This Island Beach Is Said to Be One of the Most Photographed on Earth

Frigid temperatures and snowstorms likely have you dreaming of tropical weather, turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches. You could book a trip to Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora, or the Maldives, but we have one more destination you may want to consider: the Seychelles. The archipelago off East Africa is made up of 115 different islands—including one that’s home to what’s perhaps the most photogenic beach in the world.

The island of La Digue, the third most populous island of the Seychelles, is known for its incredibly picturesque beach: Anse Source d’Argent. You may even hear Anse Source d’Argent referred to as the most photographed beach in the world (although there are no hard numbers to back up the statement). With powdery white sand, palm trees, lush vegetation, and crystal clear water, it’s the epitome of a tropical escape. There are also giant granite boulders dotting the shore, giving it a decidedly remote, rugged feel.

And while Anse Source d’Argent may seem far-flung, especially if you’re flying from the U.S., it’s far from undiscovered. In fact, you might already recognize the scenery (even if you’ve never set foot in the Seychelles). According to U.S. News & World Report, Anse Source d’Argent has been used for photo shoots for brands like Bacardi Rum and Campari. It also routinely ranks for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Photographs don’t quite do this beach justice, though. Ranked No. 7 in the world in the World’s 50 Best Beaches list, this stunning escape is the type of place you could enjoy for hours on end. The clear waters are calm and shallow, perfect for snorkeling or paddling. However, the tide levels are known affect the experience. “If the tide is high, it is not always possible to get [around] the front of the boulders, but there is a path through the shrubs and trees just at the back of the sands that follows the whole stretch of the beach,” one traveler shared on Tripadvisor.

To reach Anse Source d’Argent, venture about two miles south of the ferry port on La Digue. You’ll access the beach through the historic L’Union Estate, where you’ll reportedly pay a small fee. The website Seyvillas mentions there are several fruit stands as well as a restaurant and toilets nearby. When you’re planning your visit—maybe as a day trip from the neighboring island of Praslin—try to time your arrival for earlier in the day. Otherwise, past travelers note that Anse Source d’Argent can get busy, and your fellow tourists may prevent you from getting that picture-perfect moment.