The best beaches in the world in 2024 have been named: the rating is topped by the "surfer's paradise" in Australia

The sea and sandy coasts do not depend on the season, as warm countries can offer sunny vacations even in winter. In 2024, the rating of the best beaches in the world was topped by the surfer's paradise in beautiful Australia. This place attracts tourists from all over the world with its crystal clear waves and incredible views.

Lonely Planet has collected the best beaches in the world, which their team has visited and made conclusions about the best places from their own experience. However, European countries are also on the list, so you can go on vacation without long flights.

1. Byron Bay Pass, Australia

This place is called a "surfer's paradise". At Cape Byron, the easternmost point of Australia, you can learn how to conquer the wave from scratch - there are also lessons for beginners.

The Palm Valley Trail, which is located nearby, goes through the palm rainforest to picnic and barbecue areas. However, the most scenic route is the 3.7 km long Cape Byron Road, where you can enjoy the stunning houses of Vategos and Little Vategos beaches and views of the roaring sea.

However, as of 2023, the use of a surfboard leash is required by law, so you should be careful.

2. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Known for its amazing sunsets, which locals often admire, Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro stretches for 3 km. The peculiarity of this place is the numbered lifeguard chairs, around which different groups of people gather according to their preferences and subcultures. For example, Posto 9 is a favorite place for young people, artists, and hippies, Posto 8 is where children from favelas (slums) gather, Posto 7 is popular with surfers, and Posto 10 is where volleyball, soccer, and futsal are played.

3. Ao Maya, Krabi, Thailand

Ao Maya is a beach hidden by limestone cliffs. This place was featured in the movie The Beach, which attracted incredible attention from tourists. However, due to the large amount of garbage they left behind, there are now many prohibitions. Among them: swimming (although you can go into the water up to your knees), a ban on anchoring boats in the bay, and only 375 visitors per hour.

4. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

This is a beach with white sand and blue water. It is available only to guests of the and Beyond Mnemba Island resort, which accommodates 23 people, so this place will become a part of a personal coastal paradise.

5. Sarakiniko, Milos Cyclades, Greece

Centuries of wave and wind erosion have caused the rocks on the beach to curve, creating gentle slopes and caves from which to jump. Sarakiniko is not a typical sandy beach. It has no sand at all.

This place is a favorite beach among the Greeks. However, due to the crowds of tourists, it is better to visit it in September-October or early in the morning.

6. Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Chesterman is one of the favorite places for surfers. However, the beach is also great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and relaxing. Here you can watch whales, do outdoor yoga, or walk along the sandy spit at low tide. However, the water temperature may seem cold to some - it does not exceed 13.8°C.

7. Cabo San Juan de Guia, Tyrone National Natural Park, Colombia

This beach is located in the Tirona Park, where you can even rent a hammock, tent or one of the few houses around the beach to wake up with an incredible view. However, they are rented on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's worth arriving early, especially in December and January.

8. Anse Sours d'Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles

This beach is often included in the lists of the best in the world because of its white sand, coconut palms and turquoise water. Getting here is an adventure that involves a ferry, a bike ride or a walk to L'Union Estate, a former vanilla and coconut plantation where a small fee is charged for beach access, and a 700-meter journey down the road to see heaven on Earth.

9. Playa Balandra, La Paz, Mexico

The bay with shallow, dark blue waters is ideal for children. In addition to swimming, it is also focused on outdoor activities, where you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Its peculiarity is the maximum number of people allowed per day - 450 (with two time slots from 8:00 to noon and from 13:00 to 17:00), so it never seems too crowded, but it is still better to get there early to get in for sure.

10. Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain

On this beach you can find natural mud baths if you walk along the western edge. Lovers of inactive recreation can enjoy the beauty of dolphins, whales, and even sea turtles while sunbathing.