Best Beaches 2025: In a stunning showcase of global coastal beauty, travel portal Tripadvisor has unveiled its annual list of the top 25 "Best of the Best Beaches" in the world, with Elafonissi Beach on the Greek island of Crete claiming the top spot. Known for its distinctive pink sands and serene, crystal-clear waters, Elafonissi Beach emerged as a favourite among travellers seeking tranquility, particularly in the quieter months of May and September. This marks the beach's return to the prestigious list after a brief hiatus since 2021.
The 'Travelers' Choice Awards' list, curated through traveller reviews, celebrates diverse beach destinations across six continents and 50 countries.
Asia made a modest showing with two entries. Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand, ranked second overall, luring visitors with its opportunities for boating, parasailing, snorkelling, and diving among vibrant coral and fish. Indonesia’s Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida island also earned a spot in the top ten, coming in at number nine.
Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba, rounded out the top three, celebrated for its white sands, calm waters, and abundance of water activities. The United States also made an appearance with Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, ranking fourth, highlighting its soft, powdery sands.
European beaches dominated the list, with standout mentions including Praia da Falésia in Portugal (5th), Myrtos Beach in Greece (10th), and Spiaggia dei Conigli in Italy (11th).
Australia's iconic Manly Beach and Bondi Beach in Sydney also secured spots at 15th and 24th, respectively.
Complete list of Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Beaches For 2025
1. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece2. Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand3. Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba4. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida5. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal6. Playa Varadero, Varadero, Cuba7. Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic8. Playa de Muro Beach, Mallorca, Spain9. Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia10. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia Island, Greece11. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy12. Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain13. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil14. Poipu Beach Park, Poipu, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii15. Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia16. Playa Delfines, Cancun, Mexico17. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France18. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles19. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico20. Tropea Beach, Tropea, Italy21. Balandra Beach, La Paz, Mexico22. Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii23. Reynisfjara Beach, Vik, Iceland24. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia25. Muro Alto Beach, Porto de Galinhas, Brazil