Some of the most beautiful beaches, in the world!

Places that inspiring your, to return again and again:

By Caitlin Morton and Nicholas DeRenzo, February 3, 2022

For our 34th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Registered voters weighed in on their favorite islands for beaches around the globe. As the world has begun to reopen and readjust, the results reflect the kinds of destinations you longed to visit. When you couldn’t travel and the ones you returned to first once you could.

More than 800,000 of you, filled out our survey. While we’re always curious about where you’ve been and where you’re going. We’re especially excited to learn about the truly memorable places. That sparked your imagination and stayed with you when travel may have seemed out of reach. Here are the 10 islands you love most for the perfect beach getaway.

This gallery has been updated with new information and new pictures, since the original publish date.

1. British Virgin Islands:

You can thank conservationist Laurance Rockefeller for putting the British Virgin Islands on the beach holiday map back in 1964. When he opened the Little Dix Bay resort, on a serene crescent of Virgin Gorda sand. Soon it was attracting well heeled sunseekers like, Queen Elizabeth II herself. Also the recently renovated property (now a Rosewood) regularly ranks among your, favorite resorts in the world.

Elsewhere in the archipelago, you can snorkel off of white bay beach, on Jost Van Dyke. Just sail away to a remote and uninhabited Sandy Spit, or follow the crowds to The Baths National Park. Where enormous boulders some as big as 40 feet in diameter set the boundaries for calm natural pools. Watch This Three Top Hotels to Book Next, From Mexico to California

2. Mykonos City, Greece:

There are certainly more secluded and relaxing spots in the Greek Isles. However if you’re coming to the party capital of the Cyclades. Chances are you’re looking for more stimuli than simply sun, sand, and surf.

Psarou Beach is the place to see and be seen, as the international elite moors their yachts offshore. To lounge on Loro Piana mattress–topped mahogany sun beds, under striped Tucci umbrellas. Come nightfall, the flashily named Super Paradise Beach transforms into a thrumming nightclub in the sand. Where the motto is “music’s loud, champagne’s cold”. We never said Mykonos was subtle.

3. Bermuda:

You’ve heard about white and black sand beaches, right. However this British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic, is home to pink sand! Which gets its surprisingly rosy hue from the presence of teeny-tiny, red-shelled organisms known as foraminifera.

While there are a few wide stretches of sand, scattered across the island. Such as Horseshoe Bay and Clearwater Beach. The true joy of beach-going in Bermuda is discovering tucked away spots. Like Jobson’s Cove, which is encircled by jagged limestone outcroppings and teeming with tropical fish.

So if it’s history you’re after? Then the St. Regis Bermuda Resort sits on St. Catherine’s Beach, in the shadow of a hilltop fortress. It was on this very bay, in 1609, that the first colonists landed by chance after their ship. The Sea Venture, wrecked on this reef. That inspired, William Shakespeare to write, The Tempest in the process.

4. Seychelles:

Lined with dense thickets of palm trees, including six species only found here! The beaches of this Indian Ocean archipelago are impossibly scenic. On some islands in the chain, you’ll be sharing the space with the Aldabra giant tortoise. These species as impressively gargantuan as its cousins in the Galápagos.

Therefore, you might find yourself rubbing shoulders with the glitterati. The Clooneys, the Beckhams, and Prince William and Kate Middleton all honeymooned on the uber-exclusive North Island.

If you don’t have private island money. Then you should consider the stunning Anse Source d’Argent. Which requires a small access fee to enter through a former coconut and vanilla plantation.

It’s reportedly among the most photographed beaches in the world! So when you see the elephant like, granite boulders strewn about the sand, you’ll understand why.

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5. Anguilla:

With 33 beaches to choose among, from a 35 square mile island! You’re never far from a relaxing spot to dip your toes in the Caribbean. On this most northerly of the Leeward Islands, the trade winds serve dual purposes. As a natural air conditioner and as a delivery device, for the wafting aromas of grilled lobster and crayfish. Lovingly prepared, at the island’s many roadside barbecue stands.

