Palolem Beach in South Goa has been named the best beach in Asia.
It also ranked sixth among the world's top 25 beaches in a global list.
The Goa Tourism Department announced the result on Sunday. The ranking comes from Beach.com's Global Beach Index 2026.
Palolem is also the only Asian beach on that top 25 list.
For Goa, this is a new kind of recognition on the global tourism map.
Key points
- Palolem Beach, in South Goa, is ranked the best beach in Asia.
- It is sixth among the world's top 25 beaches in the 2026 index.
- It is the only Asian beach on the global top 25 list.
- The state wants to promote responsible tourism, not just big crowds.
So what is the Global Beach Index?
The index is a ranking by Beach.com. It looked at 18 standard measures for each beach.
These measures covered popularity, public opinion, access and climate.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Experts also nominated beaches, and visitors wrote reviews.
The index also used water colour and clarity data from NASA, the United States space agency.
Clear water is one sign of a healthy beach.
Why does Palolem stand out?
Palolem is in Canacona taluka, a sub-district of South Goa. It is known for its crescent-shaped bay and white sand.
The beach has palm trees and relatively calm waters. Visitors can swim, kayak, and take dolphin-watching boat trips.
The Tourism Department said Palolem got credit for its beach quality, amenities, water quality and overall visitor experience.
Nearby villages, eateries and wellness facilities also attract tourists.
What is the state planning next?
Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte said the recognition reflects the natural beauty of Goa's coastline.
He said the state wants tourism that protects the environment, local communities and culture.
Tourism Director Kedar Naik said the ranking will help showcase South Goa.
It may encourage travellers to explore the coast, the hinterland and cultural sites.
The state also wants to be a year-round destination.
It is focusing on hinterland tourism, heritage trails, wellness, food, spirituality and nature-based travel.
