Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, ranked No. 2 on the 2026 list of the best beaches in the world.gettySearching for the best beaches in the world for 2026? A new ranking from The World’s 50 Best Beaches has just been released, revealing the most beautiful and unspoiled shorelines around the globe. “What sets this report apart is the depth behind it,” Tine Holst, cofounder and CEO of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, told me in an interview. “Our ranking is shaped by over 1,000 vetted travel professionals, people who spend their lives exploring coastlines, not reviewing from a distance.”This list is determined by votes from more than 1,000 travel industry professionals and influencers. “Many of our judges have visited hundreds or thousands of beaches, some every country in the world, so their input is grounded in real comparison,” says Holst. “It’s not just about popularity or visibility. It’s about the complete natural beach experience and how that place actually feels when you’re there.”Beaches are evaluated across a range of factors, including how unique and unspoiled they feel, the likelihood of encountering wildlife, ease of swimming conditions and how crowded they are. Judges also consider whether a beach offers a true soundtrack of nature (with minimal noise beyond the ocean itself) and the overall likelihood of experiencing an idyllic day.In addition to the list of 50 best beaches in the world, this year’s report also includes the 50 best beaches in North America and the 50 best beaches in Europe, offering more targeted inspiration for travelers who aren’t crossing continents.“We saw a need for more region-specific insight,” Holst says. “Not everyone is traveling globally, so these lists highlight the best beaches within reach.”Entalula Beach in Palawan, Philippines, ranked No. 1 on the 2026 list of the best beaches in the world.gettyThe Best Beach In The World For 2026This year’s No. 1 pick globally: Entalula Beach in the Philippines. Entalula Beach is located in Palawan, an island that’s already on the radar of travel experts. In fact, Palawan recently appeared on my list of the best trips for 2026, highlighting its growing appeal for travelers seeking remote, nature-driven destinations.Entalula is a remote stretch of sand framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise water. On the 2025 list, Entalula Beach came in second place. Holst says Entalula rose to the top because it delivers something increasingly rare: a beach that feels truly untouched.“Entalula Beach stood out because it delivers something that’s becoming very rare: a beach that feels genuinely untouched,” she says. “The limestone cliffs, the clarity of the water and the sense of isolation all come together in a fantastic way. In the end, it represents exactly what more travellers are seeking right now: a natural, uninterrupted beach experience where preservation is a priority.”Entalula isn’t the only standout. The top of the list spans a wide geographic range. Coming in second on the list is Fteri Beach in Greece, which rose from the No. 4 spot in 2025. “Its isolation contributes to its pristine and serene atmosphere, setting it apart from more tourist-heavy destinations,” wrote the authors of the report.Wharton Beach in Western Australia comes in No. 3. A highlight here: “Known as one of the region's most popular surfing spots, it also offers excellent opportunities for dolphin spotting,” wrote the authors of the report.Nosy Iranja in Madagascar (No. 4) and East Beach on Vomo Island in Fiji (No. 5) round out the top five.A woman practices yoga on a pier in Koh Rong, Cambodia, one of Southeast Asia’s emerging beach destinations.gettyDestinations To WatchThe list doesn’t just show the best beaches, it also reveals the rising destinations to watch. Holst points to Koh Rong in Cambodia (No. 9), noting that this island in Sihanoukville Province is helping redefine Southeast Asia’s beach scene beyond more established destinations. Here’s how the authors of the report describe this Cambodian paradise: “Reached by boat, much of the coastline remains lightly developed, which helps preserve a slower, more relaxed feel. The beach runs for kilometers, with soft sand that slopes gently into calm, turquoise water, making it easy to spend hours in and out of the sea.”Fiji also stands out, thanks to its sheer number of islands and relatively untouched coastline. Two beaches from Fiji are on the list, including Vomo Island’s East Beach (No. 5) and the iconic Blue Lagoon (No. 36). Holst says that Fiji is “a destination with such an abundance of islands and beaches that it could easily be explored for months.”With three Australian beaches on the list—including Wharton Beach (No. 3), Turquoise Bay (No. 15) and Wineglass Bay (No. 21)—Down Under continues to impress. “Australia continues to stand out for its diversity and long stretches of untouched coastline, where the natural environment remains largely undeveloped,” says Holst. Shoal Bay East in Anguilla, the best beach in North America, is known for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters.gettyBest Beaches In North AmericaThe North America list is dominated by the Caribbean, where calm water, powdery sand and a focus on preservation resonate with voters.Shoal Bay East in Anguilla takes the top spot, followed by Playa Balandra in Mexico and Princess Diana Beach in Antigua and Barbuda. Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos—long considered one of the region’s most iconic beaches—comes in at No. 4, showing that classic destinations still hold strong when they maintain their natural appeal. Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Republic rounds out the top five.Mexico is another winner, with multiple beaches appearing across the list, from the dramatic landscapes of Playa Balandra (No. 2) to more off-the-radar spots like Isla Contoy (No. 13), a small island in Quintana Roo, just north of Isla Mujeres. The United States has a solid but more limited presence. Only two mainland beaches make the list, both in Florida: Siesta Beach (No. 7) and Henderson Beach in Destin (No. 42). Siesta Beach has also earned accolades in other rankings, including Dr. Beach’s annual report on the best beaches in America, where it won in 2017 and is now on the hall of fame list. “The gentle slope of the beach, combined with the shallow, calm waters, makes it ideal for swimming and wading, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families,” wrote the editors of the report. Another thing going for Siesta Key: the sand, which is made up of 99% pure quartz and stays cool even in the summer heat.A number of Hawaii beaches make the top 50, including Kapalua Beach (No. 33), Waimanalo Beach (No. 35), Lanikai Beach (No. 39), Hapuna Beach (No. 46) and Wai’anapanapa State Park (No. 49). U.S. territories on the list include Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico (No. 10) and Magens Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands (No. 36).Cala Macarella in Menorca, Spain, where crystalline waters and limestone cliffs make it one of Europe’s most breathtaking beach escapes.gettyBest Beaches In EuropeIn Europe, Greece leads the rankings, with Fteri Beach taking the No. 1 spot, followed by Cala Macarella on the Spanish island of Menorca and Cala dei Gabbiani on the Italian island of Sardinia.But the bigger story is a shift away from Europe’s most famous beaches toward harder-to-reach alternatives. While destinations like Greece and Spain still dominate, the beaches that rank highest tend to be those that require more effort to reach, whether by boat, hike or limited-access roads. That includes places like Porto Timoni in Corfu (No. 9), where dramatic landscapes are paired with a sense of seclusion that’s increasingly rare across the continent.The list also reflects growing geographic diversity. Croatia, Albania and Turkey all make strong showings, with beaches like Kaputas Beach in Turkey (No. 4), Podrace in Croatia (No. 14), Gjipe Beach in Albania (No. 28) on the list. These beaches are recognized for their raw, less-developed appeal.Even colder-weather destinations are getting attention. Keem Beach in Ireland (No. 11), Puinn Sand Beach in Norway (No. 24) and Diamond Beach in Iceland (No. 38) are reminders that Europe’s best beaches aren’t limited to the Mediterranean.Overall, the rankings point to a clear trend: In Europe, beauty alone isn’t enough. Accessibility, crowd levels and how well a destination has been preserved are playing an increasingly important role in how beaches are judged.The pink sands of Elafonissi Beach on Crete in Greece.gettyBeach TrendsOne of the biggest takeaways from this year’s ranking is a shift toward beaches that feel untouched and protected.“There’s a clear move away from well-known, high-traffic beaches toward places that feel more preserved and natural,” Holst says. “It’s not just about how a beach looks, it’s about how it’s maintained and whether that experience can still feel special.”That shift reflects a broader change in traveler priorities, with more people seeking places that still feel like a discovery. Overtourism is playing a growing role in that shift. “Beaches that were once considered pristine can lose their edge when crowd levels, infrastructure or environmental strain start to impact the experience,” Holst says. “There’s a growing preference for places that feel protected.”That dynamic is already reshuffling familiar rankings. In Greece, for example, heavily visited beaches like Elafonissi and Balos are losing ground to more remote options like Fteri Beach, which climbed to No. 2 globally this year.