This secluded beach in the Philippines was just named the best in the world for 2026

If you needed fresh ammunition for your “actually, Southeast Asia has the best beaches” argument, here it is. Entalula Beach in the Philippines has just been crowned the best beach in the world for 2026 by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, topping this year’s global ranking compiled with input from more than 1,000 travel professionals.

The beach, tucked away in El Nido, Palawan, took the No.1 spot on the annual list, which evaluates contenders based on everything from untouched nature and lack of overcrowding to calm conditions, wildlife, and natural soundtrack. According to Tine Holst, Co-Founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches, Entalula rose to the top because it “delivers on every level our judges prioritise” – not just in terms of clear water and powdery sand, but for its towering limestone cliffs, dense greenery, and seclusion that has become increasingly rare on globally recognised shorelines.

She added that it is a beach that has “consistently received strong support” from the panel over the years, but in 2026 stood out as “the most complete and impressive beach experience globally.” Which, frankly, is not a bad endorsement to have.

The result also points to a broader shift in what makes a beach stand out now. Tine added that one of the clearest global trends is that beaches prioritising conservation over volume are rising to the top. Many of this year’s highest-ranked beaches are either located within national parks or in destinations that have taken a more controlled approach to tourism. In their view, that balance between accessibility and preservation is becoming an increasingly important factor in how beaches are judged.

Southeast Asia also placed two more beaches in the global top 10. Koh Rong in Cambodia came in at No.9, marking the country’s first appearance on the list, while Donald Duck Bay in Thailand landed at No.10, helping cement Thailand as one of this year’s strongest performers. 

Rounding out the global top three are Fteri Beach in Greece and Wharton Beach in Australia, while Greece, Thailand and Australia each scored three beaches on the wider top 50 list. The 2026 ranking also saw Cambodia, Fiji and Colombia appear for the first time, while last year’s winner, Cala Goloritze, has now moved to the list’s Best of the Best hall of fame.

The best beaches in the world, according to The World's 50 Best Beaches: 

1. Entalula Beach, Philippines
2. Fteri Beach, Greece 
3. Wharton Beach, Australia 
4. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar
5. East Beach, Vomo Island, Fiji 
6. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla 
7. Dhigurah, Maldives 
8. Playa Balandra, Mexico 
9. Koh Rong, Cambodia 
10. Donald Duck Bay, Thailand

For the full list, visit The World's 50 Best Beaches' website. 

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