Hoshizuna no Homa Island of Taketomi, Japan

Hoshizuna no HamaIsland of Taketomi, Japan

This beach is famous for its "star-sand," made up of tiny sea animals called foraminifera, which are formed from single-celled protozoa that produce calcium carbonate shells. If you tire of sunbathing, Taketomi Island is also home to a well-preserved Ryukyu village, with traditional single-story, red-roofed dwellings.