8 Beaches that will Take Your Breath Away

Beaches became a popular tourist attraction during the 18th century, and now more than 400 million people visit the beach every year. From the coasts of Asia to the tip of Africa, here's our roundup of some of the planet's most stunning beaches.

September 03, 2021

By: Tatum Lenberg

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Le Morne, Mauritius

Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula on the island of Mauritius. Located at the tip of the Indian Ocean, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by a lagoon, Le Morne draws visitors from all around the globe. In 2008, it became inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven beach is a 4 mile (7 km) stretch along Whitsunday Island in Australia. The beach is known for its pristine white sand and clear turquoise water. It was even awarded Queensland's Cleanest Beach in 2008.

Sotavento Beach, Canary Islands

Sotavento beach is located in Costa Calma, a resort town in the Canary Islands of Spain. This beautiful beach is popular among tourists and athletes alike, and is a frequent host of several windsurfing championships.

Camps Bay Beach, South Africa

Camps Bay Beach is the largest white sand beach in all of Camps Bay, Cape Town. It is a certified Blue Flag beach for its sustainability practices. Camps Bay is known for its vibrant sunsets.

Copacabana, Brazil

Copacabana beach is one of the most famous in the world. Located on a two mile stretch of Rio de Janeiro, this iconic beach plays host to residents and tourists and in most years is the official venue of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. On Sundays, the area closes to cars giving beachgoers more room to walk and play.

Hanalei Bay, Hawaii

Hanalei Bay is the largest bay on the north shore of Kauai. This two-mile beach is surrounded by mountains giving it gorgeous scenic views in every direction. In the summer, the beach is perfect for sailing, paddle boarding, and swimming. In the winter, the waves get bigger and Hanalei becomes a popular surfing destination.

Railay West, Thailand

Railay beach is a tiny peninsula located between Krabi and Ao Nang, Thailand. Accessible only by boat, Railay is known for its quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, the area is also a popular destination for rock climbers.

Elafonissi Beach, Greece

Known for its pink sand and clear shallow water, Elafonissi beach is located on the southwest coast of Crete. Surrounded by a warm lagoon, this beach was once a secret spot only known to locals. Now an internationally classified nature reserve, this beach is known around the globe.