10 of Earth’s most beautiful beaches

You cannot beat a trip to the beach for relaxation and rejuvenation, and just simply being near the ocean has proven health benefits. A climate by the sea is particularly good for the respiratory organs and the skin, and is also known to strengthen the body’s immunity and improve circulation. Before you plan your next trip to the coast, take a look at this list of the most stunningly beautiful beaches in the world.

Trunk Bay Beach

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Conserved within the Virgin Islands National Park, this beach is among the most photogenic places on the planet. Trunk Bay Beach has breathtaking views of white beaches against the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean.

Pink Sands Beach

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Featuring three miles of pink sand and clear, turquoise water, Pink Sands Beach is a heavenly escape. The ocean is warm year-round, making it is the perfect spot for swimming.

Whitehaven Beach

Queensland, Australia

This pristine white beach features the purest silica sand in the world. The unique sand does not retain heat so it is comfortable no matter how hot it gets along this stretch of Whitsunday Island, Australia.

Beach Below the Ruins

Tulum, Mexico

Miles of white sandy beaches stretch out just below the ancient ruins of Tulum, and the views are incredible. This beach is known as a slow-paced, spiritual experience.

Elafonissi Beach

Crete, Greece

Bright white sand against blue-green waters make Elafonissi Beach one of most gorgeous destinations on any coastline. This small island in western Crete also features black rocks, white lilies, and exotic animals.

Grace Bay Beach

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Known for peace and quiet, Grace Bay Beach is widely considered the best beach in the world. Grace Bay Beach has turquoise waters and soft white sand that stretches out for 12 miles.

Tortuga Bay Beach

Galapagos, Ecuador

Tortuga Bay Beach is a well-preserved and isolated beach on Santa Cruz Island. This destination is world famous for its immaculate white sand, volcanic rocks, and exotic wildlife.

Blue Lagoon
Oludeniz, Turkey

The Blue Lagoon is located on the Turquoise Coast of southwestern Turkey where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet. The lagoon is a national marine sanctuary with unique panoramic views of lush green mountains.

Matira Beach

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Located on “the Romantic Island” of Bora Bora, Matira Beach features crystal clear waters and soft sand. This magical setting in the South Pacific is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing under a palm tree.

Sunset Beach

Oahu, Hawaii

Known for big wave surfing in the winter, Sunset Beach becomes as calm as a lake in the summer months. The two-mile stretch of wide beach located on the North Shore of Oahu looks like paradise, especially at sunset.

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer