50. La Pelosa Beach, located in Sardinia, Italy, is known as one of the most stunning beaches in Europe. It offers facilities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, and is protected by a shallow bay, resulting in calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Picture: iStock

49. Unlike many of the other beaches in the Maldives, Kuramathi Sand Bank is entirely natural. It boasts soft sand and shallow waters, and depending on the tide, visitors can wander into the sea, often spotting unique marine life. Picture: iStock

48. Tucked away along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Keem Beach stands out for its raw natural beauty and stunning blue waters. It’s surrounded by towering cliffs and hills, creating calmer waters ideal for swimming. It’s accessible via a scenic drive, where visitors may even encounter a sheep or two. Picture: iStock

47. Welcome to sea lion heaven! Visitors from all over the world flock to Gardner Bay to interact with its incredible wildlife. Protected as part of the Galapagos National Park, Gardner Bay maintains its natural state, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. Picture: iStock

46. Santa Giulia is celebrated for its mix of unspoilt natural beauty and modern amenities. It’s distinguished by its crescent-shaped shoreline, and features calm waters ideal for swimming or water sports. Picture: iStock

45. Cathedral Cove, located in New Zealand, is aptly named after the naturally formed archway that stands between two stretches of beach. Visitors can access the beach by water or by a walking trail. Picture: iStock

44. Located just off the coast of Bonaire in the Caribbean, Klein Bonaire Beach offers a truly secluded beach experience. The landscape remains untouched, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Picture: iStock

43. Paje Beach is often regarded as one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world. With its long stretch of sand and secluded atmosphere, it stands out as one of Zanzibar’s top destinations. Picture: iStock

42. Known for its rare, powdering white sand made up of 99 per cent pure quartz from the Appalachian Mountains, Siesta Beach offers a truly unique experience. The unique sand stays cool even under the hot Florida sun, making it a truly unique experience. Picture: iStock

41. Its white sand meets lush rainforest at Playa Punta Uva. Just outside Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica, this spot is full of vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Sloths, monkeys, and colourful toucans add to the vibrant atmosphere. Picture: iStock

40. Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Goyambokka Beach is known for its golden sand and slender palm trees. The small inlet has strong waves, making it an ideal hotspot for bodysurfing. Picture: iStock

39. Saadiyat Beach, located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, is a stunning 8-kilometre stretch of coastline known for its white sand and turquoise waters. It’s paradise for nature lovers, with initiatives in place to protect the local environment. The waters surrounding the island are also home to bottlenose dolphins, hawsbill turtles, and many other species. Picture: iStock

38. Bon Bon Beach in the Philippines is renowned for its unique natural sandbar. During low tide, visitors are able to walk across the shallow waters to the neighbouring island. As a lesser-known destination, it offers a quiet retreat for travellers. Picture: iStock

37. Nudey Beach, ranked among Australia’s most beautiful beaches, is often considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Accessible via a boat ride or a scenic hike from the island’s main area, the beach offers a picturesque and secluded setting. The warm waters make it a great destination any time of the year. Picture: iStock

36. Located on Lefkada Island in Greece, Porto Katsiki is one of the few places where you can experience the smell of white thyme mixed with the salty sea air. The beach is made up of small white pebbles, and is backed by massive, rugged limestone cliffs. Picture: iStock

35. Meads Bay in Anguilla is a favourite amongst both locals and tourists. It offers a long stretch of white sand and a scattering of upscale resorts and local eateries. It also offers amazing sunset views, making it a particularly romantic spot for couples. Picture: iStock

34. Bahía de las Águilas is located within the protected Jaragua National Park in the Dominican Republic. The surrounding park is rich with a large variety of wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. Picture: iStock

33. Le Morne Beach in Mauritius is renowned for its backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage site, Le Morne Brabant mountain. The beach is known for its strong waves and winds, making it a prime spot for kite surfers and windsurfers. Picture: iStock

32. Brimming with local flair and authentic Grenadian culture, Grand Anse Beach offers a truly cultural experience. The beach is dotted with vendors selling unique crafts and local foods, and the sheltered waters are typically calm and perfect for swimming. Picture: iStock

