Tripadvisor's most beautiful beaches in the world in 2026: number one is a (private) tropical paradise

©Ben Michel via Unsplash

The rankings for 2026 have been officially published. Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel platform with more than 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 an analysis of the quality and quantity of reviews left by travelers between November 30, 2024, and December 1, 2025: millions of reviews outlining a map of the best the global coastline has to offer.

The podium

The top step of the podium is for Isla Pasion, a private island off the northwest coast of Cozumel, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Dazzling white sands, turquoise waters and lush mangrove vegetation make it an irresistible destination for those seeking tropical perfection, although it does involve a paid access beach.

In second place is Elafonissi Beach, on the southwest coast of Crete: sand with rosy hues, shallow emerald waters and protected dunes ensure that the beach is often nicknamed 'the Caribbean of the Mediterranean'. Compared to the 2025 edition, when it captured first place, it drops one position.

Bronze goes to compatriot Balos Lagoon, near Kissamos, on the far northwestern tip of Crete: a lagoon with enchanting waters, separated from the bay by a narrow strip of sand connecting the headland of Corico with Cape Tigani.

Italy represented in the rankings

Italy achieves a spot in the top 10 with La Pelosa, near Stintino, on the far northwestern tip of Sardinia, in 8th place. Crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving, silky white sand and the silent silhouette of the Torre della Pelosa in the background: a setting that continues to charm travelers from all over the world.

"For many travelers, the beach is the real protagonist of the trip," explains Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer of Tripadvisor. "These awards, based on millions of experiences, reviews and opinions, spotlight the world's best beaches and help you choose where to go and how to spend your time once you get there."

The full rankings

These 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

A special ranking

For 2026, Tripadvisor is also introducing a new category dedicated to "One of a Kind" beaches, intended for coastal destinations that offer unique experiences beyond the classic sun and sea duo. At the head of 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, taking second place.

Here is the ranking of the 10 most "unique" beaches of 2026:

- Boulders Beach - South Africa (wild penguins)

- Isola Bella - Sicily, Italy (view of ancient Greek theater)

- Bamburgh Beach - United Kingdom (setting of a medieval castle)

- Sleeping Bear Dunes - Michigan, USA (dunes up to 450 feet high)

- Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses - Barreirinhas, Brazil (lagoons)

- Anakena Beach - Easter Island, Chile (Moai statues)

- Wai'anapanapa State Park - Hawaii, USA (black sand, lava tunnels)

- Hopewell Rocks - Canada (the highest tides in the world)

- Bahía Bioluminiscente - Puerto Rico (luminous waters)

- Hot Water Beach - New Zealand (volcanic hot springs)

(Tripadvisor.com via GreenMe.it 2026/Managing Editor: Julie Morgan - The Press Junction/Picture: ©picture alliance / NurPhoto | Noushad Thekkayil)