There are a variety of sandy spots on the Island of the Gods that are sure to delight your senses.

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The beaches of Bali are undoubtedly the most popular among the thousands of islands in the Indonesian archipelago. This place oozes sybaritic splendour while evoking Edenic bliss. Bali's beaches (pantai in Bahasa Indonesia) seamlessly combine the calm with the spiritual and a touch of fun. 

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The blue and green kaleidoscopic haze of the Indian Ocean, combined with the soft, shimmering beaches, has lured travellers from around the world - from honeymooners to digital nomads.

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Even though you may be tempted to stay in your dreamy villa, Bali's beaches have a certain allure. Before long, you'll be on the sand, hanging out with a Bintang or a fresh coconut in hand.

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What are the best beaches on the Bali coast?

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You can find party scenes in beach clubs in the south – Seminyak, Jimbaran and Canggu beaches are the buzziest spots. There are some gnarly surf breaks on Uluwatu and Nusa Dua, so surfers flock to the southwest and east coasts for big waves. 

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Some resorts have well-manicured, private beaches, while others offer day passes for non-guests. The northeastern coast has glistening black sands that are hidden gems for those seeking some stillness.

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What is the cost of beaches in Bali?

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Despite the fact that most beaches do not charge entrance fees, some do. Foreigners often pay a bit more than domestic visitors, with prices ranging around Rp15,000 (£1), excluding parking.

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Which is the best time of year to visit Bali's beaches?

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The best time to visit the beach is early in the morning, just after sunrise, when the air is cooler, and the humidity is less oppressive. If you are planning a trip to Bali, find out when the best time to visit is. Because the south of the island is the most developed, there are cafes, bars and shops lining the streets, so beaches can be packed during the day.

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Jimbaran Beach

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In addition to sunsets, Jimbaran Beach offers some of the most delicious seafood you can imagine. The gentle waters make it perfect for novice surfers, and there are always little ones playing by the shore until the last light of day. 

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Sundara beach club offers breathtaking sunset views, just a short walk from the Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay. You can marvel at the silhouettes of planes heading to the nearby airport as you watch the beach come to life at night (don't worry, you won't hear them anyway). 

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Restaurants on the beach here really know how to show off their seafood BBQ culture. Loungers are swapped for folding tables and barbecue smoke fills the salty air for dinner. There are plenty of restaurants in town that serve fresh seafood, but Menega Cafe is known for its house sauce - ask any smart-set Indonesian.

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Green Bowl Beach

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In Ungasan, Green Bowl Beach is Bali's best-kept secret. Its lush hues, powder-soft sands, and unspoiled seclusion make it the ideal location for those seeking a quiet escape from Bali's more crowded beaches. The beach is named after its unique feature – a sprawling seaweed-covered cliff – which naturally formed an enclosed shape. 

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You have to descending a steep flight of stairs to reach it, but the effort is well worth it once you get there. With unobstructed views of the ocean and a small 30-meter shore, you'll feel like you're on a small island. 

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If you prefer to relax by the shore, there are local vendors selling snacks and refreshments. The conditions are perfect for intermediate to pro surfers. The wild monkeys roaming in the parking lot are known for stealing valuables. Beware of your valuables.

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Seminyak Beach

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In addition to hosting some of Bali's hottest beach clubs, Seminyak Beach is home to a number of lively beats, buzzy drinks, and sandy-toed suppers. The hardest decision anyone will have to make is which beach club to spend the day at (spoiler: every decision is the right one). 

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With its infinity pool and beachfront daybeds, Ku De Ta is a hedonist paradise for those looking for sun-drenched days sipping margs and sangria, while Potato Head Beach Club is perfect for sun-drenched days sipping margs and sangria. Over sunset, La Plancha's multi-coloured loungers are the perfect place to enjoy Spanish tapas. 

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Kelingking Beach

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Nusa Penida's Kelingking Beach is only a 45 minute speedboat ride from the southeast side of the island. If you've done your research on Bali, you've likely seen this beach before - it's very well photographed. 

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In addition to its dramatic rock formations that resemble T-Rex heads, it has turquoise waters and pristine white sand, which make it a great place to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel. The trek to the shore isn't an easy one. It's a stomach-flipping descent down a steep and narrow cliff. But the scenery at the end is totally worth it, so bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water.

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Nusa Dua Beach

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Its two miles of flour-soft sand and big waves make Nusa Dua a haven for surfers. Thrill seekers come from all over to experience Bali's surf hype, and Nusa Dua's is no exception. As a result of the golf club nearby, the area may also skew towards older crowds, but families also flock here for the five-star resorts and private beaches. 

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The Apurva Kempinski features a beach where kayaks can be rented, Bali's first aquarium restaurant is a must-try, and The Ritz-Carlton is a popular destination for destination weddings.

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 The 20-minute drive north will take you to Tanjung Benoa, which offers a variety of watersport activities. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, seawalking, and parasailing are just some of the options.

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Padang Padang Beach

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Located between caves and cliffs, Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu is only accessible by carved rock steps but the cinematic scenes are well worth the effort. It featured in Julia Roberts' romantic drama Eat, Pray, Love as a supporting character.  

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There are shacks selling fresh coconut, sarongs and handmade bracelets, while surfboard rentals and lessons are available. Pro surfers love the glistening emerald waves and at low tide, seaweed-covered tidal pools appear.

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Canggu Beach

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There's still a laid-back vibe to Canggu, even after a wave of digital nomads and expats settled here. One of the most popular beaches on the island, this rugged beach is surrounded by slick, new villas and terraced rice paddies – attracting surfers to the surf breaks and sunbathers to the silky black sand. 

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There are warungs (small shops) on every corner that sell icy cold refreshments and snacks. But Old Man's and The Lawn should be visited at sunset for drinks and bites.

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New Kuta Beach

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New Kuta Beach, nicknamed Dreamland Beach by the Aussies, is surrounded by limestone hillside cliffs, offering breathtaking views of pink-orange sunsets. A nugget of gold was found here back in the day; whiskey-hued sand is plentiful, but unspoiled landscapes are scarce. 

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It's no longer as crowd-free, but New Kuta Beach still holds charm. At high tide, surfboards cover the warm, azure waters and vibrant parasols line the shoreline. There are more high-end resorts and restaurants in the area, including the all-villa Jumeirah Bali, making it a great place to relax on the beach.