The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World
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These beaches boast stark white sand that beautifully contrasts with azure waters and painted skies.
Beach lovers often remark on the beauty of soft white sand and how this dynamic coastal feature really makes a shoreline stand out. To help you plan your next beach vacation, this list rounds up the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world and other offerings these scenic beaches provide.
Next:Rendezvous Bay: Anguilla
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Rendezvous Bay: Anguilla
Travelers flock to Anguilla for its stunning scenery, soft sand beaches and amazing culinary experiences. Rendezvous Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with powdery white sand, striking turquoise waters and amazing views of nearby St. Martin.
Next:Grace Bay: Turks & Caicos
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Grace Bay: Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos is known for its pearlescent white sand along with its calm and shallow waters, which are free from rocks and seaweed. Book a stay at The Somerset on Grace Bay for a luxury resort experience, exclusive beachfront access and a complimentary kids club.
Next:Destin: Florida
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Destin: Florida
Destin boasts impressively white sand and a laid-back beach culture along the Florida Panhandle. This part of the country is popular with tourists since it’s easy for those in the South to reach by car. In addition to beautiful beaches, Destin is home to a plethora of rental condos and Airbnbs.
Next:Orange Beach: Alabama
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Orange Beach: Alabama
Orange Beach is a family-friendly destination known for its affordable rental condos and hotels, relaxed atmosphere, and to-die-for white sand beaches. Families often opt to stay near the water, planning lazy beach days and trips to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
Next:Paraga Beach: Mykonos, Greece
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Credit
(Courtesy of SantAnna)
Paraga Beach: Mykonos, Greece
The island of Mykonos is where you come to dance the night away and nap all day on the shores. Head to Paraga to check out the SantAnna beach club for its lagoon-shaped saltwater pool, private cabanas and authentic Greek cuisine – with bottle service, of course.
Next:Shoal Bay: Anguilla
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Shoal Bay: Anguilla
Anguilla’s Shoal Bay is another beach renowned for its white sand, calm and clear waters, and notable lack of seaweed or rocks. Book a room at the luxurious Zemi Beach House for five-star pampering and ample on-site amenities, including a beach concierge, a spa, water sports rentals and more.
Next:White Bay: Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
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White Bay: Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
White Bay in the British Virgin Islands is home to more than gorgeous powdery sands – you’ll also find the Soggy Dollar Beach Bar, where you can order a famous Painkiller rum punch cocktail (this bar is where the drink originated). Curl up in a lounge chair with your drink to enjoy the scenery and the party at White Bay.
Next:Playa PortoMari: Curaçao
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Playa PortoMari: Curaçao
This sandy bay in Curaçao sits on the private estate of Plantages PortoMari. The white coral sand and turquoise waters at Playa PortoMari provide the perfect backdrop for dinner or a drink at the bar after an afternoon of snorkeling or diving in its unique double reef or relaxing beachside.
Next:Platinum Coast: Barbados
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Platinum Coast: Barbados
The west coast of Barbados, commonly called the Platinum Coast, features warm waters along with giant shade trees and towering palms framing the beach. The region is famous for its amazingly clear waters and soft white sand. You’ll find all-inclusive properties here in addition to traditional resorts, making this stretch of coastline ideal for any trip.
Next:Hopkins Village Beach: Belize
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Credit
(Courtesy of The Belize Collection)
Hopkins Village Beach: Belize
This quiet stretch of coastline is lined with restaurants, hotels, villas and white sand. The water is warm and inviting, and plenty of locals hit the beach to play dominoes or bask in the sun. Consider a stay at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, a chic beach resort that sits directly on this stunning stretch of coastline in Belize.
Next:Hyams Beach: Australia
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Hyams Beach: Australia
Hyams Beach in New South Wales is considered one of the beaches with the whitest sand in the world, composed primarily of quartz. Around 120 miles south of Sydney, this striking yet touristy beach will leave you in awe of its beauty despite the crowds.
Next:Matira Beach: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
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Matira Beach: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Matira Beach sits on the southern end of Bora Bora beneath the gorgeous Mount Otemanu. This white sand beach is the perfect spot for romance or relaxation, but it can also be the starting point for a water sports adventure or a shark-feeding excursion.
