If the grey February weather has you dreaming of summer holidays by the sea, this new ranking might help you get planning.
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Each year, Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, releases a list of the world’s top beaches based on reviews left by travellers on its website.
“For many travellers, the beach is the main event,” says Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor. “Based on millions of trips, reviews, and opinions, these awards highlight the very best beaches in the world – making it easier to decide where to go and how to spend your time once you’re there.”
There is also a new ‘one of a kind’ category for beaches with extra-special features.
From penguin spotting in South Africa to backdrops of ancient monuments in Sicily, this year’s lists showcase the diversity of coastlines across the globe.
Greece is home to two of the world’s best beaches
The world’s best beach for 2026 is Isla Pasion in Mexico, making a return to the top of the list after a three-year hiatus.
The secluded island can be reached by a 10-minute boat ride from Cozumel. It’s a prime spot for snorkellers, who can drift over protected coral reefs and swim with stingrays. The island is also home to sea turtle nesting sites.
Europe’s best beach, which comes in second place overall, is Elafonissi Beach in Crete. The Greek coastal spot frequently tops rankings for its distinctive pink sand created by crushed shells.
The beach has shallow lagoons perfect for paddling with children and deeper waters for swimming and snorkelling. Nature-lovers can take a cool hike in the surrounding forest of cedar trees or spot birds on the sandbanks.
Balos Lagoon, another Cretan destination, came third. A former pirate hideout, it is now a protected conservation area.
Many visit for the limpid turquoise waters and dramatic rocky landscape. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and snacks for sale. If you’re planning to drive, bring suitable footwear for the steep trek down from the car park to the beach.
Tripadvisor recommends checking the weather conditions in advance, as the beach can get windy.
The platform suggests visiting early in the morning to experience the lagoon at its most tranquil, and getting the ferry from Kissamos Port as a relaxing and convenient way to reach Belos.
Two more European beaches feature in the top 10. Praia da Falésia in Portugal’s Algarve came fifth thanks to its ochre cliffs with spectacular views.
La Pelosa Beach, on the Italian island of Sardinia, took eighth spot for its Caribbean-like waters and 16th-century watchtower, Torre della Pelosa.
One of a kind beaches around the world
The inaugural one of a kind list ranks the world’s most unique coastal spots. In first place is Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in South Africa, for the delight of observing and taking pictures with its endangered African penguins.
The second spot went to a European destination. Isola Bella is a little rocky nature reserve just off the Italian island of Sicily. It can be reached by a narrow path along a sandbar at low tide, which connects it to the mainland pebble beach.
The island is particularly notable for its view of Taormina’s ancient Greek theatre high up on the cliffside.
Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland takes the lead for the UK in third place. Framed by the iconic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle, this beach is perfect for coastal walks along its miles of soft white sand, with a dog‑friendly stretch close to the attractive Bamburgh village.