best beaches

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Why it made our list Theres a reason bikinis and waxes are named Brazilian. The citys as sizzling as its sexy locals, and this renowned party beach is your chance to totally not stare at them from behind your aviators. Vendors along the boardwalk sell caipirinhas, and therere plenty of waterfront gyms for pumping your pecs before starting that long, slow stroll down the beach.

La Digue, Republic of Seychelles Why it made our list Its towering cliffs and pink sand make it one of the most photographed beaches in the world. La Digue, specifically its Veuve Nature Reserve, is the last place on earth where you can find the rare black paradise flycatcher bird, of which there are only about 100 left. Okay, so thats not much of a bonus unless your favorite movie is The Big Year, but consider it your fun fact of the day.

The Marieta Islands by Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,Why it made our list LOOK AT IT While no longer as hidden as the name might suggest, this beach is rumored to have been formed by the Mexican mlitary detonating test bombs in the early 1900s. Think of the street cred youll get by dropping a reference to the secret, underground beach you just got back from vacationing on. Also, theres a water tunnel you have to pass through to get there.

St. Barths, French Caribbean,Why it made our list Located at the end of the islands airport (which claims to have one of the worlds shortest landing strips at 2,100 feet), this beautiful beach comes with an air of danger, in 2009, a plane ran out of runway and crashed on it. Thankfully, no one was injured. A playground for the super rich and mega famous, expect to spy celebs sipping martinis. Or, at the least, planes taking off and landing above your beach chair.

Negril, Jamaica,Why it made our list Flanked by epic cliffs, its one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the world. Although, its actually only SIX miles long, just so you know. Theres a Margaritaville right on the beach Kidding. Instead, hit Ricks Caf? considered one of the best beach bars in the world, its perched atop the aforementioned cliffs.

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand,Why it made our list Theres a reason this plush tropical beach was used as the backdrop for the cult movie The Beach, and that reason is probably that they needed one of the worlds most gorgeous tropical beaches in the film. Or, it could just be cheaper to shoot a movie in Thailand. Buckets of cheap Thai beer.

Tulum, Mexico,Why it made our list With Mayan ruins in the background, this white sand paradise is accented by clear water and colorful fishing boats, meanwhile, festive locals salsa dance on nearby Playa Esperanza. Climbing pyramids, swimming in cenotes, kite surfing, and eating fish tacos you will not get bored.

Fernando de Noronha, Brazil,Why it made our list TripAdvisors handsdown best beach in the world, this Brazilian escape with its turquoise waters and coral reefs is super secluded and really, really difficult to get to, as in, down a dirt road, a few rickety ladders, and through a tight crevasse you get the idea. You can combine a trip to the worlds best beach with the World Cup this Summer, or the Olympics in 2016.

Victoria, Australia,Why this made our list Besides being super scenic, its also home to the Rip Curl Pro the worlds longestrunning surfing competition (since 61). You know, assuming youre an active beachgoer. Bells Beach is on the incredible Great Ocean Road, a 150mi stretch of Australias southern coast. Also, theres a nearby surf break called Boobs. Insert giggling here.

Mykonos, Greece,Why it made our list Paradise is home to the best sand on the Aegean, and Mykonos is known to be a wild party hotspot. Together, thats enough to make the list. Theres a monthly fullmoon party, and Tropicana Beach Bar is consistently rated one of the top beach bars in the world.