The 2019 List Of The World’s Best Beaches Is Out Now
WHITSUNDAY VACATIONS

The 2019 List Of The World’s Best Beaches Is Out Now

dATE
Date
tIME
Time
vENUE
Venue
pRICE
Price

Canadian online travel agency Flight Network has released its annual list of the world’s best beaches, spanning six continents and ranging from flop-and-drop destinations for sun-seekers to remote redoubts for the most adventurous travellers.

The site compiled its listings based on responses from over 1,200 journalists, editors, bloggers and travel agencies. Flight Network came up with rankings for the top 50 beaches overall as well as rankings for each continent or region, types of beaches such as those in cities or whose beauty lies in their untouched nature, and more. In all, the directory comprises over 400 beaches, including iconic ones like Copacabana in Brazil as well as those you might not have heard of, such as Tasmania’s pristine Wineglass Bay.

Greece’s Shipwreck Beach snagged the top spot. Source Flight Network

Taking the top spot overall is stunning Shipwreck Beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Surrounded by towering cliffs, this spit of white sand fronts the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, and visitors can even explore the remains of a shipwreck right on the shore (hence the name of the beach).

Coming in at number two is Australia’s Whitehaven Beach. The beach is located on a small island in the Whitsundays between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef. It is only accessible by helicopter, seaplane or boat, so you won’t be fighting with hordes of tourists for a spot along its seven kilometers of gleaming silica sands.

Rounding out the top 10 beaches overall are:

  1. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
  2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
  3. Hidden Beach, El Nido, Philippines
  4. Praia do Sancho, Pernambuco, Brazil
  5. Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
  6. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos (incidentally, this was last year’s number one)
  7. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
  8. Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue Island, Seychelles
  9. Maya Bay, Phi Phi, Thailand
  10. Veradero Beach, Havana, Cuba

The rest of the list represents a comprehensive cross section of beaches from around the world, including old favorites like Matira Beach in Bora Bora, Lanikai Beach on Oahu, and some unexpected entries, like Reynisfjara in Iceland. The rankings included continent- and region-specific lists of the top 50 beaches as well.

The dramatic silica sands of Whitehaven beach. Source Flight Network

In Asia, those include Railay Beach in Thailand, Bai Khem Beach in Vietnam and Pink Beach in Bali, among many others. The Africa list includes Noetzie Beach in South Africa and Nungwi Beach on Zanzibar. In Europe, the best-ranked beaches include Comporta Beach in Portugal and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Travelers in North America should be sure to visit Isla Holbox in Mexico and Long Beach in British Colombia while the Central America and Caribbean list has some old favorites like Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas and Malmok Beach on Aruba. As for South America, the best beaches there include Praia do Espelho in Bahia and Tortuga Bay in the Galápagos. Finally, Oceania’s best beaches include Cable Beach in Western Australia, Champagne Beach in Vanuatu and Long Beach on Palau in Micronesia.

Tulum in Mexico made the grade. Source Flight Network

The two most interesting categories, however, might just be the best city beaches and the best untouched beaches, offering options for travellers of every stripe. Surprising perhaps no one, the top city beaches included Bondi Beach in Sydney, Miami Beach, Florida, and Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro followed by Barceloneta in Spain and Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

Sydney’s Bondi Beach was the top-rated city beach. Source Flight Network

As for the world’s best untouched beaches, those include fabulous, far-flung beauties like Cannon Beach in Oregon, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia and the dreamy Fakarava Atoll in French Polynesia.

In short, there are options for every budget, preference and locale. The only hard part will deciding which of these sun-splashed shores to visit and which to save for later trips. Interested to see what other sandy spots made the rankings?

