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22 Best Summer Beach Destinations

Are you looking for the perfect beach destination? You have just found 22 of the most beautiful beaches to visit this summer!

For those who are not sure where to spend the hot summer months, and are in search for the perfect beach, this is the post for you.

From Italy to the Philippines, or from Costa Rica to Australia, this summer beach guide has it all!

I have teamed up with some of my favourite travel bloggers to share with you the top 22 most beautiful beaches in the world (in our opinion) that you should be visiting this summer.

They’re not just aesthetically pleasing beaches, but also fun beach destinations where you can do activities such as surfing, diving or windsurfing. Perfect for those looking for a varied summer beach holiday!

Start scrolling to discover the best beaches to visit in summer!

The natural pools of the Archipelago of Maddalena, between the islands of Budelli, Razzoli and Santa Maria

The natural pools of the Archipelago of Maddalena in Sardinia, Italy

22 beach destinations to visit this summer

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia in Italy will never stop being my number one choice when it comes to summer beach destinations.

Sardinia has some of the clearest water that you will find in Europe, especially if you visit the famous islands of the Arcipelago della Maddalena.

Imagine crystal clear water, accompanied by white sandy beaches surrounded by Mediterranean shrubs and granite rocks.

Thanks to the windy weather, if you love water sports, it’s also one of the best locations to practice windsurf and sailing. With its beautiful beaches, Sardinia is the perfect European summer destination.

An over / under water photo taken with a Telesin GoPro dome

An over / under water photo taken in Sardinia, Italy

If you visit the north of Sardinia, one of the most epic things to do is a catamaran tour in the Archipelago of Maddalena. They’ll take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, all from the comfort of your catamaran.

You’ll visit the islands of Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli, swim in incredibly crystal clear turquoise water and relax on soft white sand beaches.

It can get very busy in summer, but if you visit Sardinia out of season, you can expect to find these beaches all to yourself.

That’s not to say summer is a bad time to visit Sardinia, it’s actually one of my personal favourite summer beach destinations, just try to aim for June and early July, and avoid the peak summer season in August.

Click here to book your catamaran tour in the Archipelago of Maddalena in Sardinia, Italy!

Relaxing on Cala Soraja in Spargi Island, Italy

Relaxing on Cala Soraja in Spargi Island, Italy

Cala Soraja, one of my favourite beaches in the Archipelago della Maddalena

Cala Soraja, one of my favourite beaches in the Archipelago della Maddalena

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

I recently travelled to Costa Rica, and I absolutely fell in love with Santa Teresa.

The laid back and chilled atmosphere of the town, paired with perfect surfing waves all day long, quickly turned it into one of my favourite places in the world.

Santa Teresa also has the most incredible sunsets, that you can enjoy on the beach while sipping on a beer or mojito.

You can also go on a day trip to the nearby Isla Tortuga, where the water is clearer and you can snorkel with loads of fish.

Drone shot of Santa Teresa beach

Drone shot of Santa Teresa beach

Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica seen from above

Isla Tortuga seen from above

The Algarve, Portugal

I know including a whole region is a bit vast, but trust me when I say, the beaches in the Algarve region of Portugal are some of the most beautiful you will ever see.

From the iconic ones like Praia da Marinha and Praia do Camilo, to the less known ones like Praia de Dona Ana, the coastline of the Algarve is known for its turquoise water, steep golden cliffs and soft sand beaches.

Any Portugal itinerary needs to include at least five days in the Algarve, so that you can make the most of these beautiful beaches, as well as visiting also hidden sea caves like Benagil Cave.

So what are you waiting for, find yourself a cosy place to stay in the Algarve, rent a car, and start road tripping along the Portuguese coast, searching for hidden coves, cute fishermen towns and crystal clear water!

View over Praia de Dona Ana in the Algarve, Portugal

View over Praia de Dona Ana in the Algarve, Portugal

Relaxing at Praia da Marinha in the Algarve, Portugal

Relaxing at Praia da Marinha in the Algarve, Portugal

When it comes to discovering the Algarve, there are a couple popular tours I would highly recommend.

Benagil Cave Kayak Early Morning Tour – We did a sunrise kayak tour to Benagil Cave, and I honestly think beating the crowds is the only way to enjoy this spectacular sea cave.

Benagil Cave & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour – If kayaking isn’t your thing, then you can join a speed boat tour like this one, which will take you also to see dolphins!

From Lagos: Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade – The coastline of Ponta da Piedade is honestly one of the most stunning things you will ever see, and it’s even more spectacular when seen from the ocean!

