Paradise found: The World's best beaches of 2025 revealed
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 26
- 14 min read
Updated: Mar 14
From pink-hued shores in Greece to the dazzling white sands of the Caribbean, Tripadvisor’s Travelers' Choice Awards 2025 have unveiled the ultimate beach destinations.
Whether you're dreaming of a tropical escape or a serene seaside retreat, these top-rated beaches promise breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable experiences.
Tripadvisor has unveiled its Travelers' Choice Awards for 2025, highlighting the world's top beaches as rated by its global community of travelers. This annual list celebrates the most stunning and beloved coastal destinations, offering inspiration for beach enthusiasts worldwide.
Top 10 beaches in the World 2025
Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Renowned for its pink-hued sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Elafonissi Beach is a protected nature reserve located to the village Elos. Visitors can explore unique flora and fauna, including rare loggerhead sea turtles. The shallow lagoons make it ideal for families and snorkelers. Elos is a small, picturesque village in western Crete, located about 25 km from Kissamos and 75 km from Chania. It is known for its lush greenery, as it sits at the foothills of the White Mountains, and is famous for its chestnut trees. Every October, the village hosts the Chestnut Festival, celebrating its local produce with traditional music, food, and drinks. Elos offers a few charming tavernas serving authentic Cretan cuisine, as well as a quiet, traditional atmosphere away from the bustling tourist areas. It is a great stop for travelers heading to Elafonissi Beach.
How to get there
By Car: The most convenient way is to drive from Chania, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours via a scenic mountain route. Rental cars are available from Chania or Heraklion, with prices starting at €30-€50 per day depending on the season.
By Bus: Public buses operated by KTEL Crete run from Chania to Elafonissi during peak season. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and tickets cost around €10-€15 one way.
By Tour: Many tour operators offer day trips from Chania or Rethymno, including transportation and guided visits, with prices ranging from €30-€60 per person.
By Boat: Boat excursions from nearby Paleochora offer an alternative way to reach Elafonissi, with ticket prices around €25-€40 per person.
Entry and facilities costs
Entrance: Free
Sunbed and umbrella Rental: Around €10-€20 per set
Parking: Free but fills up quickly in peak season
Food & rrinks: Several beachside kiosks and tavernas offer meals, with prices for snacks and drinks starting at €5-€15.
Despite its remote location, Elafonissi remains one of Crete’s most visited beaches, thanks to its unique beauty and shallow, lagoon-like waters perfect for swimming.
Siesta Beach, Florida, USA
Located on Siesta Key, just minutes from Sarasota, this world-famous beach is known for its powdery white quartz sand and crystal-clear waters. The sand is composed of 99% pure quartz, which stays cool even in hot weather. Siesta Beach offers lifeguard services, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground, making it a favorite for families. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and dolphin watching.
The nearby Siesta Key Village features lively bars, seafood restaurants, and boutique shops. With millions of visitors each year, it remains one of the top-rated beaches in the U.S. for its beauty and amenities
The island is easily accessible via two bridges connecting it to mainland Sarasota. Wildlife is abundant, with manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds frequently spotted. Siesta Key is also known for its breathtaking sunsets, often celebrated with drum circle gatherings on Sundays. How to get there: By Car: Siesta Beach is about 15 minutes from downtown Sarasota. Visitors driving from Tampa or Orlando can take Interstate 75 and exit onto Clark Road (SR 72), which leads directly to the beach.
By Public Transport: Sarasota County’s SCAT buses operate routes from downtown Sarasota to Siesta Key, with fares starting at $1.50 per ride.
By Free Trolley: The Siesta Key Breeze Trolley runs daily and offers free transportation between the key’s major attractions, including Siesta Beach.
By Plane: The nearest airport is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), about 30 minutes away by car.
Entry and facilities costs
Entrance: Free
Parking: Free, but spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Sunbed and Umbrella Rentals: Around $20-$40 per set.
Food & Drinks: Several beachfront concession stands offer meals and refreshments, with prices starting at $5-$15.
Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
Playa de Muro is located on the northeastern coast of Mallorca, Spain, between Port d'Alcúdia and Can Picafort. Stretching approximately 6 km, it is one of the longest beaches on the island. The beach is known for its fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters, making it an ideal destination for families.
Playa de Muro has been awarded Blue Flag status for its cleanliness, water quality, and excellent facilities. Visitors can enjoy various water sports, including paddleboarding, jet skiing, and snorkeling. The area also offers boat trips and other beach activities. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, beach bars, and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable experience.
The beach is located near S’Albufera Natural Park, a well-known wetland reserve popular for birdwatching and nature trails. The best time to visit is between May and October, when temperatures are warm and sea conditions are pleasant.
Mallorca welcomes around 10 million tourists annually, and Playa de Muro is one of the island’s most visited beaches.
How to get there
Playa de Muro is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle from nearby towns and cities in Mallorca, Spain.
By car: The beach is about 60 km from Palma de Mallorca and can be reached in approximately 50 minutes via the Ma-13 highway. There are several parking areas near the beach, though they can fill up quickly in peak season.
By bus: Public buses run regularly from Palma, Alcúdia, and Can Picafort to Playa de Muro. The TIB bus service (such as lines 302 and 324) connects major locations with the beach.
By bicycle: Playa de Muro is connected to a network of cycling routes, making it a popular choice for cyclists traveling from nearby towns like Alcúdia (6 km away) or Can Picafort (5 km away).
Many visitors also arrive via organized tours or hotel shuttle services, especially during the summer months.
Entry and facilities costs
Entrance: There are multiple access points along the beach, with wooden walkways leading directly to the sand. Many of these are wheelchair-friendly.
Costs: While entry is free, there are costs for sunbeds and umbrellas, which typically range from €10 to €20 per day. Water sports, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, have varying rental prices, usually starting at €15 per hour. Nearby parking may be free or paid, depending on the area and season.
Varadero Beach, Cuba
Varadero Beach, located on the Hicacos Peninsula in Cuba, is one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. It stretches around 20 kilometers (12 miles) along the coast, offering soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is a major tourist destination, attracting over 1 million visitors annually, including both international travelers and locals.
Varadero is known for its luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and water sports activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and sailing.
The area also features natural attractions like the Saturno Cave, Josone Park, and the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round, making it a popular getaway for sun-seekers.
Varadero Beach is a public beach with free entry, making it one of Cuba’s most accessible and visited destinations.
How to get there
Varadero Beach is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle from nearby areas in Cuba.
By car: The beach is about 25 km from Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes via Autopista Sur. Taxis and rental cars are available, with taxi fares ranging from $25 to $40 USD depending on the distance. Parking is generally free near most beach resorts.
By bus: The Viazul bus service connects Havana (150 km away) and Matanzas (35 km away) to Varadero Beach. Bus fares from Havana start at $10 to $15 USD one way. Some hotels also provide shuttle services for guests.
By bicycle: Varadero Beach has well-maintained roads and paths, making cycling a popular option for visitors staying in nearby hotels or exploring the 20 km stretch of coastline. Bicycle rentals are available for around $5 to $10 USD per day.
Entry and facilities costs
Entrance: There are multiple access points along the coastline, many of which are connected to resorts, but public access is available in several areas. Some entrances have wooden walkways for easier access.
Costs: While the beach itself is free, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically costing $5 to $10 per day. Water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and catamaran tours are offered at various prices, starting at around $20 per hour. Parking is generally free, but some private lots may charge a small fee.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Eagle Beach is Aruba’s widest beach, known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. It is home to the island’s iconic divi-divi trees, which are often photographed. The beach offers free public access and has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, with facilities like sunbed rentals, beach bars, and restaurants nearby. It is also a key nesting site for sea turtles, with hatchings occurring between May and November.
How to get there
Eagle Beach is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle from nearby areas in Aruba.
