January 18, 2025, 6:50 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Every year, the renowned travel guide Lonely Planet publishes a list of the best beaches in the world to give people inspiration for their next trip. Three beaches in Europe made it into the top ten.
Lonely Planet has published its annual book of the world’s most beautiful coastlines for the year 2025. Since its foundation in 1972, Lonely Planet has become one of the leading brands in the travel industry and is very popular with both luxury tourists and backpackers. TRAVELBOOK presents the ranking for 2025 of the best beaches in the world, including three European beaches.
This Is the Best Beach in the World, According to Lonely Planet
According to Lonely Planet, this beach belongs at the top of the bucket list for 2025. Whitehaven Beach, located in the Whitsundays National Park in Queensland, Australia, is not only said to be the best beach in the world but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the breathtaking turquoise water, the beach impresses above all with its sand, which consists of 98 percent quartz—and is, therefore, softer and whiter than most other places in the world.
Voted by Lonely Planet: The Three Best Beaches in Europe
A total of three European beaches are featured in the top 10 of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2025. These are the winners:
5th Place: Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece
Sarakiniko Beach on the Greek island of Milos ranks fifth in the ranking of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It is known for its unique, almost otherworldly landscape, which is characterized by white rock formations made of volcanic rock. The contrast between the smooth, curved rocks and the deep blue water is truly unique. Instead of traditional sandy areas, you will mainly find natural plateaus and bays here. Especially at sunrise and sunset, it’s worth having a camera with you to capture the contrasting play of colors.
6th Place: Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Sixth place in the list of the world’s best beaches in 2025 might surprise some, as this beach is not located on a Greek island or the Balearic Islands, but on the Norwegian Lofoten Islands. Nestled between rugged mountains lies a sandy beach with an almost Caribbean feel—a surprising sight this far north. At first glance, the turquoise water looks inviting for a swim, but it remains quite cool even in summer, which is due to the Arctic climate. On the other hand, the area is great for hiking, and in winter you can even watch the Northern Lights.
10th Place: Platja Illetes, Formentera, Spain
The last place in the top ten ranking is also in Europe, more precisely on Formentera in Spain. With its powder-fine white sand and crystal-clear water, Platja de Ses Illetes also impressed the TRAVELBOOK team, who recommend the beach as one of the most beautiful on Formentera. Its natural beauty is enhanced by the surrounding unspoiled landscape, which is part of a protected nature park. As Platja de Ses Illetes is located on a narrow headland in the north of the island, it offers unique panoramic views over the water.
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The Top 10 Best Beaches of 2025
- Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
- Squeaky Beach, Victoria, Australia
- Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
- Sunset Beach, Trang, Thailand
- Sarakiniko Beach, Milos, Greece
- Haukland Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Playa Balandra, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Pfeiffer Beach, California, USA
- Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, USA
- Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
About the author: Karoline Schweers has been an editor at TRAVELBOOK since the end of 2023, where she now takes readers on a fascinating journey around the globe with her articles and can fully indulge in her enthusiasm for faraway places and cultural discoveries.