15 Best Taiwan Beaches - A Guide to Local Favorite Beaches

As an island with tropical parts, Taiwan is naturally home to some of the most beautiful beaches in East Asia. And because of the unique composition of the island, the country has so many types of beaches.

Taiwan isn’t a country known for its beaches. Even so, world-famous Kenting has been rated one of the best beaches in Asia. As a matter of fact, I’d argue that the island has some of the most underrated beaches in the world.

From Sanxiantai’s pebble beach to Baishawan’s white sandy shores, these awesome and unique beaches can be found all over the island. Let’s explore the best beaches Taiwan has to offer.

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Best Taiwan Beaches

Most of Taiwan’s coastline is made up of volcanic sand with few white-sand beaches. Both types of beaches are beautiful and interesting in their own right. With that said, here are our 15 favorite Taiwanese beaches. Plus, we included beaches of the islands that surround Taiwan too.

Note: Not every beach on this list is suitable for swimming. Many of the beaches on the east coast are considered “dangerous” for swimming and you can get in trouble for getting into the water. Always check with the local law enforcement before planning to go for a swim.

15. Neipi Beach

LOCATION: Yilan (East)

Also known as “Lover’s Bay,” Neipi Beach is situated south of Yilan County on Taiwan’s east side. Similar to Sanxiantai and Chishingtan, the shores have small pebbles instead of sand. However, Neipi’s pebbles are much smaller and easier to walk on.

Again, this is a Taiwan beach that’s only suitable for sight seeing. Because of the terrain of the beach, the waves are quite large and can easily drag you into the water. Don’t try to swim here! Many people have lost their lives at this beach. And if you decide to enter the water, lifeguards will escort you out.

However, if you’re trying to sun bathe with a stunning view, Neipi Beach is the place to go. Enclosed by small mountains, the charming Neipi Beach gets its reputation as Lover’s Bay for being a fantastic date destination on the east coast of the island.

14. Fulong Beach

LOCATION: New Taipei (North)

Fulong Beach is one of the more popular beaches for the younger crowd, largely thanks to its close proximity to Taipei City. The northern beach is easily accessible by train and bus from Taipei Main Station. And while it’s not as nice as the southern beaches, Fulong has a charm of its own.

Known for its amazing sand sculptures, Fulong Beach holds the International Sand Sculpture Festival every year, usually beginning in April and lasting until August. Expect plenty of people and a scorching summer sun at this event. But it’s worth visiting just for these surreal sculptures that take weeks to build.

Thanks to the crowds, the beach isn’t as clean and pristine and Kenting beaches. However, there are a lot of activities you can find here. Plus, it’s the perfect place for people-watching if you’re into that.

13. Baishawan Beach

LOCATION: New Taipei (North)

Here’s where Taiwan beach names get a little tricky. Baishawan can be translated into “white sand bay.” However, Kenting has a beach called White Sand Bay. They are completely different beaches – literally on opposite sides of the island.

Baishawan in New Taipei is also conveniently close to Taipei City. From Tamsui District, the last stop on Taipei’s MRT Red Line, it’s just a 30 minute taxi ride. The infrastructure isn’t as good as Fulong Beach, but you can’t deny it’s a beautiful beach.

Known for having a white sandy shores, Baishawan is a great spot for those that want to learn surfing. Lined along the beaches are surfboard rentals and the white sands stretch for one kilometer long – giving newbie surfers plenty of space to learn. This beach has been famous since the Japanese era and it’s easy to see why.

12. Chishingtan

LOCATION: Hualien (East)

Located on the beautiful Taiwan east coast, Chishingtan isn’t your typical beach. It’s more like a scenic area, but that doesn’t stop tourists from getting into the water. And with crystal blue waters and a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, I can’t blame them for wanting to.

As you can tell, Chishingtan is not a sand beach. The floor is filled with pebbles of all colors, making it a great beach for some sight seeing. So if you plan to spending some time here or go for a short swim, make sure to bring sandals with you.

In Hualien, Chishingtan is a must see destination. Tourists and agencies are well aware of this, so expect to see many people during the high season. I recommend coming in the morning to avoid crowds and get total peace and silence on this magical beach in Taiwan.

