The 25 Best Beaches in the World
There are beaches that feel beautiful… and then there are the ones that feel unbelievable. Places where water glows a surreal shade of turquoise, where sand looks powdered by light, and where time slows down in ways you only experience on the most perfect of travel days.
Every year, global experts from Lonely Planet to Tripadvisor to Forbes rank the world’s top beaches, and a few destinations consistently rise above the rest. In this 2026 edition, we blend that global consensus with the unique lens of luxury island living highlighting not just where to go, but how to experience these places in true coastal style.
Whether you're exploring remote sandbars in Madagascar, sailing the Whitsundays, or soaking up Caribbean sunsets, the right outfit elevates the experience. Pier St. Barth creates menswear made precisely for these moments: linen shirts that breathe in tropical heat, swim shorts crafted for movement and comfort, and refined matching linen shirt and shorts that transition effortlessly from beach to bar.
This guide isn't just about where to go - it's about how to arrive.
Let's explore the world's most breathtaking shorelines.
The Top 10 Beaches in the World
1. Shell Beach - St. Barts
For Pier St. Barth, no beach in the world captures the spirit of refined island living quite like Shell Beach. Just steps from Gustavia, this intimate cove blends French-Caribbean chic with natural beauty, soft golden sand, calm turquoise water, and millions of sun-polished shells that give the beach its name. It’s the perfect balance of barefoot ease and elevated ambience, surrounded by waterfront dining, sailing culture, and upscale island charm.
What to wear: Shell Beach is all about effortless sophistication: a short-sleeve or long-sleeve linen shirt, linen shorts, and Tailored or Classic swim shorts for a seamless beach-to-lunch transition. Carry a Pier St. Barth beach bag for your essentials.
Best time: December–April
2. Baía do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Often rated the No.1 beach globally, Baía do Sancho is accessible only by boat or a dramatic cliff ladder - and that exclusivity keeps it pristine. Golden sand meets neon-blue water, with dolphins often appearing just offshore.
What to wear: This is an adventure-access beach - perfect for Pier St. Barth swim shorts and a lightweight linen shirt that dries quickly after a dip. Pack a beach tote for the hike down and essentials.
Best time: April–October
3. Miami Beach – Florida, USA
A global icon of sunshine, style, and modern beachfront culture, Miami Beach delivers electric energy alongside miles of soft sand and warm Atlantic water. From early-morning runs on South Beach to Art Deco sunsets and rooftop evenings, Miami blends coastal living with cosmopolitan sophistication, making it a natural fit for Pier St. Barth’s elevated, resort-ready aesthetic.
What to wear: Miami’s versatility calls for modern refinement: Tailored swim shorts for beach clubs, linen pants for evening strolls, and a crisp short-sleeve or long-sleeve linen shirt that works across day and night. A beach bag keeps your essentials beach-to-boardwalk ready.
Best time: November–April
4. Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Seven kilometres of pure white silica sand, swirling tidal patterns at Hill Inlet, and water so clear it looks lit from within.
What to wear: For sailing or catamaran trips around the Whitsundays, opt for Pier St. Barth linen shorts and a relaxed linen shirt - breathable, light, and ideal for sun-drenched days at sea.
Best time: May–September
5. Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos
Calm, shallow waters and powder-soft sand make Grace Bay one of the Caribbean's most refined places to unwind.
What to wear: Can't go wrong with understated elegance. A resort set from Pier St. Barth transitions perfectly from beach walk to waterfront dining. Pair with swim shorts for an easy all-day outfit.
Best time: December–April
6. Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
Home to leaning Divi Divi trees and nesting sea turtles, Eagle Beach offers wide, pristine shoreline and calm Caribbean waters.
What to wear: A soft white linen shirt contrasts beautifully with the pastel pink landscape - ideal for photography and Greek island minimalism.
Best time: May–October
7. Eagle Beach – Aruba
Home to leaning Divi Divi trees and nesting sea turtles, Eagle Beach offers wide, pristine shoreline and calm Caribbean waters.
What to wear: Reach for linen pants and a breezy button-down linen shirt for sunset cocktails. Bring a beach tote for day essentials.
Best time: January–April
8. Cala Goloritzé – Sardinia, Italy
A UNESCO-protected beach accessible only by boat or a scenic mountain hike. Its surreal limestone cliffs and bright waters make it one of Europe's rising stars.
What to wear: Light, packable clothing is key. A linen shirt + linen shorts combination fits the rugged-luxe atmosphere perfectly.
