The World's 50 Best Beaches list for 2026 has been unveiled, showcasing the planet's most stunning coastlines. After extensive evaluation, judges have curated a selection of breathtaking sandy shores spanning from Australia to Greece. Here is a closer look at the top-ranked beaches globally.
1. Entalula Beach, Palawan, Philippines
Entalula Beach, nestled beside towering limestone cliffs on the island of Palawan in the Philippines, has been crowned the world's best beach. Accessible only by boat, this secluded paradise offers visitors soft white sand and sparkling waters. Its relative isolation ensures a quieter, more natural experience. Judges praised the 'dramatic' cliffs paired with a 'calm' ambiance, making it a standout destination. 'It remains one of the most exceptional beaches we've experienced,' noted judges Kelly and Reuben. Typhoon risks exist between June and October, with the calm season typically from March to November.
2. Fteri Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Fteri Beach, located in a secluded cove on the Greek island of Kefalonia, secured the second spot. Reaching its white pebbled and sandy shores requires a steep hike or boat access, which helps maintain its tranquil atmosphere compared to more accessible coves. Sally White described it as 'The most magical beach with a breathtaking backdrop'.
3. Wharton Beach, Duke of Orleans Bay, Australia
Wharton Beach dazzles with striking white sand and a backdrop of rocks and greenery, offering an isolated and natural feel. Situated in the Duke of Orleans Bay area, it is ideal for surfing and dolphin spotting. Visitors can enjoy panoramic ocean views and may have the beach to themselves early in the day. The drier months from November to April often feature clear blue skies.
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Described as a 'unique, hidden gem', Nosy Iranja consists of two small islands—Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely—connected by a two-kilometre sand strip visible at low tide. The area teems with wildlife, including sea turtles, and is perfect for snorkelling and swimming. Drew, a world traveler, called it the 'best beach I've ever seen'.
5. East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji
East Beach on private Vomo Island is surrounded by tall palm trees and lush greenery, offering a perfect escape. Located on the quieter side of the island, it has few visitors and calm waters ideal for swimming, with an untouched natural feel.
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
A popular Caribbean beach, Shoal Bay East maintains a peaceful ambience despite attracting visitors. Sunbeds line the shore against a backdrop of palm trees and beach bars. Nearby coral reefs attract snorkelers, and gentle waves suit swimmers. December to April guarantees sunny skies, while May to November is described as 'underrated'.
7. Dhigurah, Maldives
Dhigurah boasts a long stretch of beach and a sandbar reaching out to a lagoon. It is the longest sandbank in the Maldives, accessible from a nearby village. This tropical paradise is ideal for peaceful walks along calm turquoise waters, home to diverse sea life.
8. Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Playa Balandra remains relatively untouched due to local restrictions limiting visitors and development. This 'off the beaten path gem' offers a tranquil escape, featuring a mushroom-shaped rock formation called El Hongo and seven beaches in the bay.
9. Koh Rong, Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Koh Rong's powdery white sands stretch for kilometers, accessible by boat. Soft waves crash onto pristine shores, and the beach is less crowded than many in the area. The coastline is decorated with trees and vegetation, with open spaces.
10. Donald Duck Bay, Phang Nga, Thailand
Located in Similan Islands National Park, Donald Duck Bay is accessible only when the park is open from November to May due to monsoons. This keeps the bay relatively untouched and quiet, surrounded by lush vegetation and unique rock formations.
11. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
Described as an 'overlooked paradise,' Cayo de Agua features a prominent sandbar stretching between two parts of the island. Part of a national park, its protected status enhances its pristine and peaceful feel, with crystal clear, shallow waters perfect for paddling.
12. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
Cala Macarella, a small cove on Menorca, sits between two limestone white cliffs and greenery. Despite being popular, its secluded nature ensures a natural and calm atmosphere.
13. One Foot Island, Cook Islands
One Foot Island boasts a stunning beach lined with palm trees, white sand, and bright waters. A small post office allows visitors to send postcards. The beach is home to crabs, chickens, and roosters, adding to its uniqueness.
14. Princess Diana Beach, Barbuda
Princess Diana Beach stands out with pink-tinged sand and stretches for miles, rarely crowded. Named after the late Princess of Wales in 2011, the surrounding area has seen little development, with limited access keeping it remote and natural.
15. Turquoise Bay, Australia
Located in Cape Range National Park, Turquoise Bay is mostly undeveloped, surrounded by desert and greenery. It is a renowned snorkelling spot near Ningaloo Reef. The best time for calm seas is between April and August.
16. PK 9 Beach, Fakarava, French Polynesia
PK 9 Beach sits in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Fakarava. This serene beach features crystal clear waters with tropical fish and sea life, offering a peaceful and quiet spot away from crowds.
17. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay stretches for miles and is known as one of the best Caribbean beaches. It has a busier vibe with water sports and outdoor activities, but ample open sand allows for relaxation.
18. Cala Dei Gabbiani, Sardinia, Italy
Cala Dei Gabbiani is a smooth pebbled beach with clear waters and a peaceful nature. Located near limestone cliffs, it has a secluded feel and is rarely crowded.
19. Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Saadiyat Beach on Saadiyat Island offers several kilometers of pristine sand and clear waters. It practices eco-luxury, protecting dolphins and turtles. The beach is rarely crowded, providing a perfect escape.
20. Canto de la Playa, Saona Island, Dominican Republic
Canto de la Playa is surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees. Its clear waters host marine life and coral reefs, while white sand offers relaxation. It was a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean.
The complete list of the world's 50 best beaches includes many more stunning destinations from around the globe, each offering unique beauty and experiences.
