The World’s Most Romantic Beaches to Visit in 2026

What’s your idea of the perfect romantic beach getaway? It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, with everything from secluded, relaxing destinations to lively locations with a wide range of shopping, dining, entertainment, and attractions steps away. 

No matter what you have in mind, this list has got you covered, ensuring something to inspire from places closer to home to exotic spots in the South Pacific. 

Located in the “heel of the boot,” Puglia is a gem as one of the less-visited regions in Italy. If you want to experience authentic culture and find your ideal spot in the sand, it’s a great pick for a romantic beach getaway, with Polignano a Mare being one of its most picturesque towns. The pebbly beach of Lama Monachile is its iconic symbol, located right in the city center, tucked between dramatic cliffs with golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise water. As it can get very busy in the summer, mostly jam-packed with Italians enjoying their own beach escapes, you might want to simply capture a photo from the Roman bridge that dates to 110 AD, and then head to one of the beaches nearby. 

The sandy beach of Cala Corvino is just a few miles south of the city center, with umbrellas and loungers available for rent in the summer. In between time at the beach, stroll hand-in-hand through the enticing narrow streets and alleyways lined with whitewashed structures. If you wander the side streets near Terrazza Santo Stefano, look for poetry written on the buildings. You’ll find plenty of eateries with romantic settings for dining on fresh seafood too.

The Big Sur coast in Central California is one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline in the country. The drive on Highway One to the town of Big Sur, with the waves crashing on one side and redwoods on the other, is epic enough on its own, but once you get there, you can spend time on one of the rarest beaches in the country. Pfeiffer, in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, is home to a beach with purple sands that come thanks to the manganese garnet deposits in the cliffs that back it. Bring supplies for a picnic to enjoy while admiring the striking beauty, and search through tidepools to find all sorts of colorful marine creatures like anemones and starfish. 

If you want to look for sand dollars, continue south to Sand Dollar Beach, which is the largest unbroken stretch of sand in the area. Rockhounds may be able to find jade here too. Either way, it’s always fun to search with the one you love. After a day at the beach, there are some renowned ocean-view restaurants for dining, like the clifftop Sierra Mar. 

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently named Pensacola among the world’s best cities, highlighting its beaches with its “blindingly white sand and Caribbean-like waters.” That sand is baby soft, making it especially enjoyable for barefoot strolls. Pensacola Beach, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, is bordered by the Gulf at the south end and the Santa Rosa Sound at the north, offering calmer water for swimming. Snorkeling, parasailing, and dolphin-watching cruises are also popular here. Plus, at the end of every day, you can look forward to colorful sunsets, with a great vantage point from the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier. 

If you want to get dressed up for a night out on the town, there are many fine-dining venues with views of the Gulf or the Sound. Afterward, grab a drink and dance the night away at the popular Seville quarter with multiple bars and eateries.

Kauai is arguably the most romantic of the Hawaiian islands, and there are few more romantic spots than Hanalei on the north shore of the Garden Isle. The crown jewel is crescent-shaped Hanalei Beach with its two miles of soft white sands backed by soaring emerald mountains laced with waterfalls. Tranquil barefoot strolls, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking are just a few of the activity options. 

Don’t miss the chance to wander through Limahuli Garden & Preserve, with native Hawaiian plants and stunning ocean views. There are nearly endless photo ops here and throughout the area, including Hanalei’s crystal-clear blue waters that reflect the sky on a sunny day. Just before dusk, head to the historic pier for a romantic picnic while watching a glorious sunset. 

While just about anywhere on Maui’s coast can make for a romantic couples’ getaway at the beach, Wailea on the southwestern coast is particularly luxurious. The resort community is renowned for its high-end properties like the Four Seasons and Wailea Beach Resort, upscale shopping venues, lavish spas, and world-class dining, making it a popular pick among honeymooners and romance-seekers of all types. 

In between enjoying the many amenities at your resort, you might stroll the 1.5-mile-long Wailea Beach Path with ocean views the entire way, take a snorkeling excursion to Molokini, and hop aboard an elegant catamaran for a sunset dinner cruise. In the winter, whale watching tours are popular, with hundreds of humpbacks migrating here during the season. 

