Unearth The Voyage
Every year, Tripadvisor releases its Travelers’ Choice Awards for the best beaches around the world, and the 2026 list is filled with stunning destinations that will make you want to pack your bags immediately. From crystal-clear lagoons in Greece to penguin colonies in South Africa, this year’s top picks span six continents and offer something for every type of traveler.
What makes this list especially interesting is that only one beach from the entire United States made the cut. Whether you are planning your next big vacation or simply dreaming of white sand and blue water, these ten beaches are worth knowing about.
1. Isla Pasion, Cozumel, Mexico
Hidden just off the coast of Cozumel, Isla Pasion feels like a secret that the Caribbean has been keeping all to itself. This small, private island is only accessible by boat, which means the crowds you might expect at a popular Mexican beach destination simply never show up.
The water surrounding it shifts between shades of aqua and deep blue, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the region.
Snorkeling here is a genuine treat, with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish just beneath the surface. The island also offers hammocks, beach chairs, and calm, shallow water that is safe for swimmers of all ages.
Families especially love the relaxed atmosphere and the soft, clean sand.
Cozumel itself is a well-known cruise ship stop, but Isla Pasion sits apart from the busier tourist areas, giving visitors a quieter and more personal beach experience worth every effort to reach.
2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonissi Beach has a feature that stops first-time visitors in their tracks: the sand has a distinct rosy pink hue, caused by crushed shells and coral mixing with the natural white sand over thousands of years. Located at the southwestern tip of Crete, this beach feels almost surreal, like a painting rather than a real place you can actually visit.
The water is famously shallow, especially near the sandbar that connects the beach to a small island you can walk to during low tide. That makes it a wonderful spot for young children and anyone who prefers to wade rather than swim in deep water.
The lagoon-like setting also keeps the waves calm and gentle most of the year.
Getting here requires a bit of a drive through the Cretan countryside, but the reward at the end of that road is a beach unlike anything most travelers have ever seen before.
3. Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece
Balos Lagoon looks like it was designed by someone who had never heard of limits. Perched at the northwestern tip of Crete, this beach sits at the meeting point of three seas, the Aegean, the Libyan, and the Cretan, creating a blend of water colors that range from pale mint to deep sapphire depending on the time of day.
The lagoon is famous for its incredibly shallow, warm water that practically invites you to just stand there and stare at the view around you. Flamingos have even been spotted here during certain seasons, adding a touch of the unexpected to an already extraordinary landscape.
The surrounding cliffs and rocky hills give the whole scene a dramatic, almost ancient feel.
Most visitors arrive by ferry from the nearby town of Kissamos, making the approach by sea part of the experience. Balos is not just a beach; it is a full sensory event that stays with you long after you leave.
4. Eagle Beach, Aruba
Aruba’s Eagle Beach has quietly earned a reputation as one of the finest stretches of sand in the entire Caribbean, and the 2026 Tripadvisor list confirms what many repeat visitors have known for years. The beach is wide enough that even on a busy day it never feels cramped.
Soft, white powder sand and calm, clear water make it a go-to for both swimmers and sunbathers looking to fully unwind.
One of the most charming details here is the presence of divi-divi trees, those signature Aruban trees that lean dramatically in the direction of the trade winds. They provide natural shade and give the beach a postcard-worthy character that feels authentically Caribbean.
The water is also calm enough for paddleboarding and kayaking without much effort.
Eagle Beach sits just north of the more commercialized Palm Beach area, meaning it offers a noticeably quieter experience. Fewer large resorts line this stretch, which helps preserve its natural, unhurried feel throughout the year.
5. Praia da Falesia, Olhos de Agua, Portugal
Standing at the base of Praia da Falesia and looking up at the towering orange and red sandstone cliffs is the kind of moment that reminds you just how dramatic nature can be. Located along the Algarve coast near Olhos de Agua, this beach stretches for nearly six kilometers, making it one of the longest and most visually striking beaches in all of Portugal.
The cliffs are the main attraction alongside the beach itself, their warm, earthy tones contrasting beautifully with the cool blue of the Atlantic and the golden sand below. Wooden staircases and pathways carved into the cliffs lead visitors down to the beach level, adding a sense of adventure to the arrival.
The water here is refreshingly cool and generally safe for swimming.
