19 of the Best Beaches in Taiwan (That Might Surprise You)

After nearly 14 years of living in Taiwan and exploring its cities, mountains, and islands, I’ll admit — the beaches turned out to be one of the island’s most unexpected highlights for me. And if you’re looking for the best beaches in Taiwan, you’re in the right place.

Sure, most travelers come for the food, night markets, and cultural landmarks — and I love all that, too. But Taiwan also happens to be home to some truly beautiful coastlines. In fact, I’d argue they’re some of the most underrated in Asia.

Think soft white sand, black volcanic shores, green algae-covered reefs, and pebble-strewn stretches. Taiwan’s beaches are wildly diverse — and the best part? Many of them are quiet, uncrowded, and well off the typical tourist trail.

Whether you’re into surfing, snorkeling with sea turtles, or just stretching out with a cold beer and a view, there’s a beach here with your name on it.

In this guide, I’m sharing 19 of my favorite coastal spots, plus how to get there, what to pack, and why each one’s worth a detour.

So grab a drink, and let’s get right into some of Taiwan’s best-kept beaches.

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Best Beaches Near Taipei & the North Coast

Fulong Beach

Just 1.5 hours east of Taipei, you’ll find Fulong Beach (福隆海水浴場) – a stunning 3km stretch of golden sand perfect for a quick day trip from Taipei. 

Thanks to its proximity to Taipei, Fulong is a popular beach in Taiwan year-round. And during warmer months, you’ll find the beach packed with beachgoers, day-trippers, and families. While Fulong is perfect for sun-baking, swimming, and adventure sports like kayaking, SUP, and windsurfing, there is yet another reason to add it to your list of must-see beaches in Taiwan. And that’s the International Sand Sculpture Festival. Every summer (Jun – Aug), dozens of artists from all over the world flock here to create the most amazing sand sculptures imaginable. The sculptures take weeks to build, with several standing meters high! The sculptures are on display until the end of October this year.

If you happen to be in Taiwan during this special event, expect to find the beach littered with impressive artworks!

Getting there: Take an eastbound Taiwan Railways train to Fulong Station at Taipei Main Station. The ride costs TWD 83 and takes roughly 1.5 hours.

Laomei Green Reef

Another beautiful beach near Taipei is Laomei Green Reef (老梅綠石槽). 

Laomei is not your average Taiwan beach, and to be honest, you’ll need to plan if you want to see this gem in all its glory. Every spring (Mar – May), Laomei’s 700-m long rocky reef is blanketed in bright green algae creating the most beautiful setting (but judge for yourself by the picture included). 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 really ideal for swimming. However, there is a small nook near the Fugui Cape trailhead where you can splash around in the water. Nonetheless, Laomei is truly an incredible sight to witness firsthand and an excellent photo spot. Bring your favorite travel drone to capture the reef’s beauty from above!

Oh, and heads up, the reef is only visible during low tide. So, remember to check the tidal schedules before tackling the 2-hour journey from Taipei here! 

Getting there: Take bus 863 or 862 from Tamsui Bus Station to Mingde Village 1 stop. Tickets cost TWD 45, and buses depart every 20-30 minutes.

Baishawan

There are a handful of great beaches near Taipei, but finding soft, powdery white sand in this part of the island isn’t always easy. That’s why Baishawan (白沙灣遊憩區), which literally means “white sand bay,” is such a treat.

Tucked between Fugui Cape and Linshanbi in Shimen District, Baishawan is a beautiful 1-kilometer stretch with soft sand and inviting waters. The waves here are smaller than nearby Waiao, but it’s still a solid spot for paddleboarding or low-key surfing. And if that’s not your vibe, there’s plenty of space to lounge, people-watch, or just soak up the sun.

It’s a very laid-back place and perfect for spending a lazy day along Taiwan’s north coast. There are a couple of shops where you can rent gear, grab an ice-cold beer to enjoy on the beach, and even a British-run pub serving the most delicious fish & chips!

Since Laomei Green Reef is practically next door, it makes perfect sense to combine the two on a day trip. You can hop between them by bus, or if you’re feeling active, follow the short coastal trail that links Laomei to Fuji Fishing Harbor (富基漁港). From there, it’s just a 2.4km bus ride to Baishawan.

The trail is 100% worth the detour. It has amazing coastal views, and you can even swing by Fuguijiao Lighthouse (富貴角燈塔) along the way. Just keep an eye out for the scary-looking lizards that like to sun themselves on the path.

