Uncover the world's most complained-about beaches, from the noisiest to the dirtiest and most overcrowded. Cloudwards, an online resource for expert reviews, comparisons, and online guides on cloud storage, cyber security, and online privacy, has released a study analyzing TripAdvisor reviews of nearly 200 of the world's most popular beaches. The study reveals a list of the 100 Most Complained-About Beaches in the World, including the nosiest, dirtiest, and most overcrowded beaches.
Wakiki Beach (Hawaii, USA): One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikīkī Beach attracts over four million visitors annually, offering breathtaking views of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head). However, it is also the most complained-about beach due to extreme overcrowding.
Venice Beach (California, USA): The second most complained-about beach, Venice Beach faces criticism primarily for cleanliness issues. Cloudwards analysis ranks it as the world's dirtiest beach.
Playa Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica): A popular beach known for its parties and festivals, Playa Manuel Antonio is a favorite among surfers. However, it is also very crowded and notorious for long queues.
Clearwater Beach (Florida, USA): Named the No. 1 Beach in the South by USA Today, Clearwater Beach has been ranked America's no. 1 beach several times. Yet, countless travelers complain about overcrowding and filth.
Bournemouth Beach (UK): Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, Bournemouth Beach offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. It ranks fifth in Cloudwards' analysis of the 100 Most Complained-About beaches.
La Jolla Cove (California, USA): La Jolla Cove is a small beach tucked between sandstone cliffs, ideal for swimmers and divers. However, nearly 64% of travelers have overall complaints, with 57.9% specifically unhappy about the filth.
Elafonisi Beach (Greece): Elafonisi island is a protected nature reserve known for its pink sand beaches. It is notorious for overcrowding.
Magens Bay Beach (US Virgin Islands): Ranked as one of the best things to do in the US Virgin Islands, Magens Bay Beach has received complaints about overcrowding (62%) and long queues (16%).
Bondi Beach (Sydney, Australia): Sydney's world-famous Bondi Beach ranks ninth in the 100 Most Complained-About list. It is home to one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in the world.
Maho Beach (Sint Maarten): Located at the end of an airport runway, Maho Beach is the world's nosiest beach due to the noise from airplanes flying overhead.
Top 5 Dirtiest Beaches:
- Venice Beach (California)
- La Jolla Cove
- Padre Island National Seashore
- Freedom Beach (Thailand)
- Bentota Beach (Sri Lanka)
Top 5 Most Overcrowded Beaches:
- La Pelosa and Spiaggia (both in Italy)
- Praia da Falesia (Portugal)
- Poipu Beach Park (Hawaii)
Top 5 Beaches with the Worst Queues:
- Playa Delfines (Mexico)
- Isla Pasion (Mexico)
- The Baths (British Virgin Islands)
- Kelingking Beach (Indonesia)
- Playa Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica)
Top 5 Noisiest Beaches:
- Maho Beach (Sint Maarten)
- Seven Mile Beach (Cayman Islands)
- Medano Beach (Mexico)
- Tobacco Bay Beach (Bermuda)
- Playa Norte (Mexico)
