Located in a remote cove on Zakynthos in Greece's Ionian Islands, Navagio Beach gets its nickname—Shipwreck Beach—because of the ship that ran aground here in the 1980's.

Australia's East Coast is home to some legendary beaches—Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is particularly heavenly. Over on the West Coast, Turquoise Bay in the Cape Range National Park is equally gorgeous. Just watch out for those sharks.

Even though Trunk Bay is St. John's most visited beach, this quarter mile stretch of pristine white sand on the island's north shore is worth braving the occasional crowd.

Tucked away on the northern tip of Palawan island, El Nido is home to off-the-beaten path beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs.

The 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock dominates the shoreline of the Oregon Coast at Cannon Beach, which is also home to a host of art galleries and restaurants.

While the coastal section of Olympic National Park is rockier than it is sandy, it's still worth visiting Ruby Beach for the views alone.

Located 200 miles off Brazil's coast on Fernando de Noronha island, Baia do Sancho is only accessible via boat or by hiking down a narrow staircase from surrounding cliffs making it secluded and virtually untouched.

After this secluded beach on Phi Phi Island was featured in the 1999 movie The Beachit became wildly popular with tourists. Visit in the early morning to avoid the crowds.

The ancient Mayan ruins overlooking the white sand beaches and bright blue waters of Tulum feel a world away from Cancun, which happens to be just a two hour drive north.

One of the best places for snorkeling on Kauai's north shore, the coral reefs at Tunnels Beach are suitable for divers of all skill levels.