Tripadvisor ranking: These beaches are overrated

White sand, turquoise water, and picture-perfect tropical vegetation: Many famous beaches look absolutely stunning in social media photos. But in reality, overcrowding, dirt, and noise spoil the perfect beach experience.

Based on thousands of Tripadvisor reviews, the software company Cloudwards has filtered out the beaches that, despite being world-famous, regularly disappoint travelers. Here are the top 10 biggest beach vacation flops.

White beaches, colorful houses, and great snorkeling spots: The small Caribbean island of Sint Maarten is a dream destination for many. It's especially famous for the spectacular sight of planes gliding close to the beach on approach—a true paradise for plane spotters.

On Sint Maarten, the runway is located right next to the beach.

Source: IMAGO/YAY Images

But Maho Beach, where planes thunder just above the heads of bathers, naturally has its downsides. Engine noise, clouds of sand, and the smell of kerosene are part of everyday life here. Those who like excitement will love the beach. Those seeking relaxation, probably not.

Bondi Beach is Australia's most famous urban beach and a true surfing mecca. Just a short drive from Sydney, Bondi boasts an iconic promenade, fine sand, and the iconic "Icebergs Pool" club, located right on the ocean.

The famous Bondi Beach near Sydney.

Source: imago images/robertharding

However, this surfer's paradise also has its downsides: The bay is hopelessly overcrowded, making it frustrating to find parking and having to wait for long lines for the restrooms. Those looking for something quieter can find good alternatives nearby, including Manly Beach, Shelly Beach, or Bronte Beach.

The crescent-shaped Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and rolling hills, the beach is a popular destination for daytrippers and cruise ship guests.

Megan's Bay Beach without visitors.

Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images

But there's a problem: access to the beach is limited. When multiple cruise ships dock in St. Thomas, long lines regularly form at the entrance. A perfect day at the beach definitely doesn't look like much!

Elafonissi Beach on the Greek holiday island of Crete is a true Instagram star: The pink shimmer of the sand and the shallow, lagoon-like waters make this beach a popular destination for anyone seeking a unique setting. It was even voted the most beautiful beach in the world in 2025.

The famous Elafonissi Beach gets really crowded in summer.

Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime

But its fame also has its downsides: 75 percent of Tripadvisor reviews focus on the enormous influx of visitors. In the summer months, Elafonissi Beach gets so crowded that there's nowhere to spread your towel. Disappointment is inevitable.

La Jolla Cove near San Diego is known primarily for its natural rock pools, great snorkeling opportunities, and its sea lions. Photos of the small bay in the US state of California make for a picturesque sight.

The sea lions are the main attraction in La Jolla Cove.

Source: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

But the reality is different. Many visitors report trash, crowded paths, and a pungent smell of animal feces.

England's most famous beach boasts fine sand, Victorian piers, and colorful beach huts. Bournemouth Beach is a classic destination for British families, especially in summer.

On sunny days, Bournemouth Beach is completely crowded.

Source: IMAGO/News Licensing

Because there are so few sandy beaches on the south coast, Bournemouth Beach gets crowded even on average days. The changeable British weather also dampens the fun of swimming.

A classic among the beaches of the US Gulf Coast is Clearwater Beach: white, powdery sand, sunsets at Pier 60 and a lively leisure offering with water sports, restaurants and a family-friendly atmosphere attract countless bathers.

Relaxation? None of it at Clearwater Beach in Florida.

Source: IMAGO/NurPhoto

And that's precisely the problem: For many, the pretty beach loses its charm due to the crowds. Reviews criticize the lack of parking, overcrowded food stalls, and narrow beach areas – especially during peak season.

Playa Manuel Antonio is idyllically situated in the national park and surrounded by Costa Rica's rainforest. Visitors can not only swim in the crystal-clear sea, but also observe monkeys and sloths in the wild—a picture-perfect experience, one might think.

Manuel Antonio Beach is a tropical paradise – but there is a wait.

Source: IMAGO/Dreamstime

However, access to the beach is limited. Long lines usually form early in the morning. Those who don't arrive on time must demonstrate a great deal of patience or be turned away – all in the tropical heat.

Street performances, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, colorful shops and a skater scene right on the Pacific Ocean: Hardly anything embodies the Californian lifestyle like Venice Beach.

Homelessness is also a problem on the famous Venice Beach.

Source: IMAGO/Wirestock

While Venice is known from countless films and is always well-visited, many visitors on Tripadvisor describe the scenery as run-down. Piles of garbage, a foul odor, and the unsafe environment turn the hyped beach into a destination with a dark side.

Waikiki Beach is the epitome of Hawaiian romance. Surfers glide across the water, Diamond Head in the background, and a sunset like no other make it a dream destination for many travelers.

Waikiki Beach can sometimes get very crowded.

Source: IMAGO/Pond5 Images

But what sounds like a South Seas dream is actually the opposite. More than two-thirds of the negative reviews cite massive overcrowding as their main criticism. Those seeking peace and quiet will look in vain here – instead of the sound of waves, there's pure tourist bustle.

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