The Outer Banks are a string of islands stretching for 130 miles along the North Carolina coast. It includes three state parks, two national seashores, three national wildlife refuges, and countless beaches with powdery sands and dunes. As the islands are tucked between the Atlantic and calmer waters of the sand, it brings the opportunity for all sorts of water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, and sailing. Sunset sailing trips are especially romantic, providing an unforgettable conclusion to any day. 

Some of the most popular places to base yourself include Nags Head, with wide sandy shores easily accessible from over 40 public points. Charming Manteo and secluded Ocracoke are well worth considering too. 

While many head to the busier islands of Santorini and Mykonos to enjoy romantic time together, Naxos is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, with long stretches of powdery sand, edged by water that looks like a massive swimming pool. It’s also less crowded and less expensive than its famous neighbors in the Cyclades. There are more than 30 beaches to choose from, providing something for all types of couples, from peaceful and secluded to lively, with options for a wide range of water sports. 

Plaka is one of the best beaches, just over five miles from Naxos Town. The roughly 2.5-mile-long beach is a continuation of Agia Anna and Maragas, which means you can easily enjoy long strolls with gorgeous views along the way. It’s easy to find a secluded spot with quieter, undeveloped areas where you can simply toss down a beach blanket, but if you want access to water sports rentals, umbrellas and lounge chairs, beachside bars and eateries, there’s an organized section too. 

A breathtaking off-the-beaten-path option, the municipality of Llanes in northern Spain has more beaches than any other, with 35 miles of coastline. Located in the less-visited province of Asturias, there are secluded coves with rock formations and long spans of pristine ivory sands. Within the town of Llanes, you’ll find several beaches, including the main beach, Playa del Sablon, with calm waters for swimming. Playa de San Antolin is a surfer’s paradise with a three-quarter-mile stretch of sand, while Playa de Torimbia is just over six miles west of town with a vast expanse of white powdery sands backed by lush, green hills and mountains.

Speaking of mountains, some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery can be found nearby in the Picos de Europa when you’re seeking something different beyond the sea and sand. After any day in Asturias, you can look forward to the mouthwatering food scene that includes everything from traditional Asturian stews to fresh seafood, complemented by the region’s famous local cider.

If you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican experience without the big tourist crowds and access to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the country, consider La Paz for your romantic escape. Two hours north of popular Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find calm, swimmable waters and stunning white sands at Balandra, Tecolote, and in hidden, secluded coves that can be easily accessed on foot. The more adventurous might join a tour to snorkel with sea lions or swim with whale sharks. Guided day trips are available for close encounters with the famous gray whales in Baja’s lagoons during the winter, with the peak time late January through mid-March.

In town, the Malecon is a three-mile-long waterfront promenade for strolling with a view of the bay on one side, while a wealth of bars and eateries are on the other. This is also a great vantage point for some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ll ever see.

It’s easy to find romantic moments on Hvar with magnificent landscapes that include everything from vineyard-covered hills and lavender fields to picture-perfect beaches. Lapped by turquoise water, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, parasailing, and other water sports can all be enjoyed here. The island is particularly renowned for its fine dining and nightlife, known for drawing celebrities and all types of VIPs who often arrive on their yachts, making it ideal for couples who want a mix of beach time and a wide range of things to do after dark. Old Town Hvar offers lots for history enthusiasts as well, including the early 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Spanjola Fortress that can be climbed for a panoramic view of nearby islands, the Adriatic, and the harbor. 

A favorite among honeymooners, Grace Bay Beach is often named among the world’s most spectacular beaches. Located on the north shore of Providenciales, it’s the ultimate beach paradise with white, powdery sands and crystal-clear aquamarine water, ideal for snorkeling with a long coral reef inhabited by abundant marine life just offshore. Snorkelers can follow the shallow trails to swim among everything from eagle rays to sea turtles and colorful fish. Sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular too. 

You’ll have some fantastic options for luxury beachfront resorts here. Many offer sea-view pools, beach service for sipping cocktails on the sand, indulgent spa treatments, gourmet dining venues, and live music.

Exotic Fiji is the ultimate when it comes to romance, with private islands for living out any beach fantasy. But no matter where you stay in this South Pacific island nation, it’s sure to be unforgettable. Many resorts cater to romance-seekers with some serious pampering, from private candlelit dinners on the sand to couples’ massages. Overwater bungalows are popular accommodation options here, allowing you to step out your door into the water and let the gentle waves soothe you to sleep.  An array of activities is usually available too, like waterfall hikes, island-hopping sailing excursions, and night snorkeling.