There are beaches that are pleasant, and then there are beaches that stay with you for years. The best beaches in the world for 2026 aren’t judged on looks alone. This global ranking considers environmental protection, water quality, crowd levels, and that elusive sense of stepping somewhere truly special for the day.
Italy features once again, alongside standout stretches of sand in Spain, Portugal and as far afield as the Philippines.
What is the World's 50 Best Beaches ranking?
The World’s 50 Best Beaches is an annual global ranking based on votes from more than 1,000 travel professionals and specialist industry voices. Rather than rewarding popularity alone, it evaluates the overall beach experience.
The best beach in the world in 2026 is in the Philippines
Topping the list of the best beaches in the world for 2026 is Entalula Beach, located in the Palawan archipelago near El Nido in the Philippines.
This narrow stretch of powder-white sand sits between dramatic limestone cliffs, with water that shifts in colour throughout the day, moving between pale turquoise and deep cobalt. It feels secluded and almost theatrical in its setting.
Which Italian beaches are ranked among the best in the world?
Italy continues to hold its own in the World’s 50 Best Beaches list, thanks to its blend of striking landscapes, Blue Flags, crystal-clear waters and cultural depth. What sets Italy apart is that a day at the beach often comes with historic villages, regional cuisine and centuries-old traditions just a short drive away.
Cala dei Gabbiani (Cove of the Seagulls)
Cala dei Gabbiani, in the Gulf of Orosei on Sardinia’s eastern coast, lies within the municipality of Baunei. It’s one of the quieter gems of this dramatic stretch of coastline.
Reaching the cove requires either a boat trip or a fairly demanding hike, which naturally limits visitor numbers, even in peak summer.
The beach is made up of pale pebbles mixed with light sand, and the sea shifts between emerald green and bright turquoise. The seabed slopes gently, making it suitable for confident swimmers and snorkellers who want clear visibility.
La Pelosa (literally “The Hairy One”)
Despite its slightly odd literal translation, La Pelosa in Stintino is one of the most recognisable beaches in Italy. It’s known for its fine white sand and extraordinarily shallow water, which stretches out for dozens of metres in soft shades of blue.
Facing the beach stands a 16th-century Aragonese watchtower, with views towards Asinara Island and one of the clearest sections of sea in the Mediterranean.
During high season, visitor numbers are capped, and there are strict environmental rules in place, including the use of mats under towels and designated non-smoking areas.
The beaches of Spain and Portugal ranked
Although the spotlight this year is firmly on Italy, a few Spanish and Portuguese beaches also appear in the global ranking.
Cala Macarella, Spain
On the south coast of Menorca in the Balearic Islands, Cala Macarella is a compact bay edged by limestone cliffs and pine trees that provide welcome shade in summer. The sand is pale and fine, and the water is exceptionally clear with a gentle slope into the sea.
Access is regulated in high season to protect the cove, with limited parking and shuttle buses running from Ciutadella de Menorca.
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Playa Cofete, Spain
On the remote southern tip of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Playa de Cofete offers a very different scene. This is a vast Atlantic beach stretching for over 10 kilometres, backed by the rugged Jandía mountains and shaped by strong winds and powerful waves.
The final stretch is along an unpaved road, and facilities are minimal, so it suits those comfortable with isolation and raw landscapes rather than serviced resort beaches.
Falésia Beach, Portugal
In southern Portugal’s Algarve, Praia da Falésia runs between Albufeira and Loulé near Vilamoura. Its long sandy shoreline sits beneath striking red and ochre cliffs that contrast sharply with the Atlantic.
At around six kilometres in length, it rarely feels cramped, even in peak season. Access is via stairways and paths descending from the clifftops.
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