Getting there: Take bus 863 or 862 from Tamsui Bus Station and get off at Baishawan Beach. The ride takes just under 1 hour and costs TWD 45. 

Dawulun Beach

Dawulun Beach (also called Waimushan Beach) is located in a cute little seaside village just north of Keelung City. 

Unless you live in Taipei, you’ve probably never even heard of Dawulun Beach, making it more of a ‘local’ hotspot. The bay itself is not very big, but if you visit on a weekday, it’s pretty easy to find a secluded spot all to yourself. 

Dawulun Beach is a golden sandy beach with warm, clear water perfect for swimming and paddle boarding. The mountains create a beautiful backdrop here too. And on a clear day, you’ll get an amazing view of Keelung Islet in the distance. 

There are a couple of local eateries here, but my fave is Chu Chu Cafe. The cafe has a lovely ambiance and even more amazing views over the bay. Bring cash because there are no ATMs or convenience stores in Dawulun. 

For the more adventurous, the lovely 900m Haixing Trail will take you to Lovers Lake Park – a scenic park with a dreamy mountaintop lake and amazing views over the entire bay. 

How to get there: Take a taxi or Uber from Keelung Station (around TWD 250) or Coastal Keelung Shuttle Bus (T99) to Waimushan. The bus departs right in front of the Keelung Visitors Centre, but you should know that it’s not very frequent.

Zhongjiao Bay

While most beachgoers visiting Taiwan’s North Coast head out to Wanli Beach, Zhongjiao Bay (中角灣), just outside Jinshan, definitely deserves a spot on your Taiwan beach list. 

Zhongjiao Bay (also spelled Jhongjiao) is a stunning crescent-shaped beach featuring a long strip of soft sand. With constant waves, it is one of the most popular surf spots along the North Coast and also serves as an international surfing base. Whether you’re an advanced surfer or a beginner, this beach is the perfect spot to practice your skills. There are a bunch of surf shops here where you can rent gear and even get surfing lessons. Try Jhongjiao Bay Surf Center (across from the Visitor Centre), which rents out both surf and SUP gear.

If that’s not for you, the beach offers plenty of room to work on your tan, and during summer, the water is the perfect temperature for swimming or splashing around. Nearby, you can also pop by Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock, the Twin Candlestick Islets, or chill at one of the cozy roadside cafes while watching the waves. Pop by Young Door if you fancy an ice cream coffee!

Getting there: Rent a car to explore all the wonders of the north coast at your leisure. Alternatively, catch bus 862 near Chenghuang Temple in Keelung. The ride takes just over an hour and costs TWD 60. 

East Coast Beaches

Qixingtan Beach, Hualien

Qixingtan Beach (七星潭) is a beautiful stretch of coastline just outside Hualien on Taiwan’s scenic east coast. Most travelers rush through Hualien on their way to Taroko National Park, which means Qixingtan stays pretty low-key — and that’s part of what makes it special.

What sets it apart from other beaches in Taiwan is that it’s completely covered in pebbles. It’s not your typical sandy beach, but the setting is incredible: dramatic mountains behind you, and turquoise water of the Pacific stretching out in front. It’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in eastern Taiwan.

If you get tired of soaking up the views or stacking zen stone towers, head to one of the quirky little eateries nearby. You’ll find everything from local snacks and aloe ice cream to a cold beer with a view. Or rent a bike and explore the coastal park — it’s a great way to take in more of the area without a big effort.

Qixingtan’s a solid spot any time of day. Come early to catch one of Taiwan’s best sunrises, or swing by at night for some surprisingly good stargazing. Just don’t plan on swimming here — the currents are strong, and it’s actually not allowed.

Getting there: Scooters are easy to rent outside Hualien Station, and I’ve always found that the fastest way to get around. You can book a scooter in advance here if you’d rather skip the hassle of finding one on the spot. If you’d rather not drive, you can also rent a car with a driver. Of course, there’s also public transport; just take bus 310 or 308 from the tourist center at Hualien Station and get off at Chihsingtan Beach. And if you need help planning your transport up the east coast, here’s my guide on getting from Taipei to Hualien.

Waiao Beach

Just past Wushi Harbor in Yilan County’s Toucheng Township, you’ll find one of Taiwan’s top surf spots, Waiao Beach(外澳沙灘).

