Tripadvisor names World’s Best Beaches in Travelers’ Choice Awards; Siesta Beach in Florida is named No. 1 in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Best of the Best List
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, has unveiled the latest edition of Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025. The prestigious list is based on a comprehensive analysis of global beach reviews on Tripadvisor over the last year.
The award highlights the highest-rated beaches, as rated by real travelers who have visited and shared their tips and experiences. From stunning sands and clear waters, to perfect conditions for snorkeling and watersports, these award-winning beaches deliver unparalleled experiences.
Travelers’ Choice acknowledges the best beaches in the world, as well as the top in the U.S. Rejoining the list for the first time since 2021 and climbing 23 places to take the No. 1 spot in the world for 2025 is Elafonissi Beach in Greece. Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters. A popular summer getaway spot, drawing both sunbathers and water sports lovers, visitors will find a mix of relaxation and activity. This stunning family-friendly beach promises clear shallow waters, a scenic drive down and plenty of photo opportunities too.
“Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards uniquely reflect the voices of millions of global travelers and help guide people to plan their best trip yet. In my family, beaches aren’t just for sunbathing – we like to get out and explore! The diversity of this year’s winners really showcases everything that a beach trip can have to offer, said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor.
“Whether it’s strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breathtaking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand – there really is something for everyone. This year’s lists span an incredible six continents and 50 countries with over 100 of the very best beaches showcasing the eclectic mix of coastal spots across the world.”
Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2025
1. Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece
a. Good for: Crystal clear waters, hiking and dunes, sunbathing, warm water
b. Best time to visit: May and September offer warm, sunny weather with significantly fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of June, July, and August.
2. Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand
a. Good for: Boating, parasailing, day trips, colorful coral and fish
b. Best time to visit: Between November and March, Phuket enjoys clear skies, dry weather, and calm seas, making it the perfect time for beach activities and swimming.
3. Eagle Beach – Oranjestad, Aruba
a. Good for: White sand, watersports, calm waters
b. Best time to visit: From April to August, the weather is excellent with fewer crowds than the peak season, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
4. Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida
a. Good for: Clear waters, powder sand, seashells, beachfront stays
b. Best time to visit: Between April and May, or September and October, the weather is pleasant, crowds are smaller, and temperatures are more moderate compared to the peak summer months.
5. Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
a. Good for: Golden sand, walks, coastline and cliffs
b. Best time to visit: From April to October, the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall. The shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
6. Playa Varadero – Varadero, Cuba
a. Good for: Watersports, white sand, walks, catamarans
b. Best time to visit: From December to March is the region’s dry season when the weather is stable, with warm temperatures.
7. Bavaro Beach – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
a. Good for: White sand, excursions, resorts
b. Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season offers minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures, and perfect conditions for beach activities.
8. Playa de Muro Beach – Mallorca, Spain
a. Good for: Shallow water, watersports, sand dunes
b. Best time to visit: With a Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and mild winters, the best time to visit is between July and August.
9. Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida, Indonesia
a. Good for: Cliffs, hiking, viewpoints, landscape
b. Best time to visit: During the dry season, from April to October, travelers can expect bright, sunny days.
10. Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia Island, Greece
a. Good for: White pebbles, crystal clear waters, cliffs
b. Best time to visit: Visit in the spring from May-June or early fall in September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
In the U.S., Siesta Beach in Siesta Key, Florida jumped to the No. 1 spot from second place last year, and Hawaii leads in best beaches overall with five out of ten of the best beaches on the top list.
Beach-loving travelers flock to Siesta Beach for many reasons including the powdery white-quartz sand, clear shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere. The beach has lifeguards on duty, while the relaxing town offers nearby cafes and oyster bars all within walking or biking distance. Visitors can spot wildlife like manatees and dolphins while on kayaking tours, and enjoy beautiful sunsets from the soft sand beach.
In celebration of Tripadvisor’s 25th anniversary, Tripadvisor is honoring the top beaches of the last 25 years based on all-time reviews. Topping the list is Balos Lagoon, regarded as one of the most photographed spots on the island of Crete with hypnotizing turquoise waters and a panoramic landscape. Reviewers refer to Balos Lagoon as a “heaven for beach lovers” with breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters.
25th Anniversary: Global Beaches
- Balos Lagoon – Crete, Greece
- Eagle Beach – Oranjestad, Aruba
- Waikiki Beach – Oahu, Hawaii
- Ipanema Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Isla Pasion – Cozumel, Mexico
- Playa Manuel Antonio – Quepos, Costa Rica
- Spiaggia La Cinta – Sardinia, Italy
- Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand
- Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal
- Manly Beach – New South Wales, Australia
With spring and summer trips on the horizon, travelers looking for a beach getaway or day trip can take inspiration from Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches to find their next relaxation spot, water adventure, or perfect photo opportunity. (PRNewswire)
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