The top 50 best beaches in the world have been named – and many people might be surprised to find not one entry from the UK is on the list. The World’s 50 Best Beaches has published its 2025 list and taking the top spot is a stunning spot in Italy, followed by beaches all over the world including in Asia and Africa. While the UK missed out on a spot in the top 50 list, a quaint beach in Ireland did make its way into the rankings.
The best beach in the world to visit in 2025, according to the list, is Cala Goloritzé in Italy. Located on the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei in Sardinia, the beach boasts crystal clear blue waters and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, giving it an off-the-beaten-track feel. The list describes this beach as “truly breathtaking” and a spot that “stands out” in an already beautiful region of this Italian island. The beach was named a natural monument in the 1990s and has been excellently preserved, something that feels evident when you visit it.
The top ten list is made up of beaches all over the globe with second place going to Entalula Beach in Palawan, Philippines. Ranking impressively high, this coastal spot is described in the rankings as “less frequented than others in the area, offering visitors a chance to escape the usual tourist spots and truly immerse themselves in nature.”
It was also praised for its “remarkably clear” water, which offers great conditions for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is only accessible by boat, making it an exciting adventure for tourists in the area.
In third place on the list of the best beaches in the world for 2025 is Bang Bao Beach in Thailand, followed by Fteri Beach in Greece in fourth place and PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia in fifth.
Despite bopasting some top-rated beaches, such as Brighton Beach and Bournemouth Beach, the UK missed out on any placements on the list. Ireland’s entry, Keem Bay on Achill Island in County Mayo, took the number 48 place.
The peaceful and scenic Irish beach was praised for its “raw natural beauty and surprisingly blue waters, which resemble those found in more tropical locations”.
The top 50 best beaches in the world to visit in 2025 are:
- Cala Goloritze, 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 & Caicos
- 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 Island
- Cayo Zapatilla, Japan
- Baia 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
- Bahia de las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
- Meads Bay, Anguilla
- Porto Katsiki, Greece
- Nudey Beach, Australia
- Bon Bon Beach, Phillippines
- Saadiyat Beach, UAE
- Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka
- Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica
- Siesta Beach, USA
- Paje Beach, Zanzibar
- Klein Bonaire Beach, Bonaire
- Cathedral Cove Beach, New Zealand
- Santa Giulia, France
- Gardner Bay, Equador
- Keem Beach, Ireland
- Kuramanthi Sand Bank, Maldives
- La Pelosa, Italy
“Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World’s 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe,” said Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches.
“Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they’ve always dreamed of—places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable.”