Best time: May–September
9. Seven Mile Beach – Grand Cayman
A crescent of soft white coral sand and warm, calm water - ideal for families, couples, or anyone who wants a perfectly relaxing beach day.
What to wear: Choose Pier St. Barth swim shorts for water sports and pair with a neutral linen shirt for lunch at beachfront restaurants.
Best time: December–April
10. Anse Lazio – Praslin, Seychelles
Framed by granite boulders and lush greenery, Anse Lazio blends tropical drama with serene conditions.
What to wear: Soft, breathable matching linen shirt and shorts work beautifully here - ideal for warm breezes and those “barefoot luxury” beach moments.
Best time: April–November
The Full List: 25 Best Beaches in the World
11. Anse Lazio – Praslin, Seychelles
Picture the famous T-rex cliff formation towering over a wild, electric-blue cove. Reaching the beach requires a challenging descent - but the reward is pure spectacle.
12. Siesta Beach – Florida, USA
Siesta Beach is famous for its quartz-crystal sand that stays cool even in strong sun. Soft, clean, and spacious - it's perfect for family days and slow-living escapes.
13. Playa Balandra – Mexico
Shallow, glass-like water and the iconic “Mushroom Rock”.
14. The Baths – British Virgin Islands
Granite boulders forming caves and natural pools.
15. Horseshoe Bay – Bermuda
Pink sand and dramatic rocky alcoves.
16. Myrtos Beach – Greece
A dazzling contrast of white pebbles and intense blue water.
17. Playa de Rodas – Spain
Often described as Europe's Caribbean.
18. Entalula Beach – Philippines
Turquoise shallows bordered by limestone walls.
19. White Beach – Boracay, Philippines
Energetic, bright, and known for its glowing sunsets.
20. Railay Beach – Thailand
Climbers' paradise; emerald water meets towering cliffs.
21. Anse Source d'Argent – Seychelles
Smooth granite, warm shallow water, and powdery sand.
22. Le Morne Beach – Mauritius
A spectacular mountain backdrop meets gentle lagoon water.
23. Boulders Beach – South Africa
Home to a colony of African penguins.
24. Nosy Iranja – Madagascar
Two islands linked by a shifting sandbar - breathtaking at low tide.
25. Fteri Beach – Kefalonia, Greece
Bright turquoise water surrounded by caves and wild cliffs.
What to Wear on the World's Best Beaches (Pier St. Barth Edit)
Whether you're sailing azure lagoons or wandering remote sandbars, the right outfit makes every moment feel elevated. Pier St. Barth pieces are crafted with natural fibres perfect for any beach destination on this list.
For Tropical White-Sand Beaches (Grace Bay, Whitehaven, Baía do Sancho)
- Lightweight linen shirts
- Easy linen shorts
- Versatile swim shorts
- A durable beach tote
For Pink-Sand Beaches (Elafonissi, Horseshoe Bay)
- Crisp white linen shirts
- Natural-toned linen pants
- Relaxed matching linen shirt and shorts
For Adventure Beaches (Kelingking, Railay, Cala Goloritzé)
- Quick-dry swim shorts
- Breathable linen shorts
- Packable linen shirts
For Luxury Island Escapes (Seychelles, Mauritius, Aruba)
- Elevated matching linen shirt and shorts
- Fluid linen pants
- Neutral linen shirts for evenings
For Family-Friendly Beaches (Siesta Beach, Seven Mile Beach)
- Soft, comfortable linen shorts
- Easy swim shorts
- Spacious Pier St. Barth beach bag
How to Choose the Right Beach for Your Trip
1. Seasonality matters
- Caribbean: Avoid hurricane season (Aug–Oct)
- Southeast Asia: Dry season (Nov–April)
- Mediterranean: Best May–September
2. Accessibility varies
Some beaches require hikes or boats - Cala Goloritzé, Kelingking, The Baths, Whitehaven.
3. Safety
Families should choose calm-water beaches like Grace Bay or Siesta Beach.
4. Pack responsibly
Reef-safe sunscreen, hydration, and breathable clothing are essential. (Pro tip: linen is ideal in humid climates.)
Conclusion
From Brazil's legendary coves to Australia's silica wonders and the pink-sand shores of Greece and Bermuda, the world's best beaches each offer their own version of paradise.
And no matter where your travels take you, Pier St. Barth captures the essence of island living - crafting menswear designed for days in the sun, sailing adventures, coastal dinners, and every moment in between.
Whether you're planning your next escape or building a lifelong bucket list, these beaches - and the outfits you bring with you - will make every journey unforgettable.
