Algarve, Portugal

If you enjoy spending time at the beach, you're certainly familiar with the illustrious blue flag that is flown over many of the top beaches in the world. What precisely is a beach with a blue flag? The Foundation for Environmental Education, a nonprofit organization, awards blue flags to deserving beaches each year. These beaches must adhere to extremely high requirements for security, accessibility, water quality, amenities, and garbage disposal.

One of the cities in the Algarve with some of the nicest beaches is Lagos. Ponta do Piedade is one of those sites that is difficult to believe actually exists. According to the Huffington Post, Ponta da Piedade, which is about 3 kilometers from the heart of Lago, is one of the world's most stunning beaches. Ponta do Piedade will undoubtedly steal your breath away with its breathtaking blend of imposing rock formations, sea arches, caves, ochre cliffs, and crystal-clear green water.

If it weren't for the Algar de Benagil, a breathtaking cave located just around the corner to the left side of the beach, Praia de Benagil, a little fishing community in the municipality of Lagoa, would be yet another undiscovered beach. The Huffington Post lists Benagil Cave as one of the "Top 10 coolest caves in the world" because of its unique combination of two stunning arches, a spherical hole in the ceiling, and golden-colored walls.