By car: The beach is about 10 km from Queen Beatrix International Airport and can be reached in approximately 15 minutes via L.G. Smith Boulevard. Parking is free and available along the beach.
By bus: The Arubus public transportation system runs regular buses from Oranjestad (6 km away) and Palm Beach (3 km away) to Eagle Beach. Bus fares start at $2.60 per ride.
By bicycle: Eagle Beach is connected to a network of coastal cycling paths, making it a scenic option for cyclists traveling from Palm Beach (3 km away) or Oranjestad (6 km away).
Entry and facilities costs
Entrance: There are multiple access points along the beach, with soft white sand and shaded picnic areas available.
Costs: While entry is free, sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for $15–$30 per day. Water sports, such as jet skiing and parasailing, start at $25 per session. Parking is generally free, but some private lots may charge a small fee.
Cable Beach, Broome, Australia
Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia, is a 22-kilometer-long stretch of white sand along the Indian Ocean. It is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, which can be enjoyed from the shore or during a camel ride, a signature experience in the area.
The beach is known for its turquoise waters, but visitors should be cautious of box jellyfish and Irukandji stingers, especially during the wet season from November to April.
Cable Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and four-wheel driving, with a designated area for vehicles.
Nearby facilities include cafés, restaurants, and resorts, making it a well-equipped destination for tourists. The beach is also significant in Aboriginal culture, with the Yawuru people being the traditional custodians of the land.
How to get there
Cable Beach is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle from Broome, Western Australia.
By car: The beach is about 7 km from Broome’s town center and can be reached in approximately 10 minutes via Gubinge Road. There is ample free parking near the main access points.
By bus: The Broome Explorer Bus runs regularly between Broome town center and Cable Beach, with tickets costing around $4 AUD ($2.60 USD) per ride or $15 AUD ($9.75 USD) for a day pass.
By bicycle: Cable Beach is connected to scenic cycling paths, making it a pleasant 15- to 20-minute ride from Broome.
Entry and facilities costs
Costs: Entry to Cable Beach is free, but activities such as camel rides range from $50 to $100 AUD ($32 to $65 USD) per person, depending on the time of day. Sunbed and umbrella rentals are available, typically costing $25 to $35 AUD ($16 to $23 USD) per day.
Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Bávaro Beach is a famous stretch of white sand and turquoise waters located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It is part of the larger La Costa del Coco (Coconut Coast) and is known for its calm waters, palm-lined shores, and luxury resorts.
The beach offers a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, and catamaran tours. The nearby coral reefs provide excellent underwater experiences for divers and marine life enthusiasts.
Bávaro Beach is home to many all-inclusive resorts, making it a top destination for honeymooners, families, and tourists looking for a tropical getaway.
There are also beachfront bars, restaurants, and local shops offering Dominican cuisine and souvenirs.
Due to its beauty and popularity, Bávaro Beach is often ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean, drawing millions of visitors annually.
How to get there
Bávaro Beach is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi from nearby locations in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
By car: The beach is about 20 km from Punta Cana International Airport and can be reached in approximately 25 minutes via the Carretera Aeropuerto highway. Many resorts offer free shuttles, and rental cars are available at the airport. Parking near the beach is usually free, though some private lots may charge a small fee.
By bus: Public buses (guaguas) run between Punta Cana and Bávaro Beach, with fares starting at around $1–$2 USD per ride. These buses can be crowded but offer an affordable option for travelers.
By taxi: Taxis are widely available, with fares from Punta Cana International Airport to Bávaro Beach costing between $20 and $40 USD, depending on the destination and negotiation.
Entry and facilities costs
Costs
Beach entry: Free, as Bávaro Beach is a public beach.
Sunbed & umbrella rentals: Typically $10–$20 USD per day.
Water sports: Jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling tours range from $30 to $100 USD, depending on the activity.
Food & drinks: Beachfront restaurants and bars offer meals ranging from $10 to $30 USD per person.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Seven Mile Beach is located on the western shore of Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands. It stretches for approximately 6.3 miles (10 km) and is famous for its soft, white coral sand and turquoise waters.
