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This Mexican beach is No. 1 in the world, according to new ranking

Portrait of Kathleen Wong Kathleen Wong
Feb. 19, 2026, 3:02 a.m. ET
There's no shortage of beautiful beaches in world, but there some that stand out from the rest with their truly spectacular landscapes and unique features. Tripadvisor recently released its annual 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches, highlighting the top beaches based off millions of reviews by real travelers. "For many travelers, the beach is the main event," said Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor. Here are the world's top 10 beaches for 2026, according to Tripadvisor.
There's no shortage of beautiful beaches in world, but there some that stand out from the rest with their truly spectacular landscapes and unique features.

Tripadvisor recently released its annual 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches, highlighting the top beaches based off millions of reviews by real travelers. "For many travelers, the beach is the main event," said Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor.

Here are the world's top 10 beaches for 2026, according to Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor
Rounding the ranking is South Africa's Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, which also leads Tripadvisor's newest list of "One of a Kind" beaches, recognized for their unique experiences. Massive granite boulders are situated around this beach, also inhabited by protected colonies of African penguins.
Rounding the ranking is South Africa's Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, which also leads Tripadvisor's newest list of "One of a Kind" beaches, recognized for their unique experiences. Massive granite boulders are situated around this beach, also inhabited by protected colonies of African penguins.
Tripadvisor
Bordered by pine trees, this sprawling beach in Sydney, Australia is popular amongst surfers, but beachgoers also adore its bustling promenade.
Bordered by pine trees, this sprawling beach in Sydney, Australia is popular amongst surfers, but beachgoers also adore its bustling promenade.
Tripadvisor
Located on the romantic Italian island of Sardinia, La Pelosa has crystal-clear waters with picturesque ancient watchtowers in the distance.
Located on the romantic Italian island of Sardinia, La Pelosa has crystal-clear waters with picturesque ancient watchtowers in the distance.
Tripadvisor
The only American beach to score a spot on the global ranking, La Jolla Cove in San Diego is a protected marine reserve where sea lions roam and visitors can sunbathe or kayak.
The only American beach to score a spot on the global ranking, La Jolla Cove in San Diego is a protected marine reserve where sea lions roam and visitors can sunbathe or kayak.
Tripadvisor
Located on the Thai island of Ko He, Banana Beach is beloved by divers and snorkelers who enjoy exploring its vibrant coral reefs. Many travelers visit the stunning beach on a short day trip from Phuket.
Located on the Thai island of Ko He, Banana Beach is beloved by divers and snorkelers who enjoy exploring its vibrant coral reefs. Many travelers visit the stunning beach on a short day trip from Phuket.
Tripadvisor
In 2024, Praia da Falésia stole the No. 1 spot as the best beach in the world. This year, the Portuguese beach's dramatic ombre cliffs still landed it in No. 5.
In 2024, Praia da Falésia stole the No. 1 spot as the best beach in the world. This year, the Portuguese beach's dramatic ombre cliffs still landed it in No. 5.
Tripadvisor
Consistently landing on Tripadvisor's best beach rankings, Aruba's Eagle Beach stuns visitors with its soft white sand and iconic Fofoti trees that grow toward the turquoise sea.
Consistently landing on Tripadvisor's best beach rankings, Aruba's Eagle Beach stuns visitors with its soft white sand and iconic Fofoti trees that grow toward the turquoise sea.
Tripadvisor
In third place is another Greek beach, Balos Lagoon on the island of Crete. This wide stretch of sand, offers vividly turquoise waters reachable by a steep trek down from the parking lot.
In third place is another Greek beach, Balos Lagoon on the island of Crete. This wide stretch of sand, offers vividly turquoise waters reachable by a steep trek down from the parking lot.
Tripadvisor
Falling one spot from its title as the world's best beach in 2025, Greece's Elafonissi Beach is famous for its uniquely pink sand created by crushed seashells.
Falling one spot from its title as the world's best beach in 2025, Greece's Elafonissi Beach is famous for its uniquely pink sand created by crushed seashells.
Tripadvisor
Earning No. 1 as the world's best beach, Isla Pasion in Cozumel, Mexico looks as if it's right off a postcard. This tiny island sits right off the coast of Cozumel, about a 10-minute boat ride away, where its warm, clear waters and white sand await travelers.
Earning No. 1 as the world's best beach, Isla Pasion in Cozumel, Mexico looks as if it's right off a postcard. This tiny island sits right off the coast of Cozumel, about a 10-minute boat ride away, where its warm, clear waters and white sand await travelers.
Tripadvisor
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