World’s 50 best beaches for 2026 named – number 2 is just 3 hours from UK | World | News

The world’s most breathtaking beaches have been officially revealed for 2026 and UK travelers don’t have to go far to visit one of the best. By last ranking The 50 Best Beaches in the WorldMore than 1,000 travel experts crowned this year’s most idyllic coastlines; A spectacular European destination comes second and is just a short flight away.

Following rigorous reviews throughout the year by industry experts and the organization’s internal team, the beaches were evaluated based on eight criteria: unique features, wildlife, untouched nature, natural music, ease of entry to the water, frequency of tranquil conditions, absence of overcrowding, and consistency of idyllic environments.

At the top of the 2026 list is Entalula Beach in Palawan, a group of islands in the west of the Philippines. The beach is described as “Palawan’s overlooked slice of paradise” and is praised for its dramatic limestone cliffs, “extraordinarily clear” waters, soft white sand, and peaceful, crowd-free atmosphere.

Fteri Beach, located on the largest of the Ionian Islands in Greece, came in second and is the only beach in Europe to make it into the top 10. Experts have described the stunning beach as “isolated and majestic Greek perfection”.

The description reads: “Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece, is located in a secluded bay surrounded by impressive white cliffs and can be reached primarily by boat or by walking down a steep path. Its isolation contributes to its pristine and tranquil atmosphere, distinguishing it from tourist-dominated destinations.”

“Majestic white cliffs, curving around striking white pebbles mixed with sand, meeting the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, frame the beach. Fteri Beach’s untouched beauty and tranquil setting make it a haven for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.”

Direct flights to Kefalonia take approximately three and a half hours from the UK. At the time of writing, a direct flight with Ryanair from London Stansted to the beautiful Greek island on 22 June cost just £28. EasyJet also operates direct flights from London Gatwick to Kefalonia, with a flight currently priced at just £33 on 6 October.

Tine Holst, co-founder of the World’s 50 Best Beaches, told the Express: “This year is one of the strongest lists we have ever seen, with a remarkable diversity of countries and beaches around the world.

“It’s clear that our voters and judges are increasingly attracted to peaceful, less crowded destinations. With global travel at such a high level, there’s also a growing appreciation for beaches where conservation and crowd management are prioritized.”

“What makes our list unique is the depth of insight behind it; our judges have traveled extensively, many full-time, and compare beaches based on real, on-the-ground experiences.

“It’s not about popularity or local familiarity, it’s about true global comparison and what a beach really feels like when you’re there.”

The World’s 50 Best Beaches list is now widely recognized as the definitive and leading global authority on beach destinations around the world, he said.

1. Entalula Beach – Philippines
2. Fteri Beach – Greece
3. Wharton Beach – Australia
4. Curious Iranja – Madagascar
5. East Beach (Vomo Island) – Fiji
6. Shoal Bay East – Anguilla
7. Dhigurah – Maldives
8. Playa Balandra – Mexico
9. Koh Rong – Cambodia
10. Donald Duck Bay – Thailand
11. Cayo de Agua – Venezuela
12. Cala Makarella – Spain
13. One Foot Island – Cook Islands
14. Princess Diana Beach – Barbuda
15. Turquoise Bay – Australia
16. PK 9 Beach – French Polynesia
17. Grace Bay – Turks and Caicos Islands
18. Cala dei Gabbiani – Italy
19. Saadiyat Beach – UAE
20. Canto de la Playa – Dominican Republic
21. Wineglass Bay – Australia
22. Pink Beach – Indonesia
23. Paradise Beach – Thailand
24. Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles
25. Kalanggaman – Philippines
26. Seven Mile Beach – Cayman Islands
27. Freedom Beach – Thailand
28. Siesta Beach – USA
29. Kaputaş Beach — Türkiye
30. Cayo Zapatilla-Panama
31. Baths – British Virgin Islands
32. Cabo San Juan del Guia – Colombia
33. Baia do Sancho – Brazil
34. Porto Katsiki – Greece
35. Santa Giulia-France
36. Blue Lagoon – Fiji
37. Playa Xpu-Ha – Mexico
38. Ofu Beach – American Samoa
39. Playa Cofete – Spain
40. Le Morne Beach – Mauritius
41. Flamenco Beach – Puerto Rico
42. Grand Anse – Grenada
43. Praia da Falésia – Portugal
44. Pontal do Atalaia – Brazil
45. Boulder Beach – South Africa
46. Porto Timoni — Greece
47. Paje Beach – Zanzibar
48. La Pelosa – Italy
49. Cas Abao – Curaçao
50. Keem Beach – Ireland