
Elafonissi Beach in Crete topped the list of the world’s best beaches for 2025 thanks to its crystal-clear waters and unique pink sand.Credit : Balate.Dorin, Shutterstock
If your idea of happiness involves sand between your toes, salty hair, and a cold drink in hand, you’re in good company.
Thousands of travellers have shared their favourite beach escapes on TripAdvisor, and the results are in: the top ten beaches to visit in 2025 have been revealed — and yes, one of them is right here in Spain.
At the very top of the list is Elafonissi Beach, tucked away on the island of Crete in Greece. If you’ve ever dreamt of walking across pink sand and wading through shallow turquoise waters, this one’s for you. It’s not just beautiful — it feels untouched. The sand gets its rosy glow from crushed seashells, and the whole area is part of a protected nature reserve. It’s the kind of place that quietly takes your breath away without needing flashy resorts or loud music. You just float, stare at the horizon, and forget the world exists.
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The second spot goes to Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand — not the easiest beach to get to, but that’s part of the charm. You’ll need to walk a bit to reach it, but once you do, you’re met with golden sand, calm water, and a peaceful vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere on the island. There are no noisy crowds, no beach clubs — just gentle waves and a few sunbeds tucked under the trees. It’s the kind of beach that makes you forget to check your phone. Maybe even forget to leave.
Then there’s Eagle Beach in Aruba, coming in third. If you’re more into white sand and swaying palm trees with a cocktail nearby, this one ticks all the boxes. It’s laid-back, warm, and absolutely stunning — the kind of beach where you end up extending your holiday “just one more day.”
But let’s talk about Spain for a second — because we’ve made the list too. Sitting proudly at number eight is Playa de Muro in Mallorca, and if you’ve been there, you’ll know why it’s on this list. It’s one of those rare beaches that keeps everyone happy — families with kids, couples looking to unwind, and solo travellers just after some peace and quiet.
It stretches out endlessly, with soft, light sand and clear, shallow waters that feel more like a giant natural pool than the open sea. Plus, it’s right next to the S’Albufera Natural Park, so it’s got a bit of everything — sunbathing, swimming, nature walks, even birdwatching if that’s your thing. There’s a quiet charm to it. No flash. Just a really good beach.
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The rest of the list is just as dreamy — Siesta Beach in Florida has sand made almost entirely of quartz, which sounds a bit strange until you realise it feels like walking on cold flour. Praia da Falésia in Portugal offers red and gold cliffs that look like they’ve been painted by hand. Kelingking Beach in Indonesia is probably one of the most photographed spots on Instagram, thanks to that T-Rex-shaped cliff. It’s gorgeous — just don’t expect to get there without a bit of a hike.
And of course, the Caribbean makes a strong showing. Varadero in Cuba and Bávaro in the Dominican Republic are exactly what you picture when someone says “paradise” — palm trees, turquoise water, soft sand, and everything you need within walking distance. Think long lazy days, fruity drinks, and not a single email in sight.
Here’s the full top 10, if you want to start planning:
- Elafonissi Beach, Crete (Greece)
- Banana Beach, Phuket (Thailand)
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Siesta Beach, Florida (USA)
- Praia da Falésia, Algarve (Portugal)
- Varadero Beach, Cuba
- Bávaro Beach, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
- Playa de Muro, Mallorca (Spain)
- Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida (Indonesia)
- Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia (Greece)
So, whether you’re in the mood for remote, rugged beauty or somewhere with cocktails on tap, this list is packed with inspiration. And if you were just looking for a sign to book that beach holiday you’ve been dreaming about — well, here it is.
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