Vik Black Sand Beach in Iceland

Iceland might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but there’s no denying the beauty and drama of its rugged coastline. You won’t see palms or white sand here: In Vik, the sand is black as caviar and the beach is dotted with soaring basalt columns—which, in our opinion, makes it all the more special and beautiful.

Cala Macarella Beach in Menorca Spain

Located on the sun-bleached southwestern coast of Menorca, the tranquil Cala Macarella is the ideal escape from the congested beaches of nearby Mallorca and Ibiza. Getting there is a trek: you can either hike two miles along the cliffs from nearby Cala Galdana, or drive on a rough and winding road from Ciutadella and hike an additional 20 minutes through a pine forest to get there (phew). But its ultra-fine sand and calm turquoise waters are well worth the effort.

Cala Goloritzé Beach in Sardinia Italy

It’s no secret that Cala Goloritzé, located at the base of a ravine on Sardinia’s windswept northeastern coast, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Still, it.

Praia de Albandeira Beach in Algarve Portugal

Despite high tourist traffic to the Algarve region, this tiny, secluded cove has (amazingly) remained somewhat under the radar. You won't find any umbrellas, beach chairs, water sports, or beach bars here; just a golden lick of sand, cool crystalline waters, sea caves, and natural rock pools—which is precisely why you should visit. Added bonus? Thanks to the ochre cliffs on both sides of the beach, the water is always calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Durdle Door Beach in Dorset England

With its dramatic limestone arch, lush, craggy cliffs, and soft golden sand, Durdle Door is one of the most scenic beaches in all of Europe. But it’s not just a pretty face the Marine Conservation Society recommends the beach for swimming and fishing, thanks to its excellent water quality. It’s also part of the Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile stretch of coastline studded with so many spectacular geological features and fossils that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Cala Tonnarella Beach in Sicily Italy

We like Capri as much as the next person, but when it comes to secluded beaches free of crowds, it’s Sicily for the win. Cala Tonnarella, tucked inside the Zingaro Nature Reserve, is the ultimate oasis: a tiny stretch of bone-white sand and Bermuda-blue water flanked by low, limestone cliffs. It’s a trek to get there Zingaro is inaccessible via road, so you’ll have to hike about an hour to get to it from the southern car park but upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning beach...and may even have it all to yourself.

East Beach in Santa Barbara California

Santa Barbara might just be the most perfect place in America. It’s got all the warm, sunny weather Southern California’s famous for -- but without the millions of people that ruin it in LA. East Beach epitomizes that quintessential Cali scenery that caused early settlers’ jaws to hit the sand: the deep blue Pacific, a long meandering beachfront drive lined with palm trees, and the Santa Ynez Mountains standing tall in the background.

Bonus: Beachgoers, Rollerbladers, and runners who are every bit the picture of Southern California beauty, making this one of the best spots in America for all kinds of scenery.