7 Iconic Beaches to add to your travel bucket list

*This is a collaborative post*

You’ve likely seen them in photos on travel sites and brochures. You may have even spotted them in movies or heard about them in songs. Such beaches have become iconic. And it’s often for good reason – these beaches aren’t just beautiful, they’re breathtaking. Just which beaches are we talking about? Read on below to find out. 

Santa Monica Beach, USA

Santa Monica Beach is what many people think of when they picture California. This three mile beach stretch along the shore of Los Angeles County from Santa Monica to Malibu and is famed for its beautiful sunsets, historic pier and views of dolphins playing in the sea.

Many people come here simply to sunbathe, however it’s also a place of exercise and activity – you’ll see many tanned locals skating, cycling and rollerblading along Ocean Front Walk. The pier is also a big attraction. Built in 1909, it features an array of old and new attractions including a vintage carousel and solar powered ferris wheel.

Bondi Beach, Australia

This bustling beach in Sydney is one of the most famous city beaches in the world. The waves attract surfers from afar, while its suntrap location makes it ideal for sunbathers. The cliff walk is meanwhile popular for hikers and joggers.

What makes Bondi Beach so fantastic isn’t just the beach itself but the many hip bars and cafes surrounding it. Locals and backpackers alike gather here to mingle and it gives the area a real buzz. This guide of great things to do in Bondi offers a few tips on what to see and do while you’re there.

Copacabana Beach, Brazil

Famously sung about by Barry Mannilow, Copacabana Beach is a 4 km strip in Rio de Janeiro. It is renowned for its white sands, intricately patterned boulevard and tropical mountain backdrop.

Take a walk along the boulevard and you can take in the various sights including impressive sand sculptures, games of futevôlei (a variant of volleyball created in Copacabana) and the grand Copacabana Hotel. There are beach bars lined all along the boulevard where you can grab a cocktail or beer.  Make sure to also try out some of the amazing restaurants in the area.

Maya Bay, Thailand

Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands was featured in the movie The Beach, and is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand. In fact, it became so popular to visit this beach at one point that the local conservation department had to close it. It is now capped to 2,000 visitors per day.

While the crowds may put some people off, it’s easy to see why Maya Bay is so popular. Its mix of white sand, blue water and towering rock formations make it absolutely idyllic. You can take boat tours around the Phi Phi islands that stop at this beach. If you’re into diving, it’s also worth exploring some of the underwater sights here including vibrant reefs and marine wildlife such as sea turtles. 

Navagio Beach, Greece

Also known as ‘shipwreck beach’ due to the washed up wreck of Panayiotis, this remote beach on the island of Zakynthos looks like something out of a fantasy movie. The small cove is enclosed by huge white cliffs and caves, with crystal clear water lapping against the shore. All in all, it’s easy to see why so many travel ads use images of this beach.

To access this beach, you must take a boat tour from one of the nearby resorts. Boat tours to this cove can be very popular in summer – the best time to see this beach is usually out of peak season in Spring or Autumn. 

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

This heavenly white beach in the Seychelles is most people’s depiction of paradise. Its large granite boulders make it stand out from other beaches in the Indian Ocean. Visit at the right time of the year and you can see baby turtles hatching here.

Anse Source d’Argent is located on the idyllic island of La Digue where all the hotels are independent and bicycles take the place of cars. Those looking for a tranquil beach getaway should come here.

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum is renowned not just for its white beaches, but also its well-preserved Mayan ruins. Arriving here feels like you’ve just discovered a lost kingdom in the jungle. It is a great destination for not just relaxing, but also exploring history.

There are some beautiful hotels and guesthouses in Tulum that are positioned directly on the beach. Make sure to also check out the magical ‘cenotes’ (cave pools created by sinkholes) where you can take a dip.

Thanks for reading xxx