11. Jici Beach

LOCATION: Hualien (East)

Jici Beach is a must see if you’re traveling along Taiwan’s eastern coast. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the few beaches along the coast that you can actually swim in. On a good day, the sea is turquoise blue and the view from the scenic viewpoint is something to marvel at.

This beach is one of the prides of Hualien. I’m always impressed at how clean this beach is. However, most of Taiwan’s beaches on the east are in relatively pristine condition. Large mountains hovering above the beach is something you rarely see in the south or north.

And while Jici Beach is technically in Hualien County, you’ll need to drive about an hour south from the city center. So, if you’re taking a road trip along the coast, this is a stop you really won’t want to miss.

10. Sand Island Beach

LOCATION: Kenting (South)

Located at the southernmost point of Taiwan, Kenting is one of the few tropical places in the country with beaches worthy of magazine covers. And among Kenting’s many wonderful beaches, Sand Island is one of my favorites based purely on its natural beauty.

Also called Sa Dau, this tropical beach is a small and relatively remote beach that boasts pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Next to the sand is a coral reef area where you can easily find tide pools with surprising small sea critters.

I want to note that the actual sand beach is closed off to prevent tourists from ruining the pristine condition. It’s a huge reason why it’s so nice. While not ideal for those that want to sun bathe on the white sands, it’s a great location for photography and even better for sunset watching.

9. Sanxiantai Beach

LOCATION: Taitung (East)

Sanxiantai is not your typical beach. It’s what I call a “sight-seeing” beach because the sand is non-existent. Instead, thousands of smooth small pebbles fill the shore. It’s worth visiting because Sanxiantai Beach is unlike any beach you’ve ever seen before.

Surprisingly, the beach is not the main attraction. Next to the water area is one of the most beautiful bridges in Taiwan – the Sanxiantai Bridge. You can cross the bridge, which takes you to an island with a stunning hiking trail for some surreal views of the Pacific Ocean.

Although this atypical beach is technically in Taitung County, it’s still about an hour away from Taitung City. Most people that take the seaside highway from Hualien to Taitung will stop at this attraction. It’s a gorgeous road trip with this hidden gem in between.

8. Nanwan Beach

LOCATION: Kenting (South)

Nanwan, which directly translates to “west bay,” is undeniably one of Kenting’s best beaches. Located on the west side of Kenting National Park, Nanwan Beach is a popular spot for local surfers and foreign tourists alike.

As a popular beach destination in Taiwan, Nanwan has all the amenities and facilities you’ll need for the perfect day at the beach. For your convenience, they have beach volleyball, jet ski rentals, banana boat rides and even a bar/cafe in case you get thirsty.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Nanwan beach is really reminiscent of what we had there. Maybe that’s why I like this Taiwan beach so much. If I had to nitpick, it’s the nuclear power plant adjacent to the beach. It’s just not a pretty sight on this beautiful beach.

7. Laomei Beach

LOCATION: New Taipei (North)

It’s not that Laomei Beach itself is anything special, but the green reef next to the beach makes it a one-of-a-kind attraction in Taiwan. To witness this beautiful product of nature, make sure to come during low tide and in the early months of summer (late March to May).

With the volcanic eruption of Datun Mountain millions of years ago, volcanic rocks formed along Laomei Beach. Through so many years of erosion from the cutting waves, we get the unique shape and pattern of the green reef we see today. But it’s the green algae that really gives it a majestic feel.

It’s sad to say, the green reef isn’t as green as it once was. No longer a “hidden gem,” many tourists frequently step on the algae, thus damaging the reefs. But I still highly encourage you to check out Laomei green reefs and head over to relax at the next-door beach afterwards.

6. Little Bay Beach

LOCATION: Kenting (South)

Little Bay Beach, also known as Xiao Wan, is the smallest beach in Kenting National Park. But don’t let the small size fool you, Little Bay is well equipped with showers, changing rooms, rental stores and a cafe with beach bar.

There’s an underwater coastal fence to prevent you from swimming too far out. It’s also a way to keep people (especially kids) from getting swept away by the currents. The best part is that it’s enclosed by a small green forest, which gives you less of a touristy feel.

