The Balandra Protected Natural Area has topped the international list of “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches to Visit in 2026,” compiled by the specialized travel site Beach.com. It is the only Mexican beach featured on the list, joining destinations in Iceland, Seychelles, Aruba, Greece, Indonesia, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
According to Beach.com, the selection highlights beaches that combine natural beauty with authenticity, places that remain largely untouched by large-scale tourism. The goal, the site explains, is to offer travelers “alternatives for people looking to explore places off the beaten path.”
Alongside Balandra, the list includes Stiniva Beach (Croatia), Balos Beach (Greece), Reynisfjara Beach (Iceland), Ke’e Beach (United States), Shallow Bay Beach (Canada), Anse Source d’Argent (Seychelles), Mann Beach (Ecuador), Rackwick Beach (United Kingdom), Pink Beach (Indonesia), Black Sands Beach (United States), Trunk Bay Beach (United States), Eagle Beach (United States), North Bay Beach (Aruba), and beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Beach.com notes that Balandra remained a relatively hidden gem for years but has gained recognition after featuring in several national tourism awards. The site recommends it for travelers “looking for beach destinations during the winter season who haven’t yet had the chance to visit.”
While there are no lodging options directly at Balandra, the city of La Paz, located about 25 minutes away by road, offers accommodations and services. The beach, part of the Balandra Bay area, is known for its shallow turquoise waters and the iconic rock formation known as El Hongo (“the mushroom”).