Exploring Benagil Cave in the Algarve

Exploring Benagil Cave in the Algarve

Enjoying the view over Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal

Enjoying the view over Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal

Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia

I only spent three days in Sydney, but I loved the vibe and beaches so much that I’ve been considering moving there since I visited.

The view of the Bondi Icebergs Club pool overlooking Bondi beach is one of the most iconic and photographed views in Sydney.

What I loved about it was that despite being a huge beach in a big city, it still had those chill vibes that small surfer towns have.

There are lots of great cafes and local shops in the streets around Bondi Beach, where you can grab food after a morning surf! Never surfed before? Check out this 2-hour surf lesson in Bondi!

From Bondi Beach you can also do the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, and explore some of the nearby beaches.

Just remember that during European summer it’s winter in Australia, so if you want to enjoy it at its best you have to visit during Australian summer!

Click here to book your Bondi Beach Guided Walking Tour!

View over the Bondi Icebergs Club pool and Bondi Beach

View over the Bondi Icebergs Club pool and Bondi Beach

Weligama, Sri Lanka

The water in Weligama beach might not be as clear as some of the other destinations in this list, but it’s still one of my favourite beaches in the world.

The beach has a super relax vibe, with plenty of surf kiosks and restaurants all along it.

The waves here are also super long and easy to surf, perfect for beginner surfers. You can join a surf class like this one if you don’t feel comfortable just rending and trying yourself.

From Weligama you can also easily visit the nearby town of Mirissa, where you can snorkel with turtles.

Sunset surf in Weligama, Sri Lanka

Sunset surf in Weligama, Sri Lanka

Snorkelling with turtles in Mirissa is a must-do activity when you spend 2 weeks in Sri Lanka

Snorkelling with turtles in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Corralejo in Fuerteventura, Spain

Corralejo in Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands, is the town where I did my first surf camp and it will always have a special spot in my heart.

The town itself is fairly small, but with a lively town centre with lots of restaurants, bars and shops. There are beaches all around it (and well, all over the island!) that you can visit.

Depending on the wind and tide certain beaches will be sheltered while others will have big surfing waves. It’s the perfect place to join a surf class and learn some water sports!

Learning to surf in Fuerteventura with Planet Surf Camps

Learning to surf in Fuerteventura with Planet Surf Camps

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Fuerteventura might have been the first Canary Island I fell in love with, but it wasn’t the last. Tenerife is now my favourite island and winter home.

It’s a very popular winter sun destination, since it’s blessed with sunshine and warm weather year-round. That said, it’s also a fantastic summer beach destination.

Unlike Tenerife in winter, if you come in summer you’re sure to find good weather. You can visit both artificial golden sand beaches (with sand imported from the Sahara!) or the volcanic black sand beaches in the north.

Tenerife is great also because it has lots of amazing hikes and things to do, so you can pair your beach holiday with some exciting activities. No Tenerife itinerary would be complete without a visit to Mount Teide!

If you choose to stay in the south of Tenerife, you’ll also be surprised by the great surfing opportunities, as well as the amazing catamaran whale watching cruises!

Playa de las Teresitas from above

Playa de las Teresitas from above

Playa del Socorro from above

Playa del Socorro from above

Whitehaven Beach, Australia

– by Laura, author of She Who Wanders

“What’s better than 7 km of white sand that doesn’t get so hot it burns your feet? (thanks silica sand) If you answered, “nothing” then Whitehaven Beach should be at the top of your bucket list.

Located in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands this award winning beach is not to be missed.” Whitehaven Beach is a popular stop for backpackers that road trip along the East Coast of Australia.

Getting to Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays can be complicated, which is why I listed below some of the most popular tours for you to do so.

Whitehaven Full-Day Eco Cruise from Airlie Beach with Lunch – This comprehensive tour will take you to Whitehaven Beach, as well as other iconic sights in the Whitsundays.

Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven – A more affordable option, this tour will take you to some of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays.

Whitsundays: Ocean Rafting Tour with Snorkel & Scenic Flight – If you can afford to splurge a bit, this is the time to do so. Seeing this pristine beach from above is simply spectacular.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia, by She Who Wanders

Whitehaven Beach, Australia, by She Who Wanders

Whitehaven Beach, Australia, by She Who Wanders

Whitehaven Beach, Australia, by She Who Wanders

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Gili Trawangan was the favourite part of my recent Bali itinerary.

An entirely pedestrian island, which you can only get discover either on foot or by horse cart, with cute restaurants dotted along the beach, is perfect for the ultimate chill beach vibes.

