15 Beaches We Can't Wait to Escape to This Summer

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many travelers to cancel their summer vacation plans in 2020 but as testing becomes more widespread and the vaccine rollout continues around the world it's likely that more destinations will open up in the months to come and that summer 2021 will likely see eager travelers return to their favorite beaches around the world. Here are 15 awesome seashores that we can't wait to experience.

The Baths in Virgin Gorda are a must-visit for travelers to the British Virgin Islands-which reopened to international travel late last year-who will be in awe of the pristine beach and massive boulders that make it the perfect place for a laidback snorkeling adventure and snapping gorgeous photos.

This otherworldly three-mile stretch of pink sand beach and calm waters in the Bahamas' Harbour Island is among the most unique anywhere in the world. Pink Sands Beach's beauty is only matched by its versatility as visitors can lie out under the sun, swim, snorkel, fish and end their day spent on the beach with an unforgettable sunset dinner.

Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba and draws visitors in with its soft white sands, unimpeded sea views and eye-catching Fofoti trees. The latter provide much-needed shade if you're lucky enough to find a spot. Regardless, travelers will be hard-pressed not to lose track of time or their worries in this Caribbean paradise.

Bermuda's curving Horseshoe Bay Beach located on the island's South Shore pairs pink sands with see-through blue waters complemented by impressive rock formations. Horseshoe Bay has everything beachgoers need to spend the perfect day by the shore, including convenient beach equipment rentals, nearby food and drink and even hidden caves for exploring.

Trunk Bay is the most visited beach in St. John and the most photographed in all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's easy to see why. The picturesque beach is also beloved for its snorkeling opportunities, drawing visitors of all skill and experience levels with the self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail.

Grand Cayman's award-winning Seven Mile Beach is arguably the best beach in the Caribbean. Sunseekers can simply sit back and watch the waves roll in while more active beachgoers can stroll from end to end, bar-hopping, shopping and snorkeling reefs along the way.

The most beautiful beach in Cuba offers exceptional swimming, beachcombing and much more. The inviting stretch of white sand and clear blue waters of Varadero are an ideal spot for sunset viewing so visitors should plan to make a day out of it.

Providenciales' Grace Bay Beach more than lives up to the hype. Stretching about three miles between Leeward Beach and Bight Beach, this island paradise owes much of its allure to its immaculate white sand and crystalline waters as well as the barrier reef located about a mile offshore that ensures a smooth surf.

There's no better place to relax in St. Barts than Anse des Flamands. Ideal for sunbathing and barefoot strolling, this beach features some of the softest sand in the Caribbean and blissful turquoise waters that make it a phenomenal place to lie out on a lounge chair or grab a beachfront bite and cocktail.

Lucaya Beach on Grand Bahama in the Bahamas has got it all, including a variety of bars and restaurants and a wide array of water sports, including parasailing and jet skiing. In addition to relaxing in the sun with a cocktail, visitors can look forward to snorkeling and shopping.

Travelers seeking seclusion this summer will find just that at Majors Bay Beach in St. Kitts. This awesome stretch of golden sand is rarely crowded and offers a simpler beachgoing experience that delivers the perfect dose of sun, sand and sea.

Visitors to Curacao who want a taste of the local culture but also want a quintessential Caribbean beach experience should look no further than Playa Kenepa Grandi or Knip Beach. Swimmers, snorkelers and sunbathers will have no complaints at this public beach while even foodies will be pleasantly surprised by the delicious regional snack options.

The Big Island's Papakolea Beach, otherwise known as Green Sand Beach gets its uniqueness from the green olivine crystals that are washed out of the old cinder cone aside the beach, which is the definition of a hidden gem, however, as visitors will need to hike about 2.5 miles from South Point to reach it. Hawaii has been open for months to travelers who can produce a negative COVID-19 test result.

Beach bums will feel right at home on Culebra's relaxing Flamenco Beach. Because it's Puerto Rico, the public beach is accessible without a passport. Calm waters make swimming and lounging incredibly easy but visitors won't want to leave before snapping a few photos of the beach's famous graffitied M4 Sherman tanks, which were left behind by the U.S. Navy decades ago.

Americans are starving for a European getaway nearly one year into the pandemic and Greece is home to a plethora of stellar beaches. However, Kefalonia's Petani Beach stands out, receiving the coveted Blue Flag for clean water, organization and environmental management. The surrounding mountains and calm waters make it one of the best places in Europe to watch a sunset.