TripAdvisor names the best beaches in the world for 2018

A beach in the Caribbean nation of the Turks and Caicos has been named as the best in the world by TripAdvisor.

Grace Bay in Providenciales came out on top of the Travellers’ Choice Beach awards beating competition from beaches in Brazil, Cuba and Spain.

The top-rated beach in the UK is Bournemouth beach, the No1 in the USA is Clearwater Beach in Florida while Manly Beach is deemed to be the best in Australia. Taking the crown for the best beach in Europe is La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Spain.

1. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 

Coasting to victory: The best beach in the world has been named as Grace Bay, pictured, which has turquoise waters, powdery snow-white sand and glorious year-round sunshine

2. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil 

Coming in second is Baio do Sancho in Brazil which has crystal clear waters - ideal for diving - and panoramic cliff-tops offering views of dolphins splashing in the bay

Coming in second is Baio do Sancho in Brazil which has crystal clear waters – ideal for diving – and panoramic cliff-tops offering views of dolphins splashing in the bay

3. Varadero Beach, Cuba 

Varadero Beach is one of Cuba's most well-known beaches and came third in the list thanks to white sand that is lined with coconut trees

Varadero Beach is one of Cuba’s most well-known beaches and came third in the list thanks to white sand that is lined with coconut trees

4. Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean 

The powdery white sand, deep blue sea and palm trees means it's easy to see why Eagle Beach is highly rated on TripAdvisor 

The powdery white sand, deep blue sea and palm trees means it’s easy to see why Eagle Beach is highly rated on TripAdvisor 

 5. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands 

Actually only 5.5miles-long, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands was praised for its family friendly vibe

Actually only 5.5miles-long, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands was praised for its family friendly vibe

TripAdvisor announces the Travellers’ Choice beach awards every year and they are based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings gathered over a 12-month period.

Grace Bay came out on top globally thanks to its turquoise waters, powdery snow-white sand and glorious year-round sunshine.

One reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘My wife and I loved Grace Bay, which must be one of the nicest beaches in the world. Uncrowded, beautiful emerald water, very clean, stunning.’

6. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Spain 

The highest rated beach in Europe according to Tripadvisor is La Concha Beach in San Sebastian on Spain's northern coast 

The highest rated beach in Europe according to Tripadvisor is La Concha Beach in San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast 

7. Clearwater Beach, Florida, USA 

The best beach in the USA is Clearwater Beach, pictured, on Florida's Gulf Coast, according to 2018's rankings

The best beach in the USA is Clearwater Beach, pictured, on Florida’s Gulf Coast, according to 2018’s rankings

8. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica 

Whether strolling along the sand or paddling on the calm water, visitors to Jamaica are nearly always impressed with Seven Mile Beach in Negril  

Whether strolling along the sand or paddling on the calm water, visitors to Jamaica are nearly always impressed with Seven Mile Beach in Negril  

9. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic 

Holidaymakers in the Dominican Republic praised the cleanliness of Bavaro Beach and how the water gently laps the shore 

Holidaymakers in the Dominican Republic praised the cleanliness of Bavaro Beach and how the water gently laps the shore 

10. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico 

People wade in the warm water and soak up the sun on the beach at Playa Norte - a major attraction for people visiting Mexico

People wade in the warm water and soak up the sun on the beach at Playa Norte – a major attraction for people visiting Mexico

While another added: ‘This is one of the most beautiful settings you will ever experience. The beach is wide and excellent for a long walk. Peaceful and not overcrowded. The water consists of multiple shades of blue and you can get lost in the horizon.’

The second best rated beach in the world is Baia do Sancho in Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago with Unesco world heritage status.

It was praised for its crystal clear waters – ideal for diving – and panoramic cliff-tops offering views of dolphins splashing in the bay.

One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘It’s impossible to translate the beauty of this place into pictures.

11. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

Elafonissi Beach in Crete has dropped down the rankings when compared to last year. But reviewers still say it offers ‘white sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all'

Elafonissi Beach in Crete has dropped down the rankings when compared to last year. But reviewers still say it offers ‘white sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all’

12. Falesia Beach, Albufeira, Portugal

The unusual red sand and dramatic cliffs surrounding the bay has seen Falesia Beach in Portugal enter the top 20 this year 

The unusual red sand and dramatic cliffs surrounding the bay has seen Falesia Beach in Portugal enter the top 20 this year 

13. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus 

The clear water and abundance of sun loungers means that Fig Tree Bay in Cyprus is one of the top rated beaches in Europe  

The clear water and abundance of sun loungers means that Fig Tree Bay in Cyprus is one of the top rated beaches in Europe  

14. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset, UK  

The highest rated beach in the UK according to TripAdvisor is Bournemouth Beach, thanks to its clean golden sand 

The highest rated beach in the UK according to TripAdvisor is Bournemouth Beach, thanks to its clean golden sand 

15. Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles 

A sun seeker tops up her tan while children play in the water of the highly rated Anse Lazio beach in the Seychelles 

A sun seeker tops up her tan while children play in the water of the highly rated Anse Lazio beach in the Seychelles 

16. Manly Beach, Sydney, Australia 

The top rated beach in Australia is the famous Manly Beach in Sydney, which is popular with both holidaymakers and surfers 

The top rated beach in Australia is the famous Manly Beach in Sydney, which is popular with both holidaymakers and surfers 

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD ACCORDING TO TRIPADVISOR?  

