How do you choose the most beautiful beaches in the world? For the current ranking of the World's 50 Best Beaches they asked 750 travel journalists, experts and influencers to vote. The top 10 of their selection are here:

10: Balandra Beach, Mexico

Balandra Beach © Shutterstock

A protected area in Baja California Sur since 2018, it's about a half-hour drive from La Paz. The beach scores points for its unspoiled nature. Those wishing to visit must apply in advance for a permit online. A maximum of 450 visitors are allowed per time slot. The access costs about € 8.

9: Navagio Beach, Greece

Navagio Beach, © Shutterstock

There is probably hardly anyone who has not seen at least one photo of this beach on Zakynthos. It's an iconic motif because besides the bright blue water and the picturesque bay, thereis also a shipwreck. The beach is only accessible by boat - usually. In 2023, the beach was closed because of the danger of landslides.

8: Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland

Reynisfjara Beach, © Shutterstock

This Icelandic beach beauty does not present itself in brilliant white. No, it scores with black sand. It's impressive to look at with its rock formations. However, it's not exactly inviting for swimming. The water is cold here. And very dangerous. Sneaker waves occur here - they come unexpectedly and pull people into the sea.

7: Honopu Beach, Hawaii

Honopu Beach © Shutterstock

The beach, located on Maui, can only be reached by boat - which is not allowed to dock on the beach - and then by swimming. Since both are not so easy, Honopu Beach could keep its widespread unspoiled state. Among other reasons, it's one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Film fans will recognize it: Honopu Beach was the filming location for the beach scenes of Whitecap Bay from Pirates of the Caribbean - Stranger Tides.

6: Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay © Yogi Misir

The fact that the Caribbean has some pearls to offer in terms of beach beauty may not come as a surprise. However, there are not many as pristine as Trunk Bay. Here, fortunately, one looks for infrastructure in vain. It's part of the national park. White sand, many palm trees and crystal clear water invite you to simply switch off.

5: One Foot Island, Cook Islands

One Foot Island © Shutterstock

Also called Tapuaetai, the beach on One Foot Island lines a turquoise lagoon. It's located near Aitutaki. Thanks to its idyllic setting, it's a popular place for romantic weddings. A deep sea channel separates One Foot Island from Tekopua Island - here you can snorkel fabulously and admire the colorful fish.

4: Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Whitehaven Beach © Shutterstock

The fine, white and powder-sugar beach is a magically beautiful place. For seven kilometers, deep turquoise water and the sand mix to form a fascinating picture. Fortunately, it's quite remote. Time and again, Whitehaven Beach is found in lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And yet, it's still quiet here.

3: Hidden Beach, Philippines

Hidden Beach © Shutterstock

It's probably one of the most hard to reach beaches on the list. Because Hidden Beach on Palawan is exactly that: hidden. If you want to visit it, you first come by boat. And you have to leave that behind, too, because you get to the beach through an opening through which you first have to swim through. But you will be rewarded with crystal clear water, lots of greenery and the iconic limestone rocks.

2: Anse Source D'Argent, Seychelles

Anse Source d'Argent © Shutterstock

No surprise for real travel fans. And even those who travel only occasionally probably know the Seychelles beach from photos. Its granite rocks on the shore are representative of the entire island republic. The visitor magnet in the southwest of La Digue is such a popular attraction that you pay admission here.

1: Lucky Bay, Australia

Lucky Bay © Shutterstock

Hardly visited, brilliant white and five kilometers long: these are the dream dimensions of Lucky Bay. The leader on the list of the world's most beautiful beaches is located on the south coast of Western Australia. Besides the exceedingly fine sand, the kangaroos that roam here are a special feature. It's part of Cape Le Grand National Park, for which visitor fees are due.