The 2026 ranking is official. Tripadvisor, the largest travel platform in the world with over a billion reviews, has published the “Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches 2026”, the annual selection of the most extraordinary beaches on the planet. The verdict is based on the analysis of the quality and quantity of reviews left by travelers between November 30, 2024 and December 1, 2025: millions of reviews that draw a map of the best that the world’s coastline has to offer.
The podium
Taking the top step of the podium is Isla Pasion, a private island off the northwestern coast of Cozumel, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Dazzling white sand, turquoise waters and lush mangrove vegetation make it an irresistible destination for those seeking tropical perfection, even though it requires paid access.
In second place we find Elafonissi Beach, on the south-west coast of Crete: pink-tinged sand, shallow emerald waters and protected dunes mean the beach is often nicknamed the “Caribbean of the Mediterranean”. Compared to the 2025 edition, where it took first place, it drops one position.
The bronze goes to compatriot Balos Lagoon, near Kissamos, in the most north-western tip of Crete: a lagoon with hypnotising waters, separated from the bay by a thin strip of sand that joins the promontory of Corico to Cape Tigani.
Italy present in the rankings
Italy fully enters the top 10 with La Pelosa, located in Stintino, in the extreme north-western tip of Sardinia, in 8th position. Crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving, very fine white sand and the silent silhouette of the Torre della Pelosa in the background, a scenario that travelers from all over the world continue to reward.
“For many travellers, the beach is the true protagonist of the trip,” said Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer of Tripadvisor. «These awards, based on millions of experiences, reviews and opinions, highlight the best beaches in the world and help you choose where to go and how to spend your time once you get there.»
The complete ranking
Here are the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world according to Tripadvisor:
- Isla Pasion – Cozumel, Mexico
- Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
- Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Greece
- Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
- Banana Beach – Ko He, Thailand
- La Jolla Cove – California, United States
- La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy
- Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia
- Boulders Beach – Simon’s Town, South Africa
The special ranking
For 2026 Tripadvisor also introduces a new category dedicated to “One of a Kind” beaches, designed for coastal destinations capable of offering unique experiences beyond the classic sun and sea combination. Leading this section is the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony in South Africa, where visitors can observe African penguins — an endangered species — in their natural habitat. Italy is also present here, with Isola Bella, in Sicily, which occupies second position.
This is the ranking of the 10 most “unique” beaches of 2026:
- Boulders Beach – South Africa (wild penguins)
- Isola Bella – Sicily, Italy (view of the ancient Greek theatre)
- Bamburgh Beach – UK (backdrop of a medieval castle)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes – Michigan, USA (450 foot high sand dunes)
- Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses – Barreirinhas, Brazil (lagoons)
- Anakena Beach – Easter Island, Chile (Moai statues)
- Wai’anapanapa State Park – Hawaii, USA (black sand, lava tubes)
- Hopewell Rocks – Canada (highest tides in the world)
- Bioluminescent Bahía – Puerto Rico (shimmering waters)
- Hot Water Beach – New Zealand (volcanic hot springs)
