It’s not only restaurateurs who eagerly await the annual release of La Liste — beach rankings are also highly anticipated every year. World’s 50 Beaches has just published its top beaches, and Falstaff TRAVEL is dreaming of the world’s most epic destinations.
What makes a truly dreamlike beach? According to the World’s 50 Beaches ranking, eight key qualities define it: it is set in a unique landscape, often far from well-trodden tourist routes. Nature remains untouched, and impressive wildlife can frequently be observed. Instead of crowds, tranquility prevails, while the water should be calm, crystal clear, and easily accessible. Do such places still exist?
According to the platform: absolutely. To compile the ranking, World’s 50 Beaches enlisted the help of travel journalists, experts, and influencers — arriving at the following results.
The combination of dramatic rock formations, turquoise waters, and natural serenity gives this place a unique balance of intensity and calm. Towering limestone cliffs rise directly behind the fine white sand beach, creating a spectacular backdrop. The beach can only be reached by boat, making it far less crowded than many nearby destinations. The water is exceptionally clear and usually calm.
Fteri Beach lies in a secluded bay on the island and is surrounded by striking white cliffs. The beach is usually accessible only by boat or via a steep hiking trail, helping preserve its isolation. Bright rock walls frame a mix of white pebbles and sand, which transition into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
Wharton Beach is located on the remote southern coast of Western Australia in the Duke of Orleans Bay region — a place that rarely feels overcrowded simply because of its location. Fine white sand meets surprisingly clear turquoise water, while behind it stretches a vast, almost untouched coastal landscape. The atmosphere is peaceful and unspoiled; even during summer, there is plenty of room for silence and openness. At the same time, the beach is popular with surfers and is considered a great spot for dolphin sightings off the coast.
Nosy Iranja is an extraordinary island duo off the coast of Madagascar, consisting of Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely. The location is especially famous for its approximately two-kilometer-long sandbank, which connects the two islands at low tide and disappears completely beneath the turquoise water at high tide. This natural connection creates a landscape that constantly changes with the tides — at times a narrow white strip in the sea, at others entirely hidden. Nosy Iranja is also an important nesting site for sea turtles, which regularly come ashore here to lay their eggs.
East Beach gives the feeling of being far removed from the rest of the world. Tall palm trees and dense tropical vegetation line the wide white sand beach, where mornings often reveal barely a footprint in the sand. Since the beach lies on the sheltered side of the island, the water remains calm most of the time and is ideal for swimming throughout the day. At the same time, this part of the island remains largely undeveloped, making many sections feel almost deserted.
Shoal Bay East is one of the Caribbean’s best-known beaches — and for many, the island’s defining landmark. Despite its popularity, the long beach feels surprisingly peaceful and relaxed. Between palm trees, small beach bars, and powdery white sand, the laid-back atmosphere Anguilla is famous for unfolds naturally. The water is crystal clear and usually calm, while the gentle waves are perfect for swimming or snorkeling near the coral reefs.
Dhigurah Beach stands out even among the Maldives’ famous beaches — mainly because of its exceptionally long coastline and narrow sandbank extending far into the lagoon. From the village, the beach is easily accessible, yet it becomes increasingly secluded the farther one walks. At the island’s tip in particular, the scenery feels almost surreal: a narrow strip of soft white sand flanked by shallow, crystal-clear water on both sides.
Playa Balandra is considered one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches — not least because the bay has remained remarkably untouched despite its popularity. Strict conservation measures limit construction, visitor numbers, and human impact on the environment. Especially characteristic are the calm, shallow waters and the iconic rock formation “El Hongo,” which rises from the sea like a mushroom. Even at high tide, the entire bay remains relatively shallow, making it especially attractive for families and relaxed beach days.
Koh Rong Beach, located off the coast of Cambodia, is best known for its kilometers-long, almost uninterrupted white sand shoreline. The clear, shallow water shimmers turquoise and gently fades into the sea. Some sections open broadly toward the coastline, while others are framed by dense tropical vegetation.
Donald Duck Beach lies within the protected national park of the Similan Islands and is accessible only during the season from approximately November to May. During monsoon season, the area is closed — a protective measure that helps preserve the natural environment. Reachable only by boat, the beach features fine white sand, calm crystal-clear water, and the characteristic rounded granite boulders, including the famous formation that gave the beach its name.