With white sandy beaches and turquoise water, what more could you ask for? There is also the added plus of turtles living just off the coast, which you can easily swim to on a snorkelling trip from the beach!

You can make the most of your trip to Gili Trawangan by joining a 2-day tour like this one. Staying in a beachfront resort, swimming with turtles, and relaxing on the beach, what more could you ask for?

Click here to book your Gili Islands 2-day tour with beachfront resort!

Enjoying the turquoise water of the Gili T beaches

Enjoying the turquoise water of the Gili T beaches

One of the many turtles we saw while snorkelling in Gili T

One of the many turtles we saw while snorkelling in Gili T

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

– by Michelle, author of IntrepidViajera

“I went to Turks and Caicos for the scuba diving, but fell in love with the beaches. We stayed on Grace Bay Beach. I couldn’t believe the colours: pristine white sand, gorgeous sea blues.

The water was the perfect temperature with amazing visibility (which also makes for amazing diving). It fulfils every stereotype you can imagine of the perfect Caribbean beach.

If you want to check out more beaches a moped is a great to get around in Turks and Caicos. #nofilter”

If you don’t drive a moped, you can join a private guided tour like this one. On this tour you can expect uninhabited beaches, pristine waters, iguanas and a shipwreck, what more do you need?

Click here to book your Grace Bay private guided tour with lunch!

Malindi Marine National Park, Kenya

When you think of Kenya you would normally think of safaris, and exploring the savannah on board a Land Rover while searching for the Big Five.

What you might not expect are white sandy beaches and turquoise water.

After spending a couple days doing a safari in the Tsavo East National Park we went to Malindi to relax. I’m really glad we did, as the beaches and Marine Parks were amazing.

There are three coral reefs off the coast of Malindi, which make it also a great place for scuba diving.

| READ MORE: BEST OF MALINDI |

The crystal clear turquoise water of the Malindi Marine National Park

The crystal clear turquoise water of the Malindi Marine National Park

Enjoying the beaches in Malindi, Kenya

Enjoying the beaches in Malindi, Kenya

San Blas Islands, Panama

– by Rachel, author of The Kiwi Couple

“If you’re after deserted beaches and private islands – San Blas is the place to go! There are around 365 islands to choose from, without the crowds and development that you find elsewhere.

It’s also a great way to get between Colombia and Panama since there’s no other overland route. It’s truly an untouched paradise!”

For a truly unique experience, join a 1-night San Blast Islands tour, where you’ll spend a night sleeping in a sea hut on the beach (on top of exploring beautiful beaches).

Click here to book your San Bias Islands overnight tour with sea hut stay!

San Blas Islands, by The Kiwi Couple

San Blas Islands, by The Kiwi Couple

San Blas Islands, by The Kiwi Couple

San Blas Islands, by The Kiwi Couple

Isla Saona, Dominican Republic

Isla Saona is an island off the coast of Santo Domingo, about an hour away by speed boat. The journey is totally worth it, as you arrive at a beautiful pristine beach.

Imagine the perfect Caribbean beach. Isla Saona will fulfil all your expectations and stereotypes. Tall palm trees shade the edge of the white sandy beach, as people dip in the crystal clear turquoise water.

It’s one of the best places for tropical family vacations.

Click here to book your Full-Day boat tour to Isla Saona!

Isla Saona

Beautifully clear and turquoise water in Isla Saona

Isla Saona

Isla Saona fulfils every Caribbean beach stereotype

Islas Marietas, Mexico

If you’re searching for a beach in Mexico, check out Monica’s (aka From Here To Sunday) beach destination recommendation!

“Islas Marietas off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Most famous for the Hidden Beach where there are a series of islands with soft white sand and clear blue water”

One of the best ways to discover Islas Marietas is by doing a snorkel cruise, since it will take you to discover also rocky caverns and unique landscapes.

Many travellers stop at the touristy beaches in Mexico, but there are so many more awesome beaches beyond Quintana Roo and the tourist hotspots to explore.

Click here to book your Marietas Islands snorkel cruise from Vallarta!

Islas Marietas off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Pic by From Here To Sunday

Islas Marietas off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Pic by From Here To Sunday

Islas Marietas off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Pic by From Here To Sunday

Islas Marietas off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Pic by From Here To Sunday

Similan Islands, Thailand

If you’re looking for turquoise water, where you can also go snorkelling and scuba diving, with high likelihood of spotting turtles, then the Similan Islands should be your next stop.

