Some beaches owe their fame to the color of their sand, others to their crystal-clear waters or to the landscapes that surround them. Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards highlight coastlines that are strikingly different, ranging from Italy to Indonesia, Mexico and Sri Lanka. For French travelers, several of these European destinations are easily within reach, while others promise a much farther escape. Here is what truly sets these beaches apart and what you can do there once you arrive.
In Europe, beaches that justify the trip for more than just swimming
The Sperlonga Beach in Italy tops the European ranking. Located in the province of Latina, halfway between Rome and Naples, it blends the charm of a seaside resort with that of a historic village. The old town, perched on a hill, is made up of white houses and narrow lanes that frequently overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea. The appeal of the site goes beyond the beach: a day can easily mix swimming, a stroll through the village and discoveries along the coastline.
In Malta, the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino leans almost entirely on its scenery. The water is exceptionally transparent, taking on varying shades of blue along the rocky coastline. The site has even served as a backdrop for several films, notably Troy, released in 2004. Visitors mainly come for day trips, with more lodging options available on the island of Malta or on Gozo. From the Maltese mainland, the crossing to Comino takes about 25 minutes.
In Turkey, Patara offers a particularly appealing combination for nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts. Its beach ranks among Europe’s longest natural coastlines, while the ruins of the ancient city of Patara lie nearby. The archaeological site preserves a theater and an ancient parliamentary building dating back roughly 2,000 years. Part of the town remains buried under sand, giving the place a distinctive atmosphere.
The ranking also includes Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal. Over more than six kilometers, the sand is edged by high red and ochre sandstone cliffs, making it a compelling choice for those who want to pair beach time with hiking and enjoy particularly dramatic viewpoints from above.
In Crete, Falassarna offers another angle with its slightly pink sand and spectacular sunsets. A traveler cited on Tripadvisor even described it as the “most beautiful beach in all of Crete”.
The British Isles round out this European list. In Wales, Llanddwyn Beach, on Llanddwyn Island off Anglesey, features a broad stretch of sand bordered by dunes with views toward the Snowdonia National Park. In Scotland, Camusdarach Beach, famed for its white sands, was even used as a backdrop for the film Local Hero in 1983.
France is not left out and places two beaches in this European top 20. La Baule-Escoublac, in Loire-Atlantique, ranks 19th. Renowned for its long bay of fine sand, it stretches for several kilometers between Pornichet and Le Pouliguen and is one of the most iconic shores along the Atlantic coast of France. Further south, Banyuls-sur-Mer, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, sits at 17th. Nestled in the heart of the Côte Vermeille near the Spanish border, the resort is surrounded by rugged terrain and small Mediterranean coves, with waters especially favorable for swimming and water-based activities.
From Thailand to Mexico, beaches with very different characters
In Asia, Railay Beach in Thailand stands out first for its accessibility. The impressive limestone cliffs surrounding the site are so sheer that no road could be built to the beach. Travelers must arrive by boat from Krabi, then follow paths through the vegetation. This setting helps explain why Railay has become one of the most iconic images of Thailand’s coastline.
In Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay draws primarily surfers. The bay is known for its waves, while the shoreline gathers cafés, restaurants and yoga studios.
In Malaysia, Coral Beach on Pangkor Island offers a calmer setting and is particularly suited to a late-afternoon visit, as the sun sets over the coast. The island also allows you to explore a 17th-century Dutch fort.
In Bali, Nusa Dua Beach targets a different clientele. This upscale enclave is renowned for its well-kept beaches, waters suited to swimming and a highly managed environment.
In the Philippines, Boracay combines white sand, turquoise sea and vibrant nightlife. A traveler noted on Tripadvisor describes “a beautiful island of the Philippines” and highlights the ocean’s beauty, the white sand and the nightlife vibe.
Finally, the Americas contribute some of the most spectacular landscapes in the list. In Hawaii, Hanauma Bay on Oahu is especially renowned for snorkeling thanks to its calm waters and thriving coral reefs. Protecting this environment is taken seriously: it is explicitly forbidden to touch the corals or to walk on them.
In Mexico, Playa Balandra in Baja California Sur appeals precisely because it has escaped heavy urban development. Visitor numbers and development around the bay are regulated to preserve it. Seven beaches can be explored nearby, along with a rock formation that has become iconic, El Hongo, recognizable by its mushroom shape. More lively, Tulum offers nearly 10 kilometers of beach, thatched-roof hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Two very different vibes, but one idea: the most beautiful beaches in this ranking aren’t defined solely by the color of their sand.
