The World’s Finest And Foulest Beaches
Are you looking to embark on your next beach vacation? Sadly, there are only a few countries that maintain their coastlines with complete care, attracting visitors year-round. While other places often struggle with waste and poor infrastructure. So, if you’re looking for a perfect tropical vacation this year, here's a breakdown of the best and worst beach destinations. Each place is carefully selected based on the reviews of its coastlines. First up: 10 countries with the most beautiful beaches that live up to the fantasy.
1. Maldives
The Maldives has over 1,000 coral islands with powder-white beaches and underwater visibility often exceeding 100 feet. At night, many beaches glow with bioluminescence. Floating villas let guests step directly into the sea, and no beach lies more than 1.2 miles from a reef.
Dr. Ondřej Havelka (cestovatel) on Wikimedia
2. Seychelles
Seychelles is home to Anse Source d’Argent, which consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches. Coral reefs provide safe swimming, and some sands take on a pink hue from the coral fragments. The islands contain the oldest granite formations, while Aldabra Atoll shelters the largest population of giant tortoises.
3. Australia
Australia has more coastline than any other nation, offering over 10,000 beaches. Whitehaven Beach features 98% pure silica sand, while Bondi and Byron Bay are famous for world-class surf breaks. You could visit a new beach every day for 27 years. Some beaches even use shark-detection drones for safety.
4. Greece
Greece’s Navagio Beach is famous for its shipwreck, and Santorini’s Red Beach features striking crimson sands. The country has over 400 Blue Flag beaches, some accessible only by boat or on foot. Many of these beaches are steeped in ancient myths that add to their charm.
5. Brazil
Brazil is famous for its urban beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. The UNESCO-protected Fernando de Noronha archipelago is a pristine, remote location. Some beaches also feature natural tide pools full of marine life. Plus, Brazil actually invented beach volleyball, and it regularly hosts lively beach parties.
[www.flickr.com/photos/26912057@N02/ bisonlux] on Wikimedia
6. Indonesia
Dramatic cliffs and vivid blue surf define Bali’s Kelingking Beach. The Komodo’s Pink Beach features rare rosy sand. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is blessed with endless shoreline variety, from top surfing spots like Uluwatu to frequent beachside ceremonies celebrating local culture.
7. Mexico
Soft sands and gentle waves make Isla Mujeres' Playa Norte a favorite beach destination in Mexico. Then, the Tulum beach pairs Mayan ruins with turquoise waters. In Holbox, you get those glowing bioluminescent bays. As for offshore adventures, there are underwater sculpture parks and widespread turtle nesting sites.
8. Thailand
Towering limestone cliffs surround Railay, while Maya Bay gained fame after being featured in The Beach. Thailand’s shores are among Asia’s most photographed, with longtail boats ferrying visitors and Full Moon Parties turning certain beaches into monthly coastal celebrations.
9. Italy
Cliff-backed shores, like those in Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast, define much of Italy’s coastal charm. Lampedusa’s Spiaggia dei Conigli was ranked Europe’s best. Roman ruins often dot nearby sands, and many tucked-away beaches are best reached by scenic footpaths or boats.
Paolo Costa Baldi on Wikimedia
10. South Africa
In South Africa, Clifton Beach offers stunning sunset views, and Jeffreys Bay ranks as a global surf hotspot. At Boulders Beach, you’ll find penguins right on the sand. Shark-spotting programs add extra safety at many popular spots.
Next up: 10 countries where the coastline could use more help.
1. United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, most beaches offer cold waters that rarely rise above 15°C. Rocky shorelines make lounging uncomfortable, and outdated infrastructure persists in many seaside towns. Some areas have extreme tidal shifts, and warm, beach-friendly days rely entirely on short-lived heatwaves.
2. China
China’s beaches draw massive crowds during holidays, especially in Sanya, where sand is sometimes imported to improve the coastline. High pollution levels further affect surrounding waters. Several sites now charge entry fees to fund basic maintenance.
3. Russia
The short summer beach season in Russia lasts only weeks, with cold Black Sea waters that have limited cleanup support. Many areas lack restrooms or lifeguards, and swimmers often have to wear wetsuits. Washed-up trash is also a common sight.
4. Albania
The country’s growing popularity hasn’t kept pace with its beach maintenance. Overcrowding in places like Durrës leads to litter-strewn sands and murky water. Illegal construction and weak regulations have disrupted natural coastlines, and sewage problems in some areas still keep many travelers away.
5. Bangladesh
Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh may be the world’s longest natural beach, but rapid urban growth and waste mismanagement harm the ecosystem. Flooding and erosion threaten the coastline, and accessibility remains limited. The tourism infrastructure continues to lag behind growing visitor interest.
6. Pakistan
Beaches in Pakistan deal with raw sewage, inadequate safety measures, and minimal infrastructure. Camel rides remain popular with locals, but government cleanup efforts are still in the early stages. Sandstorms and litter also deter beachgoers from using the coastline comfortably.
7. Nigeria
There’s natural beauty, but with major challenges. Pollution and oil spills affect areas like Tarkwa Bay, while sand mining damages fragile ecosystems. Security concerns also restrict beach access. Furthermore, illegal dumping keeps piling up, and nature is paying the price.
8. Haiti
Haiti’s beaches remain largely undeveloped despite stunning natural settings. Earthquake recovery delays have also stalled tourism infrastructure. Some coastal areas are privately owned or restricted, and poor waste systems lead to visible trash buildup. Moreover, seasonal seaweed influxes often go unmanaged by local authorities, too.
SpaceEconomist192 on Wikimedia
9. Libya
In Libya, coastal beauty is overshadowed by political instability and poor beach upkeep. Some beaches even serve as illegal dumping zones, so high contamination levels make swimming unsafe. Plus, tourist amenities are scarce, and the lack of infrastructure reflects years of neglect.
U.S. Institute of Peace on Wikimedia
10. Venezuela
Venezuela’s beaches suffer from economic crisis and failing waste systems. Many areas lack reliable electricity or clean water, making them difficult for tourists. Oil spills have hit parts of the coastline, and even the country’s most beautiful shores now sit mostly abandoned.