Next:Tulum: Mexico
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Tulum: Mexico
Historic Tulum is home to ancient Mayan ruins, freshwater cenotes for snorkeling, and restaurants serving up traveler favorites such as ceviche and tacos. Visitors flock here to enjoy white sand beaches in the shadows of a Mayan temple, lush jungle scenery, and swim sessions with turtles and other marine wildlife.
Next:Meads Bay: Anguilla
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Meads Bay: Anguilla
Anguilla’s Meads Bay is a remote paradise, with sparse hotels and restaurants on its shores. With few people around, this beach is an ideal spot for curling up with a good book or enjoying a refreshing swim. Book a private villa at Meads Bay Beach Villas to secure your own stretch of white sand along with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a private plunge pool.
Next:Clearwater Beach: Florida
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Clearwater Beach: Florida
Clearwater Beach is located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, where boating, water sports and beach relaxation are always on the menu. This region offers incredibly white sand, plenty of family-friendly lodging options and numerous seafood establishments.
Next:Tran Phu Beach: Vietnam
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Tran Phu Beach: Vietnam
Vietnam’s Nha Trang offers numerous beaches spread throughout the city. The Tran Phu beach sits along a stretch of high-rise hotels with plenty of dining and nightlife nearby. Travelers visiting the city set up on this beach for its clear waters and beautiful white sand.
Next:Trunk Bay: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
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Trunk Bay: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands is famous for its expansive beachfront and the fact that no hotels sit along its shores. Visitors here can enjoy facilities and a snack bar while soaking up the relatively remote and quiet nature of this beach, which boasts excellent snorkeling and panoramic views of neighboring islands.
Next:Kabak: Turkey
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Kabak: Turkey
Getting to Kabak on Turkey’s southwestern coast requires a challenging trek down a rocky footpath, yet the stunning views are worth it. This white sand beach is surrounded by trees and other greenery along with rolling hills. Entry is free, and many locals camp here.
Next:Ksamil Beach: Albania
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Ksamil Beach: Albania
While the city of Ksamil is a fishing village at heart, Ksamil Beach is a waterfront paradise where tourists flock to enjoy calm waters and perfect sand. You can rent a chair and umbrella and relax the day away here with a fruity drink in hand.
Next:Surfer’s Beach: Eleuthera, Bahamas
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Surfer’s Beach: Eleuthera, Bahamas
The Bahamas may be known for clear blue, motionless waters, but you can still catch a wave at Surfer’s Beach in Eleuthera. The water may not be ideal for kids or swimming due to the waves, but the white sand makes this spot perfect for sunbathing or people-watching.
Next:Sandy Island: Anguilla
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Sandy Island: Anguilla
Anguilla’s Sandy Island is set apart from the mainland, making it the perfect spot to retreat when you want to get away from it all. This tiny private Caribbean destination is accessible by boat for the day only, which lets it focus on its purpose: serving day-trippers delicious drinks and large grilled lobsters.
Next:Marco Island: Florida
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Marco Island: Florida
Located along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Families visit this small barrier island off Florida for the clean shoreline, the kid-friendly atmosphere and the stunning sunsets.
Next:Grand Anse Beach: Seychelles
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Grand Anse Beach: Seychelles
Grand Anse Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles. In addition to its white sand, the beach inspires travelers with its dramatic mountain backdrop and open space. With deep waters, Grand Anse Beach is ideal for surfing or swimming.
Next:Railay Beach: Thailand
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Railay Beach: Thailand
Next:Saracen Bay: Koh Rong, Cambodia
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Saracen Bay: Koh Rong, Cambodia
The island Koh Rong is home to Saracen Bay, one of the most scenic and tranquil beaches in Cambodia. This bay is known for its unbelievable sunrises, a spectacular waterfall, amazingly clear waters and gorgeous views of the lush green hills nearby.
Next:Bolonia Beach: Spain
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Bolonia Beach: Spain
Set next to a small fishing village, Playa de Bolonia (or Bolonia Beach) remains fairly untouched. This Spanish beach is popular among locals, featuring plenty of space to lay out in as well as giant sand dunes that add to its scenery and appeal.