“When judges are comparing beaches globally, even small differences in crowding or environmental pressure become very noticeable,” Holst says.For travelers planning their next escape, the takeaway is clear: The best beaches in the world aren’t necessarily the most famous, they’re the ones that still feel untouched. And as this year’s rankings show, those places are becoming harder to find and more valuable than ever.Read on for the list of the 50 best beaches in the world, the 50 best beaches in North America and the 50 best beaches in Europe.Wharton Beach in Esperance, Western Australia, is the No. 3 best beach in the world, thanks to its sweeping white sands, turquoise surf and wild, untouched coastline.gettyRanked: The 50 Best Beaches In The WorldEntalula Beach, PhilippinesFteri Beach, GreeceWharton Beach, AustraliaNosy Iranja, MadagascarEast Beach (Vomo Island), FijiShoal Bay East, AnguillaDhigurah, MaldivesPlaya Balandra, MexicoKoh Rong, CambodiaDonald Duck Bay, ThailandCayo de Agua, VenezuelaCala Macarella, SpainOne Foot Island, Cook IslandsPrincess Diana Beach, BarbudaTurquoise Bay, AustraliaPK 9 Beach, French PolynesiaGrace Bay, Turks and CaicosCala dei Gabbiani, ItalySaadiyat Beach, UAECanto de la Playa, Dominican RepublicWineglass Bay, AustraliaPink Beach, IndonesiaParadise Beach, ThailandAnse Source d’Argent, SeychellesKalanggaman, PhilippinesSeven Mile Beach, Cayman IslandsFreedom Beach, ThailandSiesta Beach, United StatesKaputaş Beach, TurkeyCayo Zapatilla, PanamaThe Baths, British Virgin IslandsCabo San Juan del Guía, ColombiaBaia do Sancho, BrazilPorto Katsiki, GreeceSanta Giulia, FranceBlue Lagoon, FijiPlaya Xpu-Ha, MexicoOfu Beach, American SamoaPlaya Cofete, SpainLe Morne Beach, MauritiusFlamenco Beach, Puerto RicoGrand Anse, GrenadaPraia da Falésia, PortugalPontal do Atalaia, BrazilBoulder Beach, South AfricaPorto Timoni, GreecePaje Beach, ZanzibarLa Pelosa, ItalyCas Abao, CuraçaoKeem Beach, IrelandPlaya Balandra near La Paz, Baja California Sur, ranks No. 2 in North America, thanks to its shallow turquoise bay, sculpted sandbars and striking desert backdrop.gettyRanked: The 50 Best Beaches In North AmericaShoal Bay East, AnguillaPlaya Balandra, MexicoPrincess Diana Beach, Antigua & BarbudaGrace Bay, Turks & CaicosCanto de la Playa, Dominican RepublicSeven Mile Beach, Cayman IslandsSiesta Beach, FloridaThe Baths, British Virgin IslandsPlaya Xpu-Ha, MexicoFlamenco Beach, Puerto RicoEagle Beach, ArubaPink Sands Beach, BahamasIsla Contoy, MexicoGrand Anse Beach, GrenadaMeads Bay, AnguillaTrunk Bay, U.S. Virgin IslandsSandy Island, AnguillaHorseshoe Bay, BermudaPlaya Norte, MexicoCrane Beach, BarbadosMaho Beach, St. MaartenLittle Bay Beach, AnguillaLong Bay Beach, Turks & CaicosRendezvous Bay, AnguillaBathsheba Beach, BarbadosSmith’s Cove, Cayman IslandsPink Beach, BonaireHalf Moon Bay, Antigua & BarbudaLevera Beach, GrenadaAnse Marcel, St. MartinGouverneur Beach, St. BartsShell Beach, St. BartsKapalua Beach, HawaiiPlaya Majahuitas, MexicoWaimanalo Beach, HawaiiMagens Bay, U.S. Virgin IslandsCas Abao Beach, CuraçaoBaby Beach, ArubaLanikai Beach, HawaiiAnse Chastanet, St. LuciaPlaya Carrizalillo, MexicoHenderson Beach, FloridaMullins Beach, BarbadosSandy Lane Beach, BarbadosGrand Case Beach, St. MartinHapuna Beach, HawaiiDickenson Bay, Antigua & BarbudaDover Beach, BarbadosWaiʻānapanapa State Park, HawaiiHidden Beach, MexicoCala dei Gabbiani in Sardinia, Italy, is the third beach beach in Europe, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, white pebbled shore and dramatic limestone cliffs.gettyRanked: The 50 Best Beaches In EuropeFteri Beach, GreeceCala Macarella, Menorca, SpainCala dei Gabbiani, Sardinia, ItalyKaputaş Beach, TurkeySanta Giulia, Corsica, FrancePraia da Falésia, Algarve, PortugalPlaya de Cofete, Fuerteventura, SpainLa Pelosa, Sardinia, ItalyPorto Timoni, Corfu, GreecePasjača Beach, CroatiaKeem Beach, Achill Island, IrelandCala Mariolu, Sardinia, ItalyNavagio Beach, Zakynthos, GreecePodraće Beach, Brela, CroatiaZlatni Rat, Brač, CroatiaCala Brandinchi, Sardinia, ItalyMyrtos Beach, Kefalonia, GreeceElafonissi Beach, Crete, GreeceCala Saona, Formentera, SpainDurdle Door Beach, EnglandKleftiko Beach, Milos, GreecePraia da Marinha, Algarve, PortugalFig Tree Bay, CyprusPuinn Sand Beach, NorwayCala Pregonda, Menorca, SpainSarakiniko Beach, Milos, GreeceBalos Lagoon, Crete, GreeceGjipe Beach, AlbaniaCala Luna, Sardinia, ItalyPlaya de Bolonia, SpainReynisfjara Beach, IcelandPorto Katsiki, Lefkada, GreeceCala del Cefalo, ItalyCala Goloritzé, Sardinia, Italy Sveti Stefan Beach, MontenegroCala Mitjana, Menorca, SpainPlaya de Ses Illetes, Formentera, SpainDiamond Beach, IcelandVoutoumi Beach, Antipaxos, GreeceCala Turqueta, Menorca, SpainUttakleiv Beach, NorwayCala Tonnarella, Sicily, ItalyPaleokastritsa Beach, Corfu, GreeceCala Comte, Ibiza, SpainStiniva Beach, Vis Island, CroatiaPorto Limnionas, Zakynthos, GreeceCala Xarraca, Ibiza, SpainCala Saladeta, Ibiza, SpainElafonissi Lagoon, Crete, GreecePraia do Camilo, Algarve, PortugalMORE FROM FORBES: ForbesWant To Move To Spain? 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