The best of sun, sea and surf. Photo: Sean Oulashin/Unsplash.
For those of you who love sun, sea, surf and sand, then this list should be of interest. Travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unveiled a list of the ten best beaches in the world. Voted by travellers the list is based on a comprehensive analysis of global beach reviews on the platform throughout 2024.
Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025 highlights the highest-rated beaches, as rated by real travellers who have visited and shared their tips and experiences. From stunning sands and clear waters, to perfect conditions for snorkelling and water sports, these award-winning beaches deliver unparalleled experiences.
Rejoining the list for the first time since 2021 and climbing 23 places to take the No. 1 spot in the world for 2025 is Elafonissi Beach in Greece. Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters.
“This year’s lists span an incredible six continents and 50 countries with over 100 of the very best beaches showcasing the eclectic mix of coastal spots across the world,” states Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor.
“Whether it’s strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breathtaking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand – there really is something for everyone.”
10 Best Beaches in the World 2025
1. Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
Good for: Crystal clear waters, hiking and dunes, sunbathing, warm water.
Best time to visit: May and September offer warm, sunny weather with significantly fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of June, July, and August.
2. Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand
Good for: Boating, parasailing, day trips, colorful coral and fish.
Best time to visit: Between November and March, Phuket enjoys clear skies, dry weather, and calm seas, making it the perfect time for beach activities and swimming.
3. Eagle Beach – Oranjestad, Aruba
Good for: White sand, watersports, calm waters.
Best time to visit: From April to August, the weather is excellent with fewer crowds than the peak season, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
4. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
Good for: Clear waters, powder sand, seashells, beachfront stays.
Best time to visit: Between April and May, or September and October, the weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and temperatures are more moderate compared to the peak summer months.
5. Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
Good for: Golden sand, walks, coastline and cliffs.
Best time to visit: From April to October, the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall. The shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
6. Playa Varadero – Varadero, Cuba
Good for: Watersports, white sand, walks, catamarans.
Best time to visit: From December to March is the region’s dry season when the weather is stable, with warm temperatures.
7. Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Good for: White sand, excursions, resorts.
Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season offers minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and perfect conditions for beach activities.
8. Playa de Muro Beach – Mallorca, Spain
Good for: Shallow water, water sports, sand dunes.
Best time to visit: With a Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and mild winters, the best time to visit is between July and August.
9. Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Kelingking Beach. Photo: Tom Donders/Unsplash.
Good for: Cliffs, hiking, viewpoints, landscape.
Best time to visit: During the dry season, from April to October, travelers can expect bright, sunny days.
10. Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia Island, Greece
Good for: White pebbles, crystal clear waters, cliffs.
Best time to visit: Visit in the spring from May-June or early fall in September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
