In February, the thought of summermight be somewhat surrealistic. But perhaps to beat the winter depression, there is a remedy – booking your holiday early. And now you can do so fully informed, as the world’s best beaches for 2026 have been revealed through Tripadvisor‘s Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title. 

The titles are awarded to destinations with lots of excellent reviews from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Whether you’re seeking a quiet beach paradise or a vibrant hub in a busy city, there’s something for you.

Plus, you can visit some at a very low cost.

Praia da Falésia in Portugal, is a true showstopper. Stretching over six kilometres of coastline, it earns its place as one of the Algarve’s most iconic destinations.

What sets it apart is the dramatic contrast of its landscape: towering, jagged cliffs in shades of deep ochre and burnt red are crowned by lush green umbrella pines, all crumbling beautifully into vast stretches of golden sand. Unlike the smaller, enclosed coves common in the region, its sheer size gives it an open, airy feel that makes it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and find their own corner of paradise.

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Claiming the fourth spot is Aruba’s famous Eagle Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline that captures the very essence of a Caribbean paradise. It is most instantly recognisable for its iconic Divi-Divi trees – gnarled, wind-sculpted landmarks that lean permanently toward the ocean and have become the unofficial symbol of the island.

The contrast of these sculptural trees against the backdrop of impossibly white, powdery sand and the vivid neon-blue of the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Taking the third spot is Crete’s breathtaking Balos Lagoon, a genuine coastal gem that feels more like a slice of the Maldives dropped into the Mediterranean. The lagoon is celebrated for its shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters which remain remarkably calm and warm, making it an absolute doddle for families with young children to enjoy a dip.

It also has a qnique shoreline, where the white sand often takes on a delicate pink hue from crushed seashells, creating a magical visual.

Getting to this Greek paradise is surprisingly straightforward, as it sits within easy reach of Chania Airport. For those looking for a bit of sun without breaking the bank, you can often bag a flight from the UK for as little as £44, making it an incredibly accessible weekend escape.

Not too far away, claiming the second-place spot is Crete’s world-famous Elafonissi Beach, a breathtaking natural paradise often dubbed the “Maldives of Europe”. It is most celebrated for its remarkable pink-tinged shoreline, a phenomenon created by millions of crushed seashells that gives the sand a delicate rosy glow against the brilliant turquoise surf.

The water here is shallow and crystal-clear, forming a peaceful lagoon that’s perfect for a lazy paddle, earning it a reputation as the absolute “icing on the cake” for anyone holidaying in Crete.

For Brits looking to tick this off their bucket list, it’s a surprisingly accessible escape. You can fly directly into Chania Airport from several UK cities, with budget-friendly fares often starting from around £44, followed by a scenic ninety-minute drive through the Cretan mountains. 

Taking the top spot on the podium is Isla Pasión, a secluded gem tucked away just off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico. This private Caribbean escape is only a ten-minute boat ride from the mainland, making it an effortless choice for anyone looking to trade the bustle of the city for a restorative break.

It has become a premier destination for those seeking an all-inclusive slice of paradise, where you can spend the afternoon swaying in a beach hammock, sipping drinks from the open bars, or tucking into a sprawling all-day buffet.

With an impressive 4.6-star rating, the island has won over travellers from across the globe with its tranquil atmosphere and genuine hospitality. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression on the soul, as echoed by one visitor who shared: “My excursion to Passion Island was nothing but the best – I now have my Mexican family!” 

1. Isla Pasión, Cozumel, Mexico

2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

3. Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece

5. Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Agua, Portugal

6. Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand

7. La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California

8. La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy

9. Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia

10. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Simon’s Town, South Africa

11. Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece

12. Platja De Muro, Mallorca, Spain

 13. Tobacco Bay Beach, St George, Bermuda

14. Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu, Greece

15. Kite Beach, Dubai, UAE

16. Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia

17. Clearwater Beach, Florida

18. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy

19. Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

20. Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain

21. Poipu Beach Park, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii

22. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France

23. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

24. Spiaggia La Cinta, Sardinia, Italy