Luscious sandy shores, crystal clear waters and stunning backdrops – these are all common features of the best beaches around the globe.
The world’s very best have been revealed in the new The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026.
The judges spent days checking out countless coastlines and have narrowed down the top places to visit.
From Australia to Greece, there are plenty of beautiful sandy spots. Read on to check out some of the best beaches across the world.
1. Entalula Beach, Palawan, Philippines
Entalula Beach in Palawan, an island in the Philippines, has been awarded the title of the best beach in the world
Tucked away beside towering limestone cliffs is the best beach in the world – Entalula Beach in Palawan, an island in the Philippines.
It’s only accessible by boat and once they’ve arrived, visitors can sink their feet into soft white sand and splash in sparkling waters.
With it’s relatively secluded location, the beach is often much quieter than other spots and has a natural, untouched feel.
Judges felt the breath-taking cliffs give Entalula Beach a ‘dramatic’ vibe, which paired with its otherwise ‘calm’ nature makes it a stand-out location.
‘It remains one of the most exceptional beaches we’ve experienced,’ said Kelly and Reuben, two of the judges.
There is a small risk of typhoons between June and October, and the calmer season is typically between March and November.
2. Fteri Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Fteri Beach, located on the Greek island of Kefalonia, ranked second overall
Sat in a secluded cove on the Greek island of Kefalonia is Fteri Beach – crowned the second best in the world.
Reaching the white pebbled and sand shores is no easy feat – visitors will have to brave a hike down a steep trail or access it by boat.
But this only helps to set apart the beach from other spots, with easier-to-reach coves often attracting more tourists and having a busier, more hectic feel.
Sally White described it as ‘The most magical beach with a breathtaking backdrop’.
3. Wharton Beach, Duke of Orleans Bay, Australia
Wharton Beach, found in the Duke of Orleans Bay area of Australia, boasts striking white sand
With striking white sands and a a backdrop of rocks and greenery, Wharton Beach is a dreamy beach for those looking for something that feels isolated and natural.
It’s located in the Duke of Orleans Bay area and is great for surfing and dolphin spotting.
Visitors can bask in panoramic ocean views and might even bag the beach all to themselves if they head there earlier in the day.
Drier months, typically from November to April, often boast clear blue skies in the area.
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Nosy Iranja, in Madagascar, consists of two small islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – connected by a two-kilometre strip of sand
Described as a ‘unique, hidden gem’ by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, Nosy Iranja can be found off the coast of Madagascar.
It consists of two small islands – Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely – connected by a two-kilometre strip of sand visible during low tide.
The area is home to an abundance of wildlife such as sea turtles, that often nest on the pristine shores, and is perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Drew, who has visited every country in the world, says Nosy Iranja is the ‘best beach I’ve ever seen’.
5. East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji
East Beach is located on the private Vomo Island in FIji and features calm waters and towering palm trees
Surrounded by tall palm trees and a jungle of thick greenery, East Beach on the private Vomo Island is the perfect escape.
The white sandy location can be found on the quieter, less developed side of the island and has few visitors.
With calm water conditions, the beach makes for a great swimming spot and has the untouched, natural feel many search for.
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
Shoal Bay East, in Anguilla, has coral reefs and gentle waves
One of the more popular beaches in the Caribbean, Shoal Bay East manages to have peaceful ambience but still attract visitors.
A row of sun beds line the sandy shores against a backdrop of palm trees and beach bars.
There are coral reefs nearby that attract snorkelers and the gentle waves are perfect for swimmers.
December through to April guarantees the best chance for sunny skies but May to November shouldn’t be overlooked, described as ‘underrated’.
7. Dhigurah, Maldives
In the Maldives, Dhigurah is a tropical paradise that boasts a long sandbank
Dhigurah is a large stretch of beach in the Maldives that also has a sandbar that reaches out to a lagoon.
It’s the longest sandbank in the Maldives and can be accessed from a nearby village.
The tropical paradise is ideal for peaceful walks along the calm turquoise waters, that are home to a range of sea life.
8. Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Playa Balandra, in Baja California Sur, Mexico, secured eighth place and offers a tranquil escape for visitors
Described as an ‘off the beaten path gem’, Playa Balandra, in Baja California Sur, Mexico, remains relatively untouched because of local restrictions that manage the number of visitors and amount of development in the area.
As a result, the natural beach offers a tranquil escape.
The area is home to a mushroom-shaped rock formation, called El Hongo, and there are seven beaches in the bay to enjoy.
9. Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Koh Rong, situated off Cambodia’s mainland, has pristine sandy shores
Koh Rong’s powdery white sands can be reached by boat and stretches for kilometers.
Located off Cambodia’s mainland, in Sihanoukville, soft waves crash over the pristine shores and visitors may find it isn’t as crowded as many beaches in the area.
The coastline is decorated with trees and vegetation, with some open spaces too.
10. Donald Duck Bay, Phang Nga, Thailand
Donald Duck Bay, located in Thailand’s Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga, is the tenth best beach
Tucked away in Similan Islands National Park, in Phang Nga, lies Donald Duck Bay – the tenth best beach in the world.
However, the white sandy beach can only be accessed when the park is open – between November and May – due to the monsoon season.
This means the bay remains relatively untouched and quiet compared to other beaches and is surrounded by lush vegetation.
There are also unique rock formations along its shore which impressively stand out amongst the greenery.
11. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
Cayo de Agua has a sandbar that stretches between two parts of the island in Venezuela
Described as an ‘overlooked paradise,’ Cayo de Aqua boasts a prominent sandbar that stretches between two parts of the island in Venezuela.
The beach is also part of a national park and is protected – which only enhances its pristine and peaceful feel.
The waters are crystal clear and relatively shallow – perfect for paddling.
12. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Cala Macarella, on the island of Menorca, sits between two limestone white cliffs and greenery
A European destination, Cala Macarella takes 12th place in the list and can be found in Menorca. Spain.
The small cove sits between two limestone white cliffs and greenery.
Despite being a popular beach on the Spanish island, its secluded nature means it still feels natural and calm.
13. One Foot Island, Cook Islands
One Foot Island beach has palm trees, clear waters and sandy shores
One Foot Island, part of the Cook Islands, boasts a stunning and idyllic beach lined with palm trees.
Its white sand and bright waters won’t fail to impress and there is even a small post office on the island that visitors can send postcards from.
According to reviewers, the beach is home to crabs, chickens and roosters, adding to its uniqueness.
14. Princess Diana Beach, Barbuda
Princess Diana Beach, in Barbuda, is named after the late Princess of Wales who used to frequent its shores
Standing out with its pink-tinged sand, Princess Diana Beach goes on for miles and is never very crowded.
The late Princess of Wales used to visit the beach, in Barbuda, and it was renamed in her honour in 2011 to commemorate her 50th birthday.
The surrounding area has seen little development and the bay has limited access, helping to keep it feeling remote and natural.
15. Turquoise Bay, Australia
Turquoise Bay can be found in Australia’s Cape Range National Park
Located in the Cape Range National Park in Australia is Turquoise Bay – a mostly undeveloped beach surrounded by desert and greenery.
It’s well-known for being a good snorkelling spot and the nearby waters are home to the Ningaloo Reef.
The best to to visit for calm seas is between April and August.
16. PK 9 Beach, Fakarava, French Polynesia
PK 9 Beach is situated in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the French Polynesia
At number 16 in the world, PK 9 Beach is situated in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava, in the French Polynesia.
The postcard-perfect beach is serene and untouched, with a range of tropical fish and sea life in its crystal clear waters.
It’s a peaceful and relatively quiet spot, perfect for getting away from crowds and experiencing nature up-close.
17. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
At number 17, Grace Bay, in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, offers a range of water sports and outdoor activities for visitors
Known as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, Grace Bay stretches for miles and can be found in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.
A busier vibe than most beaches on the list, visitors can do a range of water sports and outdoor activities and the vast spread of open sand means there is plenty of room for relaxing too.
18. Cala Dei Gabbiani, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Dei Gabbiani is a pebbled beach in Sardinia, Italy
The smooth pebbled beach of Cala Dei Gabbiani, in Sardinia, ranks 18th overall for its clear waters and peaceful nature.
The Italian spot is perfect for swimming and is located nearby limestone cliffs, giving it a secluded, enclosed feel.
Crowds are never usually too heavy on the beach, and it can feel relatively untouched.
19. Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Saadiyat beach can be found on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island
Located on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat beach is several kilometers of pristine sand and clear waters.
It boasts a beach club but practices a more eco-luxury approach to protecting the environment, providing a safe haven for dolphins and turtles.
The beach is rarely crowded, no matter the time of the day, making it a perfect escape.
20. Canto de la Playa, Saona Island, Dominican Republic
Canto de la Playa is a dreamy beach located on Saona Island, in the Dominican Republic
On Saona Island, in the Dominican Republic, lies Canto de la Playa – a beautiful beach surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees.
The clear waters are home to marine life and coral reefs, while the whit sand provides the perfect place to relax in the sunshine.
It’s off the beaten path, and was used as a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.
The world’s 50 best beaches
1. Entalula Beach, Philippines
2. Fteri Beach, Greece
3. Wharton Beach, Australia
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
5. East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguila
7. Dhigurah, Maldives
8. Playa Balandra, Mexico
9. Koh Rong, Cambodia
10. Donald Duck Bay, Thailand
11. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
12. Cala Macarella, Spain
13. One Foot Island, Cook Islands
14. Princess Diana Beach, Barbuda
15. Turquoise Bay, Australia
16. PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia
17. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
18. Cala Dei Gabbiani, Italy
19. Saadiyat Beach, United Arab Emirates
20. Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic
21. Wineglass Bay, Australia
22. Pink Beach, Indonesia
23. Paradise Beach, Thailand
24. Anse Sourse D’Argent, Seychelles
25. Kalanggaman, Philippines
26. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
27. Freedom Beach, Thailand
28. Siesta Beach, USA
29. Kaputas Beach, Turkey
30. Cayo Zapatilla, Panama
31. The Baths, British Virgin Islands
32. Cabo San Juan Del Guia, Colombia
33. Baia Do Sancho, Brazil
34. Porto Katsiki, Greece
35. Santa Giulia, France
36. Blue Lagoon, Fiji
37. Playa Xpu Ha, Mexico
38. Ofu Beach, American Samoa
39. Playa Cofete, Spain
40. Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
41. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
42. Grand Anse, Grenada
43. Praia da Falesia, Portugal
44. Pontal Do Atalaia, Brazil
45. Boulder Beach, South Africa
46. Porto Timoni, Greece
47. Paje Beach, Zanzibar
48. La Pelosa, Italy
49. Cas Abao, Curacao
50. Keem Beach, Ireland
Source: The World’s 50 Best Beaches
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