Summer is almost here! That means it’s time to start planning your next adventure — preferably somewhere hot and fun where people drink cocktails with huge pieces of fruit inside and clothing made of lycra and linen.
To welcome the season, Ranker polled their users to ask a very important question: What country has the best beaches? 14,000 votes later, a top ten emerged from around the world. Even with a few surprising omissions (No Thailand? NO AUSTRALIA? Get it together, Ranker voters!), there are still ten countries worth exploring, with plenty of great spots where the sand meets the sea.
If you’re down for the #BeachLife (is it a thing? We’ll make it a thing!), full of snorkeling, lounging, surfing, and partying, then this list will help you decide where to go next.
10. FRANCE
France has a lot to choose from — amazing food and drink, a rolling pastoral countryside dotted with idyllic villages, and two coasts worth of beaches. The northern coast is cooler and more dramatic, while the southern coast straddles one of the more beautiful stretches of the Mediterranean.
Check out Hossegor for the surfing and party scene — if you’re into that sort of thing.
9. MADAGASCAR
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The first island nation on the list is one of the most diverse corners of the planet. Madagascar has a unique ecosystem surrounded by endless stretches of breathtakingly beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. There’s an unexplored surf scene and tons of diving to do. Plus, you can search for pirate treasure on the beaches!
8. SAINT MARTIN
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The only Caribbean entry is Saint Martin… sorry Cuba. This tiny island is divided between the French north and the Dutch south to this day — so stock up on Euros before you head out. Borders aside, the island is a wonderland of beaches, resorts, and plenty of beauty that’ll keep any traveler occupied during a long vacation.
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7. MEXICO
Mexico has the same advantages of France, with two endless stretches of coast. The Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Mexico offer a virtually endless selection of beaches, cultures, and foods to choose from. You can wander the sands of Baja to the alleys of Oaxaca to the wonders of the ancient Yucatan and only start to scratch the surface of the marvels of Mexico.
The hippy paradise of Sayulita on the west coast is certainly deserving of a few sunburnt weeks of your life — especially if you long to learn to surf.
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6. MALDIVES
This chain of atolls appears almost out of nowhere, like a string of pearls that have been splattered with green, dotting the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is largely comprised of resorts for tourists and surfing live-a-board boats, but with a little digging, you can find abandoned isles to explore, away from crowds. Or — shrug — hit the resorts. Do your thing, we won’t judge.
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5. FIJI
Deep in the South Pacific lies Fiji. Virtually all visitors to the Fijian islands start at the Nadi airport, on Suva. From there you can explore hidden coves, deserted beaches, and dive into the deeps like a pirate every day of the week.
Check out the famed surf island Tavarua for some absolutely world class secluded surf sessions.
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4. MAURITIUS
Off the coast of Madagascar sits a small group of islands belonging to Mauritius. It’s a diverse and eclectic chain — majority Indian population has informed everything from the spiritual practices to the food. The beaches are parched white and the street hawkers are second to none.
3. FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia is comprised of 118 islands. That’s a lot of beaches to choose from. Tahiti and Bora Bora are among the most visited — both providing some of the most beautiful -computer-screensaver-worthy images on the entire planet.
Once you pick an island and arrive, it’ll be hard to stay for just two weeks and not the rest of your life.
2. PHILIPPINES
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Speaking of island nations: The Philippines is comprised of 7,641 islands with widely diverse cultures, foodways, and people. That’s a lot to choose from. Though, don’t forget that the current regime is running a mass-murder campaign cloaked as a drug war. So make informed decisions about how you travel and what you’re supporting. Locals deserve to make a living and need tourism for that, but be aware of the situation.
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1. GREECE
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Number one is back in Europe. Greece has the best of the both worlds. It’s a set of peninsulas surrounded by the 11th longest coastline in the world and has thousands of islands to choose from. Greece also has some of the best-preserved ancient wonders to explore in between trips to the beach to catch some rays, waves, and octopus.
If you want to party, Ibiza style, sail away to Mykonos and Ios and you’ll be happy as ever.
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