31. Ffryes offers nothing but unspoilt, Caribbean charm. Located on the west coast of Antigua, it provides a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect escape from more crowded, commercialised spots. Picture: iStock

30. Anse Georgette on Praslin Island is a secluded bay offering privacy and a serene atmosphere. It’s framed by the iconic large granite boulders of the Seychelles, and is known for its clear, calm waters. Picture: iStock

29. The Baths, located in the British Virgin Islands, is truly one of the most unique beaches in the Caribbean. It’s known for its hidden caves, tide pools, and grottoes, making it a natural wonderland for adventure seekers. Picture: iStock

28. Accessible only by small boat or a challenging 30 minute hike through the jungle, Freedom Beach in Thailand is a particularly secluded spot. The beach is made up of soft white sand that nestles between jungle-covered hills and striking blue water of the Andaman Sea. Picture: iStock

27. Pulao Palambak is a medium-sized island located off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. It’s covered in coconut trees and features multiple jungle paths that lead to beautiful white sand beaches. It retains its natural charm, and provides a peaceful beach experience compared to the others in the area. Picture: iStock

26. Horseshoe Bay, located in Bermuda, is known for its distinct pink sand and limestone cliff surroundings. For those looking to explore, there are rocky coves and tidal pools bristling with marine life. It also offers amenities such as beach rentals and cafes. Picture: iStock

25. Baia do Sando, located in Brazil, is often regarded as one of the world’s best beaches. It’s isolated from urban noise, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and zero crowds. Picture: iStock

24. Nestled within a national marine park, Cayo Zapatilla boast private white sand beaches encircled by dense tropical forests. Visitors are rewarded with the raw beauty and pristine conditions, as the beach remains largely untouched by development. Picture: iStock

23. Seven Mile Beach is located in the Cayman Islands. It is lined with an abundance of amenities, and offers a variety of resorts, restaurants, and bars. The beach is marked by striking white sand and bright blue waters. Picture: iStock

22. Located in the Los Roques archipelago, Cayo de Agua is known for its distinctive sandbar, which creates a remarkable path through the sea. The waters are shallow and incredibly clear, making it the perfect spot to spend hours at. Picture: iStock

21. Wharton Beach in Western Australia is a secluded gem known for its turquoise waters, white sands, and panoramic coastal views. Located in Duke of Orleans Bay, it offers peaceful solitude, great surfing, and frequent dolphin sightings - making it a standout spot on Australia’s southern coast. Picture: iStock

20. Pontal do Atalaia in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil — often called the “Brazilian Caribbean” — is a serene beach known for its clear waters, white sand, and stunning cliffside views. Its remote access, only by boat or a steep hike, keeps crowds away and enhances its untouched charm, making it a truly special coastal escape. Picture: iStock

19. Playa Balandra in La Paz is a protected natural gem, known for its calm, shallow waters and the iconic ‘El Hongo’ rock. Strict regulations preserve its untouched beauty by limiting development and visitor impact. With seven connected beaches and chest-deep tides, it’s perfect for relaxed exploration and ideal for families. Picture: iStock

18. Playa de Rodas, a 700-meter beach in Spain’s Cíes Islands, is often called a Caribbean-like paradise with Atlantic charm. Accessible only by boat, it boasts soft white sand, clear waters, and a peaceful setting framed by pine forests and dunes — perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and quiet hikes. Picture: iStock

17. One Foot Island, tucked within the Aitutaki atoll, is a serene tropical escape with soft sands, crystal-clear lagoons, and plenty of quiet corners. A highlight is its tiny post office, where visitors can stamp their passports or send a postcard from paradise. Picture: iStock

16. Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos is a secluded Ionian gem, accessible mainly by boat and known for its deep blue waters, white sand, and peaceful vibe. Nestled below green hills and cypress trees, it offers warm, shallow waters perfect for swimming, plus scenic trails with stunning views. Picture: iStock

15. Detwah Lagoon, on the western tip of Socotra Island, is a hidden gem with turquoise waters, white sands, and dramatic hills. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains largely untouched, with shallow waters full of marine life and a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Picture: iStock