Source: Forbes.com

The Great Barrie Reef located in the Whitsunday, Queensland, Australia
REVIEWS

Why Our Guests Keep Coming Back

Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Vue de Bleu' Luxury Whitsunday Retreat
Great house and great location. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
May 30, 2025
Nick
6838fbcc77078477f01e52b9
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Airlie Beach Marina-Front Luxury at 10 The Cove
I stayed here with my family having travelled from the UK. 10 The Cove was an absolutely beautiful house, with fantastic views and in a great location with all amenities considered and provided. We couldn’t have wanted for more and made some wonderful family memories in a beautiful home. The team at whitsunday vacations were very responsive and very helpful before and through our stay. Thank you all!
May 27, 2025
Hayley
68358480820c84e61b90b05e
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
23 The Cove - 5 Bedroom, Whitsunday Waters Edge Luxury Holiday Home.
One of the best places we've ever been, the house is beautiful and the surroundings are dreamy.
May 26, 2025
Maruja
23-the-cove-2605202501
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Marina living with Whitsundays lifestyle
Luxury Marina living !Clean modern apartment Wonderful viewsGreat facilities
May 25, 2025
jane
683300ee3cda61d28ee56ddf
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Spacious 2 bedroom Whitsunday Waterfront Penthouse
Fantastic views, beautiful Appartment
May 18, 2025
Andy
682a6b5e3cda61d28e4b08a4
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
15 Kara - Stunning 5 Bedroom Home With Million Dollar Views, walk to Airlie Beach main street.
Beautiful spot close to town (2mins walk)with amazing views over the ocean highly recommend spot.
May 8, 2025
Thomas
681c4a8f13f64fc2d27edc0b
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
Absolutely loved our stay! The views over Airlie Beach were breathtaking—sunrise and sunset were magical. The place was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located. Highly recommend!
May 6, 2025
Karla
6819a39613f64fc2d208944e
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
I stayed at a Whitsundays Vacation property on Hill Crest Avenue at the start of the year with some friends for a birthday weekend. The property was amazing, location amazing and the staff handling prior and during our stay was amazing!! Thank you so so much to Ali and her team for making this such a memorable experience and stay in the beautiful Whitsundays! We will be sure to use Whitsunday Vacations again for our future stays!!
May 4, 2025
Charlotte
hillcrest-11-0405202501
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Sail Away' Airlie Beach house with Marina Views (Pet Friendly on application)
beautiful views walkable to shops and marina comfortable beds and the private pool with the bbq are a great bonus highly recommend lots of entertainment areas for a family to enjoy
April 30, 2025
Ayche
6811be00d55bf4c219efd265
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Whitsunday living on Hillcrest by the Beach
We loved the pool and the access to local attractions The kitchen was well equipped. We really enjoyed our stay.
April 27, 2025
Jennifer
680db4ffd55bf4c2193ee315
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
'Nine Islands' Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Home with ocean views
Stunning views, even from the pool.There’s even table tennis downstairs.Nice big kitchen.Would recommend.
April 26, 2025
Simon
680c731cd55bf4c21909b845
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Whitsunday Escape - Beachfront with Swimming Pool
Wow, what a fabulous home to stay in. The location was great, with the ocean and beach so close. Our whole family of all age groups loved the spacious home and spectacular views from many areas of the house. Having a pool and games room definitely was an added bonus.
April 25, 2025
Bronwyn
680b01c0d55bf4c219cb1ea8
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Spacious 2 bedroom Whitsunday Waterfront Penthouse
Excellent location, nice little shops and bars, restaurants , within the complex. 5 minutes walk to the centre of Airlie Beach with lots of nice places. The Appartment its self is stunning, with excellent views of the marina all around. Facilities were great, everything thought of, lovely linens, toiletries and very comfortable. Kitchen was well stocked with everything you need to cook, plenty of plates and glasses. This was an excellent stay, I would highly recommend, and will certainly plan a return visit.
April 21, 2025
Sophy
6806251ad55bf4c219fd97a4
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
great house great location , very happy holiday here with my boys. Definitely will introduce to friends whom want to enjoy a wonderful holiday in Airlie Beach.
April 20, 2025
Hui
6804aa1e6663d9489f46b1f8
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Amazing Penthouse with Whitsundays lifestyle
Had a lovely relaxing stay. Views are amazing and kitchen has everything you need. Pool upstairs is a little tricky with the door and slippery floor but we put some towels down and sorted it. Pool was perfect for our five year old!Great that due to rain they organised for pool cleaner to come check chemical levels half way through the stay too.
April 17, 2025
Sara
680095866663d9489f97107e
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Airlie Beach Marina-Front Luxury at 10 The Cove
是很不错的房源 我们度过了很美好的假期 回应及时 尤其是寄存行李
April 16, 2025
Xinhang
67ff402c6663d9489f5c9a3c
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
23 The Cove - 5 Bedroom, Whitsunday Waters Edge Luxury Holiday Home.
We had a wonderful experience. The hosts were super helpful and responsive. The house exactly as described
April 15, 2025
Toni
67fe017b6663d9489f27448d
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
Executive Whitsunday Penthouse at 40 Reflections
Great place, Close to ammenities, easy to find, clean and tidy. Beautiful place indeed
April 15, 2025
Tas
67fdaeb76663d9489f19762e
Rating starRating starRating starRating starRating star
3 Bedroom Holiday Home, Valley Views in the heart of Airlie Beach
We had an amazing stay! We didn’t have a car, but the town centre was walking distance so didn’t bother us at all. Bit of a hill to climb on the way up, good for some exercise! The house was so beautiful, just like the photos. We felt so at home and didn’t want to leave. If we ever come back to Airlie, this is where we’d choose to stay.
April 5, 2025
Sande
67f06e67edbbc88489b31eb3
Previous

Stay Up To Date with Our Specials

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest deals and event news.

SIGN UP
Please Enter Your Details
Close

Thanks for subscribing!

We’re working on NEWs for you – why not try our HOL-SPECIAL code for a 10% discount for any of your future bookings.

Click here for the best rates

We will not spam, rent, or sell your information.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.