Claiming the top spot in the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 list is the Philippines’ “overlooked slice of heaven” – Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan.
Photo: World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 List
As a leading source of the annual list of the best beaches in the world, the World’s 50 Best Beaches defined our Palawan beach as “the contrast of majestic cliffs, clear water, and amazing seclusion.” According to them, this gave Entalula Beach “its edge as a place that feels both dramatic and calm at the same time.”
Aside from Entalula Beach being crowned No. 1 in the world this year, Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, also made it to the 25th spot on the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 list. “The shape of the sandbar, combined with the clarity of the water, gives Kalanggaman a distinct character that has earned it a place among the World’s 50 Best Beaches,” they noted.
Photo: World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 List
The 2026 list is ranked by votes from the World’s 50 Best Beaches judges, beach ambassadors, and the in-house team. Results are based on the following criteria: unique, wildlife, untouched, soundtrack of nature, easy to enter, often calm water, not too crowded, and frequently idyllic.
Other beaches from around the world that are included on the list are Fteri Beach in Greece (#2), Wharton Beach in Australia (#3), Nosy Iranja Island in Madagascar (#4), and East Beach in Voyo Island, Fiji (#5). See the full list of 2026 World’s 50 Best Beaches here.
Have you been to these beaches? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
