Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, announced the Best of the Best Beaches for 2023 as part of its annual Travelers’ Choice® Awards.
Tripadvisor analyzed tens of millions of reviews submitted by millions of global travelers over the past 12-months. Looking at the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences, Tripadvisor was able to determine travelers’ absolute favorite beaches of the year, providing the best guidance for everyone looking to plan their own unforgettable beach trips this year.
With the world list of beaches spanning the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific, this is truly a diverse, global selection. From the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to the rugged cliff sides and dramatic black sands of Iceland, this year’s rankings give travelers across the globe the opportunity to find their favorite beach.
“As a huge beach fan myself, I know the impossible-to-resist allure of sunshine and turquoise water—and certainly, there’s plenty of that on this year’s list,” said Sarah Firshein, the Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor. “But there are some delightful surprises as well. In addition to the much-loved beaches of Hawaii, the Caribbean, and mainland Europe, our community is really looking to kick up their experiences by embracing the cliffs of Cannon Beach, on the coast of Oregon in the Western United States, and cooler destinations like Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland. So whether you’re looking to pack a windbreaker or a swimsuit, our list has something for a wide range of travelers—and it might even convince the most ardent beach skeptics to embrace some time on the sand.”
The Global Winners
Climbing six places from last year to reach the No. 1 spot is Baia do Sancho. Located on the Brazilian island of Fernando de Noronha, part of a group of volcanic islands just over 200 miles from the country’s northeast coast, this area is renowned for its jagged coastline and diverse ecosystems. Off the beaten track and only accessible by ladder from the mainland, Baia de Sancho is not only famous for its picture perfect turquoise waters and white sand beach, but also the exotic array of wildlife. Travelers who venture into the warm clear waters might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of sea turtles, rays, dolphins and even reef sharks. Flanked by forest-clad cliffs this wild, unspoiled spot is also famous for the friendly crabs that crawl the shoreline.
A new and exciting entry to the world list for 2023 is the dramatic Reynisfjara Beach in Vik, Iceland – and this is a beach like no other. With its world-famous black sands and imposing rock formations towering over the shore, some may recognize the striking backdrop from Game of Thrones. Reynisfjara Beach is popular with birdwatchers for the various types of seabirds spotted nearby, most famously, puffins. But with waves of up to 40 meters (131 feet) and freezing waters, this is a beach best admired from the safety of the coast.
Top U.S. Beaches
Ka’anapali Beach on the Hawaiian island of Maui was named No. 1 in the U.S., climbing a remarkable 16 places from last year to top the list. Three miles of powder white sand and crystal-clear water, this palm-tree lined island paradise shore, lapped by gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean, is as perfect as it gets. For those searching for more than relaxation, there’s Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia, which comes in at No. 3, described by Tripadvisor reviewers as “other worldly” thanks to the ancient driftwood monuments that line the coast. There are three other new entries to the top 10 this year, including Hanalei, on the island of Kauai, securing an impressive No. 4 spot. Overall, Hawaii takes the crown this year with three total winners in the U.S. top 10, more than any other state. But the Aloha State ties Florida for the most winners overall in the top 25, with eight each.
Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2023
1. Baía do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
2. Eagle Beach – Aruba, Caribbean
3. Cable Beach – Broome, Australia
4. Reynisfjara Beach – Vik, Iceland
5. Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
6. Praia da Falésia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal
7. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India
8. Spiaggia dei Conigli – Sicily, Italy
9. Varadero Beach – Cuba, Caribbean
10. Ka’anapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii