For millions of travelers, a beach is far more than a strip of sand and water – it is often the very reason to book a flight. That emotional pull is exactly what the annual list of the world’s best beaches by Tripadvisor is built on, drawing on genuine reviews from travelers around the globe.
The winners reflect millions of opinions, ratings, and recommendations from tourists worldwide, all aiming to answer one simple yet crucial question: Where is the beach worth planning an entire vacation around?
This year, a new and intriguing category was added – “One of a Kind” – highlighting beaches with a truly distinctive character. These are places where you don’t just lie in the sun, but experience something entirely different. From penguins in South Africa to the backdrop of an ancient Greek theater in Sicily, the current list is a reminder of just how diverse the world’s coastlines can be.
Greece leads the European rankings
Isla Pasión – the beach crowned the best in the world for 2026 is located in Mexico: Isla Pasión, a small, secluded island reached by a short boat ride of about ten minutes from Cozumel. It is a destination that particularly appeals to lovers of active marine experiences – diving above protected coral reefs, swimming alongside sea snakes, and observing nesting sites of sea turtles. The combination of near-pristine nature and relative accessibility makes it a natural choice for the top spot.
But when it comes to Europe, Greece is the undisputed star of the list.
Elafonissi Beach – ranked second in the world and first in Europe is Elafonissi Beach in Crete, a location that has long since become iconic. Its pinkish sand, formed from crushed seashell fragments, gives the area an almost tropical appearance. Shallow lagoons allow for calm swimming with children, while just a short distance away deeper waters await swimmers and divers. A natural cedar forest stretches nearby, and nature lovers can also enjoy birdwatching along the coastline.
Balos Lagoon – taking third place is another Cretan destination, Balos Lagoon. Once a pirate hideout, today it is a protected nature reserve, featuring clear turquoise waters and dramatic rocky scenery that photographs beautifully from every angle. Sun umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent, and basic food stalls operate on site. Those arriving by car should be prepared for a steep descent from the parking area – closed shoes are far from unnecessary. Another tip: Arrive early in the morning, when the lagoon is calmer and less crowded, or opt for a ferry from the port of Kissamos for a more relaxed arrival experience.
Portugal, Italy, and Britain in the top ten
Praia da Falésia – ranked fifth in the world is Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal. The ochre-red cliffs create an especially powerful backdrop, particularly at sunset, and walking along their length is an integral part of the experience.
La Pelosa Beach – in eighth place is La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy, with crystal-clear, Caribbean-colored waters and a 16th-century watchtower (Torre della Pelosa) that adds a historical dimension to the picturesque setting.
Bamburgh Beach – leading the British entries is Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland. Long stretches of soft white sand extend in front of the iconic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle. It is an excellent destination for coastal walks, and there is also a dog-friendly area near the village of Bamburgh.
“One of a Kind” beaches: More than just sunbathing
The new category aims to distill beaches that are an experience in their own right.
Boulders Beach – ranked first in the category is Boulders Beach in South Africa, home to a colony of endangered African penguins. The opportunity to observe them – and at times even photograph them up close – gives the beach an unmistakably unique dimension.
Isola Bella – in second place is Isola Bella, a small rocky nature reserve near Taormina in Sicily. At low tide, it can be reached via a narrow sandbar connecting it to the mainland, while above it rises the ancient Greek theater of Taormina – a dramatic blend of history and Mediterranean seascape.
The list may be built on numbers and rankings, but ultimately it tells a broader story: beaches are no longer just places to spread out a towel. They can be nature reserves, historical sites, wildlife observation points, or dramatic backdrops of cliffs and fortresses.
And the real question, as always, is not who ranks first – but which of them sparks your imagination enough to start packing.