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These are the best beaches in the world for 2025, according to experts

Sarah Swain
Sarah Swain

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For many, the beach is the focus of a holiday.

And these are officially the best in the world for 2025.

From rugged rocky hideways to epic swathes of white sand, the research is based on votes by judges at The World's 50 Best Beaches, as well as over a thousand travel professionals.

New countries with beaches on the list this year include Madagascar, Yemen, Antigua and Barbuda, the UAE, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica.

"Our mission is to inspire travellers 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," said co-founder Tine Holst.

Read on to find out which patch of sand came out on top - as well as the spot named Australia's best.

Attribution: Supplied
25. Baia do Sancho, Brazil
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25. Baia do Sancho, Brazil

Baia do Sancho, or Sancho beach, is a secluded spot on the island of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil.

But don't expect it to be easy to reach - it's only accessible by boat or by venturing down a ladder.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
24. Cayo Zapatilla, Panama
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24. Cayo Zapatilla, Panama

The heavenly waters of the uninhabited twin islands of Cayo Zapatilla in Bocas del Toro, Panama landed a spot in the top 25.

Attribution: Matthias - stock.adobe.com
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23. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
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23. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

The popular Caribbean island of Grand Cayman is home to the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
22. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela
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22. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela

Cayo de Agua, an island in Venezuela, has a dazzling sandbar which makes it a unique tropical paradise.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
21. Wharton Beach, Australia
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21. Wharton Beach, Australia

One of the two Aussie beaches in the top 25, is Wharton Beach in Esperance, Western Australia.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
20. Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil
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20. Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil

Another Brazilian beach marks number 20, this time a popular one close to Rio.

Attribution: Getty
19. Playa Balandra, Mexico
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19. Playa Balandra, Mexico

Another entry for South America, Balandra beach is on the Baja California Sur peninsula.

It's known for its shallow, clear waters.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
18. Praia das Rodas, Spain
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18. Praia das Rodas, Spain

The little known Cíes Islands, off the west coast of Spain, are home to this beautiful, quiet slice of sandy paradise.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
17.  One Foot Island, Cook Islands
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17. One Foot Island, Cook Islands

Imagine paradise and you probably will dream up something like One Foot Island, in the Cook Islands.

It's home to the seventeenth best beach in the world.

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto

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