The Similan Islands are a paradise on earth; with clear turquoise water and pristine white sand. Loads of people do a day trip from the Similan Islands from Phuket.

While this is great fun, if you have the possibility of staying in a live aboard I definitely recommend doing that, as it allows you to see these beautiful islands without the crowds.

Click here to book your Similan Islands early bird day trip!

The turquoise water of the Similan Islands in Thailand

The turquoise water of the Similan Islands in Thailand

Surin Islands, Thailand

Always in Thailand, the Surin Islands are very similar to the Similan Islands, just more off the beaten path.

The Surin Islands don’t even have hotels on them, the only way to stay there overnight is either by camping on the beach or in a live aboard dive boat. Alternatively, you can visit on a day trip.

The Surin Islands have soft white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, a rich marine flora and fauna with lots of corals and fish, mangrove forests and the ultimate island vibes.

Click here to book your Surin Islands Snorkelling Day Trip!

Fish and corals that you can see while snorkelling in the Surin Islands, Thailand

Fish and corals that you can see while snorkelling in the Surin Islands, Thailand

Enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Surin Islands in Thailand

Enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Surin Islands in Thailand

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

You’ve guessed it by now, Thailand has some pretty beautiful beaches and I love the country so I’m adding another epic Thai beach destination to this list.

The Phi Phi Islands have become a popular tourist destination thanks to the movie “The Beach” by Leonardo di Caprio (an epic travel movie if you ask me), which was set in Maya Bay in Phi Phi Lei.

Maya Bay is closed today due to over tourism, but the rest of the Phi Phi Islands are still open to visitors.

I personally love them because the beaches are very scenic, when you couple the white sand and turquoise water with palm trees and limestone cliffs it really creates an impressive backdrop.

Koh Phi Phi Don is also an entirely pedestrian island, where you can enjoy some very chill island time. If you don’t want to stay overnight (which I think you should), you can join a day trip tour like this one.

Click here to book your Phuket to Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay day trip!

Island hopping with a typical wooden long tail boat in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Island hopping with a typical wooden long tail boat in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

An over / under shot with fish below and a long tail boat above taken in Phi Phi Lei, one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in Thailand

Snorkelling in the Phi Phi Islands

Mykonos, Greece

– by Lindsey, author of Seven Day Weekender

“With soft, white sand, clear turquoise water, amazing seafood and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet, Paradise Beach and Beach Club in Mykonos is your go to for relaxation during the day and partying into the night.

Add it to your beach bucket list because after all, as actress Nia Vardalos famously said, ‘In many ways, we are all sons and daughters of ancient Greece’.”

At Paradise Beach in Mykonos you can also do plenty of fun water sports activities. From banana boats to parasailing, or from flyboards to spin rings, there’s something for everyone!

Book your Paradise Beach Watersport Activities in Mykonos here!

Paradise Beach in Mykonos, by Seven Day Weekender

Paradise Beach in Mykonos, by Seven Day Weekender

Paradise Beach in Mykonos, by Seven Day Weekender

Paradise Beach in Mykonos, by Seven Day Weekender

Playa Ancon, Cuba

What I loved most about Cuba was the colonial architecture in Havana, the history of the country, outdoors hiking and horse riding experiences in Vinales and the cute historical town centre of Trinidad.

But there is no denying that Cuba has some pretty stunning beaches.

We spent 10 days in Cuba just after a long beach holiday so we weren’t too bothered about visiting beaches, which is why we only scheduled one beach day in our itinerary and it’s safe to say that Playa Ancon was worth it.

Playa Ancon near Trinidad is stunning, not just because of its fine white sand clear turquoise water, but because it was a 10km stretch of beach with very few people there.

The perfect beach destination to enjoy your summer away from the crowds!

Chilling at the beach at Playa Ancon, Cuba.

Chilling at the beach at Playa Ancon, Cuba.

Chilling at the beach at Playa Ancon, Cuba

Chilling at the beach at Playa Ancon, Cuba

Cinque Terre, Italy

While the Cinque Terre in Italy are mostly known for the Sentiero Azzurro, the famous cliffside hiking trail that connects Monterosso to Riomaggiore and passes through the towns of Vernazza, Manarola and Corniglia on the way, it is also home to some pretty stunning beaches.

Most of the beaches are rocky as opposed to find white sand but the water is very clear. Add to that the beautiful backdrop of the coloured houses of Cinque Terre and you have a winner.

A cool way to experience the beaches and sea in Cinque Terre is to do a sailing trip, which allows you to swim in the sea while seeing the beauty of the coast line and colourful houses.

