It’s no secret that I’m a beach person. I’m a sucker for a good beach! The beach is a place where the sun can melt stress and the ocean washes troubles away. I’m a firm believer that sun and salt water are a cure for all that ails you. So it makes sense that choosing a beach destination is a big decision! I’ve been to quite a few beaches in my life, although there are still many more on my bucket list. Of the beaches I’ve been to, I can honestly say the following beaches are some of the most unique and beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If there’s one thing Punta Cana is known for, it’s great beaches! The country actually requires the resorts to keep a certain amount of palm trees on the beach for a tropical ambiance. The resorts span acres with several pools, restaurants, and other activities spread throughout the properties. Of course all the resorts end in a beautiful beach with soft white sand, clear blue water, and a warm gentle breeze. The rooms with beach views show Punta Cana beaches in all their glory!

Cancun

Mexico is a popular spring break destination because of parties, nightclubs, celebrities, and beautiful scenery. However, most of the partying takes place at hotel pools and the beaches get neglected. Cancun has some of the most unique and beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The water is as clear as pool water and the sand is soft and white under your feet. Just be careful of that hot Mexican sun!

Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands are picture-perfect. It’s possible postcards are made from St. John’s most unique and beautiful beaches and lookout points. It’s not even uncommon to spot a rainbow across a sailboat in front of a mountain. The Virgin Islands are just that: natural, untouched, unspoiled beauty. Whether you prefer to swim, surf, or sunbathe, the Virgin Islands have the perfect beach for you.

Aruba

Aruba has a whole different kind of beach. It has year round warm waters that are as clear as a pool and incredible sunsets. There are beach bars which extend out into the water on a pier and has a boat drop-off landing, beach restaurants where you can sit with your feet in the sand, and resorts that give guests a view of that incredible, unrestricted sunset night after night.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Fort Myers Beach has some of the best sunsets in the United States. Actually, I’d go as far as to say some of the best sunsets in the world. FMB is on the west coast of Florida so the sun sets over the water. This also means that the sun is overhead the entire day, so you never have to face away from the water to get optimal sun. There are beach bars, restaurants, convenience stores, shops, and a state park all within walking distance of each other so if you get bored and want to go for a walk, you have plenty of options and plenty of beach to walk. It’s almost impossible to run out of beach, no matter how long your walk!

Costa de la Luz, Spain

There are so many must-see beaches on the Costa del Sol, it was too hard to choose only one. Cadiz has some amazing, huge beaches to accommodate everyone. Tarifa has the best windsurfing in the country because the Mediterranean and Atlantic winds are competing at the southernmost tip of Spain. Conil de la Frontera is still a locals’ secret and hasn’t been built up yet for a natural, beautiful beach. Bolonia’s beautiful beach lies next to an ancient Roman town that still has preserved Roman ruins for a combination beach day and history lesson. How to choose which beach is best? Just drive up the Costa de la Luz and try them all out!

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is getting more and more popular as tourists discover the incredible natural cliffs along southern Portugal’s coastline. The British have already found their way to the Algarve as a vacation destination, and Americans are starting to learn about the beautiful beaches Portugal has to offer as well. The rock formations are unique but don’t prohibit swimming. If you want to swim, sunbathe, rock climb, explore sea caves, or collect shells, the Algarve is the place for you.

Croatia

Croatia’s coastline is dotted with mountains and islands. Many of the beaches are rocky but they do have many sandy beaches as well. There are also tons of secret beaches accessible only by water (whether swimming, kayaking, or boating). Island tours will take you to nearby islands where you can visit beaches with barely any tourists. Once in the water, you can turn around and look up at the enormous mountain that separates Croatia from Bosnia. An interesting fact that we learned from our Airbnb host is that Croatia has the cleanest water in the world. If it wasn’t salt water, you could drink it right from the ocean!

These are some of the most unique and beautiful beaches I’ve seen so far. I know I have many to go, but so far I like what I see! Do you agree? What are some other beaches I should put on my travel list?

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P.S. You might also like 6 Best Travel Mistakes and Someday I Will… (A Travel Bucket List)