Summer is approaching, and with it the appeal of swapping daily routines for sun, sea, and sand. For travellers seeking inspiration for their next holiday, the 2026 edition of The World’s 50 Best Beaches presents some of the most remarkable coastal destinations on the planet.
Compiled from votes cast by more than one thousand travel professionals, the ranking evaluates criteria including natural beauty, biodiversity, conservation, tranquillity, sea conditions, water access, and the absence of large crowds.
Top 10 best beaches in the world
The overall winner this year is Entalula Beach in the Philippines, which has dethroned Italy’s Cala Goloritze. Located in the El Nido area on the island of Palawan, the beach combines white sand, crystal-clear waters, and imposing limestone formations. Access is by boat only, which helps keep the site away from mass tourism.
There is, however, a notable highlight for Africa: Nosy Iranja in Madagascar occupies fourth place globally, making it the highest-ranked African beach in the top 10.
The list also underscores the strength of the Asia-Pacific region, with the Philippines, Maldives, Fiji, Cambodia, and Thailand among the standout destinations. Greece adds European prominence to the ranking, while Fiji, Cambodia, and Colombia make their debut entries.
1. Entalula Beach – Philippines
Located in El Nido on the island of Palawan, Entalula Beach is the overall winner of 2026. The combination of white sand, transparent waters, tropical vegetation, and towering limestone cliffs creates an almost cinematic landscape. Exclusive boat access helps preserve the beach’s tranquil character.
2. Fteri Beach – Greece
Tucked into a cove on the island of Kefalonia, Fteri is one of the ranking’s biggest European surprises. The beach is framed by pale cliffs and features turquoise-blue waters. Its relatively difficult access has kept it well removed from mass tourism.
3. Wharton Beach – Australia
In the Esperance region of Western Australia, Wharton Beach stands out for its long stretch of white sand and crystalline waters. Its remote setting is a key part of its appeal and reinforces the ranking’s preference for natural, uncrowded beaches.
4. Nosy Iranja – Madagascar
Africa’s top representative in the top 10, Nosy Iranja consists of two islands connected by a sandbar that becomes particularly striking at low tide. The setting combines turquoise-blue waters, white sand, and a profound sense of isolation.
5. East Beach, Vomo Island – Fiji
In the Fijian archipelago, East Beach on Vomo Island takes fifth place. The beach is distinguished by calm waters, a serene atmosphere, and a tropical landscape, offering precisely the paradisiacal retreat that many travellers seek.
6. Shoal Bay East – Anguilla
Situated in Anguilla in the Caribbean, Shoal Bay East combines an expansive stretch of pale sand with transparent waters. It is one of the beaches that embodies the Caribbean tradition of calm, tropical coastal scenery.
7. Dhigurah – Maldives
In the Maldives, Dhigurah claims seventh place. The island is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical setting. It is also associated with rich marine life, making it a particularly attractive option for travellers looking to combine beach time with ocean activities.
8. Playa Balandra – Mexico
Located near La Paz in Mexico, Playa Balandra is noted for its blue-toned waters and well-preserved coastal landscape. The beach has become one of the region’s natural landmarks and now features among the world’s top ten.
9. Koh Rong – Cambodia
Ninth place marks an important debut: Cambodia enters The World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking for the first time. Koh Rong, an island known for its pale-sand beaches, tropical waters, and relaxed atmosphere, reflects the growing recognition of Southeast Asian destinations.
10. Donald Duck Bay – Thailand
The top 10 closes in Thailand with Donald Duck Bay in the Similan Islands. The beach is known for its transparent waters, white sand, and the rock formations that characterise the archipelago. Thailand’s presence in the top ten reinforces the country’s weight in the 2026 ranking.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=538643
