The most overrated beaches in the world - and the hidden gems to visit instead
Everyone loves the idea of discovering the next big beach, but new research reveals that some of the world's most viral bays might not live up to the buzz.
While stunning Instagram photos and TikTok clips might paint a picture-perfect paradise, the reality for many travellers is far less idyllic, with overcrowding, poor weather, and inflated expectations often leaving visitors disappointed.
A recent study from Ibiza Summer Villas has ranked over 100 of the world's most popular beaches, revealing exactly which beaches are most likely to disappoint - and which deliver everything they promise, and more.
Researchers analysed thousands of traveller reviews, TikTok virality, Google search trends, and environmental data such as annual rainfall, to uncover where the biggest gap exists between expectation and reality.
To ensure accuracy, the study only included beaches with at least 1,000 publicly available reviews.
The percentage of negative reviews - specifically those containing terms like 'overrated' or 'disappointing' were then weighted against each beach's popularity.
Read on to discover five of the world's most overrated beaches as ranked by tourists - and the five hidden gems to visit instead.
Top five most overrated beaches
Ibiza Summer Villas has ranked over 100 of the world's most popular beaches, and found the most overrated. With 110,000 TikTok views and 165,000 monthly Google searches, Railay Beach serves as a classic cautionary tale for travellers chasing Instagram perfection. LEFT: What visitors expect. RIGHT: The reality
1. Railay Beach, Thailand
Renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat, Railay is a frequent feature in travel reels on social media.
But despite its dramatic setting, 1.59 per cent of its reviews use negative terms, with visitors citing overcrowding and underwhelming experiences.
With 110,000 TikTok views and 165,000 monthly Google searches, it serves as a classic cautionary tale for travellers chasing Instagram perfection.
2. Patong Beach, Thailand
Patong's bustling party scene has long attracted - and united - backpackers and revellers, but many visitors leave the Thai hotspot disillusioned.
High noise levels, pushy vendors, and cleanliness issues earned it the second-highest "overrated" rating in the study.
It also scored poorly on weather, with some of the highest rainfall scores in the study.
3. Maya Bay, Thailand
Made famous by Danny Boyle's adventure thriller, The Beach, Maya Bay once epitomised tropical escape.
But the picture-postcard bay has suffered from years of overtourism, which resulted in the beach being closed temporarily by the Thai government in 2018 to allow nature to recover.
It has since reopened under strict restrictions: no swimming, limited access, and large crowds.
Despite ongoing viral interest, 2.05 per cent of reviewers expressed disappointment, citing a gap between the dream and the reality.
4. Byron Bay, Australia
Known for its bohemian vibe and A-list fans, Byron Bay might be Australia's most famous beach town - but the numbers suggest it doesn't deliver the serenity it promises.
With 1.57 per cent negative reviews and frequent mentions of high rainfall, it ranked poorly on overall satisfaction.
Visitors who had hoped for tranquility also reported being met with a commercialised, crowded hotspot on arrival.
5. Bondi Beach, Australia
With 447,000 TikTok searches and 673,000 Google searches, Bondi Beach may be iconic, but it also tops the list for disappointment.
With the highest rate of negative reviews (2.70 per cent), it's become a victim of its own success.
Overcrowding, sky-high prices, and tourist fatigue are common complaints, suggesting that its global fame might come at the cost of authenticity.
Top five hidden gem beaches
1. Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián, Spain
Topping the list is Playa de la Concha, an elegant crescent-shaped beach combines natural beauty with urban charm.
Reviewers consistently praise its cleanliness, calm waters, and walkable location in one of Spain's most stylish seaside cities.
2. Playa de Bolonia, Andalusia, Spain
A rugged, unspoiled stretch of sand backed by ancient Roman ruins and rolling dunes, Bolonia offers a natural alternative to Spain's more crowded beaches.
3. Playa de la Barrosa, Andalusia, Spain
Loved for its golden sands and laid-back atmosphere, this beach earned top marks for both scenery and experience without the viral spotlight.
4. Tropea Beach, Italy
Perched below a cliffside town, this southern Italian gem blends history, stunning views, and warm waters, all with a warm local feel.
5. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beach, France
Set in the wild Camargue region, this beach is perfect for travellers seeking nature and peace.
Its low crowds and high satisfaction ratings make it a standout hidden spot.
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