The World’s 50 Best Beaches™ released its annual rankings this week, with Trunk Bay on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands taking the No. 1 spot. A survey of more than 1,000 travel professionals and influencers weighed in to develop the list, which is sponsored by Banana Boat.
The beaches were judged on eight criteria: wildlife, untouched, soundtrack of nature, easy to enter water, unique characteristics, often clam water, not too crowded and frequency of idyllic conditions. Cala Mariolu in Sardinia in Italy and Meads Bay in Anguilla ranked as Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.
An American beach first shows up in the rankings at No. 14 with Lanikai Beach, located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Another Hawaiian beach, Kapalua Bay Beach on Maui, came in at No. 40 and Henderson Beach, located on Florida’s panhandle, was ranked No. 44.
“The 2024 list is a reflection of the countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and World’s 50 Best team discovering beaches around the world,” said World’s Best Beaches cofounder Tine Holst. “Our list will help inspire travelers to leave the beaten path behind and enjoy the most stunning and relaxing beaches on earth.”
