Best Countries for Beaches and How to Enjoy their Coastal Treasures

Indonesia: the 18,000-island nation

Bali, hardly in need of an introduction, continues to entice sun-seekers with its blend of natural beauty and polished infrastructure. Sumba, once a whisper among surf aficionados, has quickly gained ground, its rugged coastlines and glassy swells now a fixture on discerning travellers’ radars. Just a short hop from Bali, it offers both grit and glamour, anchored by legendary breaks, check out our guide to Best Surf Beaches in Bali. Padar Island, meanwhile, draws those after something altogether wilder, its sweeping ridgelines, trio of pink, black and white sand beaches and kaleidoscopic dive sites making it one of the archipelago's most spellbinding corners. 

But as popularity reshapes both islands, a new contender quietly enters the chat. Pulau Palambak, a coconut-fringed slip of sand off Sumatra’s coast, has until recently escaped the spotlight. Accessible only by boat and with barely a building in sight, the island embodies barefoot luxury in its purest form: no hype, just jungle paths, gentle surf and unhurried days beneath the palms at a handful of resorts. For the traveller seeking not just escape but a recalibration of rhythm, Palambak may be the answer. And for now, at least, it’s still very much yours to discover.

Thailand: home of the White Lotus

Another contender for the crown of Asia’s country with the best beaches is Thailand. Just a few hours’ drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin remains a favourite weekend bolt-hole for locals and expats alike, drawn to its laid-back beaches and royal heritage. Already a coastal star, Koh Samui is basking in the White Lotus afterglow , luring holidaymakers with a taste for luxury and drama. Its cinematic charm, now immortalised on screen, has only deepened its appeal.

Meanwhile, Phang Nga Bay has quietly produced a sleeper hit. Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, perched on one of Thailand’s last unspoiled islands, was recently named one of TIME’s 100 most exciting destinations to visit right now. It’s proof that Thailand’s beach scene continues to evolve with style.

But beyond the spotlight, Thailand hides quieter treasures. Bang Bao Beach, tucked away on the island of Koh Kood, is a pristine crescent of powder-white sand, framed by lush jungle and calm, shallow waters. Accessed via paved tracks that snake through rubber plantations, it remains blissfully uncrowded and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply daydreaming.

The delightfully named Freedom Beach, just south of Patong in Phuket, is another hidden gem. You’ll need a boat to get there (or sturdy hiking boots to tackle the steep jungle trail), but the reward is a postcard-perfect cove of soft white sand, crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the bustle of nearby tourist hubs. It’s the sort of place where nature still calls the shots and travellers happily oblige.

Coast with character: Australia’s beach scene

Australia doesn’t do beaches by halves. Sydney’s Bondi is iconic, with reliable surf, an inimitable café culture and vibrant social scene all rolled into one. But it’s brash and loud (with massive crowds regularly joining the 5am run club) and might not be for everyone. For a sense of exclusivity, head to Whitehaven Beach. Located in the Whitsundays, its silica sand is so pure it squeaks, and the swirling turquoise waters look like they’ve been painted by a celestial brush.

Then there’s the Gold Coast, where skyscrapers meet surf and the vibe is equal parts laid-back and luxe. The dining and cultural scenes are thriving, with outdoor sculpture exhibitions, the HOTA museum for modern art, plus the many big-city attractions in nearby Brisbane.

Whether you’re chasing waves, friendly beach-dwelling kangaroos or best flat whites, Australia delivers. Discover more with our guide to the best Australian beaches.

Island-hopping in the Maldives

For seasoned travellers and sun-chasing newcomers alike, the Maldives remains the undisputed holy grail of beach holidays. Its sugarloaf-shaped islands, featured on screensavers the world over, are pure daydream fuel for desk-bound minds. 

Luxury clusters along Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve prized by eco-conscious escapists, as well as North Malé, South Ari and Gaafu Alifu, where overwater villas and barefoot hospitality reign supreme. 

But the Maldives isn’t just about high-end hideaways. The nation’s signature sand, uniformly soft and flour-fine, is just as enchanting on more grounded shores. A case in point: Thulusdhoo Island, a pocket of authenticity offering surf breaks, salt-kissed palms and Bikini Beach for those who favour character over exclusivity. Then there’s Kuramathi Sand Bank, nestled within the Rasdhoo Atoll. It’s a magnet for sandbar explorers and proof that a paradise isn’t always private. Depending on the sea’s mood, beachcombers can wander far into crystalline waters, the lick of sand leading them into the dazzling blue.

From Maldivian cuisine to one-of-a-kind experiences, the Maldives has plenty to offer, whether you're enjoying family holidays in the Maldives or visiting as a couple, solo or with friends. Check out our guide to unique things to do in the Maldives. 

The natural and the man-made in the Emirates

Dubai, Abu Dhabi and more recently lesser known emirates like Ras Al Khaimah boast some of the world’s most meticulously curated beaches. In Dubai, which we recently covered in our Downtown Dubai guide , many beaches are manmade, which may explain their near-perfection; after all, it’s easier to build paradise from scratch. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, is home to a fascinating mix of natural and man-made islands – over 200 in total.

Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island is a wildlife sanctuary with over 17,000 free-roaming animals and ancient archaeological sites. Dalma Island and Bu Tinah Island are also natural and offer glimpses into traditional Emirati life and marine biodiversity. The glittering Saadiyat Island was developed for tourism and culture, but managed to retain natural beachfronts and is known for its pristine white sands. In fact, Saadiyat Beach’s four kilometres of white coral sand rivals the Maldives in clarity and calm. It’s a rare blend of luxury and accessibility, divided between high-end resorts, a refined beach club and cultural institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the soon-to-open Guggenheim. Expect long strolls, seashell collecting and the occasional dolphin sighting.

If you can’t choose between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, don’t. Instead, find a middle ground at Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat that channels European charm with whitewashed architecture, focus on western wellness and a sense of serene seclusion between two bustling cities.

Italy: a chef’s kiss

As anyone who’s ever spent time at a crowded bagno or spiaggia libera can attest, Italian beaches are more than sunbathing spots, they're cultural rituals. From the wind-brushed dunes of Sardinia to the cinematic coves of the Amalfi Coast, locals mingle and perfect their tans, slick with sun oil, before indulging in languid lunches, seemingly oblivious to tourists intent on recreating their own dolce vita, as seen on the silver screen and, more recently, in TikTok videos.

Puglia’s beaches stretch long and low, bordered by whitewashed towns serving up octopus panini and chilled local rosato. Sicily brings volcanic drama and Moorish echoes, its shoreline dotted with beach spots that feel like secrets passed down through generations. Then there’s the iconic Amalfi Coast, where cliffside villages tumble toward the sea, lemon groves perfume the breeze and hotels in ancient monasteries appear to float above the Tyrrhenian blue.

As with all great beaches, the Italian coast offers a true sense of place – perhaps the most elusive ingredient in the pursuit of perfection, more vital than nature, culture or comfort. It's no small feat, but one our selection of countries with the best beaches pulls off with aplomb. 

Plan your perfect beach holiday with our collection of hotels in Italy, find your perfect resort in Thailand or make the UAE home away from home for a week or two.