Praia da Falesia is popular but large enough to absorb visitors comfortably. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular, with the fading light turning those already colorful cliffs into something that looks almost too beautiful to be real.
6. Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Tucked away on the northern tip of Phuket’s east coast, Banana Beach is the kind of place that feels like a discovery even though Tripadvisor has now officially put it on the map. The beach sits in a small, sheltered cove framed by dense tropical forest on three sides, keeping it naturally protected from wind and giving it an intimate, away-from-it-all atmosphere that larger Phuket beaches simply cannot replicate.
The water is calm and clear, shifting from light jade near the shore to deeper blue further out. Traditional longtail boats bob gently just offshore, adding a distinctly Thai character to the scenery.
Snorkeling near the rocky edges of the cove reveals small fish and interesting coral formations that reward curious swimmers.
A small beach bar and basic facilities keep things comfortable without overwhelming the natural setting. Banana Beach is proof that Phuket still has quiet corners worth seeking out, even as the island continues to grow in international popularity year after year.
7. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California
La Jolla Cove holds the distinction of being the only U.S. beach on Tripadvisor’s 2026 global top ten list, and it earns that spot with a combination of natural beauty and remarkable wildlife that few American beaches can match. Nestled between sandstone cliffs along the San Diego coastline, this small but mighty cove is home to a thriving population of sea lions and harbor seals that lounge on the rocks year-round without any hesitation about sharing the space with visitors.
The water inside the cove is protected, making it a popular and relatively safe spot for snorkeling and kayaking. Visibility underwater is often excellent, with garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, and colorful sea stars all frequently spotted.
The surrounding cliffs and grassy bluffs above the beach are ideal for walking and taking in the Pacific views.
La Jolla Cove is accessible and free to visit, which makes it one of Southern California’s most beloved outdoor destinations for both locals and tourists exploring the San Diego area.
8. La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy
La Pelosa Beach in the northwestern corner of Sardinia is the kind of place that makes people question whether the photos they have seen online could possibly be real. The water is so clear and so brilliantly colored, ranging from pale turquoise to vivid emerald, that it looks more like a tropical lagoon than a Mediterranean beach.
The fine, white sand only adds to the almost unreal quality of the setting.
A historic Aragonese watchtower sits on a small rocky island just offshore, giving the view a dramatic historical backdrop that reminds visitors this coastline has been admired for centuries. The beach is relatively shallow and calm, making it accessible and enjoyable for swimmers at various experience levels.
Because of its popularity and environmental sensitivity, Sardinia has introduced a reservation system at La Pelosa to manage visitor numbers and protect the fragile ecosystem. Planning ahead is essential, but arriving at this extraordinary beach makes every bit of preparation completely worthwhile.
9. Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia
Manly Beach has been a beloved part of Sydney’s identity for well over a century, and its inclusion on Tripadvisor’s 2026 global list is a reminder that classic destinations can absolutely hold their own against newer discoveries. Located about 30 minutes from the Sydney city center by ferry, the journey to Manly across Sydney Harbour is itself a scenic highlight that many visitors consider part of the experience.
The beach stretches for nearly two kilometers, lined by tall Norfolk Island pine trees that give the promenade a distinctive and welcoming character. Waves here are consistent and well-suited for surfing, and surf schools operate along the beach for beginners eager to try.
The surrounding area is packed with cafes, restaurants, and shops that make it easy to spend a full day without needing to venture far.
Manly manages to feel both lively and laid-back at the same time, a balance that reflects something genuinely special about Australian beach culture and why visitors from around the world keep returning.
10. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simon’s Town, South Africa
Not every great beach is famous for its swimming, and Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is the perfect example of a coastal destination that offers something entirely different. Located about 40 minutes south of Cape Town, this sheltered cove is home to a colony of African penguins, a species that is unfortunately classified as endangered.
Watching these waddling, black-and-white birds go about their daily routines just a few feet away from you is an experience that is genuinely hard to put into words.
The beach itself is beautiful, with smooth granite boulders framing small pockets of white sand and calm, clear water. The boulders create a natural windbreak, which keeps the area sheltered and pleasant even when the Cape winds pick up along other parts of the coastline.
Boardwalks allow visitors to observe the penguins without disturbing their habitat.
Boulders Beach is managed as part of Table Mountain National Park, with a small entrance fee that goes toward conservation. Few places in the world let you share a beach with wild penguins this comfortably.