Next:Grand Anse Bay: Grenada
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Grand Anse Bay: Grenada
The “Spice Island” of Grenada is well known for its jungle-like atmosphere, beaches and towering cliffs. Grenada’s Grande Anse Beach (not to be confused with the Seychelles beach of the same name) sits on the southwest end of the island, featuring fine white sand and striking mountain views. Stay at Mount Cinnamon Grenada, a small boutique hotel, for oceanfront luxury and privacy.
Next:Coral Beach: Mexico
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Credit
(Courtesy of Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach)
Coral Beach: Mexico
Cancún is known for its turquoise waters and stunning white sand shores. However, this description rings even more true on Coral Beach, which sits on the north end of the Hotel Zone, a short ferry ride from Isla Mujeres. This part of Cancún is known to have some of the whitest and softest sand in the region, with calmer waters than at nearby beaches. Consider a stay at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, one of the only resorts that lines this small stretch of coast.
[Read: The Top Cancun All-Inclusive Family Resorts.]
Next:Dickenson Bay: Antigua
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Dickenson Bay: Antigua
Home to the couples-only Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and a handful of bars and restaurants, Dickenson Bay is a sight to behold in Antigua. Its powdery white sand is matched in beauty only by its turquoise waters. Travelers come here to spend the day on the beach, then watch beautiful sunsets over the water.
Next:Big Major Cay: Exumas, Bahamas
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Big Major Cay: Exumas, Bahamas
Big Major Cay is a huge tourist attraction in the Bahamas, but its unpigmented sand and colorless waters are only part of the allure. This beach destination is also known as Pig Beach thanks to the many pigs that inhabit the island, to tourists’ delight.
Next:Palm Beach: Aruba
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Palm Beach: Aruba
Known for its high-rise hotels, casinos and nightlife, Palm Beach in Aruba never sleeps. Yet, this region of Aruba still has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with white sand and some of the clearest water you have ever seen.
Next:Navagio Beach: Zakynthos, Greece
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Navagio Beach: Zakynthos, Greece
Tucked between two towering cliffs in Zakynthos, Navagio Beach is a popular tourist destination that boasts its own shipwreck for travelers to explore; it’s also one of Greece’s best beaches. You can only reach the beach by boat, but the crowds still visit in droves to get an eyeful of its natural beauty, cobalt water and glistening white sand.
Next:Boulders Beach: South Africa
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Boulders Beach: South Africa
Africa’s Boulders Beach of Cape Town is home to white sand, ancient granite boulders and even penguins. Its lack of large waves makes it the perfect swimming spot for kids and adults, and the beach is known for being clean and safe.
Next:Kauna’oa Beach: Hawaii
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Kauna’oa Beach: Hawaii
Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Beach – also called Mauna Kea Beach – is considered one of the prettiest white sand beaches in the state. The beach is wide and roomy, and the waters are normally calm, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling or curling up with a good book under a shade tree.
Next:Eagle Beach: Aruba
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Eagle Beach: Aruba
Less touristy than the famous Palm Beach, Aruba’s Eagle Beach has fewer hotels and restaurants but the same powdery sand and strikingly blue waters. Here, you can book a timeshare or oceanfront condo and enjoy beautiful beaches with smaller crowds.
Next:Kondoi Beach: Taketomi Island, Japan
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Kondoi Beach: Taketomi Island, Japan
Taketomi Island, where Kondoi Beach resides, is only a little more than 2 square miles wide, but a trip here is worth it. This beach is the only one on the island with public facilities, and it features fine white sand, multihued turquoise waters and incredible views.
Next:Panama City Beach: Florida
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Panama City Beach: Florida
A popular spot for families, couples and spring breakers, Panama City Beach offers something for travelers of all ages. In addition to its amazingly white sand and calm seas, you’ll find rental condos galore and plenty of family-friendly restaurants and attractions.
Next:Baby Beach: Aruba
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Baby Beach: Aruba
Known for its crescent shape, motionless waters and lush greenery, Aruba’s Baby Beach is popular among locals and tourists who want to swim or snorkel. The beach itself has soft white sand, along with snack shacks serving up tropical drinks and beach bites.
