Zlatni Rat, Brac, Croatia
PHOTO:ANDREW LLOYD/GETTY IMAGES
A narrow triangle jutting out into the sea, Zlatni Rat's unique shape means even more sandy surface area for sunbathers. The natural beauty here is plentiful — turquoise sea, a dark green spit of forest, bright white beach — and it's a playground for active types since water sports abound. Take a windsurfing class, rent a paddleboard, or just snorkel in the bright, pristine waters. And with snack kiosks and lifeguards on duty across the beach, it's the place to go if you're looking for a family-friendly Croatian getaway.
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Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland
PHOTO:CHRISTOPHER LARSON/TRAVEL + LEISURE
You won't want to take a dip at this beach — the rough, frigid waters of the Atlantic are particularly dangerous here — but nonetheless, it's a must-see spot on your Icelandic journey thanks to the one-of-a-kind scenery of the area. Basalt formations have eroded over time to form Vik's eerie black-sand beaches, and the combination of dark sand and strange geological features, like clusters of hexagonal rock columns and sharp sea stacks jutting out of the waves, make this a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable place to visit.