May 4, 2025, 8:52 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Turquoise water, fine sand, and stunning nature — many associate these dreamlike settings with exotic destinations such as the Maldives, Bora Bora, or Hawaii. However, while these places undoubtedly offer paradise beaches, a ranking by “The World’s 50 Best Beaches” reveals that the most beautiful beach in the world is actually located in Europe.
Every year, the website “The World’s 50 Best Beaches” selects the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world, as the name suggests. The rankings are based on the expertise of numerous travel experts. They aim to inform and inspire beachgoers to discover the diversity of the many beautiful beaches around the globe. Those who wish to visit this year’s winner of the title “most beautiful beach in the world” won’t even need to plan a long-haul flight, as it is located in a European country.
The Most Beautiful Beach in the World is in Italy
Ranked number one among the world’s most beautiful beaches is Cala Goloritzé, a stunning and secluded beach on the east coast of Sardinia, near the village of Baunei. It is particularly striking for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, white pebble beach, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Accessible only by foot through a challenging hike in the Supramonte mountains or by boat, this beach offers a natural experience far from mass tourism.
Especially notable is the 143-meter-high limestone pinnacle that towers over the bay like a cathedral, attracting climbers and nature lovers alike. However, be warned: Since its designation as a natural monument in the 1990s, the bay is under strict protection. Only a limited number of hikers are allowed daily, and boats must anchor at a respectful distance. These strict measures preserve the original beauty of the place, making Cala Goloritzé one of the most beautiful and best-protected beaches in Europe.
The Second and Third Most Beautiful Beaches are in Asia
It’s hardly surprising that the remaining spots in the top three are occupied by postcard-worthy white sand beaches in Asia. Second place goes to Entalula Beach in the Philippines, which impresses with its seclusion and breathtaking scenery. Just a few meters from the shore, you can discover colorful coral reefs while snorkeling.
In third place is Bang Bao Beach in Thailand, located on the island of Koh Kood, offering peace and seclusion. It provides a welcome change from other beaches in Thailand, which are increasingly suffering from mass tourism. Fourth place goes to Fteri Beach in Greece, a European beach hidden in a secluded bay and mainly accessible by boat.
An Overview of the 50 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
- Cala Goloritzé — Italy
- Entalula Beach — Philippines
- Bang Bao Beach — Thailand
- Fteri Beach — Greece
- PK 9 Beach — French Polynesia
- Canto De La Playa — Dominican Republic
- Anse Source d’Argent — Seychelles
- Nosy Iranja — Madagascar
- Ofu Beach — American Samoa
- Grace Bay — Turks and Caicos Islands
- Turquoise Bay — Australia
- Boulders Beach — South Africa
- Pink Beach — Indonesia
- Shoal Bay East — Anguilla
- Detwah Lagoon — Yemen
- Voutoumi Beach — Greece
- One Foot Island — Cook Islands
- Playa de Rodas — Spain
- Playa Balandra — Mexico
- Pontal do Atalaia — Brazil
- Wharton Beach — Australia
- Cayo de Agua — Venezuela
- Seven Mile Beach — Cayman Islands
- Cayo Zapatilla — Panama
- Baía do Sancho — Brazil
- Horseshoe Bay — Bermuda
- Pulau Palambak — Indonesia
- Freedom Beach — Thailand
- The Baths — British Virgin Islands
- Anse Georgette — Seychelles
- Ffryes Beach —Antigua and Barbuda
- Grand Anse — Grenada
- Le Morne Beach — Mauritius
- Bahía de las Águilas — Dominican Republic
- Meads Bay — Anguilla
- Porto Katsiki — Greece
- Nudey Beach — Australia
- Bon Bon Beach — Philippines
- Saadiyat Beach — United Arab Emirates
- Goyambokka Beach — Sri Lanka
- Playa Punta Uva — Costa Rica
- Siesta Beach — Florida, USA
- Paje Beach — Zanzibar
- Klein Bonaire Beach — Bonaire
- Cathedral Cove Beach — New Zealand
- Santa Giulia — Corsica, France
- Gardner Bay — Ecuador
- Keem Beach — Ireland
- Kuramathi Sand Bank — Maldives
- La Pelosa — Italy
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How the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches are Selected
According to the methodology on the “The World’s 50 Best Beaches” website, thousands of experienced travel experts are asked annually to choose the best beach in the world. They are not given specific criteria but must provide their personal opinion and a compelling description. The number of votes a beach receives influences its ranking, but other factors such as uniqueness, wildlife, pristine nature, and water accessibility also play a role. Beaches recently visited by a team member receive special attention. Additionally, the Beach Ambassadors, a group of seasoned travelers, each nominate three beaches to further enrich the list.