Trunk Bay Named World’s Best Beach for 2026 — Here’s Why It Took the Top Spot

Travel website Beach.com has crowned Trunk Bay, on the north coast of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the best beach in the world for 2026. The secluded stretch sits inside a national park, ringed by lush green hills and offering that postcard-perfect blend of powdery white sand and vivid turquoise water. Experts say it’s the destination they recommend most often to travelers looking for an ideal escape.

“It’s located in a national park with a stunning mountain backdrop, and you get that perfect combination — soft white sand and incredible turquoise water,” the site’s reviewers noted. The beach’s calm, clear conditions make it a favorite for snorkeling and sunbathing alike, with no crowds to spoil the serenity. For anyone planning a Caribbean getaway, Trunk Bay is now squarely on the radar.

Coming in second place was Elafonissi Beach in Greece, known for its pink-tinged sand and shallow lagoons. Third went to Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, a perennial favorite for its calm, crystal-clear waters. Separately, a Greek shoreline on the Kassandra Peninsula was recently named Europe’s most beautiful beach. Often called the “blue lagoon,” it features transparent turquoise water, soft golden sand, and a backdrop of pine forests that give the area a distinct Mediterranean charm.