The world's 50 best beaches revealed - as European location bags the top spot... and it's only four hours from the UK
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Desperate for a beach break?
The globe's best beaches have just been chosen by the World's 50 Best Beaches judges and the list is packed with inspiration for your next holiday.
And luckily for Brits, this year's winning beach is just a short flight away from the UK.
Cala Goloritze, a stunning Italian beach on the island of Sardinia, grabs the top spot on the list.
The judges say: 'Cala Goloritze feels like more than just a beach - its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it.
'Whether you're looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breathtaking.'
But tourists might have to fight to get a spot on the wild cove's shore. Access is limited to those willing to hike there, or those who come by boat, with a limited number of tickets sold daily.
Next on the list is Entalula Beach on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. This tropical paradise picks up second place for its 'striking limestone cliffs that provide a stunning and dramatic backdrop to its white, sandy shores'.
Cala Goloritze , a stunning Italian beach on the island of Sardinia, grabs the top spot on the list
Entalula Beach on the island of Palawan picks up second place for its 'striking limestone cliffs that provide a stunning and dramatic backdrop to its white, sandy shores'
In third place on the ranking is Bang Bao Beach on the island of Koh Kood in Thailand. The judges say Bang Bao has 'all the elements of a perfect Thai beach'
The judges add: 'The water is remarkably clear, providing excellent conditions for both swimming and snorkelling, where visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs just a short swim from the shore.'
In third place on the ranking is Bang Bao Beach on the island of Koh Kood in Thailand. The judges say Bang Bao has 'all the elements of a perfect Thai beach' with 'clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming'.
Another European beach grabs fourth place on the list. Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece is 'tucked away in a secluded cove'.
'Its isolation contributes to its pristine and serene atmosphere, setting it apart from more tourist-heavy destinations,' say the judges.
And rounding off the top five is PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia. This beach is 'widely regarded as one of the most magical places in the South Pacific' say the judges.
The gorgeous beach is 'remote and untouched by commercial development' which means it offers 'simple, serene beach perfection'.
Top of the North America list and sixth in the global ranking is Canto De La Playa in the Dominican Republic.
The judges describe this beach as 'the Caribbean in its purest form' and add that it's one of the region's 'best-kept secrets'.
Another European beach grabs fourth place on the list. Fteri Beach in Kefalonia, Greece is 'tucked away in a secluded cove'
Anse Source D'Argent , a beach famed for its granite boulders and clear crystal water in the Seychelles, ranks top in Africa and seventh in the world
Kynance Cove in Cornwall grabs place 10 in Europe and is the highest-ranking UK beach
Anse Source D'Argent, a beach famed for its granite boulders and clear crystal water in the Seychelles, ranks top in Africa and seventh in the world.
'Despite its global popularity and recognition as a top world beach, Anse Source D'Argent maintains a sense of calm and serenity,' say the judges.
The rest of the top 10 includes Nosy Iranja in Madagascar (8th), Ofu Beach in American Samoa (9th) and Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos (10th).
While the UK missed out on a spot in the world's top 50 best beaches, four beaches earn a place in Europe's top 50 ranking.
Kynance Cove in Cornwall grabs place 10 in Europe while Porthcurno Beach, also in Cornwall, places 23rd.
Achmelvich Beach in the Scottish Highlands ranks 42nd with Three Cliffs Bay on Wales' Gower Peninsula grabs place 50 on the list.
Daily Mail