Thanks to it’s powdery white sand. Buzzing Shoal Bay East, is the island’s most popular beach. That string of rum-punch-slinging bars, even attract day trippers from the neighboring of, St. Martin.

6. Boracay, Philippines:

At less than four square miles, this compact Philippine island grew up fast. Transforming from under the radar to a overtouristed place, in the span of a few rocky decades. However, it was temporarily shut down in 2018 to allow for much-needed redevelopment and rehabilitation.

The island’s most famous beach, is the three mile White Beach. Where the sugary sands provide the perfect blank canvas, for viewing magical sunsets. And blue-sailed paraws (outrigger boats) that skim along the horizon. On Boracay’s eastern shores, steady winds make for some of the best kiteboarding and windsurfing conditions in the region.

7. Maldives:

Don’t come to the Maldives expecting expansive stretches of sand. The Indian Ocean nation is made up of some 1,200 pocket-sized coral islands! With the largest being only about three square miles. The beaches are appropriately intimate. However it’s their exclusivity, that keeps you coming back. Discover three Maldivian spots showing up on our, best resorts in the world list this year.

Because you’ll rarely have to jostle for a lounge chair while on land. One of the best ways to choose the Maldivian beach, that’s right for you is to consider the crowds. You’ll encounter under the sea. The Baa Atoll is considered the largest manta-ray gathering place in the world. While whales and sharks tend to congregate, in the South Ari Atoll.

So if you like your marine life considerably smaller. Then the microscopic Lingulodinium polyedrum species of plankton, puts on a dazzling bioluminescent display. Known as the “sea of stars,” off Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll.

8. Bora Bora, French:

Polynesia, It’s not hard to see, why honeymooners flock to this destination, of French Polynesia. An extinct volcano ringed by turquoise lagoons, overwater bungalows, and a string of flat, sandy islets known as motus. Many of the beaches here are private, the personal fiefdoms of international luxury resort brands. The Conrad Bora Bora Nui, owns Motu Tapu, which was once the private beach of 19th-century Tahitian queen Pomare IV.

As luck would have it, one of the island’s few public beaches also happens to rank among its finest. Furthermore the waters around Matira Beach. Are as warm and calm, as an infinity pool. You can walk, all the way out to the surrounding reef, to easily snorkel among confetti colored fish and stingrays.

9. Palawan, Philippines:

This place is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Also discover your third favorite islands in Asia. Doesn’t skimp on the geological drama, from its karst limestone cliffs to its subterranean river.

Offshore, its trapped in time. The beaches here gives you the option to discover, an underwater landscape! Of seagrass meadows and coral reefs, which are home to sea turtles, dolphins, manatee-like dugongs, and endangered giant clams.

Certainly you’ll find, some of the most gorgeous and unspoiled beaches, along the island’s. Northern tip to El Nido, which takes its name from the Spanish words for “the nest”. A reference to the swiftlets who build their (edible) nests on the cliff faces. And it’s also the perfect gateway for island-hopping among the lush and mostly uninhabited islets of the Bacuit Bay archipelago.

10. Aruba:

For first-time visitors, to this Dutch Caribbean island. It would be easy to never step foot off the two-mile strip of Palm Beach. With it’s high-rise hotels and access to watersports. From parasailing to kite-surfing to flyboarding aka zooming above the surface of the water on a water-propelled jetpack. But look elsewhere on this nearly 70-square-mile island and you’ll find beaches that show off its surprising diversity of landscapes.

Eagle Beach, is home to gnarled footie trees that twist and bend like bonsais due to the trade winds. While rugged Blackstone Beach is covered in smooth black pebbles in the shadow of natural land bridges.

Differently, it’s hard to beat the Instagram friendliness of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort’s private beach. However you can get a day pass! Where its possible, to hand feed the lock of flamingos. Who strut among the lounge chairs and palapas like they own the place.

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Some of the best beaches and islands, in The Philippines!

Hollywood loves El Nido. Scenes for the final installment of the “Bourne” series were shot here. The island was also the setting of a pit stop on “The Amazing Race.