This wide, black-sand beach is a go-to for surfers, beach lovers, and families alike. It’s known for consistent waves, mellow vibes, and killer views of Turtle Island just offshore. Whether you’re here to swim, surf, chill with a beer, or play in the sand, Waiao has plenty of space to spread out.

If you didn’t bring gear, no worries — there are loads of rental shops offering boards and surfing lessons. Feeling hungry? Head to the beachfront strip for food and drinks. I recommend Driftwood Pizza Pub on the northern end. Their pizza is amazing, and it’s also just a nice laidback spot to hang out at.

If you need something more adventurous than kayaking or surfing, then paragliding might be right up your alley. The best part? You’ll get to land right on the beach!  

Getting there: Take a TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Wai’ao Train Station. The ride takes roughly 2 hours and costs less than TWD 120. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the station.

Dongao Bay

Dongao Bay (東澳灣) is one of the best off‑the‑beaten‑path coastal stops on Taiwan’s northeast coast, so you might want to pair it with ideas from my Taiwan hidden gems guide. It’s a long, quiet stretch of gravel and sand hugged by lush, forested hills just outside the tiny .

This beautiful 3km long gravel beach, flanked by towering mountains covered in lush vegetation, is located just outside the tiny coastal village of Dongao in Yilan. Unlike many more popular beaches in Taiwan, Dongao still flies under the radar for most visitors (and even long‑term residents), which means you’ll often have the place pretty much to yourself. It’s a peaceful spot for paddling, kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding, fishing, or just soaking up the scenery and the sound of the ocean.

At the southern end of the bay, you’ll find Fenniaolin Fishing Harbor and the tucked‑away Fenniaolin Beach (粉鳥林海灘). The rocks and small caves here make for a nice wander, and there’s a tiny cluster of food stalls where you can grab snacks, drinks, or ice cream before you head back out. Swimming isn’t officially allowed at Fenniaolin, but I’ve heard it’s a great spot for snorkelling — just don’t get caught!

How to get there: Public transport options are limited, so if you can drive or rent a scooter, it makes the trip easier. If you want to pick up a scooter, Luodong would be your best bet. You can also take the local train to Dongao Station, then catch Yunbus 122 or the Dong Ao Purple Line toward the coast. If you miss the bus (like me), it’s about a 15‑minute walk to the bay, and another 30‑minute walk to Fenniaolin Fishing Harbor from there.

Neipi Beach

Neipi Beach (內埤海灘) is another beautiful Taiwan beach that needs to be on your beach radar. 

Located just outside Su’ao in Yilan County, Neipi Beach might not be as famous as other beaches on this list. But if you happen to be looking for things to do in Yilan, this beach is a must! Featuring a 1km long strip of gorgeous black sand fringed by blue waters and lush mountain scenery, it’s no wonder Neipi Beach is also dubbed Lover’s Bay.  

Although the beach is not ideal for swimming, it’s quiet and perfect for a romantic stroll. A lovely walkway with plenty of benches to sit back and admire the scenery also runs along the bay. Make sure to follow the walkway to the northern edge, where you’ll find a bunch of cute cafes to enjoy a cold beer or your favorite drink. 

How to get there: Take bus 1766 from Su’ao Station to Nanfangao. Then walk 10 minutes to the beach. You can also take a taxi, which is a bit more expensive but more convenient. 

Southern Taiwan Beaches

Cijin Beach

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

Cijin Beach (旗津海水浴場) is a sprawling beach located a short stroll from Cijin’s bustling Old Street. There’s plenty of room where you can kick back in the sand, cool off in the water, join a beach volleyball game, or even go stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll also find several pop-up stores near the beachfront where you can buy anything from towels to snorkeling gear or ice cream. Just a heads up, the south of Taiwan is usually scorching hot during summer! So remember to pack a beach umbrella. Alternatively, rent one near the beachfront. 

If you plan on spending an entire day in Cijin, don’t miss popping by the Old Fort and taking a selfie at Rainbow Church. At sunset, head to the best beach bar in town, Sunset Bar, where you can enjoy an ice-cold beer right on the beach!  

Getting there: Take the ferry from Gushan Pier Ferry Terminal in Kaohsiung to access the island. The ride takes less than 10 minutes and costs roughly TWD 40. Not sure how to get to Kaohsiung? Read my guide on getting from Taipei to Kaohsiung.

