10 Most beautiful beaches in the world

A sandy beach, turquoise sea waves and hot sun rays – it sounds inviting. After a long wait, we can finally set off on the long-desired vacation. So if we rest after a pandemic, it is where nature takes us to a true paradise. We present 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and in the world.

However, sunbathing in the pandemic era is slightly different from rest as we know it before the pandemic. We advise what places in Europe and in the world to choose as a holiday destination and what to do to make your vacation as safe as possible.

1. Zlatni Rat (Croatia)

Zlatni Rat, translated into Polish “Golden Horn”, is not only one of the most beautiful European beaches, but also the undisputed symbol of Croatia. Most Croatian postcards present the charming landscape of this extraordinary place, and a holiday spent in this part of Europe will surely be remembered by every tourist who visits it for a long time.

Zlatni Rat is over half a kilometer long beach arranged perpendicular to the shoreline. Instead of golden sand, it has tiny, white gravel that fits nicely under your feet and is a great playground for children and adults. The beach is located on the southern part of the island of Brac, right at the foot of the Vidova Gora peak, considered to be the highest point on the Adriatic islands. 

Its triangular shape is one of the most recognizable places on the map of the world’s beaches. The crystal clear sea and the changing shape of the Golden Horn, changing under the influence of wind and waves, make this place worth visiting. The interior of the peninsula is made of a green pine forest that provides shade and shelter for those who are fed up with the sun’s hot rays. It is an ideal place for both families with children and tourists looking for a bit of adrenaline. Zlatni Rat offers ideal conditions for windsurfing and diving, as well as extensive hotel and catering facilities.

2. Praia da Marinha (Portugal)

One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and by far the best attraction of the Algarve coast. Turquoise, transparent waves crashing against the orange limestone coast are an unforgettable aesthetic memory that will be remembered for a long time by every tourist visiting this region of Portugal. The most recognizable point, and in fact the symbol of Praia de Marinha beach, are large cliffs arranged in the shape of the letter “M”. The beach itself is wide, long and sandy, surrounded by cliffs that can be walked on.

The sea by Praia de Marinha is the perfect place for diving. Clear water and rich life in its depths will surely satisfy every lover of underwater expeditions. It is worth mentioning that Praia de Marinha is actually a few smaller, secluded beaches in bays sheltered by cliffs, so you can find a secluded place to rest.

3. Navagio (Greece)

Navagio Beach, or Navagio Beach, is perhaps the most famous beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Its characteristic sign, which will be recognized by every lover of seaside expeditions, is the wreck located on the territory of the island. Thanks to him, the beach is also called Shipwreck Beach and is a symbol of the Ionian islands. The neighborhood of Navagio is extraordinary, and its paradise climate invites you to go hiking and relaxing in the bosom of nature.

The climate of the island itself is extremely pleasant for European tourists – the average temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius, and rainfall in summer hardly occurs here. The beauty of the island is best admired in the summer months, when the temperature is optimal and the water is pleasantly warm and clear.

The landscape of Navagio Beach is a typical element of Greek postcards. At the foot of a high cliff are the remains of the Panagioti pirate ship. The steep cliff surrounding the bay is an excellent vantage point, from which there is an amazing panorama of the entire area.

Navagio Beach is also an ideal place for diving enthusiasts. The sea ground here is gravely and covered with sand and pebbles, so in order to explore them, you need to equip yourself with special shoes. The area itself offers many accommodation and typical tourist attractions , both those directly related to sea entertainment, and those that will satisfy the needs of people looking for typical club attractions.

4. El Golfo (Spain)

Although Lanzarote itself is a tourist attraction, the El Golfo beach located there is an undisputed symbol of a dream hot holiday . The first place most tourists have the opportunity to visit in this area is the observation deck, which offers an unforgettable view of the trail along the cliff.

The road to Charco, or Lago de los Clicos, located at the foot of the El Golfo volcano, is a well-marked and secured hiking trail. The path, fenced in with a rope, leads us up the slope to the west, and after 3-5 minutes it will bring us to the place. The lake located here has an unusual, characteristic green color, which is due to the phytoplankton present in the water.

It is the main attraction of the area. The lake is filled with sea water to a depth of about 10 meters. It was created by filling a volcanic crater with water, and its salinity is greater than that of the dead sea. The rock wall above it is the only remnant of the El Golfo volcano, unabsorbed by the ocean. The blue, clear waters of the ocean and the black lava particles covering the beach are a remarkable contrast.

The settlement of El Golfo is a typical fishing village located close to the bay of the same name. It owes its unique shape to volcanic eruptions that shaped its area. The beach itself is black, covered with volcanic dust and full of beautiful, green minerals from which local souvenirs are made.

