The biggest beach disappointments in the world: Where the dream turns into a flop!

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OE24 reports on July 1, 2025 about the most disappointing beaches worldwide, such as Waikiki Beach and Venice Beach, based on Tripadvisor reviews.

OE24 berichtet am 1.07.2025 über die enttäuschendsten Strände weltweit, wie Waikiki Beach und Venice Beach, basierend auf Tripadvisor-Bewertungen.
OE24 reports on July 1, 2025 about the most disappointing beaches worldwide, such as Waikiki Beach and Venice Beach, based on Tripadvisor reviews.

The biggest beach disappointments in the world: Where the dream turns into a flop!

A new ranking identifies the world's biggest beach disappointments, based on thousands of Tripadvisor reviews. The analysis shows that popular travel destinations often fail to live up to expectations and in many cases are plagued by overcrowding and other problems. Loud oe24 Waikiki Beach in Hawaii takes the inglorious top position. The most famous beach in the archipelago attracts millions of visitors every year. More than two-thirds of negative reviews criticize the overcrowding, noise and crowds, which spoil the experience.

Another well-known destination, Venice Beach in California, is also severely affected by overcrowding and lack of cleanliness, resulting in a complaint score of 89.7. Beach culture with skate parks and street artists is often marred by dirty structures and unpleasant smells. CN Traveller recommends the quiet El Matador Beach in Malibu or El Porto Beach as alternatives, both of which are less crowded and offer more beautiful nature.

Overrated beaches and their alternatives

The list deals with other beaches that disappoint. This includes Playa Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, which boasts stunning scenery but also suffers from popularity due to its limited access. Long lines in the morning often make it impossible to enjoy the beach. According to the same ranking, Playa Manuel Antonio has a complaint score of 73.5. Visitors often look for quieter options, like the lesser-known Playa Biesanz, which offers a hidden paradise.

Famous beaches such as La Jolla Cove in California and Bournemouth Beach in England also struggle with problems such as overcrowded paths and litter. The splendor of Bournemouth is often marred by changeable weather and crowds, while La Jolla Cove is criticized for the unpleasant smell of animal droppings and rubbish. Clearwater Beach in Florida is also one of the most commonly reported disappointments, with a lack of parking and crowded concession stands adding to the frustration.

The impact of beach tourism

The massive numbers of visitors to these beaches not only impact tourists' vacation experiences, but also coastal ecosystems. How Coastal travel reported, beach tourism leads to serious changes in coastal landscapes. The construction of accommodation and transport links threatens valuable ecosystems and leads to the degradation of coastal habitats.

Marine biodiversity also suffers from intensive tourism: snorkeling and boating activities as well as water pollution have negative effects on sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs. In addition, infrastructural overload can lead to a deterioration in water quality, endangering aquatic life.

It is clear that the rise of beach tourism presents both opportunities and challenges. One way to mitigate the negative impacts could be sustainable tourism that focuses on environmental protection and increases visitor awareness of the sensitivity of coastal ecosystems.