Elafonissi Beach in Crete was at the top of the list of the best beaches in the world for 2025 thanks to its clear water and unique pink sand. Credit: Balate.Dorin, Shutterstock
If your happiness idea includes sand between your toes, salty hair and cold drinks in your hands, you’re in a good companion.
Thousands of travelers share their favorite beach escapes on TripAdvisor, and the results are as follows: The top 10 beaches to visit in 2025 have been revealed.
At the top of the list is Elafonissi Beach, hidden on Crete, Greece. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through pink sand and wandering through shallow turquoise waters, this is for you. It’s not just beautiful – it feels pristine. The sand gets a rosy glow from crushed shells, and the entire area is part of a protected nature reserve. It’s a quiet place to hold your breath without the need for flashy resorts or loud music. You just float, stare at the horizon and forget that the world exists.
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The second spot will go to Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand. This isn’t the easiest beach, but it’s part of the appeal. You need to walk a little to get to it, but as you do, you will encounter golden sand, calm waters, and a peaceful atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere on the island. There are no loud crowds or beach clubs. There are gentle waves and several sunbeds tucked under the trees. It’s the beach that makes you forget to check your phone. Maybe even forget to leave.
After that, Eagle Beach was in Alba, and came in third place. If you’re in the white sand and rock palm trees with a cocktail nearby, this check marks all boxes. It’s laid back, warm and absolutely fantastic – like the beach where you’ll extend your holiday “just one more day.”
But we’ve made a list too, so let’s talk about Spain for a moment. Sitting proudly on No. 8 is the Playa de Malo from Mallorca. If you were there, you’ll see why it’s on this list. It is one of the rare beaches that keep everyone happy, whether it’s a family with children, a couple trying to relax, and a solo traveler right after a peaceful and quiet moment.
It is soft, light sand, clear, shallow water, stretched with clear shallow water, which feels more like a huge natural pool than the open sea. Plus, it’s right next to S’Albufera Natural Park, so there’s a bit of it all: sunbathing, swimming, nature walks, birdwatching if that’s what you’re talking about. It has a quiet charm. No flash. Really a good beach.
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The rest of the list is like a dream. Florida’s Siesta Beach has almost entirely sand made of quartz. Praia da Falesia of Portugal offers red and gold cliffs that look like they’ve been painted by hand. Kering Beach, Indonesia, is one of the most photo-picked locations on Instagram, perhaps thanks to its T-Rex-shaped cliffs. It’s gorgeous – don’t expect to get there without a bit of a hike.
And of course, the Caribbean has a strong show. Varadero in Cuba and Bavaro in the Dominican Republic are what someone imagined when they called it “paradise.” Palm trees, turquoise water, soft sand and more, everything you need within walking distance. On a long, lazy day, I have not thought of a single email in my vision, thinking about fruity drinks.
If you want to start planning, this is the complete top 10.
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete (Greece)
- Banana Beach, Phuket (Thailand)
- Eagle Beach, Alba
- Siesta Beach, Florida (USA)
- Praia da Falesia, Algarve (Portugal)
- Varadero Beach, Cuba
- Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
- Mallorca, Wall Beach (Spain)
- Kering Beach, Nusa Penida (Indonesia)
- Myrthos Beach, Kefalonia (Greece)
So whether it’s a remote, robust beauty mood or a place with cocktails on tap, this list is packed with inspiration. And if you’re just looking for a sign to book the beach holidays you’ve dreamed of, well, here’s it.
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