UAE's Saadiyat Beach named among world’s 50 best beaches for 2025

Philippines’ Entalula and Bon Bon beaches also make the coveted global list

Last updated:
Christian Borbon (Senior Web Editor)
3 MIN READ
The water at Saadiyat Beach is very easy to enter, with calm waters and a sandy bottom.
The water at Saadiyat Beach is very easy to enter, with calm waters and a sandy bottom.
Instagram / saadiyatbeachclub

Looking for the ultimate beach escape this summer? A new international ranking has revealed the world’s top 50 beaches for 2025—and three standout spots from the UAE and the Philippines have made the cut.

The annual list, compiled by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, draws on the inputs and experties of over 1,000 travel professionals around the globe. Beaches are ranked based on factors like natural beauty, unique characteristics, water quality, accessibility, wildlife, and frequency of idyllic conditions.

Italy’s Cala Goloritzé takes the No. 1 spot

Topping the 2025 list is Cala Goloritzé, a small but stunning beach in Sardinia, Italy.

“Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach—its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it,” wrote the editors of the report.

Judges explained: "It’s impossible to point to just one factor that makes Cala Goloritzé so spectacular - and that’s precisely why it’s the winner this year.

A protected natural monument, Cala Goloritzé is a model of sustainable tourism, offering travelers a secluded slice of paradise framed by dramatic cliffs and the calm Tyrrhenian Sea.

Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi: 8-km stretch of paradise

Making its mark this year is Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi, which has earned a spot among the world's best. Just a short drive from the capital’s cultural attractions and luxury resorts, this 8-kilometer stretch on Saadiyat Island combines pristine white sand with turquoise waters and a deep commitment to conservation.

But what truly sets it apart is its protected local environemnt. The beach is part of the Saadiyat Marine National Park, a 59 km² eco-reserve that’s home to endangered Hawksbill sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins, and many other species.

Philippines scores two spots on the list

The Philippines also shines on this year’s list with Entalula Beach in Palawan and Bon Bon Beach on Romblon Island.

Number 2 on the list is Entalula Beach in Palawan, a secluded gem surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and vibrant coral reefs. Accessible only by boat, it offers exceptional snorkeling and a tranquil atmosphere far from the usual tourist path. Its undeveloped setting makes it a haven for nature lovers.

At number 39 is Bon Bon Beach is equally unspoiled, known for its striking sandbar that appears at low tide, connecting Romblon Island to the neighboring Bangug Island. This off-the-radar beach boasts fine white sand, shallow clear waters, and minimal crowds—perfect for a peaceful escape.

Full list of the World's best 50 beaches

  1. Cala Goloritzè, Italy

  2. Entalula Beach, Philippines

  3. Bang Bao Beach, Thailand

  4. Fteri Beach, Greece

  5. PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia

  6. Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic

  7. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles

  8. Nosy Iranja, Madagascar

  9. Ofu Beach, American Samoa

  10. Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos

  11. Turquoise Bay, Australia

  12. Boulders Beach, South Africa

  13. Pink Beach, Indonesia

  14. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla

  15. Detwah Lagoon, Yemen

  16. Voutoumi Beach, Greece

  17. One Foot Island, Cook Islands

  18. Playa de Rodas, Spain

  19. Playa Balandra, Mexico

  20. Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil

  21. Wharton Beach, Australia

  22. Cayo de Agua, Venezuela

  23. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

  24. Cayo Zapatilla, Panama

  25. Baia Do Sancho, Brazil

  26. Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda

  27. Pulau Palambak, Indonesia

  28. Freedom Beach, Thailand

  29. The Baths, British Virgin Islands

  30. Anse Georgette, Seychelles

  31. Ffryes Beach, Antigua & Barbuda

  32. Grand Anse, Grenada

  33. Le Morne Beach, Mauritius

  34. Bahía de las Águilas, Dominican Republic

  35. Meads Bay, Anguilla

  36. Porto Katsiki, Greece

  37. Nudey Beach, Australia

  38. Bon Bon Beach, Philippines

  39. Saadiyat Beach, UAE

  40. Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka

  41. Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica

  42. Siesta Beach, USA

  43. Paje Beach, Zanzibar

  44. Klein Bonaire Beach, Bonaire

  45. Cathedral Cove Beach, New Zealand

  46. Santa Giulia, France

  47. Gardner Bay, Ecuador

  48. Keem Beach, Ireland

  49. Kuramathi Sand Bank, Maldives

  50. La Pelosa, Italy

Whether you're planning your next summer getaway or dreaming of one, these beaches offer more than just a view—they offer a moment of quiet wonder.

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