The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in the world"
Named by 4 of 81. Elafonissi BeachTripadvisor named it the No. 1 beach in the world for 2025.The water is calm and so shallow in places that you can wade far out.
Named by 2 of 82. La Jolla CoveRose to No. 1 in the U.S. in Tripadvisor's 2026 awards.Known for sea lion colonies, an underwater park and kayaking.Named by 2 of 83. Cook IslandsRarotonga, the largest island, has volcanic peaks, dramatic ridges and rainforest.One Foot Island, inside Aitutaki's lagoon, has warm shallow water that looks like a natural swimming pool.Best time to visit Cook Islands
Named by 2 of 84. Bora BoraThe water is shallow, warm and milky, with Mount Otemanu behind it.About 90% of visitors are said to be honeymooners.Best time to visit Bora Bora
Named by 2 of 85. Eagle BeachSuited to white sand, watersports and calm water, best from April to August.A sea turtle nesting ground.
Named by 2 of 86. Banana BeachBest visited between November and March.Part of the Racha Islands, described as a premier diving destination.
Named by 2 of 87. Praia da FalesiaKnown for dramatic red cliffs; best from April to October.Best time to go is April to October.
Named by 2 of 88. La Pelosa BeachBright white sand and teal water, with a stone watchtower visible on the horizon.Best time to go is June to September.
Named by 2 of 89. FijiHoneymoon Island in the Mamanuca Group was one blogger's pick for the best Fiji beach.Robinson Crusoe Island is far enough from the Yasawas backpacker crowds to feel quiet.Best time to visit FijiBest beaches in FijiBest places to visit in Fiji
10. Siesta KeySiesta Beach reached the top spot in Tripadvisor's U.S. beach ranking.Powdery white-quartz sand, shallow water and lifeguards on duty.
11. BoracayWhite Beach has a seabed that slopes gently, so you can wade far out.Popular activities include parasailing, island hopping and ATV rides.Best time to visit Boracay12. CozumelIsla Pasion, a day-trip island, took the top spot in Tripadvisor's 2026 world beach awards.Best time to go is November to April.Best time to visit CozumelBest beaches in CozumelBest places to visit in Cozumel
13. Whitehaven BeachRuns for miles along Whitsunday Island.Reached only by boat, seaplane or helicopter, which keeps crowds down.
14. Hanalei BayA bay on Kauai made up of a series of beaches.Backed by tall green mountains.
15. BarosA tiny private island that takes about eight minutes to walk around.Powdery white sand and a nearby reef full of sea life.
16. Balos LagoonA former pirate hideout and protected Natura 2000 site.Best time to go is April to June and September to October.
17. St. Catherine's BeachA quiet beach beside Fort St. Catherine, found by cruise visitors on a stop in port.Known for Bermuda's pink sand.
18. Camps BayA city beach with Cape Town as the backdrop.Suits people who like some bustle around the beach.
19. Copacabana BeachCalled one of the most famous beaches in the world.Miles of sand with mountains behind and activities day and night.
Fares from your city
Pick a place for live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
Questions people ask
- Where is the #1 beach in the world?
- Tripadvisor's 2026 awards name Isla Pasion in Mexico best in the world. Its 2025 awards named Elafonissi Beach in Greece.
- What is the world's most famous beach?
- One roundup calls Copacabana Beach in Brazil one of the most famous beaches in the world.
