The world’s most famous beaches: 10 iconic beaches and where to stay

There are countless lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. We have chosen the famous ones, the beaches that offer more than parasols and sunloungers. Here you will find film history, wildlife, surf breaks and street life that hums from morning to night. Beaches for those who get a little restless lying still, and want both sunshine and experiences.

For every beach we have found the hotel where you can stay as close to the sand as possible, so the walk from breakfast to the waves is as short as it can be.

The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.

The world’s most famous beaches: our top ten

1. Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“Everyone” has heard of Copacabana, the beach with white sand and majestic Sugarloaf Mountain in the background. It is over four kilometres long, stretching out towards the Atlantic, and has starred in countless films, series, books and songs. Locals gather here for football, samba and Brazilian joie de vivre from morning to night.

Right next door lies Ipanema, the beach the bossa nova classic made famous around the world. If you get restless, you can even head from the sand all the way up to the mountaintop.

Stay here: See rooms at Copacabana Palace, the legendary hotel on the beachfront promenade, with two restaurants.

By Ipanema: See rooms at Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, a luxury hotel with a spa.

2. Santa Monica Beach, California, USA

The final stop on legendary Route 66 is one of the world’s most famous beaches. This is where nostalgia meets the modern Californian lifestyle: cycle along the long beachfront path, watch street performers and skaters, work out at the legendary Muscle Beach or simply lie on the sand as the sun sets over the Pacific. There is also an amusement park and plenty of restaurants and stalls.

Stay here: See rooms at Shutters on the Beach, a luxury hotel with a spa right by the sand.

Alternative: See rooms at Fairmont Miramar, with three restaurants and a short walk to the beach.

You may also like: This is where international hit Barbie was shot and Hollywood and Los Angeles: the sign, the studios and the beach.

3. Renaissance Island, Aruba

This private island belongs to Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort and is home to Flamingo Beach, the beach you are bound to have seen on Instagram. As the name suggests, pink flamingos stroll across the sand. It is an experience out of the ordinary, although it is worth knowing that the birds are wing-clipped, a practice used to keep them in semi-free surroundings.

Stay here: See rooms at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, a beachfront resort with a spa, next to Renaissance Mall.

4. Isla Holbox, Mexico

This small island lies at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, about two hours by car north of Cancún. Holbox is a true beach paradise, with turquoise water and a calm that slows your pulse the moment you arrive. There are no cars here, so you get around by moped or golf cart, and under the water you can swim with whale sharks.

Stay here: See rooms at Nômade Temple Holbox, a luxury hotel with an outdoor pool close to the beach.

Read more: Isla Holbox: Mexico’s unknown holiday paradise.

5. Sotavento, Fuerteventura, Spain

The Canary Islands have a reputation as a budget package holiday destination, but the label is unfair, as you will find incredibly fine beaches here. Sotavento on Fuerteventura is actually a series of beaches spread along several kilometres of coastline, with lagoons, dunes and winds that have made it one of the world’s most popular spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Stay here: See rooms at Paradisus by Meliá Fuerteventura, an all-inclusive hotel on the beach at Sotavento de Jandía.

Alternative further south: See rooms at Iberostar Waves Playa Gaviotas, an all-inclusive hotel in Jandía.

6. Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal

The town of Nazaré lies on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, and it was truly put on the map when American surfer Garrett McNamara rode a giant wave here in 2013. Praia do Norte is the beach where the ocean shows its greatest force, and where the most experienced surfers come to take it on. For the rest of us, it is quite a spectacle to watch from the lighthouse on the cliff.

Stay here: See rooms at Villamar Style Maison, a bed and breakfast with an outdoor pool, close to Nazaré beach.

Read more: How Nazaré became a surfer’s dream.

7. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

This legendary beach ticks every box on a long checklist. It is half an hour from central Sydney, and along the main street, Campbell Parade, you can eat like a local hipster. Take a surf lesson in the perfect waves, the beach has a shark net, snap a selfie on the beach from the TV series Bondi Rescue, or simply lie back and enjoy the sun.

Stay here: See rooms at QT Bondi, a luxury hotel within walking distance of Bondi Beach.

8. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

Maya Bay became world famous with the film The Beach in 2000, and the bay, ringed by sheer limestone cliffs, still looks like a film set. It was closed for several years to let nature recover, and strict rules now apply to visitors. Check the current rules before you go.

You visit Maya Bay on a day trip by boat, and the island of Koh Phi Phi Don is a natural place to stay.

Stay here: See rooms at SAii Phi Phi Island Village, a beachfront resort with a spa at Laem Tong.

9. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in Queensland is famous for its almost pure silica sand, so white and fine that it squeaks underfoot. From the Hill Inlet lookout you watch sand and sea swirl together in patterns of white and turquoise. You reach the beach by boat or seaplane from the surrounding islands.

Stay here: See rooms at Qualia, an adults-only luxury resort on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays.

10. Navagio, Zakynthos, Greece

Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is a small cove ringed by tall white cliffs, with an old shipwreck resting on the sand. It is one of the most photographed places in Greece, best seen from the clifftop viewpoint or by boat. Access can be restricted, so check before you go.

Stay here: See rooms at Porto Zante Villas and Spa, villas with a spa on Zakynthos.

How to choose your beach and hotel

Think about what you want from your days. If you want street life and a city break, Copacabana, Santa Monica and Bondi are perfect, with the city right behind the sand. If you want peace and nature, Holbox, Whitehaven and Maya Bay are better choices. And if you dream of wind and waves, Sotavento and Nazaré are the places to go.

• City beaches: Copacabana, Santa Monica and Bondi

• Island paradises: Isla Holbox, Renaissance Island and Whitehaven

• Wind and surf: Sotavento and Praia do Norte

• Iconic coves: Maya Bay and Navagio

Want more beaches? We have also gathered beaches with pink, black and green sand and Sardinia’s best beaches.

Frequently asked questions about the world’s most famous beaches

What is the most famous beach in the world?

Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro is among the best-known beaches in the world. It is over four kilometres long, has Sugarloaf Mountain in the background and is famous from films, songs and social media. Bondi Beach in Sydney and Santa Monica in California are also among the most famous.

Where should you stay at Copacabana?

Copacabana Palace is the best-known hotel on the beach, right on the beachfront promenade. If you would rather stay by Ipanema, Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro is a luxury hotel with a spa. Both put the sand and the city right on your doorstep.

Can you swim at Maya Bay?

Maya Bay was closed for several years to let nature recover, and strict rules now apply to visitors. The rules can change, so check what applies before you go. Many people stay on Koh Phi Phi Don and take a boat to the bay on a day trip.

Which famous beach is best for surfing?

Sotavento on Fuerteventura is one of the world’s most popular spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Bondi Beach is great for surf lessons, while Praia do Norte in Nazaré is known for the biggest waves and suits only the most experienced surfers.

How did Picolo choose the beaches on the list?

Picolo picked beaches that offer more than white sand and turquoise water, with wildlife, street life, film history or world-class waves. The list is for anyone who gets restless on the beach and wants both sunshine and experiences.