20 Terrific Taiwan Beaches

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Taiwan doesn’t instantly come to mind when you think of beach holidays, but actually, this country has many amazing stretches of sand and gorgeous coastlines. No matter what your itinerary, as long as you’re by the coast, there are fantastic beaches in Taiwan to explore. With 973 miles of coastline, you will easily find a Taiwanese beach to enjoy. There are golden and black sand beaches in Taiwan’s north and white fine sand beaches in the south. From romantic beach getaways to family-friendly beaches, here are the best beaches in Taiwan to inspire your next visit.

Taiwan Beaches

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20 Best Beaches In Taiwan

1- Lintou Beach

best taiwan beaches aerial view coastline and beach in Eastern Taiwan
Eastern Taiwan’s beaches are stunning and the region has long stretches of pristine coastline.

This Taiwan beach is not on the mainland island. It is situated on the east side of the Penghu archipelago, which belongs to Taiwan.

To reach the archipelago, you’ll need to take a 1 ½ hour ferry from Chiayi or a quick flight from Taipei or Taichung.

Lintou Beach is a gorgeous soft white sand beach and the longest white sandy beach on the island.

One of the attractive things about this beach is it’s not very crowded. Most people tend to head to the neighbouring beaches leaving this one your own little paradise.

Lintou Beach is at 885 Huxi Township, Penghu County.

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Stay at: Lang duo duo Homestay

2- Kenting Baishawan

taiwan beaches gay nude
Enjoy the soft sand and clear water at Kenting Beach in southern Taiwan.

This stunning beach is in Hengchun Township in southern Taiwan and is one of the best beaches in Taiwan, if not the best.

This beach has become well known since the release of Life of Pi, where this beach was used for filming.

Despite its popularity, it’s a little further out from the main area of Kenting, so it’s not super packed.

It’s an effortlessly beautiful tropical paradise you can explore on a private cruise of Pingtung country.

You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas (essential in the hot Taiwan sun).

There is also the opportunity to ride banana boats and rent jet skis.

There is a beach bar at the northern part of the beach, perfect for ordering an ice-cold beer or a fresh coconut.

Kenting Baishawan is at 946 Hengchun Township, Pingtung County.

You might also like this tour.

Stay at: 白砂灣藍海之丘 Blue Ocean Hill

3- Qixingtan Beach

taiwan beaches foamy waves rolling in on gravel sand with mountains in the background
Qixingtan Beach is one of the Taiwan beaches to tick off your to-visit list.

This beach sits on a scenic arched bay on the east coast of Taiwan in Xincheng Township.

Qixingtan is a hidden gem in terms of Taiwanese beaches.

Visitors flock to Taroko National Park but forget to visit this beautiful spot.

This beach is covered with pebbles and has expansive views of the Taroko National Park mountains.

You simply cannot beat the turquoise waters and mountain backdrop.

There are many authentic local restaurants nearby, if you get peckish, selling food, ice cream and cold beer.

If you’ve booked a room in the area, head to Qixingtan Beach for sunrise for one of the best sunrise views in Taiwan.

This is a no-swimming beach due to the strong currents and steep seafloor drop-off.

This is a charming beach to visit as not only is the beach itself nice, the Qixingtan Scenic Area behind the beach has a park with biking and footpaths.

So, tent a bike to cycle behind the beach for a lovely afternoon activity.

Swimming is not advised at the beach due to the strong underwater currents, but you can certainly get your feet wet.

Qixingtan Beach is at Haian road, Xincheng Township, Hualien County. 

Hiring a private car to explore Hualien is affordable. Find out more here.

Stay at: Hotel Bayview

4- Cijin Beach

beaches of taiwan aerial view of the beach on Cijin Island
One of the most popular beaches in Taiwan is the main beach on Cijin Island.

Cijin is a small sandbar-style island off the coast of Kaohsiung.

Cijin Beach is a sweeping black sand beach in a fantastic location, a quick walk from Cijin’s Old Street.

There is a ton of room on this beach, and there are beachfront stores to get snacks, swimming equipment, rent umbrellas and buy ice cream.

Relax on the sand, splash in the water, or maybe join a beach volleyball game.

You can spend the whole day on Cijin Island, visit the beach and be sure to check out the Rainbow Arch.

Cijin Beach is at No.1, Miaoqian Road, Qijin District.

