How the Beaches Are Selected

According to the site’s founders, the beaches featured in the final top 50 list are chosen through a meticulous process. Thousands of experienced tourism professionals from around the world are invited to rate the beaches they’ve visited based on eight specific criteria. These scores are then compiled to determine the final annual rankings.

The criteria include:

1. Uniqueness – A landscape that makes the beach truly one of a kind.
2. Wildlife – Opportunities to encounter exotic marine and coastal life.
3. Untouched Environment – Beaches free of human development and mass tourism.
4. Tranquility – The only sounds are the sea and the breeze.
5. Accessibility – Easy entry into calm, sandy-bottomed waters.
6. Weather Conditions – Calm and favorable seas.
7. Low Crowds – A beach that never feels overcrowded.
8. Idyllic Atmosphere – A higher-than-average chance of a perfect, relaxing beach experience.

The Top 3 Greek Beaches

Three beaches from Greece made it into the 2025 list, all located in the Ionian Sea.

Fteri, Kefalonia

Ranked #4 Worldwide

Hidden away from prying eyes in a secluded cove, Fteri is surrounded by white cliffs and is primarily accessible by sea. For adventurous visitors, there is also a hiking trail from the main road.

Its challenging access helps preserve its pristine nature, unlike more popular destinations. With its white pebbles, soft sand, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Fteri is perfect for travelers seeking peace and a deep connection with nature.

Voutoumi, Antipaxos

Ranked #16 Worldwide

Often described as the most picturesque beach on Antipaxos, Voutoumi is mostly accessible by boat. This natural isolation ensures it remains quiet and exceptionally clean compared to many other beaches in Greece.

It is famous for its dark blue waters, white sand, and pebble-strewn shore, all nestled at the base of a lush green hill. Cypress trees reach the water’s edge, and the surrounding hills are ideal for light hiking and exploration.

Porto Katsiki, Lefkada

Ranked #36 Worldwide

Porto Katsiki is not just known for its beach but also for the dramatic cliff formations surrounding the bay. It’s one of the few places on the island where you can smell wild thyme growing from the rock crevices, mixing with the salty sea air.

The water here is a stunning shade of turquoise, and the beach is rarely overcrowded due to its difficult access.

The Full List: Top 50 Beaches in the World for Summer 2025

1. Cala Goloritzé, Italy
2. Entalula Beach, Philippines
3. Bang Bao Beach, Thailand
4. Fteri, Greece
5. PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia
6. Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic
7. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles
8. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
9. Ofu Beach, American Samoa
10. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
11. Turquoise Bay, Australia
12. Boulders Beach, South Africa
13. Pink Beach, Indonesia
14. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
15. Detwah Lagoon, Yemen
16. Voutoumi, Greece
17. One Foot Island, Cook Islands
18. Playa de Rodas, Spain
19. Playa Balandra, Mexico
20. Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil
21. Wharton Beach, Australia
22. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
23. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
24. Cayo Zapatilla, Japan (likely a typo in the original – Zapatilla is usually in Panama)
25. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
26. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
27. Pulau Palambak, Indonesia
28. Freedom Beach, Thailand
29. The Baths, British Virgin Islands
30. Anse Georgette, Seychelles
31. Fryes Beach, Antigua and Barbuda
32. Grand Anse, Seychelles
33. Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
34. Bahia de Las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
35. Meads Bay, Anguilla
36. Porto Katsiki, Greece
37. Nudey Beach, Australia
38. Bon Bon Beach, Philippines
39. Saadiyat Beach, United Arab Emirates
40. Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka
41. Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica
42. Siesta Beach, USA
43. Paje Beach, Zanzibar
44. Klein Bonaire Beach, Bonaire
45. Cathedral Cove Beach, New Zealand
46. Santa Giulia, France
47. Gardner Bay, Ecuador
48. Keem Beach, Ireland
49. Kuramathi Sand Bank, Maldives
50. La Pelosa, Italy