Whether you live on land or on the coast, the beaches of the world’s most popular resorts are some of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world. In this article we will tell you which resorts are the most popular among tourists today.
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
At Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous resorts in the world, people-watching can become even more spectacular than the scenery. Spy “cariocas” (Rio natives) communicate while sipping coconut water; volleyball is popular, all in the required Brazilian bathing suits.
Celebrities from Fred Astaire to Madonna graced the 1923 Belmond Copacabana Palace hotel on Atlantic Avenue, with its undulating black and white mosaics. Travel on December 31st to witness the biggest party on the planet: New Year’s Eve celebrations with over 2 million people.
Santa Monica Beach, California
The 3.5-mile Santa Monica beach is where nostalgia meets Californian life. Along the Ocean Front Walk, fitness enthusiasts will take advantage of the retro machines, and on the Marvin Braude bike route, tanned skateboarders, inline skaters and cyclists. Perhaps this is the most famous beach resort in the world.
The most recognizable is the 1909 pier with street performers, singers, a historic carousel, and a solar-powered Ferris wheel. Shutters on the Beach is waiting for its visitors to be in the center of action.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
Glam hotels, clubs and restaurants converge on South Beach, but the American Riviera is best known for its Art Deco vibe and two miles of white sand. Get Instagram likes from 35 bright, fun lifeguard towers at one of the most popular beach resorts. Rent a DecoBike to explore the 800 Art Deco Historic District landmarks built from 1923 to 1943.
Renaissance Island, Aruba
The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, a man-made private island, is the only place in Aruba where you can surf, take selfies with lush flamingos who happily pose in exchange for sweet pellets from a vending machine.
The island is open to resort guests only, although a limited number of day passes are sold each morning. Flamingo Beach is adults-only, but kids can watch iguanas sunbathing at Wren Island Family Beach.
Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
1901 was marked by the opening of the Moana Surfrider resort on the south coast of Oahu, as well as the receipt of the status of Waikiki as the main vacation spot. More than a century later, a multi-million dollar renovation has transformed Kuhio Beach and an open-air walking street in Waikiki filled with live music, nightlife, restaurants, shopping.
Try Hawaiian poker on almost every corner; hang 10 where Duke Kahanamoku surfed, then climb the 300,000-year-old Diamond Head Crater.
Navagio beach, Zakynthos, Greece
You’ve seen this awesome photogenic bay in the tourist ads – now find out where it is: Navagio Beach on the Ionian island resort of Zakynthos. The bay, surrounded by limestone cliffs, is also known as Shipwreck Beach because of the rusty ship Panayiotis that washed ashore here in 1982.
Take a tall photo from the observation deck near Anafonitria Monastery. Tours to the beach are very popular, as well as accommodation at the windmills of the Skinari area.
Whitehaven Beach Resort, Whitsunday Island, Australia
Whitehaven Beach, located in the Whitsunday Islands National Park on the Great Barrier Reef, stretches for over four miles. Its most recognizable stretch, Hill Inlet, mesmerizes onlookers with its colorful turquoise water and whitish-white quartz sand that shifts as it swirls with the waves.
Take in the starry skyline from Tongue Point Observation Deck or take in the view from a helicopter with Hamilton Island Air. There are several resorts nearby on Hamilton Island, including the luxurious Qualia Hotel.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
On the travel map since the release of The Beach (2000), Maya Bay sees more tourists than it can literally handle. Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants closed the beach for four months (2018) for reef restoration, and since reopening it has been limited to 2,000 visitors/day, making it arguably the most famous beach in the world.
Those who make the cut can get a firsthand view of the famous sugar sand as well as the 300-foot cliffs. Neighboring Koh Phi Phi Don is home to the only residences in the Phi Phi Islands, including the country-style Zeavola Suites.
Trunk Bay, Saint John, US Virgin Islands
The Trunk Bay Hotel was donated to the US National Park Service by Lawrence S. Rockefeller in 1956. However, USVI visitors share the pristine resort with cruise passengers and schools of tropical fish viewed along the 225-yard underwater snorkeling route.
Take a classic shot of Trunk Bay from a scenic view of North Shore Road. Find a private vacation rental or book a room at the Gallows Point Resort.
Baths, British Virgin Islands
It is almost impossible to take a bad picture at the Bani – a series of large granite boulders that adorn the southern coast of the Virgin Gorda. Famous rock formations of volcanic origin create a magical trail of sheltered grottoes, pools, and various tunnels along one of the most popular beach resorts in the world. Consider booking a stay at the luxurious Oil Nut Bay Resort.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Once considered the Garden of Eden, the Seychelles is almost as close to heaven on earth. And with no airport, no resort chains, no bikes replacing cars, the island resort of La Digue looks especially idyllic. Its best beach, Anse Source d’Argent, is a typical place to admire elephant-like granite boulders. Book a budget guest house or splurge on a luxury hideaway like Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa.
Tulum, Mexican Caribbean
Not many tropical beaches can claim to have archaeological ruins on their shores. An important commercial and religious center from the 11th to the 16th centuries, the famous Mayan city of Tulum attracts tourists. After exploring the crumbling temples, other buildings, cool off in the Caribbean Sea at 12 meters and below. Just a 10-minute walk away, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa book tours directly from the hotel.
Spiaggia Grande, Positano, Italy
It’s no surprise that Positano on the Amalfi Coast attracts celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Denzel Washington, against the impressive backdrop of pastel-colored buildings rising up the hillside.
At the base is Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach resort, neatly lined with colorful umbrellas (which can be rented). Enjoy views of one of the world’s most visited beaches from Le Sirenuse, the city’s most luxurious address.
When choosing a resort, be guided, first of all, by your interests – someone loves a relaxing beach holiday, someone is interested in entertainment and extreme sports. By the way, extreme entertainment can also be tried online – for example, immortalromancefree.com.
