A beach in the Philippines has been crowned the best in the world for 2026, according to the latest annual World's 50 Best Beaches list. Entalula Beach, located in Palawan, claimed the top spot for its visually striking surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.
What Makes Entalula Beach Stand Out
The winning sands earned first place due to their towering limestone cliffs that frame the soft white shore, creating one of the most breathtaking coastlines globally. The beach is accessible only by boat, which helps maintain its serene and unspoiled character. Judges highlighted the crystal-clear, calm waters that are ideal for swimming, as well as the relatively low number of visitors compared to nearby beaches.
Evaluation Criteria
The awards are determined by a voting body of over 1,000 travel professionals. Beaches are assessed on factors including uniqueness, wildlife, natural preservation, ambient sounds, ease of water entry, crowding levels, and the likelihood of a perfect beach day.
Top 10 Beaches for 2026
- Entalula Beach, Palawan, Philippines
- Fteri Beach, Kefalonia, Greece (also Europe's best)
- Wharton Beach, Australia
- Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
- East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji
- Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
- Dhigurah, Maldives
- Playa Baladra, Mexico
- Koh Rong, Cambodia
- Donald Duck Bay, Thailand
European Champion: Fteri Beach
Second place globally and Europe's best beach for 2026 is Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece. Nestled in a secluded cove, it is surrounded by cliffs and primarily accessible by boat or a steep hiking trail. The beach features white pebbles and sand meeting the turquoise Ionian Sea, praised for its untouched beauty and tranquil environment—a rare find in Greece.
Other Notable Beaches
Australia's Wharton Beach impressed judges with its remote location, while Nosy Iranja in Madagascar earned fourth place for its unique sandbar connecting two islets at low tide and abundant marine life, including nesting sea turtles. East Beach on Vomo Island, Fiji, took fifth place for its calm waters and peacefulness. Greece, Thailand, and Australia each have three beaches on the list, emerging as beach hotspots for 2026.
No British Beaches in Top 50
As in the previous year, no British beaches made the worldwide list. However, Ireland's Keem Beach secured the 50th position, celebrated for its natural beauty and blue waters.
Hall of Fame and Methodology
The World's 50 Best Beaches has introduced a "Best of the Best" hall of fame, permanently retiring previous top winners from annual voting. Last year's winner, Cala Goloritze in Sardinia, Italy, has been inducted. Tine Holst, co-founder of the awards, stated: "Being recognised by millions of travellers and global media as the definitive authority on beaches is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. To uphold that uncompromising standard, we've elevated our methodology for 2026. For the first time, our core team is personally visiting and evaluating hundreds of beaches year-round. By combining this new level of on-the-ground verification with the insights of our 1,000 industry experts, we take tremendous pride in sharing this list of the world's most incredible beaches."
