LONDON, UK, February 17, 2026: Tripadvisor®, the world's largest travel guidance platform, today unveils the winners of its Travellers' Choice® Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2026. The awards showcase Tripadvisor reviewers' favourite beaches around the world, based on a comprehensive analysis of Tripadvisor review data.
From Penguin spotting in South Africa to warm volcanic waters in New Zealand, this year’s lists showcase the diversity of coastlines across the globe.
“For many travelers, the beach is the main event,” said Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor. “Based on millions of trips, reviews, and opinions, these awards highlight the very best beaches in the world — making it easier to decide where to go and how to spend your time once you’re there.”
One of a Kind
Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland takes the lead for the UK to be named No. 3 in the inaugural One of a Kind list, which ranks the world’s most unique coastal spots. Framed by the iconic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle, this beach boasts miles of soft white sand, and a dramatic coastal backdrop. The dog‑friendly stretch is close to the charming Bamburgh village, making it a standout choice for unforgettable family escapes and romantic coastal breaks. There is also plenty to do nearby - take a trip to Bamburgh Castle, visit the RNLI museum or check out the local surf school.
Yaverland Beach at Sandown on the Isle of Wight, makes its Best of the Best debut to be named a world-class One of a Kind. Coming in at No. 15 on the list, it tops beaches in Turkiye, Indonesia and Greece. Recognised as a British coastal gem, Yaverland Beach boasts a vast, golden, dog‑friendly shoreline with clear, shallow water and dramatic coloured cliffs. With excellent on‑site facilities and the award winning The Beach Cafe close by, it’s a perfect day out any time of year.
One of a Kind Beaches - World
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – South Africa (pictures with penguins)
- Isola Bella – Sicily, Italy (ancient Greek theater views)
- Bamburgh Beach – United Kingdom (medieval castle backdrop)
- Sleeping Bear Dunes – Michigan, USA (450-foot sand dunes)
- Lençóis Maranhenses – Brazil (desert oasis with lagoons)
- Anakena Beach – Easter Island, Chile (Moai statues)
- Wai'anapanapa State Park – Hawaii, USA (black sand, lava tubes)
- Hopewell Rocks – Canada (world's highest tides)
- Bahía Bioluminiscente – Puerto Rico (glowing waters)
- Hot Water Beach - New Zealand (volcanic hot springs)
- See the full list here
Best in Europe
Horsey Beach, in Norfolk, has been named No. 13 in Europe, for its first Best of the Best award. Home to one of the UK’s largest grey seal colonies, in the winter thousands of seals make their way to this shoreline, making for an unforgettable day out. From late October to February you can even spot fluffy white seal pups nestled among the dunes. Conservation volunteers manage viewing areas to keep both seals and visitors safe and are often on hand to answer any questions.
Bamburgh Beach claims its second award for 2026 on the Europe list at No. 19, having last won in 2022. In the rest of Europe, Greece is the clear favourite, taking three of the top five spots, with Elafonissi Beach in Crete, named No. 1.
Best Beaches - Europe
- Elafonissi Beach, Greece (iconic pink sand)
- Balos Lagoon, Greece (turquoise lagoon peninsula)
- Praia da Falésia, Portugal (orange cliffs that glow at sunset)
- La Pelosa Beach, Italy (powdery white sand with historic views)
- Falassarna Beach, Greece (wild, west facing Crete beach)
- Platja De Muro, Spain (watersports and nearby nature reserve)
- Paleokastritsa Beach, Greece (lush green cliffs and hidden grottos)
- Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy (steep walks and sea turtles)
- Playa de Maspalomas, Spain (Saharan style sand dunes)
- Plage de Palombaggia, France (beautiful pine surroundings)
- See the full list here
World’s Best
The world’s best beach for 2026 is Isla Pasion in Mexico. Making a triumphant return to the World’s Top list after a three year hiatus, this picture perfect island is Tripadvisor’s top attraction in Cozumel, can only be reached by boat, which makes for the perfect day trip.
Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2026
- Good for: Private island oasis, crystal-clear waters, marine life encounters, snorkeling which travelers can book through this Catamaran Snorkel Adventure to El Cielo and The Money Bar Beach experience.
- Best time to go: November-April
- Unique features: Protected coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites, exclusive day-trip destination
Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
- Good for: Pink sand phenomenon, shallow lagoons, protected nature reserve, and can be easily accessed from Chania through the Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania tour.
- Best time to go: May & September
- Unique features: Rare pink sand created by crushed shells
Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Greece
- Good for: Turquoise lagoon waters, dramatic landscapes, Instagram-worthy vistas like this Balos & Gramvousa Luxury Catamaran Sailing Cruise from Kissamos experience.
- Best time to go: April-June, September-October
- Unique features: Former pirate hideout, protected Natura 2000 site
Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Good for: Pristine white sand, watersports paradise, activities like this 3-Hour Electric Scooter Island Tour in Arubadivi.
- Best time to go: April-August
- Unique features: Sea turtle nesting ground, iconic Ffofoti trees
Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
- Good for: Ochre cliffs with spectacular views that can be experienced during this Benagil And Dolphins Tour.
- Best time to go: April-October
- Unique features: Dramatic red cliff formations
Banana Beach – Ko He, Thailand
- Good for: Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs with amazing snorkeling that travelers can book through this Banana Beach Snorkeling Adventure.
- Best time to go: November-March
- Unique features: Part of Racha Islands, premier diving destination
La Jolla Cove – California, USA
- Good for: Sea lion colonies, underwater park, kayaking adventures like this Sea Caves Kayak Tour.
- Best time to go: March-May, September-November
- Unique features: Protected marine reserve, year-round wildlife viewing
La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia, Italy
- Good for: Caribbean-like waters, ancient watchtower views that can be experienced through this Half Day Catamaran Tour to La Pelosa with Aperitif tour.
- Best time to go: June-September
- Unique features: 16th-century Torre della Pelosa
Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia
- Good for: Surf culture, beachside promenade, a scenic Sydney Harbour Ferry Ride.
- Best time to go: September-May
- Unique features: Historic surfing beach, pine tree-lined Corso
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony – Simon’s Town, South Africa
- Good for: African penguin sanctuary, granite boulders that travelers can experience during this Table Mountain, Boulders Penguins and Cape point Day Tour.
- Best time to go: September-April
- Unique features: One of few mainland penguin colonies globally
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Methodology
The 2026 Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Beaches are calculated based on the quality and quantity of reviews, specific to each award subcategory from travellers globally on Tripadvisor between November 30, 2024, through December 1, 2025.
About Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform*, helps millions of people each month** become better travellers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travellers across the globe use Tripadvisor's website and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than a billion reviews and contributions, travellers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.
Tripadvisor LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tripadvisor, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRIP). The subsidiaries of Tripadvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of travel media brands and businesses, operating under various websites and apps.
* Source: SimilarWeb, unique users de-duplicated monthly, January 2025.
** Source: Tripadvisor internal log files
SOURCE Tripadvisor
