Paradise Found: 24 of The Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth

12. Copacabana Beach, Brazil: The Sun-Kissed Icon

No list of beaches would be complete without the legendary Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. This 2.5-mile stretch of golden sand is a microcosm of Brazilian culture and flair. By day, locals and tourists alike gather to sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or cool off in the Atlantic waves. By night, Copacabana transforms into a vibrant scene of music and dance, with countless bars and kiosks lining the iconic mosaic promenade. The backdrop of Rio’s mountains adds to the city’s dramatic allure, while the towering presence of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer in the distance make for postcard-perfect panoramas. Copacabana is more than a beach—it’s a celebration of life, color, and the contagious energy that defines Brazil.