Next:Half Moon Cay: Belize
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Half Moon Cay: Belize
Half Moon Cay is little more than a peninsula with white sand and palm trees, which is why visitors come here to get away from it all. This private island is accessible by cruise ship on voyages with Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. The tiny beach is a site for nesting turtles as well as a protected home for the red-footed booby (a large seabird with crimson-colored feet).
[Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands.]
Next:Cabbage Beach: Paradise Island, Bahamas
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Cabbage Beach: Paradise Island, Bahamas
While most people associate Paradise Island in the Bahamas with the megaresort Atlantis, there is a lot more on the island than casinos and high-rise hotels. This includes Cabbage Beach, an oceanfront paradise with white sand and water ideal for swimming or snorkeling.
Next:The Baths: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
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The Baths: Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The Baths in Virgin Gorda may be known for giant granite boulders, but the beach here is noteworthy too. On the shores of this area of the British Virgin Islands, you’ll find soft powder sand and extravagant scenery.
Next:Seven Mile Beach: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
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Seven Mile Beach: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
It’s hard to imagine a white sand beach more beautiful than Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands. This resort-lined stretch of shore attracts travelers from all over the world with its pristine beachfront and gentle waves, which are perfect for floating and swimming.
Next:Carmel Beach: California
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Carmel Beach: California
California’s Carmel-by-the-Sea features a beautiful and renowned beach known as Carmel Beach. This stunning stretch of coast features snow-white powder sand, scenic paths with awe-inspiring views, and waters that are ideal for surfing and other water sports. As a bonus, it’s a dog-friendly beach.
Next:Flamenco Beach: Puerto Rico
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Flamenco Beach: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s Flamenco Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in this island destination, and it’s easy to see why. Visitors here will find a laid-back vibe with sugar-white sand and strikingly clear waters. There are also amenities to make your visit safer and more comfortable, including lifeguards, bathrooms and a camping area for overnight stays.
Next:South Beach: Florida
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South Beach: Florida
While South Beach may work best for adults-only vacations, this palm-fringed stretch of the Florida coast in Miami Beach really does offer something for everyone. Not only is the beach made up of white powder sand, but the area’s shopping and nightlife can keep you busy and entertained.
Next:Siesta Key: Florida
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Siesta Key: Florida
Siesta Key is a picture-perfect Florida beach, offering something for every type of beachgoer. In addition to the quartz-crystal powdery sand found in this area of the world, visitors to Siesta Key will find an expansive area for parking, concession stands and calm waves perfect for floating or splashing around.
Next:Coronado Beach: California
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Coronado Beach: California
San Diego’s Coronado Beach is home to the famous Hotel del Coronado, yet it’s worth a visit regardless of where you plan to stay in the area. This beach destination is known for striking sunsets over the water as well as its glistening white sand.
Next:Mokolua Islands: Hawaii
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Mokolua Islands: Hawaii
Hawaii’s Mokolua Islands are located just off Oahu’s coast near Lanikai Beach. These islands are home to protected seabirds, and they can be reached by kayak. While you won’t find any facilities or amenities here, you will find white sand beaches and absolute paradise.
[Read: The Top Beaches in Hawaii.]
Next:Whitehaven Beach: Whitsunday Island, Australia
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Whitehaven Beach: Whitsunday Island, Australia
Located in the Australian state of Queensland, Whitehaven Beach stuns visitors with its snow-white silica sand and turquoise waters. This is another natural beach area that doesn’t offer any restaurants, bars or amenities, but the stunning vistas and natural beauty make it well worth a visit.
Next:Pensacola Beach: Florida
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Pensacola Beach: Florida
Florida’s Pensacola Beach is another highly rated beachfront with white sand and plenty of activities to take part in. For example, Pensacola is a place where travelers engage in water sports or book deep-sea fishing charters and dolphin watching tours. This area is popular for family vacations thanks to the many condominium buildings and restaurants along its shores.
Next:Why Trust U.S. News Travel
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Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has visited more than 50 countries around the world, including many destinations where the world’s most beautiful beaches reside. Johnson writes about topics like travel insurance, as well as all-inclusive resorts, cruises and family travel.
