If your idea of a great vacation is a beach getaway, you might want to head to Greece. Tripadvisor released its 2025 Traveler's Choice Awards, a list of the “Best of the Best” Beaches around the world. Topping the list is Elafonissi Beach on the Greek island of Crete, which is known for its pink sand beaches and warm, clear waters.
Best of the Best
“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,” said Kristen Dalton, Tripadvisor president, in a news release.
You can find the best beach wherever you're looking to lay out, choosing from the best in the world, the best in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Mexico, South America, Africa, or the South Pacific.
The top five beaches in the world include Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand, which is great for boating, parasailing, diving, and snorkeling for colorful coral and fish. Oranjestad, Aruba boasts white sand, calm water, and plenty of activities.
Siesta Beach in Florida is No. 4 on the global list but first on the U.S.-only roundup. It is good for those who love powdery sand and seashells, and Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal, has dramatic cliffs and golden sand.
Who Picks?
So, how does Tripadvisor choose? It's all based on reviews from people who have been there, a “comprehensive analysis of global beach reviews on Tripadvisor over the last year.”
“Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards uniquely reflect the voices of millions of global travelers and help guide people to plan their best trip yet,” Kristen Dalton, president of the Tripadvisor core business, told Travel + Leisure. “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 offer.”
A Cut Above the Rest
It takes a lot to be the best. Tripadvisor says the Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best only go to places with a high volume of “above and beyond” reviews and opinions from the rating community over the past year. Less than 1 percent of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings reach that milestone.
To start dreaming about your warm-weather vacation, you'll want to check out the full list, which spells out the activities each place is best for and includes tens of thousands of reviews of each locale. Who knows, maybe you'll find a new favorite!