Tripadvisor, the self-appointed supreme ruler of all things travel, is back with its Travelers’ Choice Awards for the Best Beaches of 2025. If you didn’t know, these rankings come from actual travellers who’ve been to these sand-and-surf destinations, rated them, and unleashed their (sometimes brutally honest) opinions online. So, no, it’s not a marketing ploy cooked-up over coffee. These awards are based on cold, hard, sunburned facts.
This year’s winner? Elafonissi Beach in Crete. You read that right: somewhere with actual pink sand and waters so clear you’d think they Photoshopped reality.
Why Elafonissi Deserves Its Crown
- Why It’s Special: Situated on Crete’s southwestern coast, Elafonissi feels like Mother Nature couldn’t decide on one colour and went full pastel. From pink-hued sands to sparkling azure waters, it’s got vibes straight out of an Instagram filter.
- Best For: Peaceful swims, family outings, and vaguely existential beach strolls. The shallow waters are perfect for kids or fully grown adults who think swimming should be optional.
- Pro Tip: Avoid visiting mid-summer unless you enjoy sand-to-sand human traffic jams. Instead, try May or September for fewer crowds, cooler temps, and more breathing room.
Top 10 Beaches for 2025: The Shortlist You Need
- Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece: Pink sand, warm waters, and family-friendly vibes. Best months: May or September.
- Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand: Colorful coral, boating, and parasailing heaven. Visit November through March.
- Eagle Beach – Aruba: Famous for its white sand and watersports. Quieter? Go April through August.
- Siesta Beach – Florida, USA: Powdery sand, calm waters, and a touch of wildlife. Best in April, May, September, or October.
- Praia da Falésia – Algarve, Portugal: Rugged cliffs, hiking trails, and golden sands. Visit April to October.
- Playa Varadero – Cuba: Catamarans, sunbathing, and some of the whitest sand you’ll see. December through March is peak weather.
- Bavaro Beach – Dominican Republic: Resorts, excursions, and everyone’s favourite—white sands. It makes its best impression from December through April.
- Playa de Muro – Mallorca, Spain: Shallow waters and postcard-perfect dunes. July and August are the golden months here.
- Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida, Indonesia: Dramatic cliffs and viewpoints for perfect vacation pics. Aim for April through October.
- Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia, Greece: A mix of pebbles, clear waters, and steep cliffs. Go May-June or September for fewer tourists.
If you’re the type who thinks beaches are “just sand and water,” this list might make you think twice. Tripadvisor went through reviews from millions of travellers—basically, an angry Greek chorus of people telling you what’s worth it and what’s overrated. Each spot is tried and tested by beach bums, snorkelers, and sun worshippers, so the list carries some serious weight.
Go ahead, call it FOMO or the ultimate bucket list. From vibrant coral reefs in Thailand to dolphin-dotted waters in Hawaii, there’s a little something for everyone here. Just pack your sunscreen and leave those high expectations for perfect vacation selfies at home—because, let’s face it, nature’s already showing off.