Stay at: Simple Travel

5- Zhongao Beach

best beaches in taiwan rock beach in taiwan Liuqiu
Large coral rocks on the coastline off the island of Liuqiu in Taiwan.

This beach is on Xiaoliuqiu Island, also known as Lambai Island, south of Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan.

You’ll find this cute little beach in the island’s northern part.

You’ll have to take the ferry from Donggang Ferry Terminal to Baisha Tourist Harbor to reach the island.

Spending a couple of days on Xiaoliuqiu Island with a good amount of time at this beach won’t be difficult.

The beach features pristine soft white sand and clearer than clear waters.

One of the best things about swimming at this beach is that you may be lucky enough to see sea turtles, and it’s one of the few places in Taiwan where you can see these sea creatures up close.

Visiting between May and October, you will see that parts of the beach are closed off to allow turtles to lay their eggs.

Activities at this Taiwan beach include swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Even if you aren’t so confident at swimming, this is a great beach to visit because the currents here are not so strong, unlike many other beaches.

Zhongao Beach is at NO 124 Sanmin Road, Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County. Check out this tour of Liuqui Island.

Stay at: Hold 住 208 B&B

6- Dawulun Beach / Waimushan Beach

Dawulun Beach, also known as Waimushan Beach, has an impressive mountain backdrop.

This beach is in north Taiwan, not far from Keelung City.

This is a local’s beach, as not many tourists head to this area.

The warm golden sand and perfectly clear waters are what attract the locals.

The water conditions are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.

A top tip if you visit this beach is to bring cash, as there are no ATMs in Dawulun.

Dawulun Beach is at Section 2, Huhai Road, Anle District, Keelung City.

Stay at: CT Green Bay Hot-Spring Hotel

7- Gangkou Beach

taiwan east coast beaches
Panoramic view of the rugged coastline with rocks and surf in southern Taiwan.

Another of the best beaches in Taiwan is Gangkou Beach.

The nearby area of Jialeshui is known for having some of the best surfing in Taiwan, and Gangkou Beach is one of the closest spots.

The beach is long and wide and covered in black sand.

It may not be as instantly imposing and awe-inspiring as other Taiwan beaches, but the waves are perfect for surfing.

With the surfing quality comes an inevitable laidback beach atmosphere as wherever there are surfers, there’s a vibe.

There are many surfing shops in town to rent from if you don’t have your own board.

To reach the beach, walk over the Gangkou River Suspension Bridge (a cool experience in itself) or head towards Jialeshuei Scenic Park along Chashan Road.

Gangkou Beach is at 252 Chashan Road, Manzhou Township, Pingtung County. You may like this private cruise of Pingtung.

Stay at: Lugo Hotel

8- Dongao Bay Beach

Dongao Bay is on the east coast of Taiwan and is a 2km gravel beach overlooked by lush green mountains.

Not many tourists know about Dongao Bay, so it’s a bit of a hidden gem.

People visiting the beach like to get out their kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear.

If you don’t fancy one of those watersports, you can simply relax at the beach and enjoy the views.

Dongao Bay Beach is at 270 Yilan County, Suao Township.

Stay at: Brighthouse

9- Fulong Beach

fulong beach taipei taiwan
One of the easiest beaches in Taiwan to get to is Fulong Beach, near Taipei.

If you are in Taipei and are looking for a weekend beach getaway, Fulong Beach is a 3km golden sandy beach that’s a 1.5-hour drive from Taipei.

This beach is popular year-round because it’s so close to the capital.

There’s quite the atmosphere in the summer months when holidaymakers, locals, swimmers and sunbathers flock to this Taiwanese beach.

You should visit this beach between June and August when Fulong Beach is home to the International Sand Sculpture Festival.

Tons of artists from around the world head to this beach to impress with their epic sand sculptures.

It takes the artists weeks to build the sand sculptures, so you can imagine how big they are.

You have until October to see the sand sculptures when they are removed from the beach.

Fulong Beach is at 228 Gongliao District, New Taipei City

Stay at: Fullon Hotel Fulong

10- Waiao Beach

Waiao Beach Taiwan dusk over the rocks and sand
Waiao Beach is one of the popular surfing beaches in Taiwan.

This is another of Taiwan’s northeasterly beaches facing the Pacific Ocean and one of the best surf beaches in Taiwan.

