The 10 Most Famous Beaches In The World

Natural beauty, cultural significance, and urban energy are just a few of the factors that contribute to making some beaches rise above the rest. These 10 famous beaches have all captured the world’s attention at some point in time.

In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of these world-renowned beaches, each with its own story to tell and unforgettable experiences to offer.

A collage of ten images of famous beaches from around the world10 of the most famous beaches in the world. Can you guess where they are?

Copacabana Beach - Rio De Janeiro

Aerial view of Copacabana Beach, Rio, possibly the most famous beach out there.Copacabana Beach

Rio is a fascinating city. Hills and rock formations are dotted throughout, with high-rise apartment blocks filling the gaps in between and creeping up their slopes. The famous 38m statue of Christ the Redeemer watches over the city’s 6 million inhabitants. Rio is unique in that it’s the only city in the world with a rainforest inside its city limits, the Tijuca National Park.

But aside from all that, Rio is incredibly famous for its beaches. Copacabana beach takes the top spot, and is quite possibly the most famous beach in the world. The 2.5 mile/4 km stretch of sand follows the shape of a curved bay, with a stunning backdrop of densely-forested hills, including Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Copacabana is always busy with both locals and tourists from all over the world. You’ll see people jogging along the intricately-designed marble promenade, others playing footvolley, paddling out, or sipping a refreshing Brazilian caipirinha at one of Copacabana’s beachside bars.

Clifton Beaches - Cape Town

A view of the beaches in Clifton, South Africa. Clifton is known for its iconic beaches.Clifton 3rd beach on the left, and Clifton 4th beach on the right

A city similar to Rio in more ways than one, Cape Town stands out for its diversity of cultural and natural attractions. Many of Cape Town’s suburbs are separated from each other by the various hills and peaks within the Table Mountain National Park. This means each part of the city has its own distinctive character and charm. While the city centre is sandwiched between the iconic Table Mountain and the icy Atlantic Ocean, the suburb of Clifton lies along the Atlantic Seaboard with Lion’s Head behind it.

Clifton is one of Cape Town’s most exclusive areas, home to large elegant homes with sweeping views of stunning beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. Clifton actually has 4 beaches, which are partially separated by rocky outcrops and quite well protected from the wind, making them a popular choice with beachgoers. The beaches are regularly regarded as some of the best in the world, but if you want to take a dip, keep in mind that the water can be bone-chillingly cold. 

Read our guide to Clifton for more.

Bondi Beach - Sydney

Sunny day at Bondi Beach, Sydney, one of the world's most famous beachesBondi Beach

Nothing short of iconic, Bondi Beach sits just a stone's throw from the bustling seaside metropolis of Sydney. This world-famous beach is more than just a stretch of sand – it's an Australian cultural hub. Everyone from surfers and sun-seekers, to fitness enthusiasts and backpackers flock to this place. With a combination of golden sand, sparkling waters, and dramatic cliffs at either end, it’s no wonder that Bondi has become a symbol of Australian beach life.

The coastal walk from Bondi to Coogee is an excellent way to take in the scenery, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a number of small beaches along the way. The vibrant beachside cafes, quirky shops, and laid-back atmosphere make it a must-see if you’re visiting Sydney, though don't be surprised if you find yourself caught in the crowds.

Waikiki Beach - Hawaii

Aerial view of Waikiki Beach, Oahu, HawaiiWaikiki Beach

Easily the most famous beach in Hawaii, Waikiki Beach embodies a true tropical paradise vibe. Located on the south shore of Oahu, just by downtown Honolulu, it’s known for its calm, shallow waters, which make it ideal for swimming, surfing, and family-friendly fun.

The beach is framed by the looming Diamond Head crater, and as the sun sets, you can witness one of the most stunning views imaginable – the Pacific Ocean turning golden against a backdrop of swaying palm trees. But Waikiki is a lot more than just a beautiful beach; it's a vibrant neighborhood filled with resorts, restaurants, and boutiques, making it one of the most iconic places in Hawaii to both relax and explore.

Aside from Waikiki, Oahu is one of the best Hawaiian islands to visit for beaches, so you've got plenty of classic Oahu beaches to explore.

Venice Beach - Los Angeles

Venice Beach on a sunny day in Los Angeles, one of the world's most famous beaches.Venice Beach

An eclectic mix of art, culture, and laid-back California vibes, Venice Beach is known for its bohemian atmosphere, attracting everyone from skateboarders to street performers to sunbathers.

