Qixingtan Beach is a beautiful beach located near Hualien on the beautiful east coast of Taiwan. What sets this beach apart from other beaches in Taiwan is that Qixingtan is entirely covered with pebbles. While it's not your typical sandy beach, it is one of Taiwan's most scenic and a huge must when spending time in Hualien. There is much to love about this Taiwanese beach. In particular, the towering mountains as the background and the dreamlike turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean.

If you're tired of basking in the scenery and building zen stone towers, visit one of the unique restaurants nearby. Here you can enjoy some local cake, aloe vera ice cream, or ice-cold beer. If you want to be a little more adventurous, rent a bike and explore the coastal park at your own pace.

Qixingtan is a great place to visit throughout the day. In the morning, you can catch one of the best sunrises in Taiwan. At night, it's an ideal spot for stargazing. The only downside is that swimming is not allowed here!

Location: Xincheng Township, Hualien County, Taiwan

Getting there: The easiest way to get to Qixingtan Beach is by driving yourself. It is easy to rent a scooter or car in Hualien near the train station. However, if you must use public transport, take bus number 310 or #308 at Hualien Station down to Chihsingtan beach.

Just 1.5 hours east of Taipei, you'll find Fulong Beach - a beautiful 3km stretch of golden sand perfect for a quick day trip from Taipei.

Fulong is a famous beach in Taiwan. And during the warmer months, you'll find the beach crowded with beachgoers, day hikers, and families. While Fulong is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and extreme sports like kayaking and windsurfing, there's still another reason to add it to your list of must-see beaches in Taiwan. Loan. And that's the International Sand Sculpture Festival. Every year, between May and June, dozens of artists from all over the world flock here to create the most amazing sand sculptures imaginable. The sculptures several meters high took weeks to build! The sculptures are on display until the end of October this year.

If you happen to be in Taiwan for this special event, expect to see the entire beach filled with impressive works of art!

Location: Fulong Village, Gongliao District, New Taipei, Taiwan

Getting there: Take the Taiwan Railways train east to Fulong Station at Taipei Main Station. The trip costs NT$83 and takes about 1.5 hours.

Another beautiful beach near Taipei is Laomei Green Reef.

Every year, between March and May, Laomei's 700-meter-long reef is covered with bright green algae creating a wonderfully beautiful scene. The reef's ditches and trenches were formed thousands of years ago when lava flowed down from a nearby volcanic eruption, making it one of Taiwan's most impressive natural wonders.

Laomei Beach is not ideal for swimming. However, there is a small nook near the top of the Fugui Cape trail where you can drop in the water. Laomei is truly a wonderful sight to behold and a great photo spot. Bring your favorite fly cam to capture the beauty of the reef from above!

Oh, and lookup. The reef is only visible at low tide. So make sure to check the tide schedule before embarking on your 2-hour journey here from Taipei!

Location: Shimen District, New Taipei, Taiwan

Getting there: Take bus number 863 or 862 from Tamsui Bus Terminal to stop at 1 Mingde Village. The fare is NT$45, and the bus departs every 20-30 minutes.

There are several beautiful beaches near Taipei, but finding a powdery white sand beach in these parts of the island may not be as easy as you think. Luckily, there is Baishawan which means white sand beach!

Located in Shimen District between Cape Fugui and Linshanbi, Baishawan is a picture-perfect 1km stretch of sandy shores and excellent swimming conditions. The waves aren't as big as Wai'oa, but it's still a great place to paddle or surf. There are plenty of places to relax on the beach or bask in the sun.

Baishawan Beach is a very relaxing place and a cool beach to spend a lazy day along the coast. There are several shops where you can rent equipment, grab a cold beer to enjoy on the beach, and even a British-owned pub serving the best fish & chips!

Since Laomei Blue Reef is practically nearby, it would be silly not to combine these two gems on a day trip from Taipei. Buses between the two areas are frequent and reliable. There is also a nice little hiking trail. The trail runs only from Laomei Blue Reef to Fuji Fishing Port, so you'll need to catch a bus the remaining 2.4 kilometers to Baishawan.

Location: Shimen District, New Taipei, Taiwan

Getting there: Take bus number 863 or 862 from Tamsui Bus Terminal and get off at Baishawan Beach. The trip takes less than 1 hour and costs NT$45.

Just passing through Wushi Port in Toucheng Township of Yilan County, you will find one of the best surf spots in Taiwan - Waiao Beach.

Wai'ao Beach is a giant black sand beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, lounging, or playing in the sand. It's a popular spot with surfers, ex-pats, and families coming to enjoy the constant surfing, varied beach activities, laid-back vibe, and stunning views of Turtle Island on the far side. Along the beach, you'll also find a strip of eateries where you can grab a cold beer and enjoy some local food while you watch the waves come and go. Many stores offer surfing classes and rentals if you don't have any equipment.

If you need something more adventurous than kayaking or surfing, paragliding might be right up your alley. Aside from surfing, paragliding is one of the most popular activities at Waiao Beach. The best part? You will land right on the beach!

Location: Yilan, Taiwan

Getting there: Take the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Wai'ao train station. The trip takes about 2 hours and costs less than NT$120. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the station.

The tiny island of Cijin, just off the coast of Kaohsiung, may be better known for its delicious seafood, but it's also home to one of the best black sand beaches in Taiwan.

Cijin Beach is a long stretch of beach located a short stroll from Cijin's bustling Old Town. There's plenty of space where you can play in the sand, cool off in the water, join a game of beach volleyball or simply relax on the beach. You'll also find several pop-ups near the beach where you can buy anything from towels to snorkeling gear or ice cream. Just be aware, the south of Taiwan is usually scorching hot during the summer! So, remember to bring a beach umbrella. Alternatively, rent an apartment near the beach.

If you plan to spend a day in Cijin, don't miss visiting the Old Fort and taking a selfie at the Rainbow Church. At sunset, head to the best beach bar in town, Sunset Bar, where you can enjoy a cold beer right on the beach!

Location: Cijin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Getting there: Take a ferry from Gushan Pier Ferry Terminal in Kaohsiung to get to the island. The trip takes less than 10 minutes and costs about NT$40.

Zhongao Beach is the largest beach on Liuqiu Island and boasts a stretch of soft white sand and crystal clear waters. If you didn't know this already, Liuqui is also one of the few places in Taiwan where you can get a close-up view of green sea turtles. Every year, from May to October, areas of this beach have dedicated sanctuaries where these endangered animals can lay eggs and hunt freely here.

Additionally, the beach is famous for swimming, snorkeling, and fun beach activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. If you are not a strong swimmer, this is the beach as the currents are not strong on this island. While it's a fun snorkeling spot, it's not the best on the island. However, you are still bound to see some turtles, beautiful corals, and colorful fish.

If you're not spending a few days in Xiaoliuqiu, be sure to stop by Vase Rock. This bizarre rock formation resembling a mushroom is Xiaoliuqiu's most famous attraction! The beach isn't very big, but there are some beautiful shallow tide pools where you can snorkel or relax.

Location: Liuqiu Island, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Getting there: Take a ferry from Donggang Ferry Terminal to Baisha Tourist Port. When you come out of the harbor, turn left. Then walk along the path to the top of the hill, where you will see a trail leading to the beach.

Although Secret Beach is not a hidden gem, it is incredibly beautiful and deserves a spot on your list of must-visit Taiwan beaches. Part of Secret Beach's appeal lies in its unique landscape. The crescent-shaped beach may not be the best sunbathing spot on the island. But it's what lies beneath its waters that make it so exceptional!

The underwater world is mind-blowing and filled with colorful fish, vibrant coral, and gentle sea turtles! And if you are looking for the BEST snorkeling place in Liuqiu, this is it! You should only swim or snorkel if you are a good swimmer. The current was quite violent, and there weren't any lifeguards here.

The entrance is direct across from Houshi Fringing Reef, and you'll need to take a bus or drive a scooter to get here. It's also not precisely marked, so remember to slow down, or you'll miss the turn.

Location: near Gushan, Kaohsiung City,Taiwan

Getting there: Secret Beach locates on the east side of Xiaoliuqiu. Buses are complicated and infrequent, so it's best to rent a scooter near the tourist port. Make sure you mark the location on Google Maps.

Taiwan's southern coast is home to so many beautiful beaches that it's hard to keep track of them. But if you're looking for a pristine stretch of fine golden sand and warm turquoise waters, then South Bay is the place for you.

Commonly known as Nanwan, South Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Kenting National Park. It is best known for its excellent swimming conditions and a wide range of water fun activities. If that's your scene, don't miss the banana boat and jet ski ride! But if you just want to relax, there's plenty of room to grill in the sun or play in the sand.

You can also rent a beach umbrella for a few dollars right on the beach. And across the street, you'll find a host of bars and cafes ready to serve you a cold beer or cocktail.

Location: near Hengchun, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Getting there: Take the Kenting Express Bus from Zuoying THSR Station and get off at Nanwan. Travel time takes about 2.5 hours, and it's best to book your bus tickets here. Also, read my guide on how to get to Kenting from Kaohsiung for more tips.

Little Bay or Xiaowan Beach may be Kenting's smallest beach, but it's one of the best!

