5 of the World’s Best Beaches and Coves (That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
If someone asked you to name the best beaches in the world, where would spring to mind? Bora Bora? Bondi? The Copacabana?
There are plenty of beaches and coves that are known worldwide for being beautiful, iconic or even notorious, but with so many idyllic locations around the globe, there are bound to be a few coastal paradises that fly under the radar.
Here are five of the best beaches and coves in the world that you may not be familiar with – and how to get there.
Meet Me In Departures contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
5 Beautiful Beaches to Visit Once in Your Lifetime
From the powdery white sand of the Seychelles to the crystal-clear waters of Indonesia, there are countless stunning beaches around the world that are perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Whether you’re looking for a beach with plenty of activities or a secluded spot to relax and unwind, there is sure to be a beach that you’ll fall in love with. So, let’s take a look at five stunning beautiful beaches in the world.
Cinnamon Bay, US Virgin Islands
There are plenty of beautiful beaches to pick from on the island of St. John – and indeed the wider US Virgin Islands – but Cinnamon Bay may be the pick of the bunch.
The longest beach on St. John, Cinnamon Bay is half a mile of soft white side beach overlooked by towering palm trees. You can go snorkelling in the blue waters of the North Atlantic just 100 yards off the shoreline. It’s also good to know that Cinnamon Bay is one of the only places you can camp on St. John.
How to get there: Fly into King International Airport and catch a local ferry to the island.
Shark Fin Cove, USA
Just as with the US Virgin Islands, you’ll never be short of great beaches to choose from in California, with the likes of Malibu, Santa Monica and Laguna Beach all world-famous spots.
Lesser known but a top spot for locals as one of the best beaches in the state is Shark Fin Cove. Earning its name via the distinctive fin-like rock formation protruding from the centre of the water surrounded by the cove, it’s a stunning photography spot and one of the more distinctive beaches you’re likely to see.
How to get there: Fly into San Francisco and take an hour and a half drive south of the city to Davenport, where Shark Fin Cove is located.
Benagil Sea Cave, Portugal
The Algarve coast of Portugal is undoubtedly a top holiday destination spot for European tourists who flock to the south of Portugal each year for a quintessential beach holiday in pleasant conditions.
One of the Algarve’s hidden gems, however, is the small fishing village of Benagil. It has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to the ‘grammers, but you can still visit it outside of the peak season and have the place to yourself. The stunning sea cave is only accessible by wais ter and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal. Once inside, you’ll experience the natural wonders of a stunning mix of colours and amphitheatre-esque opening in the ceiling of the cave.
How to get there: Look at Faro airport transfers to fly into Faro. You can take a boat tour from the towns of Portimao or Albufeira to see the cave first-hand.
Read Next: Must-See Landmarks in Portugal
Breivika Beach, Norway
If you’re looking for a less traditional beach experience that incorporates some of the best scenery in northern Europe, a trip to one of the many unique coastlines of Scandinavia is highly recommended.
You’ll find one such hidden gem at the secluded beach of Breivika on Vaeroy Island in Norway. Being in northern Europe, it’s known for its unique weather patterns (take your rain jacket!), stunning cliff lines and sense of beautiful isolation, Breivika is a largely unvisited beach and a geologist and photographer’s dream, thanks to its location in the Arctic Circle. Here, you’ll find white sands and turquoise blue waters of the Arctic Ocean.
You’ll only get t-shirt weather for a brief period each year (typically July-August time), but Breivika is much more about the breathtaking backdrops that make it just one of Norway’s many unique natural sights.
How to get there: Jump a ferry from Bodø or Moskenes, depending on which side of Lofoten you wish to visit first.
Read Next: 21 of The Best Hidden Coves
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
It should come as no surprise that you’re likely to find some of the world’s best beaches on the 115 islands of Seychelles, but head to one of those islands in particular – La Digue – and you’ll find arguably the pick of the bunch on the southwest coast of the island.
The beach in question is Anse Source d’Argent. Shallow, crystal waters, golden sands and unique granite formations combine to offer one of the most picturesque beaches on the planet. At high tide, the water covers virtually the entirety of the beach, and the surrounding coral reef makes it a beautiful place to swim.
Like the wider island of La Digue, Anse Source d’Argent offers an idyllic, laid back and thoroughly relaxing visitor spot that’s a must if you’re traversing the Seychelles archipelago.
How to get there: The best route to La Digue is a direct ferry from Mahe (the largest island of Seychelles) or an indirect ferry from Mahe to La Digue via Praslin.
Broken Beach, Bali
If it’s unique experiences you’re after, then the arch that is the centrepiece of Broken Beach is a must for your Bali bucket list. An incredible testament to the power of the ocean, this natural landmark of Broken Beach is a little cove on Nusa Penida Island that is as much an adventure as it is a sight to take in.
The Broken Beach ticks off the usual beach paradise boxes of blue skies and waters but feels particularly exclusive thanks to its rocky, lush green surroundings and the naturally formed arch that has been created by hundreds of years of erosion.
You can walk across the top of the arch as well as swim under it, making for excellent photography and trekking opportunities, certainly, something you’ll want to tell others about after your travels. The island of Nusa Penida is also a great place to snorkel with Manta Rays.
How to get there: Get to Nusa Penida by speedboat or ferry after arriving at Bali international airport. Broken Beach is situated on the west coast of the island, which can be reached by road or cruise.
So, where’s your next beach trip going to be? With so many off-the-radar gems waiting to be discovered, maybe it’s time to book a beach holiday a little off the beaten track.
Read Next: The Ultimate Bali Bucket List
Favignana, West Sicily
Just a short ferry ride from Trapani in West Sicily, Favignana is a slice of paradise in West Sicily that’s perfect for a day trip.
This jewel of the Mediterranean is famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pinkish sandy beaches that are nothing short of breathtaking. Cala Rossa and Lido Burrone are among the most stunning beaches, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.
Whether you’re an avid sunbather, a snorkelling enthusiast, or just in search of tranquillity, Favignana’s beaches are sure to captivate your senses.
Which One of These Best Beaches Do You Want to Visit Next?
Which one of these beautiful beaches is next on your bucket list? These five offer something for everyone, from the pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters to unspoiled nature and thrilling outdoor activities.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect place to relax or the ultimate adventure, you won’t be disappointed if you visit any of these.
You might also like…