Grace Bay Beach, on the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, is as pristine as it gets. A barrier reef keeps its stark, turquoise blue waters and white sands free of any seaweed, rocks, or pollution, and many of Providenciales' resorts are situated along this three-mile stretch of gorgeous coastline.

Grace Bay Beach

The very soft and cool sand of Whitehaven Beach in Whitsunday Island, Australia, is 98% silica, making it perfect for walking barefoot. A popular spot for yachts, ferries, and motorboats, the beach stretches a little over four miles, and its water is so clear that you can see fish swimming by without any snorkeling gear.

Whitehaven Beach

Private boats, beach clubs, and oceanfront dining are all quite popular at Cala Jondal. Located in Ibiza, one of Spain's Balearic Islands, it’s also well-known for its nightlife.

Cala Jondal

This beach's signature feature is its residents — African penguins. Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, has picturesque granite boulders that frame its boardwalks and serene rock pools.

Boulders Beach

In Hawaiian, Lanikai means "heavenly sea," an extremely apt name for this beach located on Oahu's Kailua Bay. The calm, fluorescent blue waves stand out against the white sandy beach, from which one can get a great view of the nearby Mokulua Islands, one of many breathtaking Hawaiian spots.

Lanikai Beach