Where Are the Finest White-Sand Beaches in the World?

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Finding the perfect white-sand beach is like getting an extra cherry on top of a sundae or finding a $20 bill in your pocket – it’s that extra icing on the cake that takes the beach experience to the next level. Relaxing on a beautiful, solitary slice of white sand is what many travelers dream about for their vacations and when the sand is so soft and sifting between your toes, it makes a shoreline even more enjoyable.

Here are some of the best white-sand beaches in the world. These are the locales that grace the pages of “best-of” lists with such frequency that they’ve come to symbolize what the perfect white-sand beach must aspire to.

Playa Flamenco, Culebra, Puerto Rico

This beach is on the Caribbean island of Culebra in Puerto Rico. In addition to its celebrated soft, white sand, the beach is also known for its stunning turquoise water, excellent swimming, sport-fishing and scuba diving.

Vamizi Beach, Mozambique

Vamizi Beach is off the coast of northern Mozambique and in addition to powder-soft sand, it offers a tropical climate, amazing water and one of the best beach lodges in the world, the Vamizi Island Lodge.

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Shoal Bay, Anguilla            

A two-mile expanse of pure white sand, this beach attracts locals and visitors alike. It is split into two parts, Upper Shoal Bay and Lower Shoal Bay and, in addition to having a gorgeous beach, it’s also the perfect place to listen to live music by the water.

Photo via Flickr/Christine Rondeau

Coquina Beach is one of Florida’s – and the world’s – best white sand beaches, but what makes it a standout is the large pine trees that provide natural shade on a sunny day and old piers that jut out into the water. It has an Old Florida feel and is one of the longest beaches on Anna Maria Island.

White Beach, Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is a small island located off of the northwest corner of Panay Island. White Beach has been recognized many times for its perfect sand, but the island is also gaining popularity within the international community for relaxation and tranquility.

Cayo de Agua, Venezuela

This slice of paradise is at the western edge of Los Roques National Park. It’s well-known for its white-sand beaches but also as a birding destination and for its freshwater wells and natural pools. One of the most popular activities is scuba diving.

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Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands wins many an award for best beach and there’s one big reason why – the perfect white sand doesn’t get hot in the sun. It is also one of the most photographed beaches in Australia.

Photo via Flickr/Kevin Gibbons

Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos

On the north shore of the island of Turks & Caicos, visitors will find some of the best beaches with award-winning white sand as well as a coral reef, resorts and striking turquoise waters that, when put together, create paradise.

Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba

Cuba is on everyone’s bucket lists right now and for those seeking to enjoy one of its best beaches – in addition to its cultural attractions – head to Playa Paraiso. It is located at the west end of Cayo Largo and is one of the best undeveloped beaches in the world.