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The latest edition of the Lonely Planet guide presents a unique list of the best beaches from all corners of the world — from the Scottish Highlands to Australia’s shores — highlighting the richness and diversity of seaside getaways on our planet. Whether you’re a fan of hiking along dramatic, rocky coastlines or you prefer to unwind on white sand beside calm, rolling waves, you’ll definitely find something that fits your style in this extensive compendium.
Among Africa’s gems, Camps Bay in Cape Town stands out, famous for its parties set against a mountain backdrop. In Asia, the Maremegmeg beach in the Philippines — bright and postcard-perfect — feels almost hypnotic in its beauty. European beaches are also well worth a spotlight, with special attention on the Mediterranean, but not without a mention of Rhossili Bay in Wales, underlining just how diverse Europe’s beach escapes can be.
The Middle East is represented by Qalansiya Beach in Yemen, with its warm natural pools, while the Americas and Oceania offer paradise-like places such as Red Frog Beach in Panama and the Blue Lagoon in Fiji. These are only the beginning of a long list of stunning beaches featured in the book.
A global mix — beaches from cool northern shores to tropical lagoons.
Africa & Asia — the vibrant Camps Bay scene and Maremegmeg’s postcard beauty.
Europe — a Mediterranean spotlight, plus contrasts like Rhossili Bay in Wales.
Middle East, Americas & Oceania — warm natural pools and faraway “paradise” shores.
Admiral Travel focus — we publish only the best European beaches so you can explore Europe’s most scenic corners.
Europe
Below are just a few selected places included in Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s 100 best beaches for 2024.
Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol, Brač, Croatia
Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia
Rhossili Bay, Gower, Wales
Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland
Calanque d'En-Vau, Cassis, Provence, France
Plage des Poulains, Belle-Île-en-Mer, Brittany, France
Plage de Palombaggia, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France
Playa de Torimbia, Llanes, Asturias, Spain
Platja Illetes, Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain
Playa de Famara, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Paralia Tis Grias to Pidima, Andros, Cyclades, Greece
Cala Estreta, Costa Brava, Catalonia, Spain
Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
Sylt, North Frisian Islands, Germany
Kokkinokastro, Alonnisos, Sporades, Greece
Elafonisi, Chania, Crete, Greece
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece
Sarakiniko, Milos, Cyclades, Greece
Baia di Ieranto, Nerano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
Cala Goloritzé, Golfo di Orosei, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Capreria, Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily, Italy
Sveti Stefan Beach, Budva, Montenegro
Haukland Beach, Vestvågøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Durdle Door Beach, Lulworth, Dorset, England
Kynance Cove, Lizard, Cornwall, England
Keem Bay Beach, Keel, County Mayo, Ireland
Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark
Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Kabak Beach, Muğla, Turkey
Just the tip of the iceberg
We mentioned only a few selected places included in Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s 100 best beaches for 2024 — just the tip of the iceberg. At Admiral Travel, we focus on publishing only the best European beaches, giving you the chance to dive deeper into Europe’s most picturesque and unique corners. For those who want to broaden their horizons and explore outstanding beaches across all continents, the full list is available on Lonely Planet.
What to do
Use the list as inspiration and match the beach to your mood — a coastal hike, a slow sandy day, sunset photos, or discovering quieter coves nearby.
Active: cliff walks, viewpoints, and coastal trails.
Relax: shade during peak sun hours, calm swimming, and an easy seaside lunch.
Photos: plan for golden hour and pick a sunset viewpoint overlooking the water.
Respect nature: take your trash with you and follow rules in protected areas.
1-day itinerary
A simple plan for a bright location or a short “beach stop” during a larger trip:
Morning: arrive early, take a shoreline walk, swim while it’s quiet.
Midday: shade break, water, a light meal (especially in the hottest hours).
Afternoon: explore nearby coves or viewpoints at a relaxed pace.
Evening: sunset spot + dinner with local flavors.
2-day itinerary
Two days usually gives you a comfortable rhythm — time to enjoy the beach and still see a bit more around it:
Day 1: beach time + an easy coastal walk; sunset is a must.
Day 2: early swim, then add one extra activity (village, trail, boat, or viewpoint).
Pace: alternate sun and shade, keep breaks, and don’t overpack the schedule.
Essentials: water, sun protection, and a plan B in case of wind or strong waves.
How to get there
For European beach trips, the key is choosing a good “entry point” (airport/port/city), then planning the last stretch: bus, rental car, ferry, or a local transfer.
Islands: check ferry schedules and the last return departure, especially off-season.
Wilder coasts: allow time for narrow roads and short hikes down to the beach.
Peak season: transport and stays fill quickly — booking ahead helps.
Backup option: keep an alternative beach nearby for changing sea conditions.
FAQ: how to pick a beach and plan your trip
How do I choose a beach that matches my travel style?
Decide what matters most: coastal hikes, quiet coves, soft sand, calm water, or a lively beach scene.
Is this selection only about the Mediterranean?
No — there’s a strong Mediterranean focus, but it also highlights very different places like Rhossili Bay in Wales.
Which beach is described as “postcard-perfect”?
Maremegmeg in the Philippines is mentioned as bright and postcard-perfect.
Where can I find a more energetic beach vibe?
Camps Bay in Cape Town is highlighted for its party atmosphere with a mountain backdrop.
Are there beaches with warm natural pools?
Yes — Qalansiya Beach in Yemen is mentioned for warm natural pools.
Does the guide include the Americas and Oceania?
Yes — examples include Red Frog Beach in Panama and the Blue Lagoon in Fiji.
How should I use this list for a Europe trip?
Pick a region and combine a few nearby beaches into one route (islands, coasts, or northern shores).
Where can I see the full official list?
Use the Lonely Planet link included in this article to access the complete list.
What kinds of beaches does the selection cover?
Everything from rocky coastlines for hikes to calm sandy beaches for slow days by the sea.
Is this list limited to one continent?
No — it spans the globe; Europe is just one part of the wider selection.
What does Admiral Travel focus on here?
Admiral Travel focuses on publishing only the best European beaches to help you explore Europe in depth.
What’s the key takeaway from the 2024 selection?
Variety — the “best beach” can mean a mountain-backed city vibe, a wild bay, or a quiet stretch of sand.