This large black sand beach is ideal for playing, walking, swimming and surfing.

Right across from the beach, you can enjoy fantastic views of Turtle Island.

Check out the places to eat and drink along the beachfront, grab a beer and eat pizza at the Driftwood Pizza Pub.

Perhaps you haven’t surfed before but fancy taking lessons?

Well, this is the place to try. With tons of surf shops offering rentals and lessons, it’s the perfect place to practice. Book your surfing lesson here.

Try your luck at paragliding, where you’ll get to land right on the soft black sand.

Waiao Beach is at No.6, Section 2, Binhai Road, Toucheng Township, Yilan County.

Stay at: Sun Moment 鬆貓們民宿

11- Secret Beach

Flower Vase Coral Rock Linqui Island
Flower Vase Coral Rock is an iconic landmark off Lamay Island, which is also home to many pristine beaches.

Shush, don’t talk about it. It’s a secret! Head back to Xiaoliuqiu (Lamay) Island and you’ll find this not-so-secretive beach.

Although it’s no longer a secret, it deserves to be on this list of the best beaches in Taiwan.

This crescent-shaped beach is an underwater paradise, with vibrant fish, sea turtles and colourful coral.

Yes, sure, the beach is lovely but dive underwater and you will be amazed.

This has got to be the best snorkelling spot on the island, if not in Taiwan.

If you want to dive down to see the underwater creatures, you must be a good swimmer; the currents are strong at this beach.

Secret Beach is at 929 Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County. You may like to join this tour to Liuqiu Island.

Stay at: 琉浪潛水背包客棧 Drift Diving Hostel

12- Neipi Beach

beaches in taiwan near taipei aerial view of port and beach
Neipi Beach is a uniquely placed beach in Taiwan near the port of Suao.

The first thing you’ll notice at Neipi Beach is the contrast between luscious green, black sand and pearly blue ocean.

Spending time on this beach is one of the best things to do in Yilan County.

This beach is also colloquially known as Lover’s Bay, stretches for 1 km, and is the perfect place for a romantic evening stroll.

Behind the beach, you’ll find cute eateries and cafes if you follow a small walkway to the northern end.

Neipi Beach is at Xuefu Road, Su’ao Township, Yilan County.

Stay at: Lakeshore Hotel Suao

13- Laomei Green Reef

taiwan beaches laomei
One of the most unusual beaches in Taiwan is Laomei.

This is perhaps the most unusual beach on this list of the best beaches in Taiwan.

Laomei Green Reef is a stretch of seashore filled with the finger-like volcanic rock covered in algae.

This green, strangely attractive algae isn’t there year-round, so if you want to see it, you’ll have to plan.

Springtime between March and May is when this 700m rocky reef turns green.

The reef can only be seen at low tide, so check the tide times before arriving.

Bring your camera to photograph this fantastic natural spectacle.

If you’ve got a drone, even better, the view from the sky looking down is epic.

Whilst the rest of the beach is not super convenient for swimming owing to the rocks, there is a small spot near the Fugui Cape Trailhead where you can take a dip.

Laomei Green Reef is at 253 Shimen District, New Taipei City.

Stay at: Chill Chill House

14- South Bay

beaches in taiwan china could land on
Sunset. Coral coastline at Kenting National Park, Taiwan, Asia.

South Bay, or Nanwan as it’s more commonly known, is another lovely golden sandy beach in Taiwan.

It’s also one of the fun beaches in Kenting National Park.

Across the water, you’ll see banana boats and people riding jet skis as this is the ultimate beach for watersport enthusiasts.

You can rent umbrellas, so you don’t roast while tanning on the beach.

Behind the beach across the road, there’s a strip of bars and cafes to grab refreshments.

If you’re looking to explore several beaches, check out this private cruise. `

South Bay is at No. 223, Nanwan Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County.

Stay at: Grand Bay Resort Hotel

15- Little Bay / Xiaowan

taiwan sand beaches
Chuanfan Rock is a famous coral coastline and landmark at Kenting National Park, Taiwan, Asia.

Little Bay Beach, or Xiaowan, is one of the smallest beaches in Kenting but also one of the most beautiful.

Stunning hilly slopes flank this little cove, and a large underwater net makes swimming super safe at Little Bay if you are worried about currents and swimming conditions.

