10 Top Summer Beaches Around The World To Spend Your Holiday

the 12 best summer beaches to spend your holiday
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated
| 6 min read

Summer season is underway and most people have already decided where to visit or what to do during the long holiday. But, if you are not sure where to go or what to do, it is time for you to visit some of the best summer beaches, around the world. There are 101 things you can do on the beach and it’s not just about the sand, so don’t limit yourself to certain activities. Take a look at this list of 10 top summer beaches around the world and find out why beaches are among the favourite destinations, during the summer season. There are many different types of beaches - all you need to do is plan in advance and choose which one you want to go to!

1. Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, USA

Rockaway Beach aerial view
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Peter Shugert, U.... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

The United States of America is a huge country and when talking about beaches, there are countless in the country. One of the most popular is Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk and you must visit it this summer. Did you know that this is one of the most visited beaches in the USA? Every summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, millions of visitors come to this beach.

There are various activities you can do here and it’s not just about enjoying the sunset and beautiful beach. Bring your kids along so that they can play at the playgrounds. From skateboarding to handball, this is a very lively beach, where you can see people having fun.

Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

Address: Queens, NY 11693 , USA

Website: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

2. Ipanema Beach, Brazil

Ipanema beach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user chensiyuan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Brazil is not just about its people and city - it’s more than that - there are many amazing beaches here, and tourists and locals flock to them, every year. Ipanema Beach is one of the most well-known beaches. Its name originated from a popular song, Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema), which made it famous and now everyone wants to come to this beach.

Ipanema stretches for about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) between Arpoador and Jardim de Alah. There are various stores and bars nearby, so if you feel hungry or thirsty, you can take a break. You will also get to see locals playing sports like kitesurfing, footvolley, surfing and paddleball. What are you waiting for? Plan a trip to this beach now and fall in love with Ipanema, Brazil.

Ipanema Beach

Address: Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Website: Ipanema Beach

3. Manu Bay, New Zealand

View west towards Manu Bay, Raglan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pseudopanax used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

If you like surfing, then Manu Bay is the place for you. After all, it’s a popular spot for surfing among locals and tourists from other parts of the world. Manu Bay is located in Raglan, West of Hamilton. It is considered one of the toughest spots to surf. Therefore, you need to have skill and experience to surf in this open sea. Are you up for the challenge? If so, then you are in for a treat.

A point to note is, there are big waves most times of the year and it is rarely calm. Apart from surfing, you can enjoy an espresso here, as there are many cafes to choose from.

Manu Bay

Address: Manu Bay, 3297, New Zealand

Website: Manu Bay

4. Paklinski Islands (Pakleni Islands), Croatia

Hvar grad
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andres rus used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Paklinski Islands are a must visit destination for summer. Did you know that Game of Thrones Season 7 is coming and many of the scenes are shot in Croatia? Locals also call this place Hell’s Islands and their name comes from the word “paklina”, which means a pine resin that was once harvested on these islands.

The archipelago consists of 16 islands, in total, and it is almost impossible to visit all of them in one day but you can plan your trip how you want. It’s a summer getaway for tourists and visitors alike, as they get to enjoy water sports activities, go diving, swimming or underwater fishing. If you are afraid of the water, fret not as you can enjoy a majestic view of the islands from your yacht or boat.

Paklinski Islands

Address: Paklinski Islands, Croatia

Website:

5. 7 Mile Beach, Jamaica

7milesbeach3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chaoleonard used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Bored of going back to the same beach every year? Then check out this beach, in Jamaica, where you could spend your summer vacation. It is none other than 7 Mile Beach, located in Negril, Jamaica and the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, you will get to enjoy crystal clear water, dramatic sunsets, and silky white sand. Be prepared to enjoy live entertainment, food, and music, which you can’t get on other beaches.

There is more - as you can also stay in a quirky hotel, known as the Caves. Experience staying in a cave, overnight - it’s an opportunity, not to be missed. Walk further up the shore and you can relax and enjoy the magnificent cliffs. Besides all this, you can also take a closer look at the lighthouse, located at the end of the beach. 7 Mile Beach is a place like no other and an ideal place for friends, families and solo travelers.

