As travel enthusiasts plan their 2025 getaways, Tripadvisor has unveiled its “Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025.” This annual list, derived from millions of reviews and ratings, highlights the world’s most stunning coastal destinations. Below are 10 of the best beaches to visit in 2025 that promise sun, sand, and unforgettable experiences.
1. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonissi Beach tops the list, renowned for its pink-hued sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Located on the southwestern coast of Crete, this beach offers a serene environment ideal for relaxation and swimming. The shallow waters make it family-friendly, and the surrounding area is a protected nature reserve, home to rare flora and fauna. Visitors can also explore the nearby islet, accessible by wading through the shallow lagoon.
2. Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Nestled on Coral Island, just a short boat ride from Phuket, Banana Beach is a tropical haven. Its pristine white sandsand vibrant coral reefs make it a snorkeler’s paradise. The beach remains relatively unspoiled, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling mainland. Activities such as parasailing and kayaking are available for adventure seekers, while local eateries serve fresh seafood delicacies.
3. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Eagle Beach in Aruba is celebrated for its expansive shoreline and soft, white sands. The beach is dotted with iconic fofoti trees, providing natural shade and picturesque views. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Eagle Beach is also known for its low-rise resorts, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the island’s busier areas. Visitors may also witness sea turtles nesting along the shore during certain seasons.
4. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida, USA
Siesta Beach, located on Siesta Key off Florida’s Gulf Coast, is famed for its quartz-crystal powdery sand, which stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. The beach offers clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for families. Amenities include lifeguard stations, picnic areas, and nearby eateries serving local cuisine. The vibrant town of Siesta Keyprovides accommodations and entertainment options, ensuring a memorable visit.
5. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
Praia da Falésia stretches for several kilometers along Portugal’s Algarve coast, featuring striking red and orange cliffsthat contrast beautifully with the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The beach’s length ensures ample space for visitors to find a secluded spot. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, and hiking trails atop the cliffs offer panoramic views. Local vendors provide refreshments, and nearby towns offer authentic Portuguese dining experiences.
6. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay Beach boasts powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters in shades of blue. The beach is part of a protected marine park, ensuring pristine conditions and abundant marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Luxury resorts line the shore, offering world-class amenities and dining experiences. The area is also known for its vibrant coral reefs, which are easily accessible for underwater exploration.
7. Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
Located on the northern coast of Mallorca, Playa de Muro is a family-friendly beach known for its shallow, calm watersand fine golden sand. The beach is backed by dunes and pine forests, providing natural shade. Facilities include sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding. Numerous beachside restaurants offer traditional Spanish cuisine, making it a culinary delight for visitors.
8. Varadero Beach, Cuba
Varadero Beach is a 20-kilometer stretch of white sand and clear blue waters along Cuba’s Hicacos Peninsula. The beach is lined with all-inclusive resorts, offering a range of amenities and activities. The calm waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve and the town of Varadero, which offers a glimpse into Cuban culture and history.
9. Baía do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Accessible primarily by boat or via a steep trail, Baía do Sancho offers an exclusive and tranquil beach experience. The effort to reach this secluded spot is rewarded with pristine white sands, emerald waters, and a backdrop of lush vegetation. The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site, ensuring its preservation and limited visitor access. Snorkelers and divers can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including sea turtles and dolphins.
10. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of Greece’s most photographed locations. Accessible only by boat, the beach is framed by towering limestone cliffs and features the rusting remains of a shipwreck on its white sandy shore. The turquoise waters are incredibly clear, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can take boat tours from various parts of the island, often including stops at nearby sea caves.
How does the methodology work? The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches honour travellers’ favourite beaches worldwide, based on the quality and quantity of global reviews and ratings on Tripadvisor. These reviews and ratings are gathered over a 12-month period, from 30 November 2023 to 1 December 2024.
