White sand, wild coves, turquoise lagoons, dramatic cliffs, coral reefs and windswept coastlines: the world’s most beautiful beaches are not always the most obvious ones.
For Hellotickets, a truly memorable beach is not just about crystal-clear water or a picture-perfect view. It’s about the destination, the atmosphere, and the kind of travel memory it creates.
From celebrated classics to lesser-known coastal escapes, Hellotickets has selected 20 of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia Set in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach remains one of the most spectacular beaches on the planet. Its dazzling white sand, almost unreal in appearance, contrasts with the shifting turquoise tones of the sea. From above, it forms one of the purest natural landscapes in the world.
2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles With its pink granite boulders, pale sand, and shallow waters, Anse Source d’Argent feels like a postcard brought to life. It’s one of the most recognizable beaches in the world, and one of the most photogenic.
3. Glover’s Reef, Belize More under the radar than many Caribbean destinations, Belize fully deserves its place in this ranking. Located off the country’s southern coast, Glover’s Reef is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, which is one of the great natural treasures of the Caribbean. With isolated cayes, crystal-clear waters, and exceptional marine life, it’s a destination for travelers looking not just for a beautiful beach, but for a deeper immersion in a remarkable marine ecosystem.
4. Baía do Sancho, Brazil Located in the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Baía do Sancho offers a beautifully preserved setting, with cliffs, tropical vegetation, and clear waters. Its harder-to-reach location adds to its wild, exclusive feel: this is not a beach you simply stumble upon, but one you earn.
5. Plage de l’Île Vierge, Finistère, France Tucked away on the Crozon peninsula in Finistère, Plage de l’Île Vierge offers one of Brittany’s most striking coastal landscapes. Its turquoise-tinged waters, pine trees, cliffs, and almost Mediterranean feel are as surprising as they are beautiful. It proves that an exceptional beach doesn’t need to be tropical to make a lasting impression.
6. Anse Noire, Martinique More discreet than the island’s famous white-sand beaches, Anse Noire stands out for its dark volcanic sand, clear water and unspoiled atmosphere. Framed by lush vegetation, it offers a rare contrast between mineral intensity and Caribbean softness. A beach with real character.
7. Bain Bœuf, Mauritius In northern Mauritius, Bain Bœuf charms visitors with its calm atmosphere, clear lagoon, and views of Coin de Mire. Less immediately dramatic than some of the island’s better-known beaches, it offers a peaceful, local feel – ideal for travelers who prefer places that are elegant without being showy.
Nacpan Beach, Philippines. Stock photo.
8. Nacpan Beach, Philippines In El Nido, on the island of Palawan, Nacpan Beach offers a wider, wilder version of the Philippine beach dream. This long stretch of golden sand lined with palm trees feels tropical and open, without being as crowded as some of the archipelago’s more famous spots. It’s perfect for travelers looking for space, beauty, and a real sense of horizon.
9. Freedom Beach, Thailand Thailand is not only about Maya Bay. In Phuket, Freedom Beach offers a more discreet alternative, reached with a little more effort and rewarded with pale sand, dense greenery, and turquoise water. Even in one of Thailand’s best-known destinations, it still manages to feel slightly set apart.
10. Cleopatra Beach, Sedir Island, Turkey Off the coast of Marmaris, Cleopatra Beach on Sedir Island combines Aegean scenery, clear water, and ancient myth. According to legend, its sand was brought from Egypt for Cleopatra. Whether or not the story is true, it gives the beach a romantic, almost cinematic quality – part swimming spot, part historical escape.
11. Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia, Italy Reached on foot or by sea depending on conditions, Cala Goloritzé is one of Sardinia’s great natural wonders. Its clear waters, natural arch, and limestone cliffs give it a raw, almost sculptural beauty, which are ideal for travelers drawn to dramatic coastal landscapes.
12. Praia da Marinha, Portugal In the Algarve, Praia da Marinha brings together golden cliffs, rock arches, and turquoise sea. It’s one of Portugal’s most iconic beaches, yet still retains a rare balance between visual drama and Mediterranean ease.
13. Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece With pale sand, turquoise water, and soft pink tones, Balos Lagoon feels almost tropical despite being in the Mediterranean. Reaching it takes a little effort, but that is precisely what gives it the feeling of an escape.
14. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain Just a short trip from Ibiza, Formentera offers a much quieter kind of beauty. Ses Illetes is known for its shallow waters, pale blue tones, and chic but natural atmosphere. It’s a European beach that can easily rival the Caribbean.
15. Ksamil, Albania Long left outside Europe’s most obvious beach itineraries, the Albanian Riviera is now attracting travelers looking for more accessible and less expected alternatives. In Ksamil, small islands, turquoise waters, and a Mediterranean atmosphere create a genuine sense of discovery.
16. Saleccia, Corsica, France In northern Corsica, Saleccia combines white sand, translucent water, and wild maquis. Its more limited access, whether by boat, track, or hike, only adds to its charm. It captures a more raw side of the Mediterranean, far from overdeveloped seaside resorts.
17. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia Matira Beach captures the entire dream of French Polynesia: translucent water, pale sand, a gentle lagoon, and a peaceful horizon. It’s a beach made for contemplation, where luxury has less to do with an address and more to do with the feeling of being exactly where you should be.
18. Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania On the northern tip of Zanzibar, Nungwi offers a sea of shifting colors, traditional dhows, and a lively local atmosphere. It’s one of East Africa’s most captivating beaches, combining postcard scenery with Swahili culture.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. Stock photo.
19. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique Still relatively under the radar, the Bazaruto Archipelago offers golden dunes, turquoise waters, and remarkable marine biodiversity. It’s ideal for travelers dreaming of spectacular beaches without following the most obvious routes.
20. Holbox, Mexico Softer and less built-up than many Mexican beach destinations, Holbox charms with its island atmosphere, pale beaches, and slow rhythm. Here, the appeal is as much about the beauty of the coastline as it is about the feeling of truly switching off.
The Hellotickets view
For Hellotickets, the most beautiful beaches in the world are not only the ones people photograph. They are the ones that tell a story: a rare landscape, a fragile ecosystem, a local culture, a legend, a travel emotion, or the feeling of discovering somewhere that still feels apart. From Finistère to Belize, Martinique to Mauritius, the Philippines to Turkey, these destinations show that the beach remains one of travel’s most powerful fantasies – as long as it ‘ experienced as more than just a backdrop.
Hellotickets is a leading global platform and passionate provider of travel experiences, tours and activities, helping explorers from 21 countries find their way to more wonder in the world.
A May 2026 report on destination duplicates found that travelers can enjoy Zanzibar just as much as the Maldives, while paying 80% less. With millions of vacationers planning their summer breaks, a new study by the small-ship cruise company Sail Croatia reveals the cheap alternatives to luxury destinations.
Zanzibar offers the same travel experience as the Maldives, but saves couples $500+ daily on accommodation and meals.
Tourists eyeing Capri should consider Procida instead, as its 60% cheaper and has the same Mediterranean vibes.
The Azores are the best alternative to Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and beaches, costing visitors half as much as Maui.
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Stock photo.
The research looked at 20 popular vacation spots to find cheaper alternatives that offer the same experience. For every location, the study calculated what couples spend daily on hotels, meals, and drinks. These figures were then compared between the original destination and its lookalike to show how much travelers can save by choosing the budget option.
Paros, Greece. Stock photo.
Here’s a look at the top 10 destination dupes where travelers save the most:
Destination
Average Daily Cost
Dupe
Average Daily Cost
Save (%)
Maldives
$687
Zanzibar, Tanzania
$122
82.22%
The Hamptons, NY
$1,135
Outer Banks, NC
$348
69.34%
Capri, Italy
$757
Procida, Italy
$284
62.52%
Maui, Hawaii, USA
$580
Azores, Portugal
$236
59.25%
Portofino, Italy
$527
Camogli, Italy
$303
42.60%
Amalfi Coast, Italy
$392
Cilento Coast, Italy
$238
39.33%
Dubrovnik, Croatia
$325
Kotor, Montenegro
$205
36.83%
Venice, Italy
$412
Trieste, Italy
$276
33.09%
St. Tropez, France
$557
Cassis, France
$373
33.06%
Mykonos, Greece
$382
Paros, Greece
$259
32.24%
You can access the complete research findings here.
