There's no single "most beautiful" beach, as it's subjective, but Whitehaven Beach (Australia), with its pure silica sand and turquoise water, and Hyams Beach (Australia), known for having some of the world's whitest sand, consistently rank as top contenders globally, alongside stunning options like Tulum Beach (Mexico) (ruins!) and the idyllic shores of the Exumas (Bahamas).
Here are the best beaches in the world.
Australia boasts stunning beaches like Whitehaven Beach (silica sand, swirl patterns), Hyams Beach (whitest sand), Turquoise Bay (clear waters), Wineglass Bay (pink granite, pristine curve), and Cable Beach (camel rides, sunsets). Other top picks include Bay of Fires (Tasmania), Lucky Bay (kangaroos), and Sydney's famous Bondi Beach, each offering unique beauty from pure white sand to vibrant surf and wildlife.
These beaches have the clearest water in Australia
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles: World's most photographed beach is the epitome of paradise.
1 spot in the world for 2025 is Elafonissi Beach in Greece.
In 2011, Andreas Gursky made history when his photograph, “Rhein II”, sold for a staggering $4.3 million at a Christie's auction. This minimalist piece depicts the Rhine River in Germany. It's a striking image, capturing a serene and almost surreal landscape.
Tucked away in the Tasman Sea, Lord Howe Island offers a strikingly similar experience — and more — with luminous blue-green waters, idyllic shores, world-class snorkelling and postcard-perfect beaches, minus the long-haul flight.
While "top" beaches are subjective, consistently highly-rated beaches include Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) for stunning turquoise waters, Whitehaven Beach (Australia) with its pure silica sand, Anse Source d'Argent (Seychelles) known for unique granite boulders, Baia do Sancho (Brazil) for dramatic scenery, and Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach (Greece) with its iconic wreck.
While Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, NSW, is famous, scientific studies by Australia's National Committee on Soil and Terrain found Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia, has the whitest sand, followed by Hellfire Bay (also WA) and Whitehaven Beach (Queensland). Lucky Bay is known for its pristine white sand, often shared with lounging kangaroos, and is part of a national park near Esperance.
Best Australian beaches for 2025 revealed
The Waverley Local Government Area is home to Australia's most famous beach – Bondi – a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Sydney.
NSW so far has the largest quantity of nude beaches in the country. These beaches and resorts in New South Wales are legally nudist or clothing optional: Armands Beach, Bermagui, Sapphire Coast. Birdie Beach, Lake Munmorah.
Australia boasts stunning beaches like Whitehaven Beach (silica sand, swirl patterns), Hyams Beach (whitest sand), Turquoise Bay (clear waters), Wineglass Bay (pink granite, pristine curve), and Cable Beach (camel rides, sunsets). Other top picks include Bay of Fires (Tasmania), Lucky Bay (kangaroos), and Sydney's famous Bondi Beach, each offering unique beauty from pure white sand to vibrant surf and wildlife.
World's Most Famous Beach
Located on the east coast of Central Florida, Daytona Beach is internationally known for its racing roots, hosting some of the largest motorsports events in the world including the Daytona 500, also known as the "Great American Race."
Be amazed by these beaches
You can't go to Sydney without experiencing the buzz of Bondi Beach. Stretch out on the iconic sun-drenched sand, try a surf lesson or take a dip at the picturesque Icebergs ocean pool.
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For cheap holidays from Australia, Southeast Asian destinations like Bali (Indonesia), Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines offer great value for money with affordable flights (via budget airlines) and low costs on the ground, while closer Pacific islands like Fiji and Vanuatu are also budget-friendly options for tropical getaways.
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The record payment for a work is approximately US $450.3 million (which includes commission) for the work Salvator Mundi ( c. 1500) generally considered to be by Leonardo da Vinci, though this is disputed.
The World Record Holder: Leica 0-Series No.
This particular camera is not just an oddity. It is steeped in curiosity. It was owned and perhaps used by Oskar Barnack, the man behind Leica and a frontrunner in 35mm film photography. Roughly 23 units of the 0-Series Leica were made in 1923 as prototypes.