spanish beach destination that should be top of your list. The unparalleled beauty of the island beach is unmarred by over-development and offers a truly idyllic beach experience!’
Lanikai Beach, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, comes in at number 23. Only 30 minutes by car from Honolulu, the beach has 300 days of sunshine per year, on average, and received a perfect 10 score for sheer untouched beauty. It received nine for sand and water quality and eight for remoteness. Blogger Dan Lake said: ‘You’ll never want to leave the sparkling blue waters, baby-soft sands, and stunningly colourful rainforest backdrop of this truly heavenly oasis’
Malmok Beach in a nook of grey and white rocks in Aruba takes 24th place on the list. The beach scored nine for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality and seven for remoteness. It has on average 300 annual days of sunshine. Matthew Greenspan, from FlightNetwork, added: ‘The scenic drive out to Malmok beach is long, but incredibly worth it once you arrive at this remote paradise’
Located on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Matira beach has ‘sand whiter than snow’ and a ‘crystal clear ocean’. The beach scored a perfect 10 for both sheer untouched beauty as well as sand and water quality. It scored nine for its remoteness. Radhika Khanijo, from Welgrow Travels, said: ‘This French Polynesian haven was made for lazy days floating through balmy, clear waters, hammock naps, and leisurely snorkel excursions’
Radhanagar Beach, in India, comes in at number 26. The beach is on Havelock Island, in the Andaman Islands archipelago to the east of the country’s mainland. The archipelago is accessible by plane from the Indian mainland and Havelock is accessible from the archipelago’s main airport by seaplane and boat. The beach received nines for remoteness and sand and water quality and an eight for sheer untouched beauty. It enjoys 112 days of sunshine annually, on average. Journalist Soma Das said: ‘Go here if you want to play in a dreamland of lush rainforest, powder soft sand, and pristine water’
On an island north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Isla Holbox makes it to 27th spot on the list. Described as exuding serenity it scored perfect 10s across all three categories thanks to its ‘khaki-coloured sands that disappear into baby blue waters’. The beach also receives on average 169 days of annual sunshine. Blogger Camila said: ‘Island time takes on a whole new meaning on this beautiful, serenely quiet, and remote island. This island beach is the perfect place to slow down, relax, and truly unplug’
Half Moon Cay is a crescent-shaped beach on the coast of the Bahamas on Little San Salvador Island. It takes 28th place in the ranking thanks to its calm waters, which makes it safe for swimming. The beach scored 9.5 out of 10 for sheer untouched beauty, nine for sand and water quality and eight for remoteness. Half Moon Cay gets an average of 250 days of sunshine each year. Blogger Kelly Reci explained: ‘Peering at the water glistening in the sun as you horseback ride down the beach is a romantic experience that cannot be put into words’
Manuel Antonio Beach is where surfers head to ride Costa Rica’s famous waves and it takes 29th place in the ranking. The beach is located within Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most biodiverse locations in the world. The beach scored nine for its sand and water quality, 8.5 for sheer untouched beauty and seven for remoteness. It gets an average of 199 days of sunshine a year. Blogger Deanna Underwood said: ‘From sloths and monkeys to massive swells, Manuel Antonio National Park is the perfect fit for adventurous beach-goers’
Blinky Beach on Lord Howe Island off the east coast of Australia is described as having some of the least-crowded and best waves for surfers. And it has been placed number 30 on the beach ranking. It scored 10/10 for sand and water quality and nine for both sheer untouched beauty and remoteness. It has on average 299 days of sunshine each year. Emily Steinke said: ‘Blinky Beach is a pristine stretch of sand that melts into warm waters offering epic, uncrowded surfing, body-boarding, and swimming’
Long Beach in Canada comes in at number 31. The 10-mile long beach is on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and lies within Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It enjoys 151 days of sunshine per year, on average. It scored 10 for sheer untouched beauty, nine for remoteness and eight for sand and water quality. Journalist Sajjadur Rahman said: ‘You’ll get lost wandering for hours on Long Beach’s stunning shoreline as you listen to the soft crashing of ocean waves on one side and the musical songs of the birds in the forest on the other’