1. Maldives > Zanzibar, Tanzania
Original daily cost: $687
Dupe daily cost: $122
Savings: 82%
Monthly search volume: 1.07 million
Zanzibar is the closest thing to the Maldives, while costing 82% less. The Maldives are one of the most hyped destinations, with over 1 million people looking it up every month. But it’s also overpriced, costing couples nearly $700 daily. Meanwhile, Zanzibar offers the same white beaches and turquoise waters for just around $120 per day, including hotels, meals, and drinks. So travelers choosing this Tanzanian island over the Maldives can actually save up to $4K on a week-long vacation.
The Outer Banks in North Carolina. Stock photo.
2. The Hamptons, New York > Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offers the same Atlantic beach vacation as the Hamptons, but costs 69% less. The Hamptons are where wealthy New Yorkers go for the summer, and this drives up local prices, as couples going there end up spending over $1,100 daily. At the same time, the Outer Banks offer identical oceanfront vibes for under $350. Hotels alone cost around $840 nightly in the Hamptons versus $270 in North Carolina, and even restaurants charge three times less.
Procida, Italy. Stock photo.
3. Capri, Italy > Procida, Italy
Tourists planning vacations to Capri might want to consider Procida, as it’s 63% cheaper. Both sit in the Bay of Naples with colorful buildings and coastal cliffs. But booking a room in a Capri hotel costs nearly $600 on average, pricing out many travelers, while Procida charges under $115 for similar seaside accommodations. Plus, Procida sees far fewer tourists than its famous neighbor, so visitors get quieter beaches while spending around $470 less each day.
The Azores in Portugal. Stock photo.
4. Maui, Hawaii > Azores, Portugal
The Azores are Portugal’s answer to Hawaii, offering the same volcanic landscapes and beaches for 59% less. Maui is one of the tourist hotspots these days, with over 1.4 million people looking up hotels there every month and spending $580 daily. The Azores, on the other hand, offer black sand beaches and green mountain hikes for under $240 per day. While staying in Maui costs around $350 nightly, the same-grade hotels in the Azores charge $139. Eating out is also way more affordable, with Portuguese restaurants offering meals at half the price.
Camogli, Italy. Stock photo.
5. Portofino, Italy > Camogli, Italy
Camogli is a 30-minute drive from Portofino along the same Italian Riviera coastline, but costs 43% less. Portofino is an elite travel destination with equally high-end hotel rates at $333 nightly. But those who want to experience the same vibes can just visit Camogli and book a local hotel for around $130 per night. While staying in Camogli for half the price, you can still visit Portofino during the day, plus keep $225 extra that you can spend on a nice dinner in an Italian restaurant.
A tourism expert from Sail Croatia commented on the study:
“Social media drives demand for specific locations, which then raises prices artificially. Everyone wants to photograph Santorini’s blue domes or Mykonos’ windmills these days. But Greece has dozens of islands with the same white buildings and sunset views. You see this with Croatia, too. Dubrovnik became a tourist magnet due to Game of Thrones, but Kotor across the border has the same stone streets and bay views. If you prefer staying in Croatia, then there is Šibenik, which has the lookalike old-town atmosphere without Dubrovnik’s crowds.”
The luxury travel industry grows much faster than the rest of the sector, and more than 70% of tourists prefer resort vacations.
With an upcoming season 4 of The White Lotus rumored to continue the wellness retreat theme on the French Riviera, a March 2026 report on the best luxury destinations named Mallorca, Spain, as the perfect choice for those who want to experience this luxury lifestyle.
Travel experts from Maui Elite Property analyzed how these places compare by safety, scenic views, prices, and their firsthand experiences.
Mallorca, Spain, is the closest to the resort experience of The White Lotus, with 9 in 10 of all luxury accommodations having a great ocean view and spa options.
The travelers who want to be sure about their security during vacation will appreciate the Seychelles, with the highest safety score on the list.
Zanzibar is the most affordable destination among these luxury resorts, with one night’s stay at a 5-star hotel costing only $275.
