Named after the vibrant Ipanema neighborhood it's located in, Ipanema Beach truly embodies the Brazilian spirit that inspired the Bossa Nova song "The Girl from Ipanema". Sparkling white sand stretches as far as the eye can see and the Dos Hermanos (Two Brothers) mountains form a picturesque backdrop. Rio's tropical weather means plenty of sun, and the beach draws crowds of Brazilians and visitors looking to relax here. Each of Ipanema's postos or zones has a unique spirit, from the vibrant Posto 9 with its party vibe to the surf-friendly Posto 7. Beach culture at its best, Ipanema offers something for every visitor. Due to the forceful undertow, it's best to swim with caution.
Proffering an excellent escape from the obstreperous sounds of the city life, Playa Paraiso is a serene beach on the beautiful Cayo Largo island. Soak in the tropical sun as you cuddle under one of the beach umbrellas or engage in snorkeling or scuba diving. Alternatively, you can also swim along its shore. The ethereal sunset will mesmerize you as much as the starfishes on the sandy beach shore, native birds and jellyfishes in the pristine waters.
Straddling Jamaica's gorgeous western coastal strip in Negril, this immaculate golden sand beach gets its name from the length of its sandy landscapes which is roughly 11 kilometers (7 miles). The beach is a vacationer's paradise, lined with charming palm groves, conspicuous rock formations, and swanky sea-facing resorts. Riddled with spotless waterfronts, the beach's edges are tailor-made for romantic walks as the sun sets slowly on Negril's most picturesque setting.
Bells Beach conjures up almost mystical images to the members of the Australian surfing scene. It is a long right-hand point break which just keeps on going. Best conditions can be found with a south-westerly swell and north west wind on mid-high tide. During Easter the normally quiet town of Torquay comes alive as the Bells Beach Easter Classic is held. This event is the world's longest running pro-surfing competition. It attracts the top surfers from around the globe and thousands of spectators.
Cayo de Agua is a picturesque islet found on the eastern shores of the Caribbean Sea. Geographically a part of Los Roques archipelago, it is administered by Venezuela and is a part of the beautiful Los Roques National Park. Owing to its secluded location at the northern tip of the country, it remains famous for its powdery white sands and isolated beaches. The island's cerulean blue waters and rich marine life make it a famous destination for scuba diving.
Located in Shoal Bay Village, the Shoal Bay East forms a pinkish-white stretch of stunning Caribbean beauty with its turquoise blue waters. While June and July are idyllic for meditative moments on this beach, the other months bring in day-trippers from Saint Martin and around. Accordingly, the Shoal Bay East beach hosts quite a few water sports such as snorkeling, kayaking and diving. Lined along the coast are also a number of beach shacks and restaurants, all set-up so you can enjoy laid-back drinks while looking at the tropical sunset.
A former dumping site, the Glass Beach is now a serene family getaway. In the early 20th Century, residents of the nearby community would dump their household junk here, which comprised mainly of glass articles. Years later, the residents found a new dumping site, and the previous site underwent a massive cleanup, which tourists can now witness as the Glass Beach. Weathering and the onslaught of incoming tides shaped the colorful broken glass pieces into the smooth, transparent pebbles that now attract travelers from all over the world. A fun spot for children and adults alike, the beach is a must-visit when in MacKerricher State Park.
Miles and miles of pearly-white sand and pristine blue waters welcome you to the Flamenco Beach, rated among the most beautiful beaches of the world. Ideal for numerous water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, sport fishing and scuba diving, the beach attracts exhilarated enthusiasts from all over the world. A plethora of restaurants, bars, kiosks, surround the area making it the perfect tourist spot. Acclaimed as the second-most beautiful beach in the world by the Discovery Channel, Flamenco Beach warrants a visit.
Rated as one of the Top 25 beaches of the world by Tripadvisor, Playa de Ses Illetes surely lives up to the hype. Clubbing fanatics grooving to some electrifying dance numbers in Ibiza head to this crescent shoreline for some much-needed relaxation. The jade green waters are dotted with some quaint sail boats navigating the pristine Mediterranean sea. The beachfront is not too crowded, with a handful of restaurants to savor the local fare. To the extreme northern end of the island lies the tiny Espalmador islet.