Topping the list for 2026 is Antalula Beach in Palawan, a collection of islands west of the Philippines. The beach has been described as “Palawan’s undiscovered slice of paradise” and is praised for its dramatic limestone cliffs, “exceptionally clear” waters, soft white sand and peaceful, crowd-free atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Read more:<\/strong> Name the best beaches in Europe for 2026 \u2013 full list <\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong> ‘Stunning’ and uncrowded beach named world’s best by TripAdvisor <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Antalula Beach crowned number 1 in Palawan (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n
\nPetrol and diesel drivers have been requested to fill petrol before 10 am on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/div>\n
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Feteri Beach, located on Greece’s largest Ionian island, came in second place and is the only beach in Europe to make the top 10. Experts described the stunning beach as “isolate and majestic Greek perfection”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The description reads: “Fateri Beach, on Kefalonia, Greece, is nestled in a secluded bay, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs, and is primarily accessible by boat or via a steep trail. Its isolation contributes to its pristine and tranquil atmosphere, setting it apart from more tourist-heavy destinations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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“Majestic white cliffs surround the beach, which wraps around a stretch of striking white pebbles mixed with sand, which meets the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. The untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere of Fateri Beach makes it a haven for those seeking peace and a deep connection with nature.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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A direct flight from the UK to Kefalonia takes about three and a half hours. At the time of writing, a direct flight from London Stansted to the beautiful Greek island with Ryanair on June 22 costs just \u00a328. EasyJet also operates a direct flight from London Gatwick to Kefalonia, currently priced from just \u00a333 as of 6 October.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, told Express: \u201cThis year is one of the strongest lists we have ever seen, with a remarkable diversity of countries and beaches around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cIt’s clear that our voters and judges are gravitating toward more peaceful, less-crowded destinations. With global travel at such a high level, there is a growing appreciation for beaches where conservation and crowd management are prioritized.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cWhat makes our list unique is the depth of insight behind it, our judges have undertaken large-scale, multiple full-time trips, and are comparing beaches based on real, on-the-ground experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cIt’s not about popularity or local familiarity, but about real global comparison and how the beach really feels when you’re there.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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The World’s 50 Best Beaches list states that it is now widely recognized as the ultimate and leading global authority on beach destinations around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Western Australia’s Wharton Beach ranked third (Image: Getty)<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Complete list of the 50 best beaches in the world in 2026<\/h4>\n<\/p>\n\n
\nAntalula Beach \u2013 Philippines<\/li>\n Fateri Beach – Greece<\/li>\n Wharton Beach – Australia<\/li>\n Nosy Eranja \u2013 Madagascar<\/li>\n East Beach (Vomo Island) – Fiji<\/li>\n Shoal Bay East – Anguilla<\/li>\n Dhigurah – Maldives<\/li>\n Playa Balandra \u2013 Mexico<\/li>\n Koh Rong \u2013 Cambodia<\/li>\n Donald Duck Bay – Thailand<\/li>\n Cayo de Agua – Venezuela<\/li>\n Cala Macarella – Spain<\/li>\n One Foot Island – Cook Islands<\/li>\n Princess Diana Beach – Barbuda<\/li>\n Turquoise Bay – Australia<\/li>\n PK9 Beach \u2013 French Polynesia<\/li>\n Grace Bay – Turks and Caicos<\/li>\n Cala dei Gabbiani – Italy<\/li>\n Saadiyat Beach \u2013 United Arab Emirates<\/li>\n Canto de la Playa – Dominican Republic<\/li>\n Wineglass Bay – Australia<\/li>\n Pink Beach – Indonesia<\/li>\n Paradise Beach – Thailand<\/li>\n Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles<\/li>\n Kalanggaman – Philippines<\/li>\n Seven Mile Beach – Cayman Islands<\/li>\n Freedom Beach – Thailand<\/li>\n Siesta Beach – USA<\/li>\n Kaputas Beach \u2013 T\u00fcrkiye<\/li>\n Cayo Zapatilla – Panama<\/li>\n Bathroom – British Virgin Islands<\/li>\n Cabo San Juan del Gua – Colombia<\/li>\n Baia do Sancho – Brazil<\/li>\n Porto Katsiki – Greece<\/li>\n Santa Giulia – France<\/li>\n Blue Lagoon – Fiji<\/li>\n Playa Xpu-ha \u2013 Mexico<\/li>\n Ofu Beach – American Samoa<\/li>\n Playa Cofete \u2013 Spain<\/li>\n Le Morne Beach \u2013 Mauritius<\/li>\n Flamenco Beach – Puerto Rico<\/li>\n Grand Anse – Grenada<\/li>\n Praia da Fal\u00e9sia – Portugal<\/li>\n Pontal do Atalaia – Brazil<\/li>\n Boulder Beach – South Africa<\/li>\n Porto Timoni – Greece<\/li>\n Paje Beach – Zanzibar<\/li>\n La Pelosa – Italy<\/li>\n Cais Abao – Curacao<\/li>\n Keam Beach – Ireland<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
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