The experts collected the list of all luxury accommodations in each destination and compared them by all key factors that affect resort vacations.
Santorini, Greece. Photo by Melanie Votaw.
The report focused on safety, the ocean, and scenic views, as well as spa and wellness center availability and outdoor pool availability, which were counted as percentages, reflecting how many resorts have them. The report also provides average 5-star prices for comparison.
Here’s a quick look at the 10 best destinations for a luxury resort stay:
Destina-tion
Safety Score
Ocean-View Share (%)
Spa & Wellness Share (%)
Pool / Outdoor Feature Share (%)
Average Scenic View Share (%)
Average One Night Stay Price (5 star)
White Lotus Experience Score (%)
Mallorca
64.30
98.00%
93.57%
95.00%
95.00%
$800.00
95.39%
Maui
48.82
87.14%
88.89%
100.00%
100.00%
$1,150.00
94.01%
Punta Cana
53.65
92.22%
90.36%
98.80%
88.89%
$300.00
92.57%
Zanzibar
47.26
90.00%
82.54%
98.41%
94.44%
$275.00
91.35%
Mauritius
48.47
91.33%
89.74%
89.74%
89.47%
$425.00
90.07%
Seychelles
86.03
81.82%
90.91%
95.45%
91.11%
$943.00
89.82%
Cancun
45.20
89.47%
77.78%
94.44%
94.12%
$290.00
88.95%
Corfu
78.60
77.78%
94.44%
100.00%
82.35%
$368.00
88.64%
Ibiza
53.84
73.13%
93.75%
96.88%
88.89%
$550.00
88.16%
Santorini
78.06
91.84%
65.52%
93.10%
98.91%
$525.00
87.34%
You can find the full report findings by following this link.
Cathedral of Palma in Mallorca. Stock photo.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Expert Experience Score: 9.54/10
Evan Harlow, a real estate agent, shares:
“Mallorca leads the list, with great services and accommodations. 98 out of 100 tourists will be guaranteed a beautiful ocean view behind the window, and that’s something that no other place can offer. Almost all destinations on the list have spas and pools. They’re the features that any hotel can build with proper investments, but you cannot buy the view. And over 130 luxurious hotels with spas and outdoor pools will only strengthen this perfect resort fantasy.”
2. Maui, the US
Expert Experience Score: 9.4/10
“Maui is the only destination where every luxury hotel has a scenic view and outdoor spas and pools. No other place in the study matched the 100% for wellness retreats and sceneries, meaning there are no misses when choosing a place to stay here. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is literally where The White Lotus was filmed, and it consistently gets high reviews: a 4.9 for service quality and 4.8 for villas and personal cabanas. Everything here is top quality.”
Punta Cana is another great place for leisure in sunny tropical weather. There are over 80 5-star resorts and 500 luxury properties for renting, and all top hotels have award-winning restaurants and private beaches. These comforts are also affordable for travelers on a tighter budget, with $300 a night in the best hotels.
“A lot of people avoid the Caribbean Islands, thinking it’s not as protected as other destinations, but safety ratings and personal experience say otherwise. It’s even safer than Mauritius and Cancun, and it’s a shame that many skip this town for no reason,” adds Evan Harlow.
The beautiful tropical Island of Zanzibar aerial view. sea in Zanzibar beach, Tanzania. Stock photo.
4. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Expert Experience Score: 9.14/10
“Zanzibar hotels are an oasis surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. They offer bungalows, suites, and villas, and in 9 out of 10 resorts, a private outdoor pool or spa is included, just for $275 a night. It is a perfect match for the White Lotus atmosphere, offering high-quality services, wellness retreat options, and restaurants serving a fusion of European, African, Arabic, and Indian cuisine. There are 450 luxury accommodations to choose from, so it’s never all booked.”
Le Morne Island, Mauritius. Stock photo.
5. Mauritius
Expert Experience Score: 9.01/10
“Every tourist will see why Mauritius resorts get some of the highest ratings. The view of the Indian Ocean is a must-have feature for almost all resorts here, as award-winning spas offer massages and temperature-controlled swimming pools, and hiking trails are a great addition for active tourists. Most resorts here have fitness centers, too, along with kids’ activities and golf courses.”