The glistening white sand and surrounding greenery make this an attractive beach.

There are shower facilities, a beach bar, restrooms, and umbrella and chair rentals at this beach.

They’ve got everything you need to sit back and relax for the whole day.

Little Bay is at No.14, Kending Road, Hengchun Township, Pingtung County. Check out this tour.

Stay at: Howard Beach Resort Kenting

16- Jici Beach

taiwan best beaches
Hualien Country is home to some lovely beaches in Taiwan, such as Der-Yen beach.

Jici Beach is on the middle, eastern side of Taiwan, facing the Pacific Ocean and is a great east coast beach because you are allowed to swim here.

On a good day, the turquoise water is a striking contrast to the black sand.

Many people also choose to surf at this beach and plenty of restaurants and cafes.

Overall, this is a fantastic beach for families because you can swim.

Jici Beach is in Fengbin Township, Hualien County. Exploring Hualien by private car is affordable.

Stay at: Kin Shui Villa

17- Anping Beach

taiwan beaches anping
Anping is a good family beach in Taiwan.

If you want a Taiwan beach with an incredible sunset, head to Anping Beach.

Anping Beach or Chiao Tou Beach Park may be small, but the sunsets more than makeup for that.

Bring your own umbrellas or something to protect you from the sun, which is scorching hot in summer, and shade is hard to come by.

Families like this beach because it’s relatively quiet.

Whether you are visiting during the day or just for sunset, this is another good beach in Taiwan.

Anping Beach is at No.196, Gubao Street, Anping District, Tainan City.

Stay at: 安平漫漫 Apartment

18- Wanli Beach

yehliu geopark taiwan beaches
Yehliu Geopark attracts thousands of visitors who also spend time on Wanli’s beaches.

Many of Taiwan’s beaches are quiet and secluded, but Wanli Beach is not one of them because it’s not far from the famous Yehliu Geopark.

The geopark has unusual geological formations that formed naturally thousands of years ago, and their shapes have been carved by wind and water. 

Wanli Beach is in a built-up area with hotels, restaurants and resorts frequented by holidaymakers.

Soft white sand sweeps along the coastline, with rolling hills and hotels as the backdrop.

If you’ve booked a hotel in the area, this will be your go-to beach to relax and enjoy the sun.

Wanli Beach is at 207 New Taipei City, Wanli District.

Stay at: 魚礁十五號民宿 FishHome 15

19- Aimen Beach

does taiwan have beaches
Head south for secluded beaches in Taiwan with fine sand, blue water and palm trees.

Aimen Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Taiwan’s Penghu archipelago.

You’ll need to take a 1.5-hour ferry from Chiayi or a flight from Taipei or Taichung to reach the island.

Aimen Beach is a mixture of white sand, small pieces of coral and foraminifera.

If you are not clued up on your coastal organisms, then forams are microscopic organisms that create shells from calcium carbonate.

You won’t even notice these tiny shells on the beach but knowing they are there is pretty cool.

Aimen Beach is at 885 Huxi Township, Penghu County.

20- Shansui Beach

Shanshui Beach is another beach on Taiwan’s archipelago, Penghu.

You’ll need to take a ferry or a quick plane from one of Taiwan’s major cities to reach the island.

This golden sandy beach looks like a tropical paradise, there’s no way to describe it.

Unlike some of Taiwan’s other beaches, the waters at Shanshui are calm and perfect for swimming.

This has become a popular surfing destination due to the fantastic water conditions.

As this is one of the best beaches on the archipelago it can sometimes get busy during summer.

Be sure to head to the beach early to get your favourite spot.

One of the super cool things to experience at Shanshui Beach is the “undersea post box.

Yes, a post box! Because who doesn’t want to dive down into these beautiful waters and post their letters?

Shanshui Beach is at 880 Magong City, Penghu County.

Stay at: Beachcastle & Sea View Villa

For more beaches in North America and Caribbean read:

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Harriet Comley
Harriet Comley is a travel enthusiast, freelance travel writer and a lover of safaris. Since 2017 she has been travelling the globe living in the UK, Canada, Vietnam, China and now Zambia, where she is completing her PhD in Sustainable Tourism. For 3 1/2 years she taught English in Vietnam and China. Now she has turned her attention to writing, having contributed to a number of travel blogs and websites always focusing on what she loves most…exploring!