7 Mile Beach

Address: Negril, Jamaica

Website: 7 Mile Beach

6. El Castillo, Mexico

Tulum-Seaside-2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjørn Christian T... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Next up is El Castillo, located on the Caribbean coast of Tulum, Mexico. Visitors and tourists will be surprised to see a beach here, surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins. The ruins are quite unique and mysterious, too and look like something you would see in a horror movie. If you plan to come here, board a bus, as it is about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from the more well-known Cancun.

If you are here, you will notice there is a pyramid-shaped castillo, or castle, facing the sea. Time to explore Tulum like a Mayan and learn about the local history and culture, while having a fun time.

El Castillo

Address: Tulum, Mexico

7. Rabbit Beach, Italy

Spiaggia Isola dei Coniglio Lampedusa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Figiu used under CC BY 3.0

Located in the southern part of Lampedusa Island, Rabbit Beach was voted the world’s best beach by TripAdvisor, in 2013. Today, it is still one of the best beaches to visit. There are no rabbits here but there are other unique things to see and it’s not only popular among foreign tourists but also Italians.

If you plan to come here during the summer, you’ll need to book in advance, as it is usually crowded with beachgoers.You can see rare species of turtles while you are here, who lay their eggs on an island, near the beach. Remember to bring your umbrella and sunblock, to avoid sunburn as the temperature here is super warm, in the summer.

Rabbit Beach

Address: Rabbit Beach, 92010 Lampedusa e Linosa, AG, Italy

Website: Rabbit Beach

8. Glass Beach, Hawaii

GlassBeach
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Travis.Thurston used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is one of the strangest beaches in the world. A curious site, this glass beach is located in Eleele, an industrial area in Hawaii. Ever wonder how such a beach came to be? After years of glass discarded by the factories and people on the island, eventually, a beach was formed, covered in sea glass.

It is a sight to behold as visitors and tourists will want to get a closer look at the sea glass pieces. The frosted, jelly bean-like pebbles look just like jewels or stones used to decorate your aquarium. Swimming isn’t permitted here, due to the terrain but you can bring your kids here for some serious beach combing - they are sure to have some fun.

Glass Beach

Address: Glass Beach, Hawaii 96705

9. Seminyak Beach, Bali, Indonesia

Seminyak, Bali
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Flickr user: tboo... used under CC BY 2.0

Bali is another spot you don’t want to ignore and you could spend a long holiday, here. There are various beaches on the island of Bali and Seminyak Beach is just one of them. One of the classier beaches in Bali, each year, thousands of tourists come here, not just to enjoy the beach, but also the food, hotels, resorts, and much more. Experience Seminyak’s laid-back atmosphere, it’s sandy beach and the interesting crowd. From watching the sunset to surfing, picnicking and jet skiing, it has all the charms of a magnificent beach.

Seminyak Beach

Address: Bali, Indonesia

Website: Seminyak Beach

10. Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Indonesia

Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Bangka-Belitung Province, Indonesia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user HeyFromINDO used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another beach you might want to check out is Tanjung Tinggi Beach, also located in Indonesia, but on another island. This beach is also known as Chamber Beach because it is bordered by two peninsulae. It is located near Belitung Island in Bangka Belitung province. You will be amazed by its giant rocks and you should snap a picture for remembrance. Coral reef can be seen here, with your naked eye, without diving.

The beach is in a cove, with granite rocks and white sandy beach. More than just a place to relax, it’s a great place to see the beautiful flora and fauna, surrounding the beach. Don’t think twice and book your flight and hotel to come to this place.

Tanjung Tinggi Beach

Address: Keciput, Sijuk, Belitung Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands 33414, Indonesia

Website: Tanjung Tinggi Beach

Your best season yet

Among the four seasons, summer is the best time to visit the various beaches around the world. This is the time visitors can enjoy the beautiful sunsets, sandy beaches, and crystal clear water. Beaches are an ideal spot for family picnics, taking your pet for a stroll and getting preoccupied with other activities, like surfing, beach volleyball and much more.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Adrian, originally hailing from the small town of Muar in Johor, Malaysia, was born and raised there. Following his parents' marriage, he made the transition to Kuala Lumpur and now resides in...Read more

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