Tripadvisor names the world's best beaches for 2025

Tripadvisor has published its annual ranking of the world's best beaches for 2025, to help travellers pick the perfect coastline for their holiday in advance.

The ranking includes several lists, including a global top 25, a US list, a 25th-anniversary selection for the service, and regional top 10s. "This year's selections span six continents and 50 countries, along with more than a hundred top beaches, reflecting the uniqueness of coastal destinations around the world," said the company's president, Kristen Dalton.

The overall winner was Elafonissi Beach on the Greek island of Crete. It is known for its pink sand and clear, warm water. Tourists especially value Elafonissi in May and September, when it's possible to enjoy the calm before and after the peak summer crowds. This beach hadn't appeared on the list since 2021, and has now returned among the best.

"Crete is Greece's largest island, and also the birthplace of the ancient Minoan civilisation, so besides beaches, there are plenty of historic sites and ruins to visit here," noted Tripadvisor senior director Hilary Fisher-Grobman.

Second place went to Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand, known for boat trips and parasailing. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will appreciate the colourful coral and fish. Third place went to Eagle Beach in Oranjestad, Aruba, with its white sand, calm water, and popular water activities.

The world's top 4 includes Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida (US), notable for its soft sand and abundance of shells. For those who prefer mild weather and fewer tourists, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Rounding out the top five is Praia da Falésia in the Algarve region (Portugal), with its scenic cliffs and golden shoreline.

The world's ten best beaches in 2025:

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1. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
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2. Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand
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3. Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba
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4. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida, USA
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5. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
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6. Playa Varadero, Varadero, Cuba
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7. Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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8. Playa de Muro Beach, Mallorca, Spain
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9. Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
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10. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia island, Greece
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The best beaches in the US for 2025:

First place went to Siesta Beach, and the top 10 also includes two more Florida beaches — Clearwater Beach (6th) and Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys (9th).

Hawaii traditionally holds strong positions in US rankings. Five Hawaiian beaches made the top ten, including Poipu Beach on Kauai (2nd), Kaanapali on Maui (3rd), Waikiki on Oahu (5th), black-sand Punalu'u on the Big Island (8th), and Ho'okipa Park on Maui (10th).

The ranking also includes La Jolla Cove in San Diego (4th) and Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia (7th). The latter is known for its whimsical branches of weathered driftwood, creating picturesque scenes against the golden sand.