5. Kleftiko (Greece)

Kleftiko Beach is a breathtaking combination of snow-white rocks contrasting with the clear, turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. The area full of rock caves and fabulous coves, ideally suited to the needs of even the most demanding tourists.

You can get to Kleftiko by boat. However, you have to remember that this is not a typical sandy beach. It is rather a cluster of volcanic, light rocks that form majestic cliffs rising above the shining surface of the water . Both the unforgettable views and the limited access make this place a desirable tourist attraction.

Kleftiko is the perfect beach for relaxation . Calm waves, warm water, a small concentration of tourists and a warm climate are ideal conditions for a holiday vacation. If we take a diving mask and fins with us, the experience will be enriched by an underwater landscape rich in unusual, underwater landscapes. Due to the fact that Klftiko can only be reached by sea, there are not many typical tourist amenities on the beach. 

6. Anse Source d’Argent (Seychelles)

Anse Source d’Argent is a beach located on one of the most natural and wild islands in the Seychelles. Greenish-blue water combined with white, fine sand create an amazing contrast that stays in your memory for a long time. What distinguishes the beach from other similar ones are granite, huge rock blocks that create a unique, extremely aesthetic atmosphere. An interesting fact is that there is a special place on site where only wedding ceremonies can be held.

You can get there by boat, which means that the infrastructure in the vicinity of the beach is poor. However, the place is protected by a coral reef, making it a perfect spot for diving enthusiasts. Apart from the beach, the island’s tourist attractions are tropical forests and the aforementioned granite formations

7. Reynisfara Black Beach (Iceland)

Reynisfara Black Beach is located in the south of Iceland and is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Volcanic, black dust covering the entire area, basalt columns and cliffs as well as rock formations protruding above the water surface – all these create an unforgettable, unique atmosphere of this typical tourist place.

The beach is located relatively close to Reykjavik, and its symbol are rocks emerging from the ocean, created as a result of volcanic activity. Mount Reynisfjall, which stretches along the beach, was formed by a post-glacial volcanic eruption.

The result is unusual, elongated basalt columns that are unique in other places. These usually hexagonal stone columns are the effect of cooling down the liquid lava, which, on cooling down, gradually cracked, ultimately resulting in groups of columns arranged parallel to the cooling surface. 

There are also numerous cavities resembling caves in the area of ​​the beach. The most picturesque of them is the Halsanefshellir cave, with basalt blocks rising from the bottom up. An interesting phenomenon is also the Halsanefshellir rocks protruding from the ocean – Reynisdrangar, which are up to 60 meters high.

8. Boulders Beach (South Africa)

Near the vast bay False Bay is one of the most unusual beaches in this list. Boulders Beach takes its name from the huge granite rocks that have been scattered between water and sand. What attracts tourists to this place, however, are not only picturesque views. The main attraction of the area are the African penguins that inhabit this area and are the main tourist element of the region.

The beach is located in the small coastal town of Simon’s Town in the east of the Cape Peninsula. Granite boulders protect it from waves and wind, which makes it a great place to relax. The main attraction for tourists from all over the world, however, are the penguins, which first came here in 1983 from Dyer Island.

Boulders Beach consists of several small, stone bays inhabited by penguins. Tourists visiting this place can observe penguins in their natural environment from special platforms created in the reserve.

9. Copacabana (Brazil)

Copacabana is one of the most wonderful and beautiful beaches in the world. Sandy and full of sun for many years it has delighted tourists from every corner of the world with its charm. Located at the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain and Morro do Leme, located in the capital of the carnival – Rio de Janeiro, it is the main tourist attraction of the South American coast.

Copacabana is very popular with locals and visitors alike. It is not only a pop culture symbol, but also a dream destination for paradise holidays. Belonging to Rio de Janeiro, the beach is famous above all for the friendly disposition of its inhabitants. Sandy terrain, crescent shape and typical tourist infrastructure distinguish Copacabana from other beaches in Brazil.

The beach is well connected with the rest of the city, so getting there is not a problem for tourists. The inhabitants of this region are distinguished by a free and open approach to life and a favorable attitude towards tourists.

The typical tourist climate is also associated with many attractions and a well-developed club and accommodation base. In Brazil, Copacabana is also one of the districts of Rio de Janeiro, which covers not only the beach, but also some streets in the city , which, like the coast, bustle with nightlife full of entertainment until dawn.

10. Cox’s Bazar (Bangladesh)

Cox’s Bazar is a city located in Baqngladesh on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, right on the border with Burma. The main tourist destination in this region is the world-famous longest uninterrupted sandy beach with a length of 125 square kilometers.

The most famous point on the beach is the Laboni Point, which attracts most of the tourists. It is an ideal place for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. It is a dream destination if you want to spend your vacation in a picturesque, and at the same time largely unspoiled, natural scenery , among extraordinary nature and tourist attractions.

How to sunbathe in the age of a pandemic?

