These South African Beaches Just Ranked Among the Best in the World

by | May 21, 2025 | Travel

If you’re looking for a sign to hit the coast this weekend, here it is: Four South African beaches have just been named among the best in the world in a new global travel guide. Notably, one of them landed top honours.

The Corona Beach 100 is a newly released list celebrating the world’s most breathtaking beaches. It was compiled as part of Corona’s centennial celebration. And while the iconic beer brand may be turning 100, it’s our local beaches that are stealing the spotlight.

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A Michelin-Style System for Sun-Seekers

Inspired by the Michelin Guide but built around natural beauty instead of gourmet food, the Corona Beach 100 uses a unique “Sun Rating” system:

  • One sun for beaches worth the trip
  • Two suns for those worth the journey
  • Three suns for beaches deemed life-changing

And South Africa didn’t just make the cut—we made the top tier.

Kraalbaai Tops the List

Kraalbaai in Langebaan earned a prestigious three-sun rating. This places it among a select few destinations considered “life-changing” by an international panel of oceanographers, surfers, free divers, and environmentalists. With its calm lagoon waters and remote natural beauty, it’s the kind of place that demands you slow down and soak it all in.

Penguins, Postcard Views and Seaside Serenity

Just behind Kraalbaai, Boulders Beach picked up a two-sun rating. It is recognised for its serene setting and the resident penguin colony that makes it a uniquely South African attraction.

Nature’s Valley, tucked away near Plettenberg Bay, and the ever-popular Camps Bay in Cape Town, were each awarded one sun. This confirms their status as must-visit coastal gems.

More Than Just a Ranking

While the list highlights travel-worthy shores, it’s also part of Corona’s broader push to encourage people to reconnect with nature and the outdoors.

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“Corona has always had a deep-rooted connection to outdoor living — it’s in the DNA of the brand,” said Vaughan Croeser. He is Vice President of Marketing at South African Breweries. “Through initiatives like the Corona Beach 100, we’re proud to continue inspiring people to reconnect with the outdoors and appreciate the world’s natural wonders.”

Local Celebrations Coming Soon

To mark its 100th birthday, Corona is planning a series of local events. These events celebrate South Africa’s coastal beauty and encourage the beach-loving lifestyle that has defined the brand for a century.

For the full list of the Corona Beach 100, including the other 96 featured destinations, visit Corona.com.

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