Tripadvisor has unveiled the latest edition of its Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025. The list is based on a comprehensive analysis of global beach reviews on Tripadvisor over the last year, aggregated into the highest-rated beaches that reflect stunning sands and clear waters, perfect conditions for snorkeling and watersports, and more.
Rejoining the list for the first time since 2021 and climbing 23 places to take the No. 1 spot in the world for 2025 was Elafonissi Beach in Greece. Located on the southwest coast of Crete, the remote beach is known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters. A popular summer getaway spot, drawing both sunbathers and water sports lovers, the family-friendly beach features clear shallow waters, a scenic drive down, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Top 10 Beaches in the World 2025
1. Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
Best time to visit: 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, watersports, 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
Good for: Cliffs, hiking, viewpoints, landscape
Best time to visit: During the dry season, from April to October, travellers can expect bright, sunny days.
10. Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia Island, Greece
Best time to visit: 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.
“Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards uniquely reflect the voices of millions of global travellers and help guide people to plan their best trip yet,” said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “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.”
The full list of winners can be found at tripadvisor.com/TravellersChoice-Beaches.
All-time list
And in celebration of Tripadvisor’s 25th anniversary, Tripadvisor is honouring the top beaches of the last 25 years based on all-time reviews. Topping the list is Balos Lagoon, regarded as one of the most photographed spots on the island of Crete with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape. Reviewers refer to Balos Lagoon as a “heaven for beach lovers” with breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters.
25th anniversary: Global beaches
- Balos Lagoon – Crete, Greece
- Eagle Beach – Oranjestad, Aruba
- Waikiki Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
- Ipanema Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Isla Pasion – Cozumel, Mexico
- Playa Manuel Antonio – Quepos, Costa Rica
- Spiaggia La Cinta – Sardinia, Italy
- Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand
- Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
- Manly Beach – New South Wales, Australia
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