One of the Philippines best assets is its 7,000 islands, edged by white sand buffering turquoise waters filled with some of the world’s most diverse marine life.

And most of them are relatively unexplored.Of course, not everyone will agree on which destination is best, but this is a good starting point for coming up with a travel plan:

WHERE TO GO!

1. El Nido, Palawan

Palawan is indeed “the last frontier” of the Philippines, as it’s been dubbed, the coastal town of El Nido is the gateway to wild adventure. Sure, it’s got powder-fine beaches and gin-clear waters. But the views are what really sell the place.

Off the coast of El Nido are majestic karst limestone formations, empty lagoons, marble cliffs, prehistoric caves and waterfalls. All are easily explored.

What to do: El Nido is a popular base for divers. Surrounding waters contain more than 50 species of coral, and attract whales, whale sharks, sea cows, manta rays, dolphins and endangered turtles.

2. Boracay, Aklan

Bad times have befallen the jewel in the crown of Philippines beach destinations. In April 2018, the country announced it was closing Boracay island for six months because of environmental damage. Behind the problem is, of course, the dazzling beauty that has made Boracay so attractive to travelers and developers.

The shutdown is intended to provide time to clean up the island and surrounding seas. If this proves successful, Boracay should be able, once again, to claim its rightful place on this list.Until then, we’ll keep dreaming of White Beach, a four-kilometer stretch that in happier days welcomes everyone from beach bums to adventurers.

At night, under normal circumstances, the beach comes alive with candle-lit sand castles, cozy restaurants and bars that stay open til dawn.Away from White Beaches, are calmer resorts. There’s always been a less boisterous side of Boracay and, even in recent years, it still offered secluded strips of sand, coves, caves and cliffs.

What to do: During the early months of the year, Boracay typically attracts hundreds of kite-boarders and windsurfers who compete in the International Fun board Cup. The rough waves and strong winds make Boracay an ideal destination for water sports fanatics. Let’s hope it continues to do so when it reopens for business. Travel to best beaches

3. Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

This isolated island is a natural secret — only the brave and persevering bother to visit. Glorious white sands surrounded by volcanic rocks on one side kiss blue-green waters on the other. Snorkeling and diving brings you face to face with coral gardens and a rich marine reserve.

Palaui is all about raw beauty. But it takes some work to get there.Treks should be blessed with clear blue skies, patient companions and trusted local guides. Getting to the island’s most prized stretch of beach requires battling thorny grass, muddy ground and a mangrove forest.Uncharted Philippines offers a three-day Palaui Island Photography Tour for $240 that includes transportation, accommodation, food and guides.

What to do: With no resorts or hotels, Palaui has only one real option — camping under the stars. Otherwise, visitors are left to explore home stay options.

4. Panglao, Bohol

Once a sleepy island, Panglao is being roused by travelers in search of gorgeous beaches. It’s a refuge for those who appreciate a diverse menu of aquatic attractions. Options include dolphin watching, whale spotting, diving with barracudas, jackfish, sea snakes and brilliant coral formations.

Natural charms: In addition to its beaches, the island of Bohol is famous for its Chocolate Hills, an unusual rolling terrain of more than 1,000 dome-shaped hills. The hills are named for their brown color during dry season, when grass dries up.The “world’s smallest primate” — the endangered Philippine tarsier — also inhabits the island.

Random fact: Years ago, a number of foreigners came to Panglao on holiday and never bothered to leave. Locals picked up their languages to better converse with the tourists. In addition to English, in Panglao you have a good chance of meeting a local with a handy grasp of German, Swiss or Japanese.

5. Bantayan Island, Cebu

Perfect mix of luxury and seclusion.Courtesy Santa Fe Beach Club Bantayan has remained relatively untouched by modern life, save for a smattering of foreigners who have taken up residence, sucked in by the island’s white sands, aqua-colored waters and red-gold sunsets.

Beers are cold and cheap, townsfolk are hospitable and the dreary troubles of the outside world are easily forgotten.

