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The only Spanish beach to make the 2025 World's Best list
A little-known gem in northern Spain has surprised travellers by beating off stiff competition
Every summer, the rankings of the world's most spectacular beaches serve as inspiration for travellers in search of natural paradises. Hidden coves, white sands and crystal-clear waters feature prominently on these lists. In the 2025 edition of the World's 50 Best Beaches ranking, compiled by tourism experts and nature-lovers, only one Spanish beach has made it into the top 50 in the world.
The lucky Spanish selection isn’t one of the islands best loved by British holidaymakers, or even the ever-popular Mediterranean. The chosen shore is none other than Rodas beach, located in Cíes Islands in the northern community of Galicia, and it’s been placed at a very respectable number 18 on the list.
Locally famous for its unique crescent shape, this Galician gem has now gained international recognition for whitewashed sand, stunning turquoise waters and its privileged position nestled in a protected natural environment.
Rodas is located in the heart of the Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park in the province of Pontevedra. Its fine white sands and blue-green water have earned it comparisons to the Caribbean, albeit with the wild, Atlantic character of the Galician coast. The beach connects two of the archipelago's islands, Monteagudo and Faro, and boasts a very unusual interior lagoon.
This isn't the first time Rodas has been listed among the world's most spectacular beaches. In 2007, the British newspaper The Guardian named it ‘the best beach in the world’ and since then, it has gained recognition as one of Europe's most unique natural destinations.
Its inclusion on the 2025 list further cements its reputation as a natural jewel of the Spanish coast and serves as a reminder that paradise can often be found much closer to home.
How the best beaches are chosen
The selection of beaches on this list combines the votes of thousands of tourism industry professionals with the nominations of a group of experts known as beach ambassadors, who propose their favourites based on their travel experience. Each nomination is accompanied by a personal justification and is evaluated according to criteria such as the uniqueness of the environment, the state of conservation, the presence of wildlife, accessibility and the level of tranquility offered.
Once the proposals are compiled, the ranking's editorial team reviews each beach, prioritising those that offer a natural, uncrowded experience, with calm waters and well-preserved landscapes. Special consideration is also given to whether they have been recently visited by team members to ensure they continue to meet these standards of quality and authenticity.
Which beaches lead the world rankings?
The 2025 list is topped by Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia, Italy, followed by Entalula Beach in the Philippines and Bang Bao Beach in Thailand.
The list also includes sandy beaches in Australia, the Seychelles, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Greece.
Image: juantiagues via Wikimedia Commons
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