The beach is a top destination for activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing, thanks to its calm and clear waters. Luxury resorts, beachfront restaurants, and bars line the shore, but there are also public access points for visitors.
The nearby coral reefs provide excellent snorkeling opportunities, with chances to see tropical fish and sea turtles.
Frequently ranked among the world's top beaches, Seven Mile Beach remains one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations. Seven Mile Beach is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle from various locations on Grand Cayman.
Entry and facilities costs
By car: The beach is about 7 km (4.3 miles) from Owen Roberts International Airport and can be reached in approximately 10–15 minutes via Esterley Tibbetts Highway. Free and paid parking is available near public access points and resorts.
By bus: The Cayman Islands public bus service runs regular routes from George Town to Seven Mile Beach, with fares starting at around $2.50 USD per ride. Buses operate frequently throughout the day.
By bicycle: The flat, coastal roads make it easy to reach Seven Mile Beach by bike, especially from nearby areas like George Town (5 km away). Many resorts and rental shops offer bicycle rentals.
Costs: Entry to Seven Mile Beach is free, but sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically costing around $10–$20 USD per day. Water sports activities such as jet skiing and parasailing range from $50 to $150 USD, depending on the provider and duration.
Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Playa Norte, located on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, known for its soft white sand and shallow, turquoise waters.
The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling due to its calm and clear conditions. There are numerous beachfront bars, restaurants, and lounge areas, making it a lively yet relaxing destination.
The area is also famous for its breathtaking sunsets and vibrant marine life.
Playa Norte is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world and attracts both locals and international travelers year-round.
Playa Norte, located on Isla Mujeres, Mexico, is easily accessible from Cancun by ferry, golf cart, or bicycle.
How to get there
By ferry: The Ultramar ferry operates daily from Puerto Juárez in Cancun to Isla Mujeres, with a journey time of about 15 minutes. A round-trip ticket costs approximately $21 USD for adults and $16 USD for children.
By golf cart: Upon arriving at Isla Mujeres, many visitors rent a golf cart to explore the island. Rentals typically cost between $50 and $70 USD per day.
By bicycle or walking: Playa Norte is within walking distance from the ferry terminal, about a 10-minute stroll. Bicycle rentals are available for around $10 to $15 USD per day.
Entry and facilities costs
Costs: Entry to Playa Norte is free, but visitors may pay for beach club access, which includes lounge chairs and umbrellas, typically ranging from $10 to $30 USD. Water sports such as snorkeling and paddleboarding are available at varying prices, starting at around $25 USD per person.
Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Baía do Sancho, located on Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and rich marine life. The beach is only accessible by descending a steep metal staircase through a narrow rock crevice, adding to its secluded charm. It is a top destination for snorkeling and diving, with sea turtles, dolphins, and reef sharks frequently spotted in its waters. As part of a protected marine national park, visitor numbers are limited, and strict conservation rules are in place. Baía do Sancho has been ranked among the best beaches in the world multiple times, including on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice list.
How to get there
Baía do Sancho, located on Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, is accessible only by boat or via a steep staircase through a rocky cliffside.
By plane: The closest airport is Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN), which receives flights from Recife and Natal. From the airport, travelers can take a taxi or rental car to the main entrance of the national park.
By boat: Many boat tours departing from Porto de Santo Antônio stop at Baía do Sancho, offering visitors a scenic approach to the beach.
By foot: Visitors can access the beach by entering Parque Nacional Marinho de Fernando de Noronha, where they must descend a narrow metal staircase built into the cliffs.
Entry and facilities costs
Costs: Entry to the national park requires purchasing a pass, which costs R$179 (about $36 USD) for Brazilian visitors and R$358 (about $72 USD) for foreigners. This pass is valid for 10 days and grants access to multiple beaches and attractions within the park.
Boat tours that stop at Baía do Sancho vary in price, typically ranging from R$300 to R$600 ($60–$120 USD) per person, depending on the duration and services included.
