ADULT DESTINATIONS
See the world's best beaches in 2026, from Thailand to Australia
April 30, 2026, 4:03 a.m. ET
A beach vacation is usually relaxing in itself, but imagine if it's to one of the best in the world. For travelers seeking inspiration for their summer trips, the latest ranking of The World's 50 Best Beaches, released on April 28, highlights the top global beaches for 2026, with mentions across Thailand, Australia and the Maldives. Here are the top 10 beaches, according to The World's 50 Best Beaches.
10. Donald Duck Beach, Thailand
Located inside the protected Similan Islands National Park, Donald Duck Beach can only be visited when the park is open from November to May. This also means visitor numbers remain lower than on other Thai beaches, although it still has the same gorgeous waters and soft sands.
Pictures From History/Universal Images Group Via Getty Images10. Donald Duck Beach, Thailand
Located inside the protected Similan Islands National Park, Donald Duck Beach can only be visited when the park is open from November to May. This also means visitor numbers remain lower than on other Thai beaches, although it still has the same gorgeous waters and soft sands.
9. Koh Rong, Cambodia
With little development and boat access to the island, Koh Rong feels quiet and laidback. The beach offers something for everyone, from offshore coral reefs to secluded coves and sections shaded by tropical greenery.
TANG CHHIN SOTHY, AFP Via Getty ImagesWith little development and boat access to the island, Koh Rong feels quiet and laidback. The beach offers something for everyone, from offshore coral reefs to secluded coves and sections shaded by tropical greenery.
8. Playa Balandra, Mexico
Located in Baja California Sur's La Paz, Playa Balandra stays pristine thanks to regulations on development and visitor numbers. Beachgoers can walk along the sprawling bay's seven individual beaches or wander out into the water, where the tide stays relatively low.
Alfredo Martinez, Getty ImagesLocated in Baja California Sur's La Paz, Playa Balandra stays pristine thanks to regulations on development and visitor numbers. Beachgoers can walk along the sprawling bay's seven individual beaches or wander out into the water, where the tide stays relatively low.
7. Dhigurah, Maldives
Nearly every beach in the Maldives is gorgeous, but Dhigurah Beach stands out with a sandbar flanked by calm, crystal-clear waters. Offshore reefs vibrant with marine life also entice snorkelers.
Jonathan Siemens, Getty ImagesNearly every beach in the Maldives is gorgeous, but Dhigurah Beach stands out with a sandbar flanked by calm, crystal-clear waters. Offshore reefs vibrant with marine life also entice snorkelers.
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
Anguilla's Shoal Bay East is not exactly a secret spot, but since it spans two miles, it still feels peaceful. Like most Caribbean beaches, its white sand and gentle waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Shalamov, Getty Images/iStockphotoAnguilla's Shoal Bay East is not exactly a secret spot, but since it spans two miles, it still feels peaceful. Like most Caribbean beaches, its white sand and gentle waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
5. East Beach, Fiji
On Fiji's Vomo Island and surrounded by lush vegetation and away from any development, East Beach feels both unspoiled and secluded. The coastline is protected, making it easy to swim in Fiji's warm tropical waters.
The World's 50 Best BeachesOn Fiji's Vomo Island and surrounded by lush vegetation and away from any development, East Beach feels both unspoiled and secluded. The coastline is protected, making it easy to swim in Fiji's warm tropical waters.
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
Off the coast of Madagascar, a lowering tide reveals two tiny islets from a sandbar. These are known as Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely, where visitors enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles.
Dave Primov, Getty ImagesOff the coast of Madagascar, a lowering tide reveals two tiny islets from a sandbar. These are known as Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely, where visitors enjoy snorkeling with sea turtles.
3. Wharton Beach, Australia
This remote coastline in western Australia is a stark contrast from the country's more famous beaches, such as Bondi Beach, but just as beautiful. Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.
Matthew James Ferguson, Getty ImagesThis remote coastline in western Australia is a stark contrast from the country's more famous beaches, such as Bondi Beach, but just as beautiful. Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.
1. Entalula Beach, Philippines
The Filipino island of Palawan is home to the best beach in the world for 2026. Entalula Beach is remarkable for its white sand and turquoise waters that are surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It's quite off the beaten path being only accessible by boat, so it feels like it's all yours when you're there.
Mlenny, Getty ImagesThe Filipino island of Palawan is home to the best beach in the world for 2026. Entalula Beach is remarkable for its white sand and turquoise waters that are surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It's quite off the beaten path being only accessible by boat, so it feels like it's all yours when you're there.
2. Fteri Beach, Greece
The Greek islands are often home to the most stunning beaches in the world, and the white-pebbled Fteri Beach on Kefalonia is no different. Visitors need to take a boat or hike down a steep trail to reach the cove, nestled away from crowds.
Igor Tichonow, Getty Images/iStockphotoThe Greek islands are often home to the most stunning beaches in the world, and the white-pebbled Fteri Beach on Kefalonia is no different. Visitors need to take a boat or hike down a steep trail to reach the cove, nestled away from crowds.
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