Camps Bay Beach is one of the biggest celebrity hangouts in South Africa thanks to its idyllic white sand and grassy knolls. It came in at number 32. The beach’s sand and water quality was given a score of 10 while it received eight for sheer untouched beauty and seven for remoteness. It has on average 129 days of sunshine each year. Journalist Nick Hedley wrote: ‘The water glistens almost as brightly as the diamond-dripping celebrities that frequent this beach. Sunbathe in the angel-white sand or dive into the stunning water. Between the beautiful nature and eclectic celebrities, you’ll never fail to be entertained’
Hyams Beach, on the coast of New South Wales, is number 33 in the ranking. The beach, about a three-hour drive from both Sydney and Canberra, scored a perfect 10 for sheer untouched beauty, nine for sand and water quality and eight for remoteness. The beach enjoys, on average, 251 days of sunshine per year. Greg Barton from Reader’s Digest wrote: ‘One of the most idyllic beaches I’ve ever seen. Hyams Beach features pure white sands, luxury accommodations, and tranquil water’
Cable Beach is yet another Australian beach to make the list, and it finished 34th in the ranking. People often ride across the sand on camels inside the coastal reserve of Minyirr Park, where the beach is located in Western Australia. The beach scored a perfect ten for both sheer untouched beauty and remoteness as well as nine for sand and water quality. Carlya, from Travelwild Australia, said: ‘This stunning 22km expanse of beach is a must for luxury travelers seeking five-star accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and ample opportunities for water sports’
Another beach in Western Australia, Lucky Bay, in Cape Le Grand National Park, is number 35. The beach enjoys 255 days of sunshine per year, on average, and received nines for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality. It received a seven for remoteness. Gene Hardy from Cape to Cape Explorer Tours wrote: ‘Calm, turquoise water and a bright white shore make Lucky Bay an ideal choice for active beach-goers looking for a prime spot for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking’
Champagne Beach, on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu, comes in at number 36. The beach enjoys 193 days of sunshine annually, on average. It received 10 for its sheer untouched beauty, nine for sand and water quality and seven for remoteness. Author John Elston said: ‘Powdery white sand and effervescent waters that take on a Champagne-hue at low tide make Champagne Beach a favourite spot on the east coast of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’
At number 37 is Flamenco Beach on Culebra Island in Puerto Rico. The beach received a perfect 10 for sand and water quality and enjoys, on average, 270 annual days of sunshine. It received nine for sheer untouched beauty and eight for remoteness. Norbert Figueroa said: ‘Crystal clear waters, white sandy shores, two WWII tanks lying on the beach, and the idyllic island life. Need I say more?’
Honopu Beach on the island of Kaui is one of the remotest in the world and can only be accessed by swimming up to it. The beach is number 38 and unsurprisingly scores a perfect 10 for its sheer untouched beauty. It also scored 10 for its sand and water quality and eight for remoteness. It has an average of 240 days of sun each year. Dora Rozet, from East West Tours, said: ‘Strap on your snorkel and fins because the only way to reach this remote beach is to swim there. But have no doubt, the moment you touch the warm sands of this stunning tropical oasis, you’ll know it was well worth the extra effort’
Located on picturesque Sanibel Island off the coast of Florida, Bowman’s Beach takes 39th spot. It is described as a ‘shell-seekers paradise’ and is also popular for fishing and bird watching. The beach scored eight for both remoteness and sand and water quality and six for remoteness. Lea Lanes, from Forbes, said: ‘This unforgettable beach is a magical repository of shells, replenishing with every tide’
Described as one of the best in Europe, Comparta Beach is in south west Portugal and is said to resemble the golden sands of the Caribbean. It scored eight across the board for sheer untouched beauty, remoteness and sand and water quality, meaning it takes 40th place. The beach enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. Journalist Johnathan Soroff said: ‘This is one of Europe’s most elegant beach resorts that is still unspoiled and undiscovered!’
