From adventure-packed destinations to romantic escapes.
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It doesn't have to be your honeymoon to plan the beach vacation of a lifetime—whether you want to go somewhere adventurous, romantic, or a little bit of both, you can't go wrong with a beautiful waterfront destination. But finding a sandy shore that's both stunning and not packed to the brim with tourists can be tricky... The editors of House Beautiful researched (and visited some of) the best beaches in the world, from hidden gems to more familiar favorites. Rest assured, these gorgeous beachfront places are just the getaway you need, and definitely deserve a spot on your bucket list.
This gem of an island in Europe has everything you could ever dream of in a beach destination. It's in the Mediterranean ocean nestled between Sicily and Northern Africa. The island country consists of three islands, the biggest of which is Malta, followed by Gozo and then Comino.
BOOK NOW Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour
São Miguel, the most populous island in the Portuguese Azores, boasts beautiful volcanic beaches, lush mountains, and plenty of cultural excursions to explore. There are lots of beaches to see and natural pools to swim in. Those on the north side of the island are very rough, which makes it a world-class surfing destination, but if you're looking for a more classic, family-friendly vibe, check out Praia de Agua d'Alto.
The Cape is the ideal destination for New England charm. Home to sprawling beaches and quaint little towns complete with crab shacks, retro ice cream shops, local galleries, and more, it has everything you could want out of a beach trip. If you want a beach experience that also includes lively nightlife fun, head to Provincetown, and for a slower pace that still has great dining and activity options, go to Wellfleet. For a totally rustic time, head to Truro.
Can anything beat an island shaped like a heart? Didn't think so. After a long day in the sun, escape to the Matangi Island Resort, which lets you choose between coconut-palm-thatched bungalows or split-level treehouse rooms.
BOOK NOW Matangi Private Island Resort
Pink sand beaches are just. so. cute. And photogenic, of course. Just off the northern coast of Sardinia, Budelli is an Italian island is beach bliss epitomized.
This East African island attracts visitors primarily with its gorgeous, pristine beaches, like Belle Mare, the ethereal white sand beach pictured here. But the natural beauty doesn't stop there. Venture inland to the mountains, and you'll see a brilliant geological formation that translates to "Seven Colored Earths." Its name is not an exaggeration.
Algarve has a few beachside towns worth visiting—the biggest being Tavira, Faro, and Lagos—with tons of amazing beaches and resorts sprinkled in between. Praia de Benagil has a green-and-pink cave, clean water, and fine golden sand. Cacela Velha is known for its turquoise lagoons, pink sand bars, and spacious shores to relax on under an umbrella or in the sun.
BOOK NOW Vila Monte
This tropical destination in the Indian Ocean is made up of hundreds of islands and is known for its blue water and colorful reefs. But what couples tend to love the most are the over-the-water bungalows.
BOOK NOW Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Located in southern France right on the Mediterranean, you can't go wrong when it comes to beach tripping in and around Marseille, France. To get off the beaten path, take a boat road and venture off the mainland to Pomègues Island. where gorgeous beaches abound, from remote hiking access coves to easily accessible swimming areas by the port.
Off the coast of Queensland is the world's largest sand island. It's got a peaceful vibe, but there are also plenty of activities for adventurous couples. Whale watching? Check. Rainforest hikes? Double check.
BOOK NOW Oceans Resort & Spa
We're not sure what to fawn over first—that crystal clear water of those prehistoric-looking rocks. Situated between Madagascar and Kenya, the Seychelles are a string of islands best described as real-life paradise.
BOOK NOW Le Domaine de La Reserve
There are so many swoon-worthy beach destinations in the Caribbean, each one distinct and unique. Bermuda is a picture-perfect vacation town, complete with pink sand beaches and vivid water. Stay at Coral Beach & Tennis Club, or Tucker's Point. You'll probably want to be on the beach during your entire stay, but if you can muster up the motivation, go explore the fantasy cave and swim with the pigs in Hog's Bay, and dive through the shipwrecks under water.
Hello, seaside situation of our dreams. Cinque Terre is where you should go when you want to do nothing but eat out-of-this-world spaghetti, lounge in the sun, swim in the ocean, and wander around charming pedestrian-only streets.
When you want the hustle and bustle of a major urban center but also enjoy a little beach time with a side of tropics, head to Rio de Janeiro. When you're not enjoying the sun, go for a stroll through the city center and pop into art galleries, bohemian cafes, antique stores, and more.
BOOK NOW Hotel Santa Teresa Rio MGallery
When it comes to unique rock formations and sand, you can't beat Milos, Greece.
BOOK NOW Salt Suites
Ready for a night in nature? It has become popular to skip the fancy hotel and pick out a yurt or treehouse near this cliffside Pacific Ocean beach instead for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But if you do want an over-the-top luxury experience, the Post Ranch Inn is the spot to have it.
BOOK NOW Post Ranch Inn
Ah, Miami, the crown jewel of the United States (standing by that, thank you very much). South Beach has the hustle and bustle of New York, including great shopping, walkability, and fantastic dining and nightlife, while Wynwood feels like the edgier, more sprawling Los Angeles and everywhere you go feels like an international tropical dream. Colorful Art Deco architecture, authentic Cuban cuisine, and bustling art scene, there's no shortage of excitement and beauty in this Sunshine State locale.
BOOK NOW Faena
If Dubrovnik, Croatia wasn't already on your bucket list, it will be now. It's the perfect place to visit if you love the land and the sea and the city and the beach in equal measure. There's so much to do here, whether it's learning about the city's rich history, hanging out at the beach, enjoying on a cocktail in one of the cliffside bars while looking out at the sea.
BOOK NOW Villa Orsula
It seems like everyone's talking about Thailand these days — and for good reason. There's crystal-clear water and enormous rock formations, inexpensive meals that will impress even the biggest foodies, and tons of history and culture to discover.
BOOK NOW Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort
Raise your hand if this photo just stopped you in your tracks. Same. Located in forty minutes away from Paracas and three hours away from Lima, Playa Roja gets its vivid red hue from the erosion of a pink granodiorite rock, which contains solidified magma. It's one of the few places in the world where a desert and ocean collide.
BOOK NOW Hotel Paracas
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