6 Of The World’s Most Famous Beaches

Much has been written of the world’s best beaches, and who hasn’t got an opinion about their favourite stretch of sand? The grainy sprinkles, salty waves and sunscreen scents are written into our childhood memories, etched into our daydreams and placed on our bucketlist as an integral part of our holidays, our downtime and essentially our lives.

But while the winner of the title of best beach in the world is open to much debate, little has been written of the most famous beaches in the world. It’s almost as if they are so obvious that they don’t need the scraping together yet another “listicle”. Nonetheless, we’re going to do it. Here’s our round-up of the world’s most famous beaches.

This 1km stretch of sand in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is perhaps the most famous beach in Australia and certainly up there in the greater world order. This is the birthplace of the Speedo – what better claim to fame is there than that? Surf lifesavers also have their origins here – the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, established in 1907, is officially recognised as the oldest surf lifesaving club in the world. Now it attracts backpackers, holidaymakers and Sydneysiders alike.

When Kim K picks a beachside destination as her holiday spot, the world takes notice. And in 2011, she and her clan picked Tahiti’s Bora Bora. Not only was this a family vacation, this was her honeymoon. And while that marriage (to Kris Humphries – remember him?) was short-lived, this island paradise’s appeal endures thanks to its serene, turquoise waters and powdered white sand. Add this one to the bucketlist, and start saving.

It’s so famous that songs have even been written about this stretch of sand located in the heart of Brazil’s sun-splashed city of Rio de Janeiro. Once the playground of the rich and famous, and still home to one of Rio’s most exclusive hotels, Copacabana fell from grace for some years. But it’s charms are undeniable, and people continue to flock there for a strong dose of Carioca beach culture.

So good they named a Barbie doll after it. This is the land of Baywatch, rollerblades, surfing and a world famous pier. There are actually more than 30 beaches to choose from along this 21 mile stretch of coastline such as the iconic Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach and El Matador. Despite the hype about this Californian beachside spot, many of the beaches here remain relatively unknown and ripe for exploration.

Brigitte Bardot frolicking in the waves, complete with tousled locks and salty pout, couldn’t be a better advert for a destination. So her appearance in “And God Created Woman” was seriously good news for this beach town in the south of France. Her effect was enduring and to this day, the rich, the glamorous and the beautiful flock to this resort for fun in the sun.

Hawaii’s most renowned beach, Oahu’s Waikiki was once the favoured holiday spot for Hawaiian royalty. Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the beach is also famous as the homeground of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku – who is also dubbed as the father of modern surfing. His legacy is remembered with a vast statue set along this stretch of sand and by the surf instructors that teach the watery skill to the hords of visitors that arrive each year.

Which beaches have we missed? Let us know your favorites!

If you like this article, check out The Clearest Waters In The World and 13 Secret Beaches in New South Wales, Australia.