South Bay

Southern Taiwan’s coastline is home to so many beautiful beaches that it’s hard to keep track of them all. But if you’re looking for a pristine stretch of powdery soft golden sand and warm turquoise-colored water, then South Bay (南灣遊憩區) is the place for you. 

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

You can also rent a beach umbrella for a few dollars right on the beach. And just across the road, you’ll find a strip of bars and cafes ready to serve you a cold beer or boozy cocktail. 

Getting there: Take the Kenting Express Bus from Zuoying THSR Station and alight at Nanwan. The ride takes about 2.5 hours, and it’s best to prebook a bus ticket here. Also, read my guide on getting to Kenting from Kaohsiung for more tips.

Little Bay

Little Bay Beach or Xiaowan (小灣海水浴場) might be Kenting’s smallest beach but its unquestionably one of the best! 

This secluded cove wedged between hilly slopes is located right in front of Caesar Park Hotel and is actually one of the safest beaches in Taiwan, thanks to its underwater coastal net. 

The beach boasts soft powder sand, gentle waves, and stunning surrounding scenery making it a great place for sun-baking and swimming. What’s more, it’s also fully equipped with a swanky beach bar, showers, restroom and lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent.  

If you can, stick around until sunset to see the sun melt away over the horizon! The best part? You can have front row seats right on the beach with your toes in the sand or at the beach bar with a cocktail in hand! 

Getting there: Take the Kenting Express bus from Zuoying THSR Station and alight at Xiaowan. Keep an eye out for the wooden staircase leading to the beach. 

Kenting Baishawan

If you thought Taipei was the only place with a beach called “White Sand,” think again. Tucked around the corner from Maobitou Park in Hengchun Township, Kenting Baishawan (墾丁白沙灣) is one of southern Taiwan’s most stunning stretches of coastline.

Baishawan isn’t exactly a secret, though. Scenes from Ang Lee’s Life of Pi were filmed here. But because it sits away from Kenting’s main tourist strip, it tends to stay blissfully quiet. Think soft white sand, swaying palms, and turquoise water that begs you to dive in.

The beach is flanked by rocky areas on either side, great for snorkeling or poking around tide pools. If you’re here to swim, the best spot is right in the middle. Come early for cooler temps and a good chance of having it all to yourself.

Need some shade? Umbrellas and loungers go for around TWD 300 a day, and there’s a chill beach bar near the northern end — perfect for cracking open a cold Taiwan Beer or sipping a mojito under the trees. Banana boat rides and jet skis are available too, if you’re in the mood for some action.

A quick tip: aim for Entry Point No.3 to avoid paid parking areas. Bring cash for beach facilities — you’ll need coins for the showers, restrooms, and even the foot rinse station.

Getting there: The easiest way to reach Baishawan is by scooter. I usually rent one along Kenting Street, which gives you the freedom to explore this quieter corner of Kenting National Park at your own pace.

Gangkou Beach

Roughly 12km past the Southernmost Point of Taiwan lies Taiwan’s premier surf spot, Jialeshui – a tiny surfing village home to yet another incredible Taiwan beach, Gangkou Beach ( 港口海灘).

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

To get to the beach, you can either cross the Gangkou River Suspension Bridge or drive towards the Jialeshuei Scenic Park via Chashan Road. Yucan Park, in particular, has ample parking space and offers easy access to the beach. 

If surfing is not for you, rent a kayak near the suspension bridge. The jungle scenery along the Gangkou River is something really special, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a few monkeys along the way! 

Nearby don’t miss the delicious pizza at Rock Garden Pizza and the boozy cocktails at Instagrammable YagouBlue Rooftop! 

Getting there: The best way to explore the Hengchun peninsula is by scooter. You can rent one in Kenting village for as little as TWD 550 a day. 

Kenting Beach

Kenting Beach (墾丁海水浴場) is another example of a picture-perfect beach in Taiwan. Running along Dawan Road, just one road down from the famous Kenting Street, this long strip of golden sand is a great place for sunbathing, gentle strolls on the beach, and sunset watching. 

Sadly the currents are quite strong here, and you’ll spot several no swimming signs leading to the beach. Even so, many locals come here to play beachside and in the water. Although the water isn’t as clear as elsewhere in Kenting, the scenery is amazing, and the water is the perfect temperature! If you can, stick around until sunset to watch the sun dwindle under the waves! 