 1. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

2. Baia do Sancho, Brazil

3. Varadero Beach, Cuba

4. Eagle Beach, Aruba

5. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

6. La Concha Beach, Spain

7. Clearwater Beach, USA

8. Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica

9. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic

10. Playa Norte, Mexico

11. Elafonissi Beach, Greece

12. Falesia Beach, Portugal

13. Fig Tree Bay, Cyprus

 14. Bournemouth Beach, UK

15. Anse Lazio, Seychelles

16. Manly Beach, Australia

17. Santa Monica State Beach, USA

18. Agonda Beach, India

19. Kleopatra Beach, Turkey

20. Galapogas Beach at Tortuga Bay

21. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy

22.Sharm El Luli, Egypt

23. Nungwi Beach, Tanzania

24. Punta Uva Beach, Costa Rica

25. White Beach, Malay, Philippines 

Source: TripAdvisor 

‘Everything, from the waves and the temperature of the water to the sand and the flowers and the birds flying over it makes you feel like you are in paradise.’

Coming in third is Varadero Beach in Cuba, which was raised for having ‘pure golden sand’.

In fourth place is Eagle Beach in Aruba while rounding off the top five is Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands.

The highest rated beach in Europe came sixth overall – La Concha in San Sebastian, Spain. It’s located in the centre of the city and boasts 1,500 metres of white sand, plus there’s a small island – Isla Santa Clara – in the middle of the bay. 

17. Santa Monica State Beach, California, USA 

Another beach popular with surfers, Santa Monica State Beach is number 17 on the list with people suggesting it is the perfect location for a romantic stroll  

Another beach popular with surfers, Santa Monica State Beach is number 17 on the list with people suggesting it is the perfect location for a romantic stroll  

18. Angoda Beach, Goa, India  

The only Indian beach to feature in the top 25 is Angoda Beach in the holiday hotspot of Goa on the country's west coast 

The only Indian beach to feature in the top 25 is Angoda Beach in the holiday hotspot of Goa on the country’s west coast 

19. Kleopatra Beach, Alanya, Turkey 

Kleopatra Beach with its deep blue waters and golden sand on Turkey's Alanya coast is another top rated beach in Europe 

Kleopatra Beach with its deep blue waters and golden sand on Turkey’s Alanya coast is another top rated beach in Europe 

20. Galapagos Islands 

Rounding off the top 20 is the Galapagos Islands with its untouched, rugged beach that attract nature lovers and iguanas alike

Rounding off the top 20 is the Galapagos Islands with its untouched, rugged beach that attract nature lovers and iguanas alike

Beachgoers at La Concha can swim out to the island, which has its own small beach, a lighthouse, picnic tables and a bar.

In seventh place is the highest ranking US beach, Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf coast.

Meanwhile the best UK beach is Bournemouth Beach in Dorset. Its clean golden sand propelled it to the top spot – and 14th globally.

Councillor Pat Oakley, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and arts at Bournemouth Council, said: ‘We’re delighted and honoured to top the TripAdvisor list. 

‘We’re especially thrilled with our international ranking. As the UK’s Best Seaside Town, we’re immensely proud to offer world class beaches on British shores without the need to travel abroad.’

21. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Italy 

On the Italian island of Lampedusa in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Spiaggia dei Conigli is popular with visitors 

On the Italian island of Lampedusa in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Spiaggia dei Conigli is popular with visitors 

22. Sharm El Luli, Egypt 

The stunning coast of Sharm El Luli in Egypt attracts holidaymakers who go diving and snorkelling to see the coral and other wildlife  

The stunning coast of Sharm El Luli in Egypt attracts holidaymakers who go diving and snorkelling to see the coral and other wildlife  

23. Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania  

The only African beach to make it in the top 25 is Nungwi Beach on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania

The only African beach to make it in the top 25 is Nungwi Beach on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania

24. Punta Uva Beach, Costa Rica

Punta Uva Beach in Costa Rica is a huge stretch of sand that is largely untouched and just makes it inside the top 25 

Punta Uva Beach in Costa Rica is a huge stretch of sand that is largely untouched and just makes it inside the top 25 

25. White Beach, Malay, Philippines

In the heart of the Philippines, White Beach, named after its white sand, rounds off the top 25 best beaches in the world list

In the heart of the Philippines, White Beach, named after its white sand, rounds off the top 25 best beaches in the world list

Second place in the UK winners’ list this year goes to Scotland’s Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris, which comes in 16th in Europe, while Rhossili Bay, located in Swansea County, Wales, comes in third in the UK and 25th in Europe.

The best rated beach in Australia is Manly Beach in Sydney, which came 16th in the global list.

Hayley Coleman from Tripadvisor said: ‘Year after year UK beaches continue to beat many others located in exotic destinations around the globe, proving that it’s not just good weather that makes a cracking beach.

‘For those, however, who want guaranteed sunshine and sand, TripAdvisor hotel pricing shows that travellers can find great value on warm-weather escapes to these popular beaches this year.’

For the complete 2018 Travellers’ Choice Beaches Awards winners, click here.  

WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN BRITAIN AND EUROPE ACCORDING TO TRIPADVISOR?

 Best beaches in the UK

1. Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset

2. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Scotland

3. Rhossili Bay, Rhossili, Wales

4. Brighton Beach, Brighton, East Sussex

5. Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, Dorset

6. St. Brelade’s Bay Beach, St Brelade, Jersey

7. Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset

8. Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea, Wales

9. Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

10. Barafundle Beach, Stackpole, Wales 

 Best beaches in Europe 

 1. La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, Donostia, Spain

2. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece

3. Falesia Beach, Olhos de Agua, Portugal

4. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus

5. Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset

6. Kleopatra Beach, Alanya, Turkey

7. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Sicily, Italy

8. Balos Beach and Lagoon, Kissamos, Crete, Greece

9. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

10. Playa de Las Canteras, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Source: TripAdvisor 

 



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