In this article, we are going to discuss the 10 countries with the best beaches. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the global tourism industry, the importance of cruise tourism, and the need for sustainable tourism, head to 25 Countries with the Best Beaches.
10. Seychelles
Insider Monkey Score: 7
No. of Tourists in 2022: 334,552
The Seychelles, considered one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean known for their beautiful stretches of sand.
Seychelles started the year 2022 with many uncertainties, one of them being the Ukraine war as Russia at the time was its main market. However, despite these challenges, things worked out in favor of the destination, with western European markets filling in for cancellations from Russia and Ukraine as they relaxed Covid travel restrictions.
9. Philippines
Insider Monkey Score: 7
No. of Tourists in 2022: 2.65 million
The Philippines, an enchanting Southeast Asian archipelago, entices global travelers with its pristine beaches, lush scenery, and vibrant culture. The Philippines has been hailed the World’s Leading Dive Destination and the World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2022, besting all other countries at the 29th World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Muscat, Oman.
8. Cuba
Insider Monkey Score: 8
No. of Tourists in 2022: 1.7 million
It’s easy to be awestruck by pictures of Cuban beaches. The water is clear and turquoise, and the sand looks so soft and warm you can already feel it under your toes.
Cuba’s tourism industry is gradually recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, which dealt a big blow to an economy already reeling from U.S. economic sanctions. This year, 3.5 million tourists are expected to visit the Caribbean nation, marking a steady recovery towards the pre-pandemic levels of nearly 4 million foreign visitors a year.
7. Indonesia
Insider Monkey Score: 8
No. of Tourists in 2022: 5.47 million
From the idyllic beaches of Bali to the cultural richness of Yogyakarta, and the wild adventures in Komodo Island, the Indonesian archipelago offers a diverse range of experiences.
Bali has been experiencing a significant economic growth boost thanks to the surge in tourism. The sector contributes over 60% to the province’s GDP and supports roughly 58,000 jobs.
6. Mexico
Insider Monkey Score: 8
No. of Tourists in 2022: 38.3 million
With its pristine shoreline, colorful culture, and close proximity to the United States, it’s no surprise that Mexico ranks among the Top Beach Holiday Destinations in the world.
Found on the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is one of the most visited beaches in the world. With direct flights from many U.S. cities, Cancun is an easy long-weekend getaway, and a trip can be catered to various demographics, including families, couples, and groups.
5. Italy
Insider Monkey Score: 9
No. of Tourists in 2022: 74.7 million
Italy has 4,723 miles of coastline, dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches and seaside towns in the entire world. The country’s beach economy generates up to $37.5 billion in a good year. The Sindacato Italiano Balneari, the trade group representing the beach businesses, is quick to point out that its 30,000 members contribute billions to the Italian economy, while employing over 100,000 people.
Italy’s island region of Sardinia, with its gleaming turquoise waters and pearl white glittery sands, offers some of the Best Beaches in Europe.
4. Brazil
Insider Monkey Score: 11
No. of Tourists in 2022: 3.63 million
Brazilians love beaches just as much as the English love tea, and this is very understandable because the South American country boasts over 2,000 different beaches along its 4,600 miles of coastline.
A bill being considered in the Brazilian legislature with a controversial provision to dedicate portions of Brazil’s beaches to private sector tourism development is being met with some resistance. Under Brazil’s constitution, all beaches are required to be open to the public.
Located near Fernando de Noronha, the Baía do Sancho is the top beach in the world, according to a 2023 ranking from Tripadvisor.
3. United States of America
Insider Monkey Score: 13
No. of Tourists in 2022: 51 million
The United States is home to a diverse array of stunning beaches along its vast coastlines. From the picturesque shores of Hawaii to the charming beaches of the East Coast, the country offers a range of options to its beach-goers.
Florida is a popular beach holiday destination in the U.S. The Sunshine State’s beaches and near shore coastal waters draw more than 33 million tourists to Florida every year, contributing over $56 billion to the economy.
2. Australia
Insider Monkey Score: 16
No. of Tourists in 2022: Over 2 million
Australia has over 16,000 miles of coastline, and almost 80% Australians live within sixty miles from one of the nation’s 12,000 beaches – If you visited one beach per day, it would take more than 32 years to see them all.
Australians are enthusiastic travelers and love to explore their own backyard. Increased domestic demand during the pandemic has continued, and in 2022, overnight and day trip spending by domestic tourists surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
1. Greece
Insider Monkey Score: 17
No. of Tourists in 2022: 29.88 million
The Greek islands have long been a sun worshiper’s paradise. Besides the heavenly sands and turquoise waters, the islands offer ancient sites, intriguing museums, and peaceful small-town life.
The Greek tourism sector stands to gain from the total $54 billion in funding from the country’s national recovery and resilience plan. Investments in tourism with particular focus on health and wellness as well as spa tourism, gastronomy and diving tourism, port upgrades, beach accessibility, and special training and upskilling programs for tourism sector employees are areas expected to receive funding under the national recovery plan.
Greece is the Country with the Best Beaches in the World in our list.
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