World’s best 50 beaches revealed with the top one only four hours from the UK
THE TOP 50 beaches in the world have been revealed, with the no.1 only four hours from the UK.
Cala Goloritze in Italy has been named the best beach in the world.
And it is only a few hours from the UK thanks to new British Airways flights to Olbia.
Located in Sardinia, the beach is about an hour-and-a-half drive from Olbia Airport.
It is known for its unique rock formations, small white pebbles and sand and clear waters.
Access to the beach is restricted to 250 people per day and visitors must book through the Heart of Sardinia app.
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Judges explained: "It’s impossible to point to just one factor that makes Cala Goloritzé so spectacular - and that’s precisely why it’s the winner this year.
"It is a beach with some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. It feels almost mystical.
"The Baunei coastline is renowned for calm winds and waters in the summer.
"On top of that, amazing measures have been taken to protect the beach and its natural environment from overcrowding."
Also named on the list - in fourth place - was Fteri Beach in Greece.
Located on Kefalonia, Fteri Beach is a secluded spot with turquoise waters, white cliffs and like Cala Goloritze, has a mixture of pebbles and sand.
Unfortunately, not a single beach in the UK was listed but Keem Beach in Ireland did sneak in at place 48.
The beach lies on the horseshoe shaped Keem Bay, on Achill Island and is surrounded by a dramatic landscape.
It is also one if the island's five blue flag beaches - an award that recognises quality and cleanliness.
Outside of Europe, other beaches in the top 10 featured PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia and Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles.
PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia features a long stretch of white sand, on the island of Fakarava.
The isolated beach is often quiet from visitors and is known for being lined with tall, leaning palm trees.
However, visitors are also warned if they do visit the beach, to watch out for falling coconuts.
Over in the Seychelles, Anse Source d'Argent is home to shallow waters, golden sand and large granite formations.
The beach is thought to be one of the Seychelles’ most famous attractions and the Union Estate charges visitors 150 Rupees (£1.32) each to get access to the beach.
A number of new countries joined the list this year including Madagascar, Yemen and Tanzania.
The World’s 50 Best Beaches list was formed by votes from a network of judges and over 1,000 travel professionals from industry experts to high-profile influencers.
Beaches were judged across eight areas: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, frequency of calm conditions, lack of overcrowding, and consistency of idyllic settings.
Full list of the world's best 50 beaches
Several European beaches feature on the list.
- Cala Goloritze, Italy
- Entalula Beach, Philippines
- Bang Bao Beach, Thailand
- Fteri Beach, Greece
- PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia
- Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic
- Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles
- Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
- Ofu Beach, American Samoa
- Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
- Turquoise Bay, Australia
- Boulders Beach, South Africa
- Pink Beach, Indonesia
- Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
- Detwah Lagoon, Yemen
- Voutoumi Beach, Greece
- One Foot Island, Cook Islands
- Playa de Rodas, Spain
- Playa Balandra, Mexico
- Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil
- Wharton Beach, Australia
- Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Island
- Cayo Zapatilla, Japan
- Baia do Sancho, Brazil
- Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
- Pulau Palambak, Indonesia
- Freedom Beach, Thailand
- The Baths, British Virgin Islands
- Anse Georgette, Seychelles
- Ffryes Beach, Antigua and Barbuda
- Grand Anse, Grenada
- Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
- Bahia de las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
- Meads Bay, Anguilla
- Porto Katsiki, Greece
- Nudey Beach, Australia
- Bon Bon Beach, Phillippines
- Saadiyat Beach, UAE
- Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka
- Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica
- Siesta Beach, USA
- Paje Beach, Zanzibar
- Klein Bonaire Beach, Bonaire
- Cathedral Cove Beach, New Zealand
- Santa Giulia, France
- Gardner Bay, Equador
- Keem Beach, Ireland
- Kuramanthi Sand Bank, Maldives
- La Pelosa, Italy
Tine Holst, co-founder of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, said: "Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World’s 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe.
"Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they’ve always dreamed of—places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable."
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Corona beer also recently named its top beaches across the globe, but one in the UK did feature on their list.
Plus, the three UK beaches named the best in Europe by Tripadvisor.