Their mesmerizing waters and natural beauty have placed them quite high on the list of the worlds top beaches.
The Worlds 50 Best Beaches list of the worlds most beautiful beaches for 2025 was published recently and of course Greece could not be missing from the ranking. Specifically, this years list features three paradisiacal beaches of the Ionian Sea. These beaches claimed 4th, 16th, and 36th place among the worlds top 50. All are located on popular Ionian islands that have served as settings for the filming of Greek and international movies and series.
Fteri, Kefalonia
In 4th place in the ranking is Fteri, the secluded and striking beach of Kefalonia. As The Worlds 50 Best Beaches notes, the beach is tucked into a secluded cove, surrounded by dramatic white cliffs and is accessible mainly by boat or via hiking. Its remoteness has kept it pristine and tranquil, which makes it stand out from many tourist destinations. Imposing white cliffs frame the beach of pebbles and sand where they meet the crystal-clear aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea. Fteris untouched beauty and impressive natural setting make it ideal for those seeking serenity and a connection with nature.
Voutoumi, Antipaxos
Voutoumi beach on Antipaxos claimed 16th place on the list. Antipaxos is a small island next to popular Paxos and boasts paradisiacal shores. Those who have visited know that Voutoumi is a magical place. It is one of the loveliest and most exotic beaches in Greece. This striking, secluded beach is accessible mainly by boat, remaining tranquil and pristine compared with more famous and easily accessible Greek beaches. Here, the waters are so clear they make boats look as if they are hovering above the seabed! Beyond the pool-like, azure waters, a feature that makes this beach stand out is the lush vegetation, with trees reaching right down to the sea.
Porto Katsiki, Lefkada
Porto Katsiki on Lefkada is in 36th place on the list. It is one of Lefkadas most famous beaches, with huge, sheer limestone cliffs with Mediterranean vegetation. As The Worlds 50 Best Beaches notes, Porto Katsiki is a place where you can smell the aroma of white thyme mingled with the salty sea air, feel closer to nature and enjoy a calm escape far from crowded beach bars.
The top beaches in the world for 2025
According to this list, the top beach in the world for 2025 is Cala Goloritzé in Italy. The beach is in Sardinia, in a remote spot and stands out with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. While the entire Baunei coast is amazing, Cala Goloritzé is unique thanks to the 143-meter limestone spire that resembles a cathedral. The waters are transparent and its pristine natural beauty makes it unlike any other. Important efforts have been made to preserve it, as since the 1990s it has been declared a natural monument. Access is possible via a hiking trail, with a limited number of tickets sold daily, or by swimming from boats anchored 200 meters away.
In second place is the impressive Entalula beach in Palawan, in the Philippines, with iconic limestone cliffs that offer a unique setting alongside its white, sandy shores. It is one of the less touristy beaches in the area, allowing visitors to enjoy moments of calm. The water is clear, providing excellent conditions for snorkeling and travelers can explore vibrant coral reefs a short distance from the shore.
In third place on the list is Bang Bao beach on the island of Koh Kood in Thailand. The island seems to still be quiet, away from large crowds. This beach remains pristine and without mass tourism, with the surrounding area rich in natural beauty. According to the report, what also makes Bang Bao beach unique is its charming fishing village, where visitors can walk along a wooden pier and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
The idyllic beach that completes the top 5 is in Fakarava, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in French Polynesia. It is considered by many to be one of the most magical places in the South Pacific, as it is remote and untouched by commercial development. The PK9 beach is the epitome of a simple, serene natural landscape. The sandy shore is lined with palm trees and visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs in the turquoise waters.
