Cala Goloritzé, Entalula Beach, Fteri Beach, and More Surging to the Top of the World’s Best Beaches as Revealed by Travel Professionals

Published on May 4, 2025

In a stunning revelation for the travel and tourism world, Cala Goloritzé in Italy has been crowned the world’s best beach for 2025. This ranking was based on a survey conducted by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, which involved over 1,000 leading travel influencers and professionals. For the first time, the beautiful Cala Goloritzé has surpassed Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which had held the top spot the previous year. Cala Goloritzé is widely praised for its pristine beauty and its sustainable approach to tourism, limiting the number of visitors to preserve its unspoiled charm. The beach is accessible either by a challenging hike or boat ride, adding to its exclusivity.

The recognition of Cala Goloritzé as the top beach has significant implications not just for Italy, but for global tourism as well. Its selection marks a shift towards a more sustainable model of tourism, one that emphasizes limited access, environmental preservation, and an elevated experience for visitors. But what does this mean for travelers worldwide? Italy’s newly crowned beach will likely attract an influx of visitors eager to experience its natural beauty, putting it on the map as a must-see destination for those who prioritize eco-conscious travel.

Top Beaches of 2025: A Diverse Global Lineup

This year’s ranking also highlighted the growing prominence of Asia in the world of top-tier beaches. Entalula Beach in Palawan, Philippines, claimed the second spot, followed closely by Bang Bao Beach in Thailand at number three. Both of these beaches are known for their pristine waters and serene landscapes, offering travelers an idyllic retreat in the heart of Southeast Asia.

Greece and Australia’s Strong Representation

Greece continues to be a powerhouse in beach tourism, with several of its beaches making the list. Fteri Beach on Kefalonia ranked fourth, while Voutoumi Beach on the island of Antipaxos placed 16th, and Porto Katsiki on Lefkada Island came in at 36th. These beaches are renowned for their natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and relative seclusion, offering visitors a sense of tranquility that many other popular destinations lack.

Australia also had a strong showing with three beaches in the top 50. Turquoise Bay in Western Australia ranked 11th, while Wharton Beach (21st) and Nudey Beach (37th) made the list as well. These beaches offer unique access to the Great Barrier Reef and are perfect for those seeking adventure and exploration in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Newcomers and Global Diversity in the Ranking

The list for 2025 also saw the addition of several new destinations, reflecting the diversity and spread of global beach tourism. Countries such as Madagascar, Yemen, Antigua & Barbuda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and France were represented, along with overseas territories like American Samoa, the British Virgin Islands, and Bonaire. These areas, often less traveled than the major hotspots, provide travelers with the opportunity to explore new, untouched shores while contributing to the global distribution of tourism.

In particular, Nosy Iranja in Madagascar, Detwah Lagoon in Yemen, and Ofu Beach in American Samoa are prime examples of emerging destinations that are becoming more popular as travelers seek out unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences. With new locations steadily entering the rankings, there’s a clear shift in the travel industry’s direction, moving toward unexplored, less-crowded destinations that offer a more intimate and sustainable travel experience.

Impact on Travelers and the Industry

The recognition of Cala Goloritzé as the best beach in 2025 will undoubtedly stir up significant changes in the travel industry. For travelers, this shift in priorities will encourage them to rethink their beach vacation plans, opting for destinations that not only offer beauty but also sustainability. As more tourists look for off-the-beaten-path experiences, these destinations will likely see an increase in demand, leading to a rise in eco-tourism.

• Sustainability in Tourism: The focus on limiting the number of visitors to Cala Goloritzé is likely to serve as a model for other destinations worldwide. More beaches and destinations will likely begin adopting similar measures to protect their natural environments while offering an exclusive experience to travelers. This trend could have a long-lasting effect on the way beach tourism is approached, encouraging more responsible travel habits.
• Adventure Seekers’ New Options: For the adventurous traveler, the ranking of beaches in Southeast Asia, Greece, and Australia provides a range of exciting options. Many of these destinations offer the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and culture, allowing tourists to fully immerse themselves in the environment.
• Economic Impact on Emerging Destinations: As new locations like Nosy Iranja in Madagascar or Wharton Beach in Australia grow in popularity, there will be a significant economic impact on the local communities. While this can be beneficial in terms of tourism revenue, it also brings the challenge of managing tourism sustainably to prevent overtourism from affecting local ecosystems and cultures.

Top Beaches and Their Impact on Global Tourism

The full list of the top 50 beaches of 2025 provides an array of options for travelers seeking both luxury and adventure. Some of the standout beaches include:

• Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos
• Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles
• PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia
• Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands
• Baia do Sancho in Brazil
• Pink Beach in Indonesia

Each of these destinations has its own unique allure, offering travelers everything from pristine waters to untouched, unspoiled beauty. These rankings also reflect a growing demand for exclusive, quieter experiences that cater to the modern traveler’s desire for peace, beauty, and sustainability.

A Look Forward

With the global travel industry evolving, destinations like Cala Goloritzé in Italy are setting the stage for a new era in beach tourism. The emphasis on sustainable travel, preserving the environment, and limiting the number of visitors will shape how the industry moves forward in the years to come. As travelers become increasingly mindful of their environmental impact, destinations that prioritize eco-tourism will continue to rise in prominence.

The future of global beach tourism looks set to be shaped by a balance between preserving natural beauty and providing access to some of the most spectacular coastlines on Earth. Travelers will need to adapt to this changing landscape by embracing more responsible and sustainable travel practices while still enjoying the world’s best beaches.