This blog post was updated on August 4, 2021.
Often times we admire people’s Instagram snaps of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which are so breathtakingly unique that they almost seem unreal. But, that’s the beauty of nature. We’ve put together a list of 7 Instagrammable beaches around the world that you should add to your travel bucket list. Not only will they be great vacation spots, but they’ll also not require a filter or editing when you take an Insta-worthy snapshot!
Pink Beach – Antigua and Barbuda Island
Ever wondered if this famous pink beach is actually pink? Hop on international flights to Antigua and Barbuda Island in the Caribbean, and you’ll see that this beauty is most certainly pink. And no, it’s not an optical illusion. There are miles of shoreline mixed with varying shades of pink from crushed coral and pink shells, and all of them are mostly undisturbed because of its seclusion. Craving more pink sand experiences? Add Elafonisi Beach in Crete and Pink Beach on Komodo Island to your list.
Black Sand Beach – Reynisfjara, Iceland
The name says it all. There’s never a wrong time to take photos at the Black Sand Beach near Vík í Mýrdal. Take advantage of cloudy and stormy skies for some unique and powerful photoshoots, and don’t forget to wear a bright-colored raincoat for a fun pop of color! Black Sand Beach is one of the wettest spots in Iceland. Sunscreen and swimsuits won’t be necessary for this location because the currents are far too dangerous for swimming. Although the science behind the beach’s volcanic and mineral make-up is an interesting story, it’s also fun to hear the mythical tale of the nocturnal trolls that were petrified from daylight while they tried to retrieve a ship from the icy waters, resulting in Reynisdrangar — the iconic volcanic rock spires that protrude from the ocean on its coastline.
Boulders Beach – Cape Town, South Africa
It sounds like the beginning of a crazy story that couldn’t possibly be real — hanging out with a penguin on a beach with pristine white sand surrounded by turquoise water. In Cape Town, South Africa, you can do exactly that at Boulders Beach and have the photos to prove it. Make sure to give the penguins plenty of space though because those beaks are pretty sharp! It can get understandably busy, so the best photo ops are early in the morning and an hour before they close the beach to the public. After all, who would be able to resist the chance to see sun-bathing penguins?
Vaadhoo Island – Maldives
In the daytime, you may think this is just another hot spot in South Asia on the “most beautiful beaches in the world” list to check off. But the real piece de resistance is at night when the water seems to come alive with thousands of micro-sized phytoplankton that give off a bright blue glow called bioluminescence. They’re perfectly harmless, so you can swim in the “sea of stars” and dip your hair in the water to make your head glow. Let the waves splash across your feet, and you’ll be able to create your own set of glowing footprints on the sand.
Playa del Amor – Marieta Islands, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you find yourself on the Marieta Islands, make sure to watch your step or you’ll fall into a different world. The island is home to a famous cave that can make your pictures seem like they defy the laws of physics. Back in the day, a crater from a bomb paved the way for a hidden beach cave, and mother nature took care of the rest. You’ll have to plan ahead because it’s only accessible when the tides are low. Splash (pun unintended) a little bit of creativity into your Instagram feed, and break out the clam-shaped bikini tops to do a fun mermaid-inspired shoot.
Dune Du Pilat – La Teste-de-Buch, France
France is known for a lot of things such as buttery croissants, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and decadent wines, but it also holds the title for Europe’s tallest sand dune near the Arcachon Bay. In fact, it’s so gigantic that you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a mysterious desert surrounded by an oasis of water. Grab a snowboard or a paddle board to slide down the dunes, and you’ll feel the adrenaline pump through your veins soon enough.
Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
Believe it or not, Ireland once had an active volcano that erupted millions of years ago. Without this eruption, the multitudes of interlocking basalt columns lining the Irish coastline would not have existed today. If you ask the locals, some will tell you about the legend of a squabble between an Irish warrior and a Scottish giant that caused the formation of the Giant’s Causeway. Tip: go after 6:00 P.M. to explore the area for free and watch the sunset illuminate the horizon.
If you have any Instagrammable beaches that we didn’t mention in our list, please let us know in the comments.
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