The World's Most Crowded Beaches (PHOTOS)

As summer heats up, swimmers and sunbathers will flock to some of the world's most beautiful beaches to cool off. Unfortunately, thousands of other beach-goers will have the same idea, making it difficult to enjoy the sun-drenched stretches of sand or the refreshing, turquoise waters.

Many of the beaches featured in the slideshow above are located in or near big and populous cities so it won't be surprising that these summer getaways will be congested during weekends or hot-weather days. Many of the beaches, like Coney Island in New York, feature much more than surf and sand, such as amusement park rides, great food and popular nightlife spots, appealing to an even larger crowd.

But just because they are crowded during peak season doesn't mean these beaches are not worth a visit (they're popular for a reason). But if you don't like crowds, it might be wise to go earlier in the day or during the week.

(MORE: The World's 15 Most Amazing Swimming Holes)

1. Dameisha Bathing Beach, Shenzhen, China

In the summer, China's numerous bathing beaches become major attractions. Dameisha Beach, located in Shenzhen, is the city's most popular, and draws thousands of sun-seekers each season. "Overcrowded would be an understatement," said Greg R., a TripAdvisor reviewer.  "Bumper-to-bumper traffic with no parking, absolutely no space on the beach." Dameisha, however, could be a totally different experience off-season, or during the week. "Go mid-week to avoid the crowds," said William D., another TripAdvisor member. "It's like going to a different place."

2. Dalian, China

Located in northeast China's Liaoning province, Dalian's beaches are packed with crowds of thousands in the summer. During the peak season, the 1,600 foot stretch of beach can be swamped with up to 40,000 people— a crowd so thick you can barely see the sand. It's no wonder the location is so popular, though, as it brags great swimming as well as a selection of tasty seafood spots.

3. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Made world-famous by a bossa nova song, "The Girl from Ipanema," Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro is perhaps, next to Copacabana, Brazil's most popular beach. Expect to see more than just sunbathers on the beach, which is bustling with activity. There are volleyball and soccer games, and windsurfing and wakeboarding in the water, while vendors stroll the stretch of sand to sell everything from beach towels and swimsuits to drinks and coconuts. If you want to relax, Ipanema Beach may not be for you, but if you're up for some people-watching, this beach will not bore.

4. Magaluf, Majorca, Spain

The town has cracked down on crowds in recent years, and attractions and hotels have become more upscale in hopes to thwart partiers. Those efforts may change the location's entire atmosphere in the future.

5. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

One of Australia's most famous beaches, Bondi Beach is an iconic Sydney attraction. With its golden sands, blue waters and famous surf-friendly waves, there's no denying that Bondi Beach is a must-see when visiting Sydney, but many say it is too crowded. "There are so many people," said a TripAdvisor member. "If you go during summertime it is literally hard to even see any sand between all the people."

6. Brighton Beach, England

Brighton is a famous seaside resort on the south coast of England, almost immediately due south of London. So it's not surprising that when the sunny days of summer finally arrive, many Londoners head straight to Brighton Beach, making it one of the busiest beaches in the country. There's a lot to do (and see) in Brighton—there are stylish bars, cafes, shops, sculptures and buskers—in case visitors want to escape the summer crowds.

7. Beach of Durrës, Albania

The Beach of Durrës is the biggest and most visited public beach in Albania, serving as the main summer and weekend destination for the residents of the cities of Tirana and Durrës. While it can get terribly crowded in peak season, there are interesting sights to see nearby, such as the Amphitheatre of Durrës, which was built on the hillside inside the city walls in the early 2nd century AD, according to Lonely Planet.  

8. Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York

Due to its easy accessibility by subway, as well as its many attractions, Coney Island is New York City's most popular beach. The location sees more than 5 million visitors annually, and the crowds come for the water, the two amusement parks (including the 95-year-old Cyclone roller coaster), the famous hot dogs and the Friday night fireworks.

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