There’s really no such thing as a bad beach; a sandy coastline and lapping blue waves are the quickest way to feel at peace and relaxed. But white sand, sparkling turquoise waters, and balmy weather admittedly turn a good beach day into an even better one.
If you’re looking for world-class beaches to plan a trip around, the Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025 by Tripadvisor has rounded up some of the most well-loved beaches based on traveler reviews.
Here are some of the best beaches as voted by actual travelers:
Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece
Elafonissi beach with pink sand on Crete, Greece
For many of us, Elafonissi Beach in Crete is unlike any other beach we’ve visited. The Greek beach is famous for its pink sand juxtaposed against stunning turquoise water. It’s family-friendly but is still a popular spot for sunbathers looking to spend a lazy day on the seaside.
Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand
Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand, A beautiful tropical beach with palm trees at Phuket island, Thailand.
Looking for an exceptional beach for parasailing and spotting tropical fish and colorful coral? Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand is famous for its calm seas and clear skies which makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling and water sports.
Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba
Aerial view of Eagle Beach, Aruba
Despite being voted as the third-best beach in the world by Tripadvisor reviewers, Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba is still one of the less-crowded beaches in Aruba. It’s best to visit the stunning white sand beach between April and August when it’s even less busy.
Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida
The famous Siesta Key Beach in southern Florida known for its beautiful turquoise water and sand made of 99% pure quartz, which creates a soft and cool surface for the feet as you take in the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Considered to be one of the best beaches in the United States.
The only American beach on the list is the Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida. It’s well-loved for its clear water and pure quartz sand—and it also has a fair number of beachfront accommodations for those who dream of waking up to the ocean’s lapping waves.
Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua, Portugal
Praia da Falésia, Albufeira, Portugal
Portugal is plenty with stunning beaches and seasides but the Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua is one of the most beautiful thanks to its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear blue waters. There’s also a carved-out footpath for gentle seaside hiking.
Playa Varadero in Varadero, Cuba
Cuba, Matanzas Province, Varadero, Varadero Beach
You haven’t seen turquoise water until you’ve been to Playa Varadero in Varadero, Cuba. This stunning beach is exactly what one would conjure up when thinking of the perfect Caribbean beach, complete with white sand and clear skies (see: excellent sunsets).
Bavaro Beach in Bavaro, Dominican Republic
Aerial drone view of Caribbean resort Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is famous for its beautiful Caribbean beaches with the Bavaro Beach being one of the most beautiful. Reviewers noted that it’s great for swimming and water sports thanks to the natural barrier reef that cuts the waves.
Playa de Muro Beach in Majorca, Spain
Overhead of sun umbrellas and people on Playa de Muro beach from Playa Esperanza Resort, near Port d'Alcudia, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
No list of beautiful beaches would be complete without the mention of Spain. The Playa de Muro Beach in Majorca is well-loved by reviewers due to its golden sand and dunes as well as picture-perfect shallow blue waters.
Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Panorama of Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida island, Bali, Indonesia
The otherworldly Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Indonesia is by far the most impressive in terms of landscape. The dramatic cliffs and viewpoints juxtaposed against the white sand and greenish waters make this spot a must-visit for adventure travelers and beach bums alike.
Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia, Greece
The most famous beach on Kefalonia (Cephalonia), Myrtos. Crystal clear water, some people on the beach
Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia is the second Greek beach to make the list—and it’s easy to see why. According to reviewers, this beach rarely gets over-crowded and the white pebble coastline makes for a great spot for sunbathing. It’s also within walking distance to plenty of viewpoints and natural attractions.
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