We all daydream about that perfect stretch of sand — the kind where the water looks fake, it’s so blue, the sand is soft enough to nap on, and there’s not a single noisy crowd in sight. These five beaches aren’t just pretty postcards; they’ve topped global lists for good reason, and we’ve added all the practical stuff you actually need to plan your trip.
1. Entalula Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Ranked number 1 in the world right now, this little slice of magic is tucked away on a tiny island in the Bacuit Archipelago. Think dramatic limestone cliffs rising up behind powdery white sand, and water so clear you can spot colourful fish from the shore without even getting your feet wet. It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like your own private paradise — exactly what you hope for when you travel all this way.
Best for: Slow days, snorkelling, and photos that’ll make everyone back home jealous
Best time to go: November to May (dry season, calm seas and sunny days)
How to get there: Fly into El Nido Airport (ENI) from Manila or Cebu, then head to the town beach. Entalula is only reachable by boat — it’s a standard stop on Tour B or Tour C island hopping trips, which cost around £20–£30 per person, including lunch and snorkel gear. You can also charter a private boat if you want to set your own schedule.
Where to stay:
Budget/mid-range: Orange Pearl Beach Resort or J Boutique Hotel in El Nido town — both close to the pier, from about £35–£80 a night
Splurge: Miniloc Island Resort right on the water, with its own boat transfers straight to the beach
2. Fteri Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Fteri beach c. https://worlds50beaches.com
Wild, rugged and totally breathtaking — Fteri feels like one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets. It’s a mix of soft sand and smooth white pebbles, leading into that iconic vivid blue Ionian water, backed by steep cliffs and green scrub. The journey there is half the fun, and the sunset here is absolutely unmissable.
Best for: Chasing hidden gems, quiet swims and golden hour photos
Best time to go: May–June or September–October — warm enough to swim, way fewer crowds than July/August
How to get there: Fly into Kefalonia Airport. From there, drive or take a local bus to the trailhead near Agia Kyriaki. It’s a gentle 20–30 minute easy hike down to the beach, or you can take a small boat from nearby ports like Lixouri or Agia Kyriaki for around £10–£15 per person. Note: There are no facilities here, so bring plenty of water, snacks and shade!
Where to stay:
Mid-range: Petani Bay Hotel (adults only, great views) or Aenos Hotel in Argostoli — from £60–£120 a night
Local vibe: Beachfront villas like Beachfront Villa Fteri near Zola — perfect for groups or couples, from £100+ a night
3. Wharton Beach, Western Australia
Wharton Beach, Australia
Stretching along the spectacular Duke of Orleans Bay near Esperance, this beach is famous for sand so white it glows, and water that shifts from turquoise to deep sapphire. You’ll often spot dolphins swimming close to shore, and the gentle waves are perfect for swimming or just floating around. It’s quiet, unspoiled and feels a million miles from anywhere.
Best for: Long walks, wildlife spotting, and lazy days in the sun
Best time to go: October to April — warm weather and great swimming conditions
How to get there: Fly into Perth, then either take a 1.5-hour flight to Esperance or hit the road for an epic 8.5-hour coastal drive. From Esperance town, it’s about an hour’s drive east to Wharton Beach — regular cars can reach the main car park easily, though you’ll need a 4WD if you want to drive onto the sand.
Where to stay:
Budget/camping: Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park — powered sites, basic cabins and chalets just 4 minutes’ drive from the beach, from £20–£50 a night
Comfort: Esperance Bay Holiday Park or The Jetty Resort in Esperance town — from £80–£150 a night, with easy day trips out to the beach
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Nosy Iranja, Madagascar Image by DREAMONTRAVEL from Pixabay
This place is genuinely one of a kind — two beautiful islands connected by a wide, gleaming sandbar that appears at low tide and disappears beneath the waves when the tide comes in. You can walk between turquoise lagoons and open ocean, surrounded by colourful coral, sea turtles and all kinds of amazing marine life. It’s raw, wild and utterly magical.
Best for: Unique adventures, snorkelling, and getting away from it all
Best time to go: April to December — drier weather and calm seas
How to get there: Fly into Nosy Be Airport from Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo. From Madirokely beach on Nosy Be, it’s a 75-minute speedboat ride to Nosy Iranja — most people book a day tour or arrange transfers through their accommodation, usually around £30–£50 per person return.
Where to stay:
On the island: Le Zahir de l’Île — charming eco-friendly bungalows right on the beach, from about £80–£150 a night including some meals; or organised bivouac stays for a more rustic Robinson Crusoe vibe from around £60 a night
On Nosy Be: Naturalia Lodge or Palm Beach Resort — great options if you prefer more amenities, with easy access to boat trips over.
5. East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji
East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji Image (AI generated)
Pure tropical bliss, plain and simple. Soft golden sand slopes gently into calm, warm water protected by coral reefs, so it’s perfect for swimming all day long. Swaying palm trees, lush green hills and not much else — this is exactly what you imagine when you think of a Fijian paradise. And since it’s on a private island, you’ll often have whole stretches of beach all to yourself.
Best for: Total relaxation, families, and that once-in-a-lifetime luxury vibe
Best time to go: May to October — mild, dry and sunny, with low humidity
How to get there: Fly into Nadi International Airport. From there, Vomo Island Resort arranges everything: a 20-minute drive to Vuda Point Marina, then a 35-minute speedboat ride straight to the island, or a quick 15-minute helicopter transfer if you want to arrive in style! All transfers are pre-booked through the resort.
Where to stay:
Vomo Island Resort is the only place to stay right here — all rooms are beachfront or garden villas, with amazing food, activities included and that famous Fijian hospitality. Prices start around £600 per night all-inclusive, but it’s worth every penny for the experience.
So there you have it — five incredible beaches that live up to the hype, with all the practical details sorted so you can start planning your next adventure. Which one are you adding to the top of your bucket list first?