It may still be April, but there’s a scent of summer in the air. The days are growing longer, the sun feels warmer, and our thoughts are already drifting to sandy beaches, refreshing swims, and carefree holidays. As winter slowly fades, the anticipation for summer escapes grows stronger with each passing day.
Just in time to fuel our wanderlust, Lonely Planet has released its annual list of the Best Beaches in the World for 2025, serving up a dose of sun-drenched inspiration.
As expected, Greece has once again earned a place on the global travel stage. This year, the spotlight shines on Sarakiniko Beach on the island of Milos, which proudly claims the fifth spot on the list.
With its otherworldly, lunar-like landscape, Sarakiniko captivated the editors at Lonely Planet. As they describe it:
"A surreal volcanic terrain of alabaster rocks, caves, and stone arches. This beach offers a striking contrast between bright white cliffs and the endless blue sea."
Topping the list is Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, Australia, located in the Whitsundays National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its turquoise waters are undeniably stunning, but what truly sets it apart is its sand, composed of 98% silica, making it softer and whiter than nearly any beach on Earth.
In second place is Squeaky Beach, also in Queensland, Australia. This 700-meter stretch of coastline borders the state’s largest marine national park and gets its quirky name from the squeaky sound the sand makes underfoot.
Rounding out the top five are Anse Source d’Argent in the Seychelles—a beach so idyllic it's often called “paradise on Earth”—and Sunset Beach in Trang, Thailand, known for its tranquil waters and breathtaking sunsets.
The full list also includes beautiful coastlines in Norway, Mexico, Spain, and the United States.
The Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2025:
Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand
Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA
Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain
So if you’re looking to plan your next summer getaway, this might just be the perfect excuse to explore a new corner of paradise—perhaps even one a little closer to home.