The colorful boardwalk is lined with quirky shops, food trucks, and street art, while the beach itself is a wide stretch of sand, flanked by LA’s iconic palms. It’s the perfect spot for a jog or just to catch some sun. The cool, laid-back vibe found at Venice Beach contrasts with the fast-paced urban energy of Los Angeles, making it a great spot to unwind and experience the true Californian spirit.

McWay Beach - Big Sur, California

Photo of McWay Beach and McWay Falls in Big Sur, CaliforniaMcWay Beach

Central California’s Big Sur is famous for its rugged, untamed coastline, striking rock formations, and towering redwoods, while McWay Beach stands out as one of its most unique highlights. This beach is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers. Despite its beauty, McWay Beach is relatively secluded, nestled in a cove surrounded by cliffs. This is in part because it's quite far from any major city, about 37 miles/60 km from Carmel.

The most unique characteristic of McWay is the waterfall (McWay Falls) that flows directly onto the shore. It’s absolutely incredible to see in person. There are only a handful of beaches with waterfalls, and McWay Beach might be the most beautiful of them all.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll just want to sit, listen to the flow of the waterfall and the rustling of the vegetation, and forget about the worries of the world for a while – until a wave crashes dramatically against the rocks – a reminder that the tide is beginning to rise and your time in paradise is coming to an end…

Navagio Beach - Zakynthos, Greece

Navagio or Shipwreck Beach seen from a viewpoint in Zakynthos, Greece.Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is an absolute icon of a beach in the Mediterranean. I honestly can’t think of a more instantly recognisable beach in the whole of Europe. It’s thanks to Navagio Beach that Zakynthos has shot up in the popularity rankings of the Greek islands. The beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs that encircle the bright white pebbles and crystal-clear waters. It got its name from the shipwreck of a smugglers' ship, which washed ashore in the 1980s.

Today, the shipwreck is a big part of the allure, adding a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere to the area. Accessible only by boat, Navagio Beach feels like a hidden paradise, with its seclusion and natural beauty making it one of the most photographed beaches in the world. The surrounding cliffs offer perfect spots for those wanting to take in the breathtaking view from above.

Anse Source d'Argent - La Digue, Seychelles

anse-source-argent6.jpgAnse Source d'Argent

Anse Source d'Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and for good reason. Located on La Digue, one of the Seychelles’ smaller islands, this beach is a mesmerizing combination of turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and towering granite boulders. It’s the massive curved boulders that really give the beach its iconic look.

I remember visiting Anse Source d’Argent for the first time back in 2016, and it really did take my breath away. The tranquility here just adds to the experience, and it’s a great spot for a quiet swim or simply lounging the day away in the shade of the palm trees.

Here are some more photos of Anse Source d'Argent.

Playa Ruínas - Tulum, Mexico

The iconic view of the ruins set above Playa Ruinas in Tulum, Mexico.Playa Ruínas

If you’ve ever dreamed of a beach with a view of ancient ruins, Tulum’s most iconic beach, Playa Ruínas, offers just that. Situated just below the Mayan ruins of Tulum, Playa Ruínas could not be better positioned. The juxtaposition of history and natural beauty makes this beach one of a kind. The soft white sand and clear turquoise waters are simply stunning.

A small section of the beach is open to the public, and it's perfect for a quick swim or a walk by the ruins. You may even spot an iguana or two getting a suntan.

Kelingking Beach - Bali

The iconic Kelingking Beach, Bali.Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island in Bali is one of those places that looks almost too beautiful to be real. The beach is partly concealed in a cove and surrounded by steep cliffs, forming a dramatic “T-Rex” shape, which is actually how the beach got its name.

Accessing the beach can be a tricky endeavor. You’ll need to follow a steep and narrow path down the cliffside. But once you reach Kelingking, it feels like paradise. The rugged terrain, completely carpeted with lush tropical greenery, makes for an almost untouched feel to the location, even though it’s in one of Southeast Asia’s most popular beach destinations.

Each of these famous beaches holds its own special charm. Personally, I’m always drawn to beaches with more natural surroundings, like McWay and Anse Source d'Argent, where there are fewer crowds and the natural beauty just envelopes you from all sides.

What about you? Which of these beaches would you love to visit, or do you have a favorite beach that didn’t make the list?

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