Do you find yourself daydreaming about warmer weather and the sand between your toes lately? Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or a lively, swelteringly-hot beach for a daytime party, add these stunning stretches of sand to your bucket list this summer with our roundup of the best beaches in the world.
Bali – Bingin Beach
Bali has been recently minted as the number one travel destination in the world and it’s not hard to see why. The culture, the food, the landscape…there’s truly no place like it. Another thing that helps Bali to stand out? Their beautiful beaches. When you’re done visiting the Monkey Forrest or soaking in the waters of the Tirta Empul temple, head to Bingin Beach. It’s unrivaled views are perfect for relaxing, the waves make it a great spot for surfing, and the restaurants nearby are always serving up delicious Balinese cuisine.
Greece – Balos Beach, Chania, Crete
Tucked away on the western side of Crete is Balos Beach. It’s white sand, soft seabed, and clear waters are just as serene as they sound. Right across from this beach with astonishing views is a steep Venetian castle that makes for the perfect addition to your itinerary. Also consider tacking on a visit to the Nautical Museum of Crete and the Archeological Museum of Chania. Not all history lessons have to be boring.
Phillipines – El Nido, Palawan
El Nido Beach just may be one of the most popular in the world. We wouldn’t recommend stepping foot in the Philippines without paying it a visit. The crystal clear waters make it perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Like Bali, once you get to the Philippines, it’s one of those countries that allow you to have a good time for a low cost. That means you’ll have enough spare cash to go scuba diving, rent a boat to take you to other hidden beaches, or splurge on a resort stay. Walk off all the good food you ate with a hike of Taraw Peak.
Jamaica – Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay
If you want amazing food, year-round temperatures of 78-84 degrees, and gorgeous beaches, then you should book your flight to Jamaica immediately. Doctor’s Cave Beach is definitely gorgeous, but stands out from the rest due to its ban on footballs, radios, and vendors. Relaxing on the beach without having to hear your neighbors music or being disturbed by vendors sounds like a perfect day to me. During your trip make sure you go Cliff Diving at Rick’s Cafe and visit Y.S. Falls. These popular adventures make for great photos but even better memories.
Hawaii – Sunset Beach, Oahu
The name Sunset Beach says it all. It’s where you go for breathtaking, Instagram worthy photos of the sunset, but the beach is truly beautiful all day long. Hawaii is also the perfect destination for those Americans who don’t yet have a passport, but want to visit somewhere tropical. Oahu is the perfect place for some Hawaiian island hopping, but if you’re partial to staying in one place it’s great for that too. Take a day trip to a volcano, attend a traditional Polynesian dinner show, or hike one of their many amazing trails.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
