Seychelles Tops Global Beach Rankings

- Anse Source d'Argent is located on the island of La Digue and is distinguished by its massive granite boulders that frame the shoreline. To access the beach, visitors must pass through a former coconut and vanilla plantation, the L'Union Estate, which requires an entrance fee. - The beach's shallow, reef-protected turquoise waters make it ideal for snorkeling and safe for families. Due to its stunning scenery, it is often cited as one of the most photographed beaches in the world and has been a filming location for movies like "Cast Away" and "Crusoe". - Navagio Beach, or "Shipwreck Beach," on the Greek island of Zakynthos, is famed for the rusting remains of the MV Panagiotis, a suspected smuggler's ship that ran aground in 1980. The beach is currently closed to boat traffic and tourists due to landslide risks, though it can still be viewed from a 200-meter-high cliff viewpoint above. - The beach at Navagio is only accessible by sea, nestled in a cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The water's distinct turquoise hue is enhanced by sulfurous caves along the coast that release sulfur into the surrounding sea. - Whitehaven Beach in Australia stretches for seven kilometers and is renowned for its sand, which is composed of 98.9% pure silica. This composition gives the sand its brilliant white color and means it does not retain heat, allowing visitors to walk barefoot comfortably even on hot days. - Located on Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and has received awards for its eco-friendly practices. The northern end features Hill Inlet, a stunning cove where the tide shifts the sand and water to create a swirling fusion of colors. - The second Seychelles beach to make the top ten, Anse Lazio, is located on Praslin Island. Unlike Anse Source d'Argent, it does not require an entrance fee and is known for its broader and deeper bay, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. - Rankings for "world's best beaches" are numerous and often based on subjective criteria from travel professionals and user reviews rather than scientific metrics. Different annual lists frequently name different winners; for example, a 2023 list named Lucky Bay in Australia as number one, while a 2025 list topped with Cala Goloritzé in Italy.