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Beaches

The most beautiful beaches in the world

Real advice on visiting the most beautiful beaches in the world. We look at weather, crowds, and travel practicalities for each destination.

10 places3 min readUpdated 21 September 2026
The Most Beautiful Beaches in the World for Your Next Trip
The short answer

If you are looking for the most beautiful beaches in the world, the best time to visit depends entirely on the region. December through March is ideal for tropical spots like Thailand and Costa Rica, while the Southern Hemisphere sites see their best weather during the same months.

This list focuses on places with coastal appeal. We selected these based on their geography and the practical realities of visiting during the peak seasons.

1

The edge of the world

Ushuaia·Argentina
Aerial view of the center of Ushuaia, Argentina.
Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0

Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Argentina. The landscape is defined by the Martial mountain range and cold water. Visit between December and March for the warmest weather. You will not find traditional sunbathing here because the climate is harsh and cold year round. It is the southernmost city in the world. The town serves as a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.

Suits
Travelers interested in extreme geography and mountains.
Worth knowing
Expect high costs for flights and gear due to the remote location.
Planning Ushuaia?

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2

Coastal nature in Costa Rica

Author: Jacob Norlund Taken in Manuel Antonio National Park, in Costa Rica on April 6, 2005. Resized from 2048 x 1536 prior to uploading.

This park sits on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It combines tropical forest with public beach access. December to April offers the driest weather. The area is small, so it gets very crowded during weekends and holidays. It was established in 1972 after local community protests. The goal was to stop private development from blocking access to the shore.

Suits
Wildlife watchers and casual beach visitors.
Worth knowing
The park limits the number of daily visitors so arrive early.
Planning Manuel Antonio National Park?

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3

Historic Caribbean port

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena sits on the northern coast of Colombia. It is a major Caribbean port with deep historical roots. Go between December and March for the best weather. The city is famous for its colonial architecture and maritime heritage. It was a primary port for the Spanish Empire. The walls were built to protect the city from pirate attacks.

Suits
History enthusiasts and Caribbean travelers.
Worth knowing
The intense humidity and heat can be difficult for some visitors.
Planning Cartagena, Colombia?

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4

Riverside ruins in India

Hampi·India
Hazare Rama, or thousand Rama (the 7th avatar of Rama), is one of many Hindu temples in Vijayanagara Karnataka. These bas reliefs, carved before the start of the Mughal Empire in South Asia, show a sp
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, CC BY 2.0

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Karnataka. It is not a beach destination, but it is a major landmark along the Tungabhadra River. November to February is the cooler season. This makes walking through the massive stone ruins manageable. This was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It contains thousands of monuments and an active religious center.

Suits
Architecture and history fans.
Worth knowing
Public transport to the site can be slow and unreliable.
Planning Hampi?

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5

The plains of Myanmar

Bagan·Myanmar
Bagan, Burma
Photo: Corto Maltese 1999, CC BY 2.0

Bagan is an ancient city in the Mandalay Region. It features thousands of Buddhist temples spread across flat plains. Visit from November to February when temperatures are lower. This area is dusty and dry for much of the year. It served as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom. Over 2,200 temples still survive today.

Suits
Explorers of ancient religious sites.
Worth knowing
The site is vast and requires multiple days to cover properly.
Planning Bagan?

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6

The temple city of Cambodia

Angkor Wat·Cambodia
Angkor Wat, the front side of the main complex, photographed in the late afternoon
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0

Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex near Siem Reap. It is the largest religious monument in the world. November through February is the dry and cool season. Expect large crowds at sunrise for photos. It was built as a Hindu temple and later converted to a Buddhist site. The scale of the construction is significant.

Suits
Photography and cultural history.
Worth knowing
You will need a multi-day pass to see the primary temples.
Planning Angkor Wat?

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7

Volcanic peaks of Saint Lucia

Pitons·Saint Lucia
Twin peaks seen from the sea. Volcanic plugs.

The Pitons are two large volcanic plugs on the island of Saint Lucia. They rise directly from the sea. December to April provides the most stable weather. These mountains are a focal point for the island's landscape. They are part of a protected area. The area is known for steep hiking trails and nearby coastal views.

Suits
Hikers and nature photographers.
Worth knowing
Climbing the peaks requires a guide for safety reasons.
Planning Pitons?

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8

Bohemian capital

Prague·Czech Republic
Barrandov bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It is known for its architecture rather than beaches. May, June, September, and December are the best months to visit. The city can be very cold in mid-winter. It has a mix of Gothic and Baroque buildings. The Vltava River runs through the center.

Suits
City walkers and history buffs.
Worth knowing
The city center is extremely crowded with tourists year round.
Planning Prague?

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9

Thai island group

Ko Phi Phi·Thailand
Phi Phi Islands
Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au

Ko Phi Phi is a group of islands in Thailand. They are known for limestone cliffs and narrow beaches. November to March is the dry season. The islands are popular and can feel cramped during peak hours. Ko Phi Phi Don is the only populated island. The others consist mostly of rocks.

Suits
Swimmers and island hoppers.
Worth knowing
Trash management is a concern on the more popular islands.
Planning Ko Phi Phi?

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10

Northern Thai highlands

Chiang Mai·Thailand
This is a photo of a monument in Thailand identified by the ID
Photo: Nawit science, CC BY-SA 4.0

Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand. It is located in a mountainous area away from the coast. Visit between November and February to avoid the burning season. Air quality becomes a major issue during the spring. It was once surrounded by defensive walls. The city is the center of northern Thai culture.

Suits
Food lovers and cultural travelers.
Worth knowing
Check the air quality reports before booking your travel dates.
Planning Chiang Mai?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

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Travel planning requires looking at local conditions beyond just the scenery. Choose your dates carefully to ensure you enjoy your trip.

Questions people ask


What is the best month to visit the beach?

It depends on the hemisphere. Tropical beaches are best from December to April, while other regions vary greatly.

Are these beaches free to visit?

Most national parks charge an entry fee. Public beaches are usually free, but parking and facilities often cost money.

Which beach is the least crowded?

Remote locations like those in Patagonia are less crowded than places in Thailand or Costa Rica. Popularity usually correlates with easy access.

Is it safe to swim at these beaches?

Always check local warnings for rip currents or jellyfish. Some areas may lack lifeguards, so swim with caution.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check your government's travel portal before you book any flights.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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More of this, as we publish it

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