This Beach in Mexico Has the Whitest Sand in the World, According to Science

Taryn White

12 September 2024 at 12:55 pm·2-min read

A study concludes that world's whitest sands grace Tulum Beach, an immaculate six-mile expanse in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

<p>M Swiet Productions/Getty Images</p> People enjoying the white sand and turquoise water of Tulum Beach in Tulum, Mexico — M Swiet Productions/Getty Images
People enjoying the white sand and turquoise water of Tulum Beach in Tulum, Mexico

For beach lovers, an exciting new list has just unveiled the world’s most pristine shorelines. Compiled by the travel experts at CV Villas, this study employs color theory analysis to evaluate unedited Google Maps images of more than 200 beaches worldwide. By examining each beach's RGB color values and determining its proximity to the purest shade of white (RGB = 255, 255, 255), CV Villas has curated a definitive list of the top 30 beaches with the whitest sands on Earth.

The study found that the world's whitest sands grace Tulum Beach, an immaculate six-mile expanse in Mexico's Riviera Maya.

Though the beach is the main attraction, the town offers more than powdery sands. Visitors can unwind at one of 20 stunning cenotes, like El Gran Cenote and Cenote Dos Ojos; marvel at the iconic Ven a la Luz sculpture; explore ancient Mayan ruins; or wander through the verdant Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, several luxury hotels in Tulum can serve as wellness sanctuaries. The Muaré Hotel, Hotel Bardo, and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya offer an array of wellness services, including revitalizing spa rituals inspired by ancient Mayan culture and traditions.

Anse Source d'Argent in the Seychelles claims the second spot on the list. With its dazzling coastline framed by lush coconut palms, emerald waters, and granite boulders, this beach is one of the most photographed in the world. It's also a sought-after destination for day trippers from nearby Mahé Island and other honeymoon hideaways, where five-star beach resorts such as Raffles Seychelles, Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, and the Six Senses Zil Pasyon are the norm.

Ranking third is Marmari Beach in Kos, Greece. This less-visited Greek island near Bodrum, Turkey, offers shallow waters, cool Aegean breezes, and more affordable prices than other Mediterranean islands. Tropea Beach in Italy’s Calabria region and Platja de Muro in Spain share the fourth spot. Two U.S. beaches are featured in the top 20: Carmel Beach in California and Siesta Key in Florida.

To learn more about the methodology and view the complete list, visit CV Villas.

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