This postcard-perfect destination is the stuff travel daydreams are made of
This Stunningly Beautiful Beach Was Just Voted Best in the World 2025—You’ll Want to Add It to Your Bucket List Immediately
Published on May 06, 2025
When you think about a trip to the most breathtaking beach in the world, the shores of Waikiki, Malibu and Miami might be the first to come to mind. And while those beaches are certainly gorgeous, there are some beaches that are unlike anything your imagination could conjure up.
Exotic and off the beaten path, the world’s most beautiful beaches are worthy additions to your travel bucket list. The only question is: Where are they, exactly? Well, the World’s 50 Best Beaches is here to help. Its team of travel experts put together a list of the 50 most breathtaking beaches around the globe, and they are so amazing, they have to be seen to be believed.
Keep reading to find out which beach earned the title of the best in the world and which beaches are hot on its heels. You may just stumble upon your next travel destination!
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How were the most beautiful beaches determined?
World’s 50 Beaches reached out to more than 1,000 seasoned travel professionals around the globe and asked them to cast their vote for the best beach. While there wasn’t a set list of voting criteria, each vote was accompanied by a thorough explanation of the choice. Once the votes were submitted, the team tallied them and debated among themselves and the site’s Beach Ambassadors, a group of vetted frequent travelers who also nominated three beaches apiece.
The ultimate ranking was determined by several key criteria: the uniqueness of the location, how pristine and untouched by development it is, the wildlife, the sounds of surrounding nature, ease of entry, calm waters, crowds and your odds of scoring a perfectly idyllic beach day.
What beach was voted the world’s best?
This year’s winner is … Cala Goloritzé! Never heard of it? It’s an insanely gorgeous natural beach in Italy—specifically on the island of Sardinia’s Baunei Coast. While Sardinia boasts more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, Cala Goloritzé is a hidden gem. It takes quite a bit of effort to hike or swim to, and it allows only 250 visitors per day.
A massive landslide occurred here in the 1960s, and the result was this stunning beachside cove surrounded by limestone cliffs and a staggeringly tall natural-rock formations. It may take a little planning to get to, but travel pros say it’s totally worth it.
What makes Cala Goloritzé, Italy, so special?
First off, there’s the 143-meter limestone pinnacle, plus crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. And the area stays pristine thanks to top-tier conservation efforts—like limiting the number of daily visitors, prohibiting boats from docking, and restricting roadways and other development of the area. Named a national monument in 1990, it can be accessed only two ways: by hiking in or swimming to the shore from boats that are permitted to dock 200 meters away.
This little slice of paradise is located far from tourist hot spots. To visit Cala Goloritzé, you have to fly into either the Olbia or Cagliari airport, then drive 2.5 hours to Sa Porteddu, where the trailhead to the beach is located. Just be sure to reserve your ticket online in advance or risk being denied entry due to limited capacity.
What other beaches ranked in the top 10?
Cala Goloritzé may heave earned the title of the most beautiful beach in the world for 2025, but it is only one of dozens of gorgeous beaches that earn accolades this year. Here are the rest of the breathtaking beaches that round out the top 10.
Entaluna Beach, Philippines
A secluded beach with white sandy shoes and limestone cliffs that are larger than life, this beach is located in Palawan, Philippines, on a mostly private island. Only open for day visits, it is located an hour’s boat ride away from the nearby town of El Nido, which is home to more popular and easier-to-visit beaches. The appeal of Entaluna Beach, however, is that it’s so secluded. The incredibly clear water makes it ideal for snorkeling and exploring the beach’s coral reefs.
Bang Bao Beach, Thailand
Situated on the shores of Thailand’s Koh Kood island, Bang Bao Beach offers clear, shallow waters and a laid-back atmosphere set against the backdrop of a verdant jungle. The beach is also home to a fishing village that boasts a charming wooden pier and restaurants with just-caught seafood. The natural beauty is one of the beach’s biggest draws, as are the incredible views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Fteri Beach, Greece
You’ll find Fteri Beach in a secluded cove along the coastline of Kefalonia. It’s another beach that takes some planning to get to, since it’s accessible only by boat or via a particularly steep hiking trail. Known for its massive white cliffs and tranquil feel, it’s not frequented by many tourists. The beach is made up of sand mixed with small white pebbles, and its massive cliffs, the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea and undisturbed natural beauty make it truly a one-of-a-kind destination in Greece—or anywhere else.
PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia
French Polynesia’s PK 9 Beach is situated within Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means it’s spared from commercial development and feels completely remote. The beach is quiet and calm, lined with palm trees and home to coral reefs and tropical fish, which appeals to swimmers and snorkelers alike. A well-kept secret, PK 9 can be accessed via bike or by car, and it’s located only a short drive from Rotoava Village, the epicenter of Fakarava … which is home to just one single guest house. (We told you it was remote!) However, nearby villages offer additional accommodations, making PK9 a great beach to visit as part of a bigger trip to French Polynesia.
Canto de le Playa, Dominican Republic
Even tourists who are well versed in traversing the Caribbean may not be familiar with Canto de lay Playa, which lies on the shores of Saona Island in the Dominican Republic. It’s home to a dense tropical environment, and its pristine beaches offer a place to experience nature’s true beauty. To get to the beach you’ll have to take a boat.
Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles
Home to distinctive, giant granite boulders that line its shores, Anse Source D’Argent is one of the most unique areas in all of the Seychelles, if not all the world. The beaches, lined by the Indian Ocean, offer clear blue waters that deliver soothing calm and tranquility. Visitors are charged a small fee to enter the beach, which is used to help keep it clean and preserve its natural beauty.
Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Made up of two small islands connected by a 2-kilometer sandbar at low tide, Nosy Iranja is situated off the coast of Madagascar and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Impossibly blue-green waters rise up on white sandy beaches, and the area is rich with marine life, especially sea turtles. Visitors can swim, snorkel and explore the surrounding greenery to their hearts’ content.
Ofu Beach, American Samoa
Ofu Beach is the crown jewel of the National Park of American Samoa, and it’s so beautifully picturesque that it almost doesn’t look real. The beach features magnificent volcanic cliffs, a thriving coral reef and stunning greenery, and it’s entirely untouched by development, allowing its natural beauty to be on full display.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Grace Bay is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean due to its soft white sand, clear blue waters and magnificent coral reef. It is part of the greater protected area of Princess Alexandra National Park, which helps keep the beach free from pollution and helps keep the waters and shores pristine. The waves are usually fairly calm here, making it a great place to swim and enjoy water sports without the danger typically associated with turbulent open waters. There are plenty of world-class resorts located right on the shore, but this beach maintains its natural beauty despite recent development. Perhaps best of all, Grace Bay is a great destination for families seeking rest and relaxation, sunbathing and plenty of time in the sea.
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Sources:
- The World’s 50 Best Beaches: “The Best Beaches in the World, 2025”
- Islands: “One of The World’s Best Beaches Is a Hidden Italian Cove with Sapphire Waters and Limestone Cliffs”
- Islands: “Find True Bliss at This Uncrowded Philippine Beach Ranked Among the World’s Best”
