Posted by Few experiences rival the joy of traveling to a beautiful seaside location. With the ample sun, open waters, and good-natured locals, nothing can get in the way of a relaxing vacation. Nothing, that is, but busy crowds jostling for the same thing you are: the best hotels, dining options, and spots on the beach to enjoy. But don’t let that get in your way of enjoying some breathtaking seaside escapes. From tiny islands off the coats of Thailand to seemingly forgotten towns along Oregon’s Pacific coast, AD survey’s the eleven best small beach towns around the globe you’ll be sure to enjoy — without the hassle of large crowds. In fact, these locations are so beautifully quaint, you’ll likely daydream of leaving your desk job to move to one of these spots for good.
St. George’s, Bermuda
Not only is the town of St. George’s in Bermuda a UNESCO World Heritage Site (for the fact that it was the third successful English settlement behind St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Jamestown, Virginia), but it’s also a wonderful place to relax in paradise without the crowds. Indeed, with crystal-clear waters and buildings that feature white limestone roofs and exteriors painted in vibrant pastels, St. George’s is a must-visit.
If you’re looking to plan a longer holiday and hoping to happen upon beautiful beaches on your travels or perhaps even if you’re looking to centre your holiday around beautiful beaches, here are 11 countries with some of the best beaches in the world.
1.) Australia
Australia is a gigantic country (the 6th largest in the world by area) with a huge amount of coastline, so it comes as no surprise that it’s home to some of the best beaches in the world.
The great thing is, whatever type of beach you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Australia.
From bustling city beaches like Bondi beach to the tropical white sand and coral reefs of Fraser Island, it has everything. There are so many gorgeous beaches in Australia.
Read more: Best places in Australia to visit
2.) Spain
Travellers flock to Spain not only for its popular cities (hey Barcelona) but also for its particularly fantastic beaches.
For some, the words ‘beach’ and ‘Spain’ might bring to mind images of the big holiday resorts with packed beaches in front of rows of grey hotels, but the reality is so much more.
From the desert-island-feel of Playa de Ses Illetes on the Balearic Islands to the impressive rock formations of Playa de las Catedrales in Ribadeo, Spain’s coastline is one that just keeps on giving.
Read more: Best beaches in Spain
3.) Fiji
It’s a popular honeymoon and wedding destination, mainly because with its calm turquoise waters, stunningly white sand and immaculate coral reefs; and probably because Fiji is pretty much anyone’s idea of tropical paradise.
With its 333 tropical islands and over 500 islets, there’s plenty to explore – which is particularly great if you find that spending all your time on a beach isn’t your idea of a perfect holiday.
When you’re here (and of course, depending on where you’re staying some beaches worth checking out here are Cove Beach, Liku Beach, and Vatulele Island).
4.) Greece
Whilst the colour of the waters surrounding Greece range from turquoise and emerald right through to dark blue, Greek beaches have long since attracted visitors from Europe, and the world over to come to splash around in its warm waters.
The beaches here range from fine white sands to jet black (if you’re on a volcanic island), with golden and red in between (also found on volcanic islands rich in iron).
It’s safe to say that whatever your picture of the perfect beach entails, you’re sure to find it somewhere in Greece.
Read more: Best islands in Greece to visit
5.) Bali
First of all, Bali is technically not a country (Indonesia is the country) but Bali has its own unique identity (and even its own language) that it feels deserving of its own place on here outside of that of Indonesia as a whole.
For what, once upon a time, used to be a quiet verdant island, Bali has more recently become a rather fashionable (and very fun) destination for many-a-traveller of all ages (like on our flight over – every single age group was represented) and it’s easy to see why.
In addition to its rich culture and fascinating geological features, Bali boasts a huge amount of seriously idyllic beaches.
Despite the country’s growing popularity, there are a number of quieter beaches tucked away just waiting to be explored. Seek out hidden gems like Gunung Payung or Pandawa Beach to enjoy the Bali coast away from the crowds. Alternatively, pop over to Sunday’s Beach Club, which is gorgeous.
Read more: Best things to do in Bali
6.) Hawaii
*Again, not a country is more of a state within a country but definitely another one special enough to get its own independent mention. 
Hawaii is another one of those places we just automatically associate with being the perfect idyllic holiday – even the sunsets here are unlike anywhere else in the world.
With its stunning flower blooms, beautiful islands and amazing rather dramatic coastline, Hawaii is already a much-coveted destination. Its gorgeous beaches are really just the icing on the cake.
There are lots of different kinds of beaches here so you’ll definitely find something to make you very happy when you visit.
Oh, and if you visit certain islands during whale season, you can head the whales when you’re swimming away in the water.
Read more: 11 Reasons to visit Hawaii
7.) Malaysia
Malaysia’s beaches have a huge amount to offer, whatever it is you’re looking for. Adventure junkies and budding mermaids can explore the country’s gorgeous coast by scuba diving (or if you’re not certified yet – by snorkelling).
Foodies can take advantage of some of the world’s best (and freshest) seafood. Many of the beaches are shrouded in thick rainforest, giving them that real tropical island feels.
8.) The Philippines
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands so as you can imagine, there’s not really much of a shortage of beaches here. Its tropical sandy beaches are notoriously beautiful (the notoriety has increased dramatically in recent times.
