World’s Best 5 Beaches for 2026: Tripadvisor’s Dream Escapes Revealed

Isla Pasion

Travellers’ Choice Awards Celebrate Coastal Excellence

Each year, the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best honours destinations that deliver exceptional visitor experiences. Based on millions of reviews collected over a 12-month period, fewer than one percent of the platform’s eight million listings achieve this distinction.

For 2026, five extraordinary beaches from across the globe have captured travellers’ hearts. Whether you crave soft sands, crystal waters or unforgettable scenery, these award-winning coastal escapes promise the ultimate beach holiday.

1. Isla Pasion, Cozumel

Set off the coast of Cozumel, Isla Pasion is celebrated as a peaceful Caribbean retreat where relaxation comes naturally. Visitors praise the friendly service, excellent food and well-organised activities that make the experience seamless from arrival to departure.

The beach itself is the main attraction, with shaded seating, hammocks and calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming or simply soaking in the scenery. Nature tours, kayaking and wildlife encounters provide added adventure, while families appreciate the island’s safe, welcoming atmosphere.

2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete

Isla Pasion

With blush-pink sands and luminous turquoise water, Elafonissi Beach offers a surreal coastal landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Shallow lagoons make it ideal for children and relaxed wading, while deeper waters invite swimming and snorkelling.

Sunset is the highlight, when soft golden light enhances the beach’s pastel tones, creating a dreamlike setting photographers and travellers won’t forget.

3. Balos Lagoon

Balos Lagoon 

For travellers seeking pristine beauty with fewer crowds, Balos Lagoon delivers crystal-clear water, powdery white sand and calm shallows perfect for families. The lagoon’s tranquil setting offers a semi-private feel, ideal for peaceful swims and leisurely beach days.

A nearby beach bar provides refreshments, allowing visitors to relax and savour the spectacular coastal scenery for hours.

4. Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach

Located on Aruba’s west coast, Eagle Beach is renowned for its wide stretch of soft white sand, gentle waters and breathtaking sunsets. Despite its popularity, the beach retains a relaxed atmosphere and ample space for visitors to unwind.

Swimming, snorkelling and jet skiing are popular activities, while convenient amenities such as parking and facilities make it especially appealing for full-day visits.

5. Praia da Falésia, Algarve

Praia da Falésia 

Praia da Falésia stands out for its dramatic red and ochre cliffs that rise above golden sands and sparkling Atlantic waters. The vast shoreline invites sunbathing, swimming and body surfing, while the scenic clifftop path offers breathtaking panoramic views.

This Portuguese coastal gem combines natural beauty with space to explore, making it a favourite for both relaxation and photography.

Plan Your Perfect Beach Escape

These globally recognised beaches represent the pinnacle of coastal travel experiences. Whether you prefer the Caribbean’s laid-back charm, Mediterranean beauty or Atlantic drama, each destination offers a unique way to reconnect with nature and unwind by the sea.

For more information and traveller reviews, visit:
https://www.tripadvisor.com

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