In February, the thought of summermight be somewhat surrealistic. But perhaps to beat the winter depression, there is a remedy - booking your holiday early. And now you can do so fully informed, as the world's best beaches for 2026 have been revealed throughTripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards Best of the Best title.

The titles are awarded to destinations with lots of excellent reviews from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Whether you're seeking a quiet beach paradise or a vibrant hub in a busy city, there's something for you.

Plus, you can visit some at a very low cost.

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Praia da Falésia in Portugal, is a true showstopper. Stretching over six kilometres of coastline, it earns its place as one of the Algarve's most iconic destinations.

What sets it apart is the dramatic contrast of its landscape: towering, jagged cliffs in shades of deep ochre and burnt red are crowned by lush green umbrella pines, all crumbling beautifully into vast stretches of golden sand. Unlike the smaller, enclosed coves common in the region, its sheer size gives it an open, airy feel that makes it perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and find their own corner of paradise.

Claiming the fourth spot isAruba's famous Eagle Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline that captures the very essence of a Caribbean paradise. It is most instantly recognisable for its iconic Divi-Divi trees - gnarled, wind-sculpted landmarks that lean permanently toward the ocean and have become the unofficial symbol of the island.

The contrast of these sculptural trees against the backdrop of impossibly white, powdery sand and the vivid neon-blue of the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Taking the third spot isCrete's breathtaking Balos Lagoon, a genuine coastal gem that feels more like a slice of the Maldives dropped into the Mediterranean. The lagoon is celebrated for its shallow, crystal-clear turquoise waters which remain remarkably calm and warm, making it an absolute doddle for families with young children to enjoy a dip.

Source: Daily Express :: World Feed