14. Shoal Bay East in Anguilla is a standout Caribbean beach, known for its powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and relaxed vibe. Despite its popularity, it remains peaceful, with plenty of quiet spots, gentle waves, and great snorkelling near the reefs. Picture: iStock

13. Pink Beach in Komodo National Park is famous for its rare pink sand, created by crushed red coral mixing with white sand. Set in a protected area, it offers clear, calm waters perfect for snorkelling and diving, along with stunning views of the surrounding islands - making it a true natural wonder. Picture: iStock

12. Boulders Beach near Cape Town is famous for its colony of African penguins, offering a rare chance to see them up close. Sheltered by granite boulders, the beach features warm, calm waters perfect for swimming, making it a favourite spot for both wildlife lovers and beachgoers. Picture: iStock

11. Turquoise Bay in Western Australia is known for its radiant turquoise waters and untouched beauty, nestled within Cape Range National Park. Its remote location means fewer crowds, offering peaceful sandy shores and stunning scrubland. The bay is ideal for snorkelling, with easy access to Ningaloo Reef and its vibrant marine life, plus the relaxing ‘Drift Snorkel’ along the currents. Picture: iStock

10. Grace Bay in Turks Caicos is renowned for its soft white sand, turquoise waters, and serene beauty. Protected by a coral reef, the calm, sheltered waters make it perfect for families and relaxation. The beach’s size keeps it uncrowded, even during peak season, and offers plenty of space for sunbathing and water sports. Picture: iStock

9. Ofu Beach in American Samoa, set within the National Park of American Samoa, offers powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and one of the healthiest coral reefs in the South Pacific. Framed by volcanic cliffs and lush greenery, this remote beach provides a serene, untouched setting perfect for snorkelling and connecting with nature. Picture: iStock

8. Nosy Iranja, off Madagascar’s coast, consists of two islands connected by a stunning 2-kilometer sandbar at low tide. As the tide rises, the sandbar vanishes, leaving turquoise waters behind. A haven for marine life, including nesting sea turtles, Nosy Iranja offers snorkelling, swimming, and exploration of its lush surroundings. Picture: iStock

7. Anse Source D’Argent in the Seychelles is famous for its striking granite boulders and clear, shallow waters. This scenic beach attracts photographers and beachgoers alike, yet its spacious layout ensures a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Accessible through L’Union Estate with a small entry fee, it remains beautifully preserved. Picture: iStock

6. Canto de la Playa on Saona Island, Dominican Republic, is a hidden Caribbean gem known for its lush greenery and pristine, uncrowded beach. With calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs just offshore, it offers a peaceful, secluded escape accessible only by boat. Picture: iStock

5. PK 9 Beach in Fakarava, French Polynesia, is a serene paradise within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Untouched by development, it offers soft sands, swaying palms, and vibrant coral reefs full of tropical fish and stingrays. With calm, shallow turquoise waters, it’s a haven for snorkellers and swimmers. Picture: iStock

4. Fteri Beach on Kefalonia, Greece, is a secluded cove surrounded by white cliffs, accessible by boat or a steep hike. Its isolation creates a peaceful atmosphere, with crystal-clear turquoise waters meeting white pebbles and sand. This tranquil beach offers an untouched escape for nature lovers. Picture: iStock

3. Koh Kood’s Bang Bao Beach remains serene and uncrowded, offering clear, shallow waters and a laid-back atmosphere. Framed by lush jungle, it’s ideal for swimming and relaxation. The nearby fishing village, with its wooden pier and fresh seafood, adds charm, while stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and nearby islands enhance the natural beauty. Picture: iStock

2. Entalula Beach in Palawan, Philippines, is a secluded gem with dramatic limestone cliffs and white sandy shores. Less crowded than nearby beaches, it offers clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs. Picture: iStock

1. Cala Goloritzé, on the Baunei Coast in Sardinia, Italy is a breathtaking beach known for its striking 143-meter limestone pinnacle and crystal-clear waters. Protected as a natural monument, it remains pristine, accessible only by a daily limited hike or boat from a moored vessel. Picture: iStock