This secluded bay between the hillsides is right in front of the Caesar Park Hotel and is one of the safest beaches in Taiwan, thanks to its underwater coastal net.

The beach boasts soft powdery sand, gentle waves, and stunning surroundings that make it great for sunbathing and swimming. Furthermore, it is also fully furnished with a luxury beach bar, showers, restrooms, lounges, and rental umbrellas.

If you can, stay there until sunset to watch the sun fade on the horizon! The best part? You can sit in the front row on the beach with your toes in the sand or at the beach bar with a cocktail in hand!

Location: Kenting, Pingtung County, Taiwan

Getting there: Take the Kenting Express bus from Zuoying THSR Station and get off at Xiaowan. Notice the wooden stairs leading to the beach.

Lintou Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located on the eastern corner of Magong, the main gateway to Taiwan's stunning Penghu Islands. However, to get here, you need to plan quite carefully! You'll need a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Chiayi or a quick flight from Taichung or Taipei.

While it's not the easiest Taiwanese beach to reach, it won't stop you from visiting because the effort will be MUCH MORE! The thing that makes this beach exceptional is that it's the longest white-sand beach on the island, offering stunning shoreline views and warm waters for swimming! Plus, you can have your beach as most people head to neighboring Aimen Beach for all the water sports there.

If you get sick of lounging on the beach, stop by the White Bay Restaurant. It's one of the few restaurants in Penghu with a stunning view of the beach!

Location: Penghu Islands, Penghu County, Taiwan

How to get there: The best way to get to Lintou Beach is to rent a scooter. Alternatively, you can take the Jianshan Line bus to Lintou Stop.

Located just off Maobitou Park in Hengshui Town is one of Taiwan's most spectacular beaches - Kenting Baishawan.

Here you will find a beautiful stretch of fine white sand with crystal clear waters and swaying coconut trees – absolute paradise. Both the northern and southern parts of the beach have numerous rock pools perfect for snorkeling and exploring. But if you want to swim, you'll find the best spot right between the two. Come early to skip the heat and have your beach!

Some vendors rent beach umbrellas and chairs for NT$300 a day along the beach. And if you want, you can even do some water sports like banana boat rides or jet skis here. If the sun is too harsh for you, visit the mellow beach bar on the north side of the beach. Order yourself an iced Taiwanese beer or a freshly cracked coconut and enjoy the best of heaven!

The beach has several access points, but watch out for entry point 3. If you enter anywhere else, you'll have to pay for parking. Also, bring cash as you will need to pay to use the shower, bathroom, and even the foot wash!

Location: White Sand Bay, New Teipei, Taiwan

Getting there: The best way to get here is to use your own set of wheels. Rent a scooter along Kenting Street, and you can explore this part of Kenting National Park at your own pace.

About 12 kilometers from Taiwan's Southernmost Point is Taiwan's premier surfing spot, Jialeshui - a tiny surf village with another of Taiwan's beautiful beaches, Gangkou Beach.

Gangkou Beach boasts a long expansive stretch of black sand facing the Pacific Ocean. And while it's not as picturesque as other Kenting beaches, the breaks here are perfect for surfing. The vibe is that Jialeshui is super laid-back, making it a great place to relax, watch the waves, or even try surfing for yourself! If you don't have a board, you can rent a board at one of the many surf shops in town.

You can get to the beach by crossing the Gangkou River Suspension Bridge or driving towards Jialeshuei Scenic Park via Chashan Road. In particular, Yucan Park has spacious parking and easy access to the beach.

If surfing isn't for you, rent a kayak near the suspension bridge. The jungle setting along the Gangkou River is exceptional, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a few monkeys along the way! Nearby, don't miss out on delicious pizza at Rock Garden Pizza and hearty cocktails at Instagrammable YagouBlue Rooftop!

Location: Jiangshan Peninsula

Getting there: The best way to explore the Hengchun peninsula is by scooter. You can rent one in Kenting village for as little as NT$450 a day.

Kenting Beach is another example of a picturesque beach in Taiwan. Running along Dawan Road, just one way down from the famous Kenting Street, this stretch of golden sand is suitable for sunbathing, gentle beach walks, and sunsets.

Sadly the currents are a little strong here, and you will spot some signs with no swimming path leading to the beach. Many locals still come here to play by the beach and in the water. Although the water is not as clear as other places in Kenting, the scenery is beautiful, and the water is the perfect temperature! If you can, stay there until sunset to watch the sun go down under the waves!

Location: Nanwan, Taiwan

Getting there: Taking the Kenting Express Bus at Kaohsiung MTR Station. Get off at Kenting Arch bus stop. Follow Dawan Road until you see the wooden bridge leading to the beach on the right.