Classic golden and soft sand beaches perfect for sunbathing and long walks
Sandy beaches are the classic beach experience — warm golden grains underfoot, easy walking, and comfortable sunbathing. From fine powder sand to coarser grains, these beaches are ideal for families, beach games, and building sandcastles.
13 beaches found
Easy AccessArguably the most photographed beach on earth, where colossal granite boulders frame ribbons of white sand and shallow, reef-protected water on the island of La Digue.
Easy Access
Easy AccessA laid-back beach club on Curacao's south coast where calm turquoise water meets a sandy shore, coral reef snorkeling starts just steps from your sunbed, and cold drinks are always within reach.
Easy AccessAlbania's answer to the Greek islands, Ksamil offers turquoise water, tiny swim-to islands, and white sand beaches at a fraction of Mediterranean prices. Located near Butrint National Park in southern Albania.
Easy AccessBali's most famous beach strip is loud, crowded, and unapologetically touristy, but the sunsets are world-class, the beginner surf breaks are forgiving, and the food and nightlife scene runs deep.
ModerateThe iconic Navagio Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, Greece, where a rusting smuggler ship sits on white sand surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and impossibly blue water.
Easy AccessA hidden sandstone cove off Highway 1 near Santa Cruz, known for its dramatic sea cave, sculpted cliffs, and wild Northern California beauty.
ModerateA wild, windswept 12-kilometer stretch of golden sand on Fuerteventura's remote Jandia peninsula, Playa de Cofete feels like the edge of the world and rewards anyone willing to brave the rough dirt road to get there.
Easy AccessA windswept stretch of golden sand on Fuerteventura's southeast coast, Playa de Sotavento is famous for its shallow turquoise lagoon at low tide and world-class kitesurfing conditions.
Hard to ReachA surreal beach hidden inside a collapsed volcanic crater on the Marietas Islands, accessible only by swimming through a tunnel at low tide. Strictly limited to 116 visitors per day.
Easy AccessA Blue Flag beach on the tip of the Sandbanks peninsula in Poole, Dorset, with calm harbour waters on one side and open sea on the other.
Easy AccessA wide, windswept sandy beach on the North Wales coast, famous for the striking Point of Ayr Lighthouse and rolling sand dunes that back the shore.
ModerateA hidden cove near Dunedin reached through a hand-carved tunnel in the sandstone cliffs, with dramatic rock formations and wild Southern Ocean coastline.