With summer in full swing, beaches become something of an obsession for many travellers. They top the wish lists of people hoping to switch off beside the sea.
To help identify the truly special spots, the international platform The World’s 50 Best Beaches publishes an annual ranking of the world’s 50 best beaches. The 2026 edition once again brings together the best beaches in the world, including two in Spain.
What is The World’s 50 Best Beaches?
The World’s 50 Best Beaches is an annual ranking that selects 50 beaches considered exceptional around the globe. The list is compiled using the votes of more than 1,000 travel-industry professionals — including journalists, travel agents and specialists — alongside an in-house team.
Every nomination must be supported by a detailed case, after which the team reviews and discusses each candidate. The criteria include the distinctiveness of the setting, the presence of wildlife, the state of conservation, peacefulness and how easy it is to get into the water.
The two Spanish beaches on the list
Spain has once again earned a place among the world’s best beaches with two very different locations: one in the Canary Islands and the other in the Balearics.
Cala Macarella (12th)
On the south coast of Menorca, close to Ciutadella, Cala Macarella is a small bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and pine woods. Its pale sand and turquoise water have made it an instantly recognisable Balearic scene.
The organisation highlights its scenic setting and the pleasant swimming conditions, including a gently shelving shoreline and clear seabed. Access is also regulated during summer to protect the area.
Cofete Beach (39th)
At the southern tip of Fuerteventura, in the municipality of Pájara, the impressive Cofete Beach stretches out. There are more than ten kilometres of sand exposed to the Atlantic, with the Jandía massif rising behind it.
The journey in, along an unpaved track with very few facilities, makes it clear that this is not a conventional beach. The ranking places particular value on its wild character and sense of isolation. Wind, waves and the broad sweep of the surroundings take centre stage.
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Italian beaches in The World’s 50 Best Beaches
Italy also appears in the ranking with two beaches on Sardinia, representing two very different sides of the Mediterranean: a more discreet cove with demanding access, and an iconic sandy beach.
Cala dei Gabbiani
Set in the Gulf of Orosei, on Sardinia’s east coast, Cala dei Gabbiani is a cove reached by boat or after a demanding walk. Its water shifts between emerald green and blue. The ranking highlights its rugged setting and its lower visitor numbers.
La Pelosa
In Stintino, also in Sardinia, La Pelosa presents a different scene: fine white sand and shallow water extending a good way out in soft shades of blue. A 16th-century defensive tower stands opposite the beach and is one of its most recognisable features. Also a TripAdvisor favourite, the clarity of the water and visitor-capacity controls are both noted in the ranking.
The only Portuguese beach on the list
Portugal also has a place in the 2026 edition thanks to Praia da Falésia, in the Algarve. Set between Albufeira and Vilamoura, this long beach stands out for its striking red and ochre cliffs. Several kilometres long, it rarely feels overcrowded, even during high season. The ranking recognises both its setting and the quality of its water.
The best beach in the world according to The World’s 50 Best Beaches
First place in 2026 goes to Entalula Beach, in the Palawan archipelago near El Nido, in the Philippines. It is a strip of white sand tucked between limestone formations, creating an almost cinematic setting.
Experts point to its surroundings and the sense of seclusion it provides. The colour of the water changes throughout the day, shifting from pale turquoise to deep blue, while relatively limited access helps keep the atmosphere calm.
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