The World's Most Beautiful Beaches: 20 Coastlines in the New Ranking and the Top Spot with Unique Sand

The online platform Hellotickets has released a ranking of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world, as published by Travel + Leisure magazine. The top beach on the list is distinguished by its unique sand, which doesn’t get hot even in the heat, and the favorites include resorts in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Learn more about the top-ranked beach, the selection criteria, and the full list of the top 20

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Every beach has its own unique character—the shape of its shoreline, the color of its sand, and the depth of its waters. The online ticket sales platform Hellotickets has compiled its own ranking of coastlines that stand out from the rest thanks to their combination of natural features, atmosphere, and the experience they offer travelers. The list was published by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Which beach topped the list, why it took first place, which resorts made the top 5, and the full list of the 20 most beautiful beaches—we’ll cover all of that below.

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The top-ranked beach according to Hellotickets

First place on the list went to Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands in Australia. The beach is located on the region’s largest island and is distinguished by its dazzling white sand.

The beach’s appearance is described as almost surreal. The white sand contrasts with the shifting turquoise hues of the sea—it is this combination that the ranking’s authors highlight.

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Why doesn’t the sand at Whitehaven get hot?

The unique feature of Whitehaven Beach lies in the composition of its sand. It consists of 98 percent silica, and it is this mineral base that gives it its bright white color.

The silica structure also explains the sand’s temperature properties: it remains relatively cool even on the hottest days.

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Location and Activities at Whitehaven Beach

The beach is located within two protected areas—the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Whitsunday Islands National Park.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of water activities: snorkeling, diving, sailing, and swimming with sea turtles. From July through September, humpback whales can be spotted off the coast.

You can reach the beach via one of Australia’s major east coast cities—Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne. From there, a short flight to Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) is required.

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Second and third place in the ranking of the most beautiful beaches

Second place on the list went to Anse Source d’Argent Beach in the Seychelles. It’s recognizable for its pink granite boulders, light-colored sand, and shallow waters—a combination the ranking’s authors described as feeling like a “postcard come to life.”

Third place went to Glover’s Reef in Belize. Rounding out the top five are Baía do Sancho Beach in Brazil and Île Vierge Beach in the French department of Finistère.

Hellotickets’ Top 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

The full list of beaches included in the ranking:

1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia;
2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles;
3. Glover’s Reef, Belize;
4. Baía do Sancho, Brazil;
5. Île Vierge Beach, Finistère, France;
6. Anse Noire, Martinique;
7. Ben Beauf, Mauritius;
8. Nakpan Beach, Philippines;
9. Freedom Beach, Thailand;
10. Cleopatra Beach, Ceder Island, Turkey;
11. Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy;
12. Praia da Marinha, Portugal;
13. Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece;
14. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain;
15. Xamil, Albania;
16. Saleccia, Corsica, France;
17. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia;
18. Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania;
19. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique;
20. Holbox, Mexico.

Regions that are virtually absent from the list

The list does not include any coastlines in the United States. Mexico is represented by only one resort—Holbox, which ranked 20th. The island is located off the coast of the state of Quintana Roo.

The authors of the ranking describe Holbox as a quieter and less developed destination compared to other Mexican beach destinations. Its appeal combines the beauty of the coastline with a sense of true escape from everyday life.

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What criteria did Hellotickets use to select the beaches?

The authors at Hellotickets explained that, for them, the world’s most beautiful beaches are coastlines that tell a story. In a statement to Travel + Leisure, the company listed the key selection criteria:

• a rare natural landscape;
• a fragile ecosystem;
• local culture and legends;
• the emotional aspect of travel;
• the sense of discovery in a place that still feels secluded.

This approach sets the list apart from purely photogenic rankings and makes it focused on a deeper travel experience.

Travel Insurance Before Traveling to the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Traveling to tropical or remote coastlines often involves moving between several countries, long flights, and active water-based recreation. Under such conditions, it’s wise to arrange financial protection in advance.

The Visit World portal offers travel insurance that covers the costs of medical care abroad, water activities, lost or delayed luggage, and other risks during your trip.

Get a travel insurance policy from Visit World before your departure and focus on enjoying your vacation without any worries!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the 10 safest islands in the world in 2026.

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