The top 10 best beaches in the world, according to Tripadvisor

A trip to the beach is always a good idea. 
Beaches rank as the top preferred vacation destination among 34% of Americans, according to a 30A Co. 2022 survey of 1,040 U.S. adults. Even just the act of planning a vacation can make someone happy. 
You likely understand why if you’ve ever spent time on a beach. The place where the water meets the land is a treat for the senses, from the sound of the water lapping the sand to the crisp scent of the salt in the air. Beaches are some of the most beautiful places.
Relaxing beachside is beneficial for your well-being, too. Saltwater has been found to release negative ions that help people feel calmer, and the meditative sound of waves can offer a sense of grounding. Even if you’re not frolicking in the water, the beach is where people can easily connect with nature, which is healing. 
Luckily, there are beautiful beaches everywhere, from places renowned for postcard-perfect beaches like Turks and Caicos to the rugged cliffside beaches of Italy. Tripadvisor recently released its 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award for Beaches, which analyzed reviews and ratings between Oc. 1, 2022, and Sept. 30, 2023, to come up with the best beaches worldwide.
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“Who doesn’t love a beach? It’s certainly my happy place – my kids playing in the surf, the sun sinking behind the horizon. And as the breadth and depth of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Beach lists show, our community is obsessed with them, too,” Sarah Firshein, head of Tripadvisor editorial, told USA TODAY in a statement.
While last year’s best beaches included a wide variety of striking natural landscapes, this year’s awards brought back the picturesque soft sands and crystal-clear waters people imagine when they think of a beach vacation. 
Here are the top 10 best beaches around the world, according to Tripadvisor.
A former fishing town, Varadero Beach is situated on the Hicacos Peninsula and stretches along the Caribbean Sea. The sprawling beach actually comprises six beaches, including Varadero, Rincón Francés and La Alameda, so there’s plenty of space to spread out. Visitors enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the vibrant water, snorkeling the sea beds, or watersports like jet skiing or windsurfing. 
Snagging the spot as Tripadvisor’s second-best beach in the U.S., Siesta Beach sits on the stunning barrier island of Siesta Key in Florida. This slice of paradise is renowned for its white quartz sand, which is often called the softest sand in the world. A free islandwide trolley service makes it easy for guests to get to and from the beach.
Aruba’s wide Eagle Beach stole people’s hearts last year by ranking as the second-best beach in the world. This idyllic beach is known for its calm waters and the chance to catch nesting turtles in summer. Eagle Beach invites visitors to unwind in paradise, whether basking in the sun, snorkeling amid marine life, or simply strolling along its picturesque shores.
Manly Beach is known as the birthplace of surfing in Australia, having hosted the world’s first modern surfing contest in 1964. Besides trying out surfing, visitors can swim, dive or sail along the stunning shoreline. Manly Beach is a long stretch of sand and includes a small cove, an enclosed swimming area for families, and Shelly Beach, a sheltered spot for snorkeling. When people need respite from the sun and sand, they can walk the tree-lined promenade for food or shopping.   
Tucked into a bay on Praslin Island, Anse Lazio feels like a hidden oasis. The background of the pristine shoreline and azure sea are lush tropical greenery and large boulders. On Tripadvisor, visitors said they enjoyed playing in the waves or grabbing a drink at the on-site beach bar.
This Caribbean beach earned the same ranking in last year’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Beaches, and it’s no wonder why. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Grace Bay Beach captivates visitors with its tranquil ambiance; the turquoise waters are never rough, thanks to an offshore reef. Because the beach is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, it remains pristine and unspoiled.
Often called the best beach in the U.S., Kaanapali Beach offers sparkling warm water and soft white sand. The 1-mile-long beach is the ultimate beach escape for anyone, offering cliff-jumping, paddleboarding, snorkeling or just frolicking in its gentle waters. And because the beach is west-facing, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. 
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With a long coastline stretching more than 4,200 feet, La Concha Beach is a renowned jewel of the Basque Country. Located in the charming fishing town of San Sebastian, this picturesque bay is framed by rolling hills and an uninhabited island people can also visit. A charming promenade with restaurants and amusement offers guests a place to explore off-sand.
There’s much to enjoy at Spiaggia dei Conigli – or Rabbit Beach, a nod to the native rabbits that inhabit the area – besides the clear waters and white granite cliffs. Resting on the island of Lampedusa off the Sicilian coast, the beach is accessible only by boat or a 15-minute trek by foot, but it’s well worth it. During the summer, it becomes one of the few places in the country where loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs.
Vast golden sands and bright blue water help make Praia da Falésia the most beautiful beach in the world; it ranked sixth place last year. With dramatic ombre cliffs of reds and oranges, this beach immerses its visitors in pristine natural beauty. According to Tripadvisor reviews, many visitors to the sprawling beach relished how uncrowded it felt.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected].