From ‘unreal’ bright blue waters to pink sand
THE world’s best beaches have been revealed and the top pick has been described as being so beautiful it doesn’t look real.
The coastal spots were ranked from criteria like water-quality, popularity, public opinion, expert input as well as accessibility and climate.
Beach.com has announced the best beach in the world is Trunk Bay in the US Virgin Islands.
The beach is known for its white sand with clear turquoise water that has been described as looking ‘unreal’ by visitors.
It’s named after the Leatherback turtle (known locally as ‘trunks’), where smaller turtles are known to nest in the summer months.
The publication said that Trunk Bay is “truly the best beach in the world” with “top marks for beauty, water quality and an all-around perfect experience.”
Not only is it aesthetically beautiful, but the beach also has a 650ft long underwater snorkelling trail where its easy to spot tropical fish and colourful coral.
The second best beach, Elafonissi Beach in Greece, is no stranger to appearing on these lists.
It’s constantly recognised as being beautiful thanks to its rare pink sand.
The pink shimmer to the sand is essentially down to crushed shells from oyster-like micro-organisms called Benthic foraminifera.
The Sun’s Lizzie Parry who visited the beach a few years ago said: “I won’t lie, wandering down to the water it did just look like any other sandy beach. But the closer we got to the water’s edge it was clear to see what all the fuss was about.
“Dipping my slightly sunburnt toes into the sea, my pink foot blended in perfectly with a stunning stretch of bright pink sand.”
There are little coves to explore away from the mainland and it’s not far to get to from the UK as it’s just a few hours to Crete.
The third best beach is Grace Bay Beach which is found on Providenciales which is the main island on the Turks and Caicos archipelago.
Thanks to its beautiful clear waters, it’s a renowned snorkelling spot- and came in number one spot when it came to public opinion.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who visited said: “Grace Bay Beach is everything you’d imagine from an exotic beach. Soft white sands stretch for miles, with very few tourists if you get up early enough.
“Lined with hotel resorts, wait until the evening and you’ll get pink sunsets too.
Other top beaches include Golden Horn Beach in the Dalmatia region of Croatia – it got its name from its horn shape.
The beach has clear waters and is backed by a pine tree forest.
Praia da Falésia has been named one of the best beaches in Portugal, one of the best beaches in Europe and comes in the world’s best at number nine.
Found in the Algarve, it has striking orange-coloured cliffs behind it.
Two beaches on the Canary Islands made the list, the first being Playa de Cofete in Fuerteventura.
Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria came in at number 25 – it’s famous for its sprawling Sahara-like golden sand dunes which lead down to the water.
Sadly, no UK beaches made the cut.
Here is the full list of the world’s best beaches…
- Trunk Bay, USVI
- Elafonissi Beach, Greece
- Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
- Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
- Golden Horn Beach, Croatia
- Palolem Beach, India
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, USVI
- Playa Balandra, Mexico
- Praia da Falésia, Portugal
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama, USA
- Boulders Beach, South Africa
- Playa de Cofete, Spain
- Falasarna Beach, Greece
- Huntington Beach, California, USA
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
- Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas, USVI
- Mont Choisy Public Beach, Mauritius
- Spiaggia Su Giudeu, Italy
- Tropic of Cancer Beach, Bahamas
- Balos Beach, Greece
- South Beach Park, Vero Beach, Florida, USA
- Cas Abao Beach, Curaçao
- Baby Beach, Aruba
- Playa de Maspalomas, Spain