A HOT LIST OF THE WORLD’S TOP 100 BEACHES; HOW MANY HAVE YOU BEEN TO?

There’s no better time than the spring-summer months to go beach-combing, laze on sun loungers, and chase rippling waves. Just in time for your next sandy-toed getaway, BeachAtlas — a London-based startup specialising in world beaches — has unveiled its Global Beach Award 2024 list, which includes the top 100 beaches in the world.  While French Polynesia’s Bora Bora conquered the list at the first spot, South Africa’s Boulder Beach, Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach, and Brazil’s famed Copacabana followed closely. Singapore’s famed Siloso Beach in Sentosa Island, too, made it to the competitive list, closing in at the 91st position.

Nearby, Thailand’s cerulean jewels Maya Beach and Pattaya Beach graced the list at the fifth and twelfth positions respectively. Other Asian beaches that bagged BeachAtlas’ nod of approval include Kelingking Beach in Indonesia (rank: 34), Baga Beach in India (rank: 35), Okinawa Beach in Japan (rank: 36), and Hidden Beach in the Philippines (rank: 37). Haeundae Beach in Korea’s Busan also made to the list at the fifty-fifth position.

Top 10 beaches on the list

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Touted for its crystal-clear waters and surreal sunsets that far exceed the ones even on the silver screen.
2. Boulder’s Beach, South Africa: Vegging out on this beach comes with waddling African penguins that’ll greet you with their endearing braying sounds.
3. Waikiki Beach, USA: This Hawaiian beach celebrates gender diversity and indigenous heritage with Kapaemahu — four stones that embody dual male and female spirits.
4. Copacabana, Brazil: Bustling bars, busy clubs, and Brazilian flair are promised at this beach. Add to that the postcard-perfect coastal views and an unmatched beach getaway is guaranteed!
5. Maya Bay, Thailand: Dynamic cliffs, velvety white sand, and gorgeous blue waters promise a slice of heaven. This beach was also featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio starrer film ‘The Beach’ (2000).

1. Black Sand Beach, Iceland: Black sand, courtesy of Katla Volcano, and basalt columns are the defining features of this unique beach.
2. Glass Beach, USA: Move over shells and stones, this beach features discarded glass pieces turned colourful pebbles, a natural phenomenon that unfurled over decades.
3. JBR Beach, UAE: Camel rides, water sports, golden sands, and a lively promenade make this beach a must-visit.
4. Skeleton Coast, Namibia: The peculiar name comes from the numerous whale skeletons and shipwrecks on the coastline.
5. Omaha Beach, France: Located in Normandy, this beach holds remnants of German bunkers and a stainless-steel structure Les Braves that pays homage to the American soldiers.

Check out the complete list here.

Top 100 beaches in the world: The selection criteria

BeachAtlas shortlisted the 100 beaches based on a unique algorithm using criterias such as classic beauty, DEI (Diversity, Equality, Inclusion), natural diversity, party and lifestyle, community, and cultural significance. The various nominations in the list were then ranked by travel experts and influencers from across the globe.

(Feature and Main Image Credit: Lux Blue/Shutterstock)

This story first appeared in Travel+Leisure Malaysia. 

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