If you’re already yearning for summer vacations, this new ranking will give you something to dream over. Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, has unveiled the winners of its Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025. The award showcases reviewers’ favorite beaches around the world, based on a comprehensive analysis of the platform’s data.

“Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards uniquely reflect the voices of millions of global travelers and help guide people to plan their best trip yet,” said Kristen Dalton, Tripadvisor president. “This year’s lists span an incredible six continents and 50 countries with over 100 of the very best beaches showcasing the eclectic mix of coastal spots across the world.”

This year’s best beach in the world accolade went to a European destination. Here are all the top coastal spots in Europe.

This Cretan Beach Is The Best In The World, According To Travelers

The number one spot on the best beaches in the world ranking was won by Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete. The Greek beach rejoins the list for the first time in four years, climbing a whopping 23 places to secure the top spot. Known for its pink sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is also surrounded by forests of cedar trees, making it a great spot for hiking too.

Three British Beaches Loved By Travelers

Three UK beaches made the lists this year. Travelers’ favorite Weymouth Beach in Dorset was named number 20 in the Europe list. Located on the stunning Jurassic Coast, the shallow, safe waters make it ideal for families. There’s plenty to do on a day out in the summer from Punch and Judy shows to donkey rides and pedalo hire. And one reviewer commented that it is “picturesque even on an overcast day”.

Lying close to Great Yarmouth, Gorleston-on-Sea in Norfolk is named number 23 in Europe. This quintessential British beach is a two-mile stretch of golden sand, curving around a picturesque bay, making it perfect for bucket-and-spade outings. Visitors looking for a bit more action can enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, and kite-flying, while the nearby promenade offers beautiful views and a selection of cafes and shops.

In celebration of Tripadvisor’s anniversary this year, Bournemouth Beach was named number 12 in the special 25th Anniversary list, based on all-time data, making this beach a family favorite vacation spot for the last few decades. Another Dorset winner, this seven-mile stretch has plenty to keep visitors entertained, from paddleboarding and sailing, to its very own pier, with an amusement arcade and theatre. Visitors can enjoy the views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck hills while strolling along the promenade.

The Top 10 Beaches In Europe, According To Tripadvisor Reviews

1. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

Good for: Crystal clear waters, hiking and dunes, sunbathing, warm water

Best time to visit: May and September offer warm, sunny weather with significantly fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months of June, July, and August.

2. Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal

Good for: Golden sand, walks, coastline and cliffs

Best time to visit: From April to October, the weather is warm and sunny with minimal rainfall. The shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October also offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

3. Playa de Muro Beach, Mallorca, Spain

Good for: Shallow water, watersports, sand dunes

Best time to visit: With a Mediterranean climate, featuring hot, dry summers and mild winters, the best time to visit is between July and August.

4. Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece

Good for: White pebbles, crystal clear waters, cliffs

Best time to visit: Visit in the spring from May-June or early autumn in September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

5. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Sicily, Italy

Good for: Crystal clear waters, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving

Best time to visit: You’ll find great weather here from May to September, June to August is peak season, and as one of the last nesting sites for the rare Caretta Caretta turtle, it’s closed off at certain times in the summer during peak nesting season.

6. Playa de Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Spain

Good for: Sunbathing, hiking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, views

Best time to visit: From June to September is ideal and you’ll enjoy up to 13 hours of sunshine a day, but tends to be quieter and more relaxed in spring and early autumn when temperatures are still pleasant.

7. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France

Good for: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, exploring

Best time to visit: This beach is picturesque with its crystal clear waters, white sand and dramatic pink rock formations. Warm from as early as May, right through to October.

8. Tropea Beach, Calabria, Italy

Good for: Cliffside views, natural beauty, snorkeling, boat trips

Best time to visit: Sunny throughout the summer and perfect for sunbathing, this beach also has a lot to offer in shoulder season which is perfect for hiking and exploring the historic town centre

9. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Good for: Photography, black sands, nature, wildlife

Best time to visit: During the summer months from June to August, when the weather is generally milder and the days are longer which makes it more accessible.

10. Falassarna Beach, Crete, Greece

Good for: Wide shores, sunbathing, surfing, jet skiing

Best time to visit: For a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds, consider visiting in May or October, when the weather is still pleasant and the scenery is less crowded.