Navagio Beach Touts the Gold Crown in the World’s Top Beaches List
FlightNetwork, the travel concierge behind the “World’s Best Beaches” poll, recently tapped 1,200 globetrotting pros—journalists, editors and bloggers—to vote on the planet’s most postcard‑worthy sandy escapes. The result: Navagio Beach (aka Shipwreck Beach) in Zakynthos, Greece, reigns supreme.
Why Navagio’s a Paradise (and a Port‑y Place)
What makes this cove a world famous stop? Picture golden cliffs hugging a hidden lagoon, a rusted Freightliner MV Panagiotis dangling in the shallow water like a relic from a sunken sea‑fate. It’s brutal, beautiful, and enough of a visual to snag a visitor’s heart.
In recent years, the shoals have seen a surge in tourist traffic. FlightNetwork doesn’t mention it, but the main reason is an unlikely hero: the 2016 K‑drama “Descendants of the Sun”. The show’s love‑story took place against the backdrop of this beach, turning it into a pilgrimage site for K‑drama fans worldwide.
What “Descendants of the Sun” Taught Us About Beach‑budget Destinations
With nearly 40% of South Korea tuning in for the finale, the drama not only broke domestic viewership records but also became a cultural export hit across Asia. It propelled Navagio into the stratosphere of “must‑visit” locations for dream‑eaters and binge‑watchers alike.
Other Beach‑byte Worthy Destinations on the List
The full list features splash‑y spots from the Philippines to Hawaii to the tropic‑toned Bahamas. Below are the top 10 beaches to add to your wanderlust wishlist:
- Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
- Whitehaven Beach, Australia
- Hidden Beach, Philippines
- Praia do Sancho, Brazil
- Tulum, Mexico
- Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
- Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
- Maya Bay, Thailand
- Varadero Beach, Cuba
Hidden Beach, the third spot, is tucked in El Nido, Palawan—known for its towering limestone cliffs and endless island views. Last year it snagged the 14th place, but this year it’s up and running at number three.
Ready for a Beach Adventure?
Whether you’re chasing the glow of a sun‑kissed shoreline or looking to spot the same cliffs that once brushed the dreams of a romance‑loving audience, these beaches promise an unforgettable trek off the beaten sand.