The only beach in the UK to make the top 50 is Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, which comes in 41st place. It has a whopping 40,000 hexagonal-shaped pillars dating back to the volcanic age almost 60 million years ago. It scored a perfect 10 for remoteness, nine for sheer untouched beauty and six for sand and water quality. It has on average 197 days of annual sunshine. Travel writer Gregory D. McCluney explained: ‘Giant’s Causeway has it all: fantastic rock formations that will take your breath away, no people, clean sand and clear waters’
Calenque de Sugiton is one of the best-known coves in the south of France and is number 42. It scored a perfect 10 for remoteness, nine for its sheer untouched beauty and seven for sand and water quality. It also has 170 annual days of sunshine. Journalist Sharon Lindores said: ‘You’ll know that the hour hike was well worth it once you walk onto the idyllic pebble shores of this secluded French beach destination’
Bai Khem Beach in Vietnam makes number 43 on the list and it is described as one of the country’s best kept secrets as it stays off the radar of most tourists. It is renowned for its fine sand and crystal clear waters. The beach scored 10 for its remoteness and nine for sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality. Nam Nguyen from Exo Travel Vietnam added: ‘Bai Khem Beach is a remote getaway that features calm water and balmy weather that’s so relaxing you can’t help but melt into serenity’
Visitors must hike for two and a half hours to reach Wineglass Bay in Tasmania, which is 44th on the list. It is often regarded as one of the best beaches in the world. It scored 10/10 for both sheer untouched beauty and remoteness and nine for its sand and water quality. Journalist Joanna Davis explained: ‘This gem of Freycinet National Park is dazzling with its white sand and sparkling sapphire-coloured sea, and backdrop of pink and grey granite peaks’
Laguna Beach, which is famous for its surf culture and is located in the chic town of the same name in California is at number 45. It is described as having ‘romantic coves, soaring cliffs, and dazzling blue water’. It scored eight for both sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality but only a four for remoteness. It enjoys 281 days of annual sunshine. Vogue writer Lynn Yeager said: ‘Art, culture, diversity, food, rooftop bars and 10 miles of secret beaches, caves and great surfing. What else do you need?’
Pianemo beach on the Raja Ampat Islands in Indonesia comes in at number 46. It is described as a ‘striking contrast of lush jungle-covered mountains against the reef-filled waters’. It scored a perfect 10 for its sand and water quality, nine for sheer untouched beauty and seven for remoteness. Mark Simpson, from FlightNetwork, said: ‘One of the most extraordinary destinations in the world, Pianemo is so breathtaking it’s easy to wonder if you’ve been transported to a heavenly other dimension’
Ngapali Beach, which was formerly a quaint fishing village, is located in Myanmar and occupies the 47th spot. Local fisherman still work close to the beach, going out to sea daily on their colourful boats. The beach scored nine for sand and water quality, eight for sheer untouched beauty and six for remoteness. Deepa Alexander said: ‘This tree-lined paradise is a great place to check out vibrant sea life, like bright orange starfish or shiny red crabs’
Grand Anse on Grenada comes in at number 48. The Caribbean beach enjoys 223 days of sunshine annually. It scored nine for sand and water quality, eight for sheer untouched beauty and seven for remoteness. Melanie Reffes explained: ‘The surfing at Grand Anse beach rivals that of famous beaches from South Africa to Hawaii. Thanks to its remote location, very few people are on the water and you feel like you’re on your own private island’
Located on the island’s Atlantic coastline, Bathsheba beach in Barbados finishes in 49th spot. It has powder-soft sand, dark blue water and black rocks. Bathsheba scored 9.5 for sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality as well as 8.5 for remoteness. Jiri Jelinek said: ‘Whether you love surfing or thrive out of the water in the sun, Bathsheba Beach is perfect. Excellent waves, soft sand and plenty of open space welcome you to this remote beach’
Last, but not least, is Cannon Beach at Number 50. The stretch of sand in Oregon, on the Pacific Northwest Coast of the United States, is more well-suited to long walks and exploration than sun-bathing. It receives 144 days of sunshine annually, on average. The beach, which was featured in the vampire romance film Twilight, scored eight for sheer untouched beauty, eight for sand and water quality and seven for remoteness. Donna Evans from Exceptional Adventures said: ‘This fabulous beach is surrounded by the unsurpassed beauty of the Pacific Northwest’