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Zakynthos, GreeceTravelers dock near the Greek island of Zakynthos to view the remains of the MV Panagiotis, which crashed on Navagio “Shipwreck” Beach in October 1980. According to locals, the vessel was smuggling contraband across the sea before the Greek Navy caught wind and pursued the ship, which was abandoned after storm surges caused it to flounder.

Photograph by Srdjan Vujmilovic, National Geographic Your Shot

Soak up the sun at 20 of the world’s best beaches

Take a dip, build a sandcastle, and stroll the surf at these beaches around the world.

ByStarlight Williams

July 24, 2019

2 min read

The sound of crashing waves, the feel of sand between your toes, the smell of the briny ocean air—a day at the beach is a feast for the senses. The global National Geographic Your Shot photography community shares images of amazing beaches around the world, including coastal stretches on far-flung islands and sunny scenes from more familiar retreats. We’ve picked 20 of the most compelling photos to inspire your next seaside vacation. (Need a book for the beach? Read on for our list of top page-turners.)

Join the Your Shot community to share a photo of somewhere that’s meaningful to you.

Starlight Williams is an editorial researcher and writer at National Geographic. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.