By Briana Seftel
The smell of salty air, the gentle crash of waves... who doesn't love a good beach? We can't think of anything more relaxing than laying under an umbrella with a good drink in hand. But there are so many iconic beaches around the world, and no two are exactly alike. So if you're looking for a new destination that still has the beachy goodness you want, you're in the right place!
From a shipwreck beach in Greece to a black sand beauty in Maui, these 15 beaches are amazing for shore.
Ready for your next beach adventure? Check out our beach and island vacations!
Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Spend a day at Rio’s two iconic beaches: Copacabana and Ipanema. You may recognize the latter from the famous song “The Girl from Ipanema” – either way, this expansive beach is Rio life on a strip of sand.
View trips to Brazil.
Black Sand Beach
Maui, Hawaii
Maui has no shortage of incredible beaches, but this black sand beauty in Waianapanapa State Park is one of the most unique. Created long ago from hot lava hitting the cool surf, this beach is nestled in a private cove and is perfect for a day of relaxation.
View trips to Hawaii.
Railay Beach
Krabi, Thailand
Flanked by limestone rock formations on all sides, Railay Beach is a stunning oasis near the city of Krabi. Only accessible by boat, the beach is popular among day trippers and rock climbers looking to scale the monstrous cliffs.
View trips to Thailand.
Tulum Beach
Tulum, Mexico
Just an hour and 30 minutes from busy Cancun, Tulum is a wellness hot spot with unspoiled beaches to boot. Tulum Beach is the most well-known as it sits below Tulum's ancient Mayan ruins.
View trips to Mexico.
Navagio Beach
Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach (also called Shipwreck Beach) on the Greek island of Zakynthos is one of the most stunning in all of Greece. Day trippers from all over flock to this beach that's home to a shipwrecked freightliner, the MV Panagiotis.
Tip: To get here you need to get a taxi-boat from Porto Vromi, leaving every hour.
View trips to Greece.
Seven Sisters Cliffs
East Sussex, England
Overlooking the English Channel, the Seven Sisters Cliffs are often mistaken for the White Cliffs of Dover. However these beautiful chalk cliffs have a beach below that is perfect for strolling on a crisp English day.
View trips to England.
Padang Padang Beach
Bali, Indonesia
Locally referred to as Pantai Labuan Sait, this beach on the northwest coast of Bali is popular among surfers and sunbathers. Some may recognize this beach from the 2010 romantic film “Eat, Pray, Love.”
View trips to Indonesia.
Boulders Beach
Cape Town, South Africa
The main draw for visitors to Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula is the 3,000 jackass penguins, which are often spotted waddling in and out of the sea.
View trips to South Africa.
Palolem Beach
Goa, India
On the western coast of India, Goa is renowned for its golden-sand beaches, Portuguese influence, and legendary parties. Palolem is the quintessential Goan beach - bamboo huts, palm trees, and gentle water.
View trips to India.
South Beach
Miami, Florida
Sun and surf, as well as glitz and glam, distinguish South Beach in Miami. After strolling the Art Deco neighborhood, head for the beach and find a sunny spot to relax. The always busy public beach begins at Ocean Drive and 5th Street, and ends at 21st Street and Collins.
View trips to Florida.
Praia da Marinha
Algarve, Portugal
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal's Algarve, Praia da Marinha (Navy Beach) is perpetually covered in sunshine. Locals and tourists flock to the beach for its beautiful cliffs and high quality of water.
View trips to Portugal.
Zlatni Rat
Brac Island, Croatia
Also known as Golden Horn, Zlatni Rat on Brac Island is one of the most iconic beaches in Croatia, and for good reason. The pebbled beach continually changes shape and color due to changing winds and sea.
View trips to Croatia.
Bondi Beach
Sydney, Australia
An iconic image of Australia is Bondi Beach, the famous beach located just outside of the capital of Sydney. Locals and tourists alike love sunbathing, surfing or just strolling the sandstone headlands.
Koh Rong Beach
Koh Rong, Cambodia
This beach on Cambodia’s second largest island in the Gulf of Thailand is pure bliss – powdery white sand, crystal clear water, and not a development in sight. If Koh Rong isn't paradise, we don't know what is.
View trips to Cambodia.
One Foot Island
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Is it a dream? No, it’s One Foot Island! Located in Aitutaki, one of the Cook Islands, this tiny inlet traditionally known as Tapuaetai got its name because from the air, it resembles a left foot. This little slice of heaven is perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, and just relaxing.
There are countless iconic beaches to see around the world.
Some people think beach vacations are boring... can you imagine?! With so many iconic shorelines to choose from, every beach on this list offers a different experience. Whether you want to walk by the waves or catch them on a surf board, go snorkeling or simply soak it all in, there's a beach destination out there for everyone. And when you book with Great Value Vacations, the flights, hotels, and more are included... so all you have to worry about is sitting back to relax.
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