Little Bay is not a great place to snorkel or dive, but you will see some fish and crabs. As great as it is during the day, it’s just as great at night when the pub comes to life. Tip: it’s located right in front of the famous Caesar Park Hotel, so staying there gives you easiest access to this little gem.

5. Waiao Beach

LOCATION: Yilan (East)

Waiao is one of my all-time favorite beaches for many reasons. Situated on the Northeastern side of the island, Waiao Beach is not your typical tropical white sand beach. In fact, the beach is unique for its sand that’s made from black volcanic ash.

The black sand is beautiful, but also extremely fine and soft. And if you look towards the sea, you’ll spot the famous Guishan Island, which means “turtle mountain island” because it looks like a turtle shell. Check out our list of 10 Best Taiwan Islands, which includes Guishan.

This is not a popular beach with tourists. However, it’s still close enough to Taipei that you can take a one-day excursion to the beach. From Taipei Main Station, you’ll find many buses and trains that leave to Yilan every day. But it’s just a 45 minute taxi ride from Taipei City.

4. Jibei Sand Beach

LOCATION: Baisha (Penghu Island)

Jibei Sand Beach Park is located on Bird Island – a 15 minute ferry ride from Penghu main island. What’s so interesting about this beach is the shape. It protrudes out into the water like a tongue sticking out. Look at it on a map and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Regardless of the odd shape, Jibei Sand Beach Park is gorgeous. There are few crowds and it’s pretty awesome walking to the tip of the beach and seeing water on three sides. However, the sand is not as soft as it’d like. There are a lot of small sea shells that can make the walk painful without sandals.

On a sunny day, you’re able to see several layers of blue that’ll make you forget you’re at a Taiwanese beach. There are few opportunities for water sports in the area But at such a beautiful beach, why would you want to do anything other than lounging around and spacing out?

3. Shan Shui Beach

LOCATION: Magong (Penghu Island)

Located off the western shores of Taiwan, Penghu Island is home to one of the best beaches in the country. Shan Shui beach is also called the “local beach” because of it’s off-the-beaten-path feel. It’s not on the radar of many tourists and tour agencies yet.

Although SUP (stand up paddle boarding) is popular on this Taiwanese beach, I highly recommend coming for the sunset. Taiwan mountains boast some of best sunrises in the world, but this beach has one of the best sunsets. If not, swimming in the calm blue waters can be an amazing experience too.

Even on weekends, you can expect relatively low crowds. But if you come in the mornings, you’ll get a pristine beach with total peace and serenity. So if you’re into beach yoga, Shan Shui Local Beach in the morning may the best perfect spot for that.

2. White Sand Bay

LOCATION: Maobitou (South)

Located on the west side of Kenting National Park (on Cape Maobitou), White Sand Bay is one of the most iconic beaches in Taiwan. In fact, it’s world-renowned and you’ve probably seen it in the critically acclaimed movie, The Life of Pi.

The sand is fine and pure, you’re surrounded by tall coconut trees and relaxing music plays from the beach bars and restaurants. It’s what I would call, “paradise in Taiwan.” It offers the perfect tropical beach ambience without the flock of crowds that you would find at Nanwan Beach.

It’s not as easy to get to and does require a 25 minute drive or bus ride from Kenting. However, I’d happily trade the small inconvenience for an emptier beach. Also, there are many beach activities that you can do, with rentals all along the entrance of the beach.

1. Dawan Beach Park

LOCATION: Kenting (South)

Dawan Kenting Beach Park is one of the main beaches in Kenting National Park. However, it’s a really nice beach. But with good attractions come crowds. So unless you plan to come during the low season, expect a ton of tourists.

Still, don’t let that deter you from visiting this amazing beach in Taiwan. What makes this beach unique is the ability to snorkel and dive. Unlike most other Kenting beaches, you’ll get to see amazing corals boasting vibrant sea life. Just make sure not to touch the coral!

Because of the coral life, powered water sports are not allowed in this beach. Not only does it prevent damage to the coral but also makes it safe for swimmers to snorkel the area. And if you have time, there’s a cool Temple next to the beach. Local folklore says that it was used to sacrifice a Dutch princess.

Did we miss a Taiwan beach that deserves to be on this list? Let us know in the comments section below. And if you’ve been to any of these beaches, tell us about your visit! We’d love to hear from you.

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