Ibiza Summer Villas, a service known for creating unforgettable experiences with its exclusive portfolio of luxurious villa rentals in Ibiza, recently conducted a fascinating survey that’s sure to spark debate among travel enthusiasts.
They cross-checked some of the most searched beaches online with thousands of publicly available reviews and the results might surprise you.
Shockingly, some of Australia’s iconic postcard-worthy beaches, Byron Bay and Bondi, ranked among the most overrated!
Byron Bay, often associated with its relaxed vibes and celebrity sightings, didn’t score well on satisfaction. Despite its popularity, 1.57% of reviews were negative, citing high expectations that weren’t quite met and relatively high rainfall.

Bondi Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, fared even worse. With 2.7% of reviews describing it as “disappointing” or “overrated,” many visitors felt the reality didn’t match the hype.
Even Sydney’s Manly Beach and Queensland’s Palm Cove made the list, ranking 14th and 15th among the most overrated beaches worldwide. But Australia wasn’t the biggest offender.
Thailand held the top three spots, with Railay Beach, Patong Beach, and Maya Bay crowned as the most overrated.
On the flip side, Spain stole the show with its breathtaking hidden gems. The least overrated beaches were dominated by Spanish shores, including Playa de la Concha, Playa de Bolonia, and Playa de la Barrosa, which topped the “most underrated” list.

This survey challenges us to rethink those bucket-list destinations and reminds us that popularity doesn’t always equal perfection. So, where will you head next, an iconic crowd favorite or a hidden gem waiting to be discovered?