The World’s 100 Best Beaches · 2026
The Best Beaches in the Nordics
1 of the 100 beaches in The World’s 100 Best Beaches 2026 is in the Nordics. The highest placed is Kvalvika Beach in Lofoten, at number 92 in the world.
Kvalvika on foot
Kvalvika Beach in Lofoten is reached only on foot. The hike starts at the road near Fredvang, crosses a mountain pass on a rocky trail and takes about an hour each way, and the path is slippery when wet. The bay has white and black sand, steep mountains around it and streams that run across the beach. The water is clear and cold. Nothing is sold at the beach and there are no toilets, and the small car park at the trailhead fills early.
Beaches
Best by region
- The NordicsKvalvika BeachLofoten, NorwayN° 92
- EuropeRabbit BeachLampedusa, ItalyN° 1
- AsiaRadhanagar BeachHavelock Island, IndiaN° 6
- The Middle Eastİztuzu BeachDalyan, TurkeyN° 88
- North AmericaPlaya NorteIsla Mujeres, MexicoN° 18
- The CaribbeanFlamenco BeachCulebra, Puerto RicoN° 2
- Latin AmericaBaía do SanchoFernando de Noronha, BrazilN° 9
- AfricaAnse Source d’ArgentLa Digue, SeychellesN° 7
- OceaniaWhitehaven BeachWhitsunday Island, AustraliaN° 4