The best beach in the world is on a secluded island you need a ticket to access
When it comes to beaches, everyone has their own preferences.
Some people like wind-swept coastlines with pounding surf, others want to relax in calm turquoise waters. Many love the beaches of Europe with their pebbled shorelines, while some prefer sandy stretches.
Despite our differing tastes, we can certainly all agree that some beaches are better than others. The number one beach in the world for 2026 has been crowned, and it's a doozy.
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Isla Pasion, in Mexico, can only be reached by boat. Getty
Isla Pasion in Cozumel, Mexico is officially the world's best beach, according to TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards, voted on by real travellers.
The beach edged its way into the top spot thanks to its "private island oasis" vibes.
In fact, you can only get to the beach by boat, with a pre-booked ticket in hand. Once you're there, you're greeted with blinding white sand, clear water, hammocks, lounge chairs, and a handful of beach bars.
If you're not into lounging, you're in luck. There are excellent snorkelling opportunities just off the beach, with sea turtles, rays, and numerous tropical fish species all living in the island's waters.
There are also kayaks you can rent to explore a little more.
Crete had two beaches in the top three, including Elafonissi Beach with its pink sand. Getty
Second place went to Crete's Elafonissi Beach, which has light pink sand and shallow lagoons that are great for kids. Crete also took out third place, with Balos Lagoon, a stretch of crystal-clear water that can only be accessed by a steep 1km hike.
Eagle Beach in Aruba and Praia da Falésia in Portugal rounded out the top five.
Australia doesn't get a mention on the list until number nine, where Manly makes an appearance representing Sydney. Bondi is ranked 19th.
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Manly Beach came in ninth place. Getty
Shell Beach in WA gets a mention in the 'One of a Kind' category, which recognises unique beaches around the world.
Ranked ninth, it's called out for the shoreline, made up of a single type of sun-bleached shell.
"From afar, the beach looks like it's covered in white petals, and up close, it's even more stunning," reads the TripAdvisor website.
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The sand on Shell beach is made up of shells. Supplied
In the South Pacific category, Australia dominates, with seven entries in the top ten.
After Manly and Bondi, Queensland's Palm Cove Beach ranks fifth, behind a beach in Bora Bora and NZ's Piha Beach.
Surfers Paradise Beach, Shelly Beach near Manly, Cable Beach, and Cottesloe round out the top ten.