Holy crowds: If you’re after peace and quiet, don’t plan a stay during the Holy Week before Easter. The island is crowded with Filipino travelers during this period, with rooms and services booked months in advance.

What to do: Relax. Action-packed it ain’t. There are no five-star hotels, no malls, no fashion-forward shopping centers.

6. Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Named after the local sea turtle, Caramoan is as scenic as it is secluded. Stretches of white sand run between huge boulders and rock formations. Scuba divers, island hoppers and beach bums all converge here.

Complementing the beaches are caves, waterfalls, freshwater pools, underground streams and lagoons.

Adventure site: The “Survivor” reality show series and similar international programs have used Caramoan as a shooting location.Despite the locale’s popularity with TV production companies, there are enough beaches to go around for everyone.

What to do in the Philippines: Mountain climbers can trek to Mount Caglago’s summit and take in a terrific view of the Caramoan islands and islets. The mountain is a pilgrimage site for some, thanks to its gigantic statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

7. Samal, Davao

A burgeoning tourist destination, Samal is on a mission to get the word out on its 118-kilometer coastline of white sandy beaches.You know the highlights: pristine waters, lush greens, rock formations, mangrove and coconut palms. Numerous resorts provide a range of choices for visitors, from luxurious resorts to backpacker options.

The vanishing island: This curious moniker is the nickname of Shanipaan Shoal, a tiny island that literally disappears from sight during high tide. The only thing visible at high water is a single, elevated cottage poking out of the sea.

What to do in the Philippines: The vast Coral Garden Marine Park, a fish sanctuary filled with diverse marine life, makes Sambal a favorite among divers and snorkelers.

8. Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte

Even if you can’t surf, Siargao is a beautiful beach getaway. Known as the top surfing island in the Philippines, Siargao is often overlooked as a beachcomber’s paradise.

There are breaks for beginner surfers, moderate ones and even pros looking for three-meter-high waves. For those with zero surf skills — and no desire to acquire any — there are also pristine beaches with milder waves, perfect for sunning and swimming.

What to do in the Philippines: Ideal days for surfing are between mid-August and mid-December, when the swell is most consistent. Beginners should visit when waves are smaller, around April or May.

9. Great Santa Cruz Island, Zamboanga

On Great Santa Cruz Island, pulverized red coral washed up from the sea floor mixes with white sand to produce a pink-hued beach.It’s a different version of perfection: the powdery beach competes with the blue and green shades of the sea. Some parts of the beach are lovely in their undeveloped state.

There are signs of civilization — souvenirs, nipa huts and restrooms.Beach visits are limited to day trips, so you have to squeeze everything into a few hours: swim, sunbathe, snorkel, dive, even fish for your lunch. Just don’t mistake serenity for safety — there’s a deep drop in the sea just meters from shore.

What to do in the Philippines: The island is just a boat ride away from the city proper, but getting there requires extra precautions, due to local threats.Only those with a tourist permit from the Department of Tourism in Zamboanga City can visit. The permit fee includes armed security escorts.

Why the need for security? According to the Department of Tourism’s regional office, it’s a preventative measure: “On the security situation in Zamboanga City, there are no militant or terrorism activities recently. Although there were reported shooting incidents, these were intended to specific victims due to personal grudges.

The city is very vibrant and relatively peaceful.”As a precaution, check with your embassy for security threats before traveling.

10. Pagudpud/Bangui, Ilocos Norte

Along the northern tip of the island of Luzon sits the coastal town of Pagudpud. It’s a quiet, sleepy and rural community, with little overt commercialism.Perhaps because it takes time and effort to reach Pagudpud, the wide and inviting beaches are usually empty, making them ideal for those who enjoy mixing solitude with sun, sand and surf.

A row of windmills down the coast from Pagudpud in the town of Bangui makes for a picturesque if not unusual backdrop for a Filipino beach.

What to do in the Philippines: Parts of Pagudpud are exposed to winds that blow in from both the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, making the waves ideal for surfers, especially from July to October. Windsurfers and kite boarders are starting to take notice of this northern getaway.

Updated June 11, 2020

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