Getting there: Take the Kenting Express Bus at Kaohsiung HSR Station. Alight at the Kenting Arch bus stop. Follow Dawan Road until you see the wooden bridge leading to the beach on the right. 

Best Offshore Island Beaches

Oil Cave Lagoon

Green Island is easily one of Taiwan’s most beautiful offshore islands, and its coastline is dotted with coral beaches that feel a world away from the mainland. One of the best? Oil Cave Lagoon (油窟潟湖).

Tucked into a crescent-shaped bay, this spot has soft, powdery sand and unbelievably clear water. From above, the surrounding reef looks like a dark oil ring, hence the name.

Thanks to that natural reef barrier, the lagoon is one of the safest swimming spots on the island. The “pool” itself is massive, so whether you’re snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just floating around, there’s plenty of space. Onshore, it’s a chill place to tan, people-watch, or just take a breather between island adventures.

When you’ve had your beach fix, head up to Lyudou Lighthouse. It’s a short climb and totally worth it for the panoramic views — especially at sunset. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a small plane coming in or out of Green Island Airport down below.

Getting there: Ferries run from Fugang Harbor near Taitung to Green Island. Once you arrive, the best way to get around is to rent a scooter near the harbor — it’s by far the easiest way to reach all the island’s beaches and sights.

Zhongao Beach

Secret Beach

Another beach on Xiaoliuqiu that you don’t want to miss is Secret Beach (厚石魚澳).

Despite its name, Secret Beach is not really a hidden gem anymore, but it is incredibly beautiful and definitely deserves a spot on your list of must-see Taiwan beaches. Part of Secret Beach’s charm lies in its unique landscape. The crescent-shaped beach might not be the best sunbathing spot on the island, but it is what lies beneath its waters that makes it so special!

The underwater world is simply mind-blowing here and chock-full with colorful fish, vibrant coral, and gentle sea turtles! And if you’re looking for the BEST snorkeling spot in Liuqiu, this is it! Just a word of warning, you should only swim or snorkel here if you are a strong swimmer. The currents are quite intense on this side of the island, and there aren’t any lifeguards here. 

The inlet lies just past the Houshi Fringing Reef, and you’ll need to take a bus or drive a scooter to get here. It’s not marked properly either, so remember to slow down, or else you’ll miss the turnoff point. 

Getting there: Secret Beach is located on the eastern side of Xiaoliuqiu. Buses are complicated and not as frequent, so it’s best to rent a scooter near the tourist harbor. Make sure you bookmark the location on Google Maps. 

Lintou Beach

Lintou Beach (林投海灘) is a gorgeous white sand beach located in the eastern corners of Magong, the main gateway to Taiwan’s stunning Penghu archipelago. To get here, though, requires quite a bit of planning! The good news is, Penghu is one of Taiwan’s most popular offshore destinations, so there are several ways to get there. In fact, I’ve written a complete guide on getting to Penghu. But in short, you’ll need to either take a 1.5-hour ferry from Chiayi or a quick flight from Taichung or Taipei. 

While it’s not the easiest Taiwan beach to access, it shouldn’t stop you from visiting because the effort will be MORE than worth it! What really makes this beach so special is that it is the longest white sand beach on the island, offering killer coastal views and warm waters to swim in! Added to that, you’re likely to have the beach all to yourself as most people head to neighboring Aimen Beach (隘門沙灘) to take part in all the water sports on offer there. 

If you get sick of lounging on the beach, slip into White Bay Restaurant. It’s one of the few restaurants in Penghu offering stunning beachfront views! 

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

So… Are Taiwan’s Beaches Worth It?

Absolutely.

While Taiwan’s beaches might not be as internationally famous as Bali or Thailand’s, or quite as postcard-perfect as the Philippines’, they offer something far more diverse and underrated. From wild black sand coastlines and algae-covered reefs to turquoise swimming bays and soft white sand, Taiwan’s shores are full of surprises — and most travelers don’t even know they’re here.

What I love most? Many of these beaches are blissfully uncrowded. Sometimes it’s just you, a few locals, the occasional beach dog, and maybe even a sea turtle or two.

So yes — Taiwan’s beaches are 100% worth your time. You just need to know where to look (and now, you do).

That wraps up my personal picks for the best beaches in Taiwan. Have a favorite that’s not on the list? Drop it in the comments — I’m always up for discovering new coastal gems.

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