Although during a pandemic no place in public space where we are exposed to direct contact with other people is completely safe, we can indicate one where the risk of infection is much lower. One of them are beaches. Due to the fact that they are located in the open air and the area they occupy is usually large, the risk of contamination is limited.

Nevertheless, nowadays you need to be especially careful and remember to follow a few rules that will increase the safety of ours and other tourists:

• Local coronavirus laws – always check current restrictions and regulations related to the behavior and conditions on specific beaches before traveling and during your stay in a given country. Restrictions and restrictions can be introduced both by the authorities of a given country and directly by persons managing the beach or hotel at which it is located. 

• Advance preparation – let’s get ready for sunbathing, preferably before leaving the hotel. Shower, disinfection and appropriate clothing will avoid the need to use public toilets and changing rooms, which may be closed during a pandemic. We should also remember to bring flip-flops, clean towels and a disguise outfit.

• Curtains – although until recently many of us were the subject of jokes, today they can turn out to be a good protection. On most beaches, the use of a screen is not a necessity, but having one increases safety and reduces contact with other tourists.

• Choosing the Right Location – While typically touristic, popular beaches are the most desired by tourists on a holiday abroad, they are also the most crowded. Therefore, if we want to take care of our safety, let’s choose less popular places where there are not so many people. Thanks to this, we will not only keep our distance and reduce the risk of contracting the virus, but also rest in greater peace and quiet.

• Keeping distance – if we have to use places with more tourists while sunbathing, for example public toilets, bars or changing rooms, try to keep a safe distance from others. It is also worth remembering to avoid crowds and ventilated rooms, as the coronavirus spreads through close physical contact with an infected person.

• Masks and disinfection – although covering the nose and mouth while on the beach is not obligatory, remember that wearing a mask may be necessary while sunbathing. In some places it is required in places with more people, such as at a bar, in a sun lounger rental shop or in the toilet. Disinfection is also obligatory in these places. However, it is worth keeping the disinfectant with you at all times to use it after each contact with other people or public places.

• Food and drink – If you are planning an extended stay at the beach, please bring enough food and drink with you. Although there are bars and restaurants right next to the beaches, they are often crowded and not always properly disinfected due to the large number of tourists and specific sanitary conditions. It is worth having your own meal or water with you, thanks to which we will not have to expose ourselves to direct contact with other tourists. If we have to use the services of a restaurant or bar, choose those in the open air and take care of proper disinfection.

How to choose an insurance for a holiday trip?

The policy for a trip abroad is particularly important – especially during a pandemic, staying outside the country, especially outside Europe, may be associated with the risk of an accident or illness, which without insurance generate very high costs. 

Although each policy should be properly tailored to our individual needs, we can indicate several elements that each travel insurance should contain:

• Treatment costs – in the case of a trip abroad, it is extremely important that the guaranteed sum of treatment costs is sufficiently high (preferably, if it is as high as possible). Treatment in European countries, and even more so outside Europe, is extremely expensive, and people who do not have a policy must cover all costs resulting from the treatment out of their own pocket. If we want to feel safe during the holidays, and at the same time save from a few to even tens of thousands of zlotys, we must purchase appropriate insurance before departure.

• The costs of medical transport and transport to the country – this is one of the basic and at the same time extremely important element of any tourist policy for foreign holidays. Medical transport in most foreign countries is paid and its costs are very high. It is even more expensive and more problematic to transport the injured person to Poland, especially taking into account the long distance and the need to use a helicopter or a specialized ambulance. This element of the policy with the appropriate guaranteed sum will cover such expenses and allow you to enjoy your vacation.

• Assistance – it will allow the insured and his relatives to take care of them in the event of an unfortunate event during the trip. It not only provides assistance in the form of information and advice, but also covers costs such as accommodation, early return to the country or the arrival of a family member to the victim. Assistance also often guarantees care for children when their parents or guardians are injured.

• Civil liability insurance in privatized life  – typically tourist countries, which Polish tourists often choose as a holiday destination, besides a rich leisure offer, hides many risks. In crowded cities, on beaches, in hotels and when visiting tourist attractions, it is not difficult to get involved in an accident. Third party liability insurance will protect us in the event of a situation in which we will be the perpetrators of an accident. Thanks to the policy, we will be protected against the necessity to incur high costs resulting from the damage made by the damage to third parties or their property.

• NNW (accident insurance) – this is another very important element of insurance for a trip abroad. Thanks to it, we will be able to avoid the high costs associated with the consequences of unfortunate accidents that may happen to us during the holidays. The loss of health and the resulting treatment or rehabilitation will not burden our pocket if we purchase an appropriate policy before departure.

• Luggage insurance – it can be useful if you take valuable things on vacation, such as electronic or sports equipment. Such insurance will protect us in the event of loss or delay of luggage.