The colourful houses of Cinque Terre paired with the turquoise sea are one of the most popular spots on Instagram. If you’re looking for awesome beach quotes as captions for your travel photos, here are some suggestions!

Click here to book your Cinque Terre boat cruise!

The beach in Monterosso, the first town in this Cinque Terre 1-day hike itinerary

The beach in Monterosso, the first town in this Cinque Terre 1-day hike itinerary

Vernazza, one of the towns of Cinque Terre, seen from the Sentiero Azzurro

Vernazza, one of the towns of Cinque Terre, seen from the Sentiero Azzurro

Admiring the colourful houses of Manarola, one of the five towns along the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre, Italy

Admiring the colourful houses of Manarola, one of the five towns along the Sentiero Azzurro in Cinque Terre, Italy

El Nido, Philippines

I recently spent 3 weeks in the Philippines and absolutely fell in love with the beaches there.

Everywhere we went we found crystal clear water and pristine white sand, often surrounded by steep limestone cliffs that added to the scenic beauty of the location.

My personal favourite island where we went beach hopping was El Nido. More so than Coron or other islands, El Nido offered a huge variety of beaches and islands, as well as great snorkelling opportunities.

Pair that with a chilled back and fun vibe in the town, it’s the perfect summer beach destination. El Nido offers many epic island hopping tours, you can rest assured you’ll never get bored!

Click here to book your Island Hopping Tour in El Nido (Lagoons & Beaches)!

| READ MORE: BEACH HOPPING IN EL NIDO |

Me and my friends @solarpoweredblonde and @offgoesannie chilling on the beach at Pinagbuyutan Island. Drone shot by @solarpoweredblonde

Me and my friends @solarpoweredblonde and @offgoesannie chilling on the beach at Pinagbuyutan Island. Drone shot by @solarpoweredblonde

The turquoise water of El Nido, Philippines

The turquoise water of El Nido, Philippines

Siargao, Philippines

Another island worthy of mention in the Philippines is Siargao. Siargao is still off the main tourist radar, meaning the islands and beaches aren’t run over by tourists.

To me, it’s the embodiment of chill island life. While I didn’t find the beaches on the island particularly stunning, just a short boat hop away you will find some islands with epic beaches and crystal clear water.

If you’re looking for a summer beach trip away from the crowds, this is the place.

| READ MORE: ISLAND HOPPING IN SIARGAO |

The clear turquoise water you will see while island hopping in Siargao, Philippines

The clear turquoise water you will see while island hopping in Siargao, Philippines

Island hopping in Siargao

Island hopping in Siargao

Final thoughts on the best summer beach destinations

Have you ever been to one of these beaches? Are these the top ten beaches in the world? Or do you have other beach destinations which you love and want to recommend? Let me know in the comments below!

This is just a compilation of beaches that I, or other travel bloggers, personally love and recommend.

They are beaches that are particularly beautiful in summer. I hope you find it useful in deciding what beaches to visit this summer!

Can’t get enough of beautiful beaches? Check out this list of beautiful beaches in the Algarve, Portugal. If you need help planning for a beach holiday check out this packing list.

Enjoyed reading about the best beaches to visit in summer? Pin it!

Drone shot of the natural pools of Sardinia, Italy, with text overlay saying "20 beautiful beaches to visit in summer"

Drone shot of Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica and a girl walking on a beach in Thailand with text overlay saying "20 most epic beaches to visit in summer"

Collage of beaches around the world, including El Nido, Santa Teresa, Sardinia, Bondi and Siargao with text overlay saying "20 awesome beaches around the world"

harry gaur

Friday 24th of May 2019

Thank you for writing such a topic on best summer beach destinations . keep on writing such a topic it will really help me to plan my vacation on one of them you mention in your article.

Greta

Tuesday 28th of May 2019

Hi Harry, thanks for the comment, glad you found it useful! I have lots more content on these destinations that you can check out to plan your holiday :)

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Brian & Amanda

Monday 26th of June 2017

Beautiful beaches for sure! Loved the list and makes me want to be on any of those beaches right now. We totally agree with Sardinia! We went a couple years ago and loved it so much! Can't beat that one for sure.

Juliette | Snorkels to Snow

Sunday 25th of June 2017

Sadly I haven't been to any of these beaches that you've mentioned but I sure do want to! I love the look of Sardinia, that water is stunning! We were fortunate to live in the Fiji Islands and we experienced some breathtakingly beautiful beaches and islands there! But still, one of my favourite beaches is one not far from my hometown, small and filled with childhood memories :)