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.
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.
Scroll down to see the full list of the top 25 beaches according to the review website.
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. One review on TripAdvisor reads: ‘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’
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. It has dropped to second after TripAdvisor named it the best in 2017. However, it is still popular with visitors with one reviewer writing on the website: ‘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’
3. Varadero Beach, Cuba
Varadero Beach is one of Cuba’s most well-known beaches and came third in the list thanks to its white sand that is lined with coconut trees. Resort hotels that were built in the 1920s by American celebrities and gangsters, including Al Capone, teem along the shore. One favourable review of Varadero Beach on TripAdvisor says: ‘Great beach that goes on for miles, clean beach and clear water. Must rate as one of the best beaches in the world’
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. It is also well-known for sea turtles, which come to shore every night during the breeding season to lay their eggs on the beach. And one reviewer declared the beach as being the best they have ever visited. They wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘Eagle beach is the nicest beach in the world, and we have been to very many beaches! The sand is so white, the ocean is bright blue and clear most days, and the water is so warm’
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. As the beach is public property, visitors can walk along the whole stretch of the shoreline, which is dotted with hotels, resorts and villas. There is also a coral reef off the shore, which attracts snorkellers and scuba divers. One review for the beach says: ‘Beautiful white sand beaches, absolutely gorgeous. Peaceful and serene, that says it all’
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. 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. Beachgoers at La Concha can swim out to the island, which has its own small beach, a lighthouse, picnic tables and a bar
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. It is described as a great place to take the family away from the crowded areas of Orlando or Fort Lauderdale. On TripAdvisor, 73 per cent of those reviewing the beach rated it as ‘excellent’ with only one per cent saying it is terrible. On reviewer said: ‘Clearwater Beach definitely lives up to its name due to its fine white sand and calm, crystal-clear water. At sunset, you could almost drift away with a nice cocktail or fresh, crisp white wine’
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. Pirates are said to have once haunted this golden sand beach but now it is ruled by pleasure-seeking beach bums and sun-worshipers. One impressed visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. Breathtaking, absolutely stunning. A must-see’
9. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Holidaymakers in the Dominican Republic praised the cleanliness of Bavaro Beach and how the water gently laps the shore. And almost 70 per cent of holidaymakers taking to TripAdvisor rated the beach as ‘excellent’ with many being impressed with its white sand and palm trees. On review read: ‘The best beach we’ve seen so far in the Caribbean. Immaculately clean all the time, white sugar sand and crystal clear water, ideal for romantic walk’
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. In fact one review on TripAdvisor rated it as the best beach in the whole of Mexico, thanks to its white sand and clear waters. Meanwhile another visitor simply wrote: ‘In one word – heaven’
11. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
Elafonissi Beach in Crete has dropped down the rankings when compared to last year. Unlike many other beaches, the sand looks almost pink while the water is relatively shallow. Reviewers say it offers ‘sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all.’ While another impressed tourist wrote: ‘This magical beach is very fairly voted as one of the most incredible beaches in the whole world. Elafonissi is simply PARADISE!!!’
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. It stretches for six kilometres along the coastline and is decorated with pine trees. To access the sand, beachgoers have to clamber down wooden steps through the cliffs. One holidaymaker wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘The beaches are just heartbreaking!! The view is fantastic’
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. On TripAdvisor, 70 per cent of reviewers have rated it as excellent and the beach is best known for the number of water sports on offer. One of the reviews read: ‘The water is so clear and pristine. One of the best beaches I’ve ever been to. Very lively and fun!!’
14. Bournemouth Beach, Dorset, UK
The highest rated beach in the UK according to TripAdvisor is Bournemouth Beach, thanks to its clean golden sand. Councillor Pat Oakley, from 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’
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. Although it isn’t easily accessible, holidaymakers who have made the trip to the beach can’t praise the white sand and crystal clear waters enough. One reviewer said: ‘Stunning beach with the fine white sand and blue ocean. Young daughter loved playing in the sand’
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. It attracts eight million beachgoers each year and most take the 30 minute ferry ride across Sydney’s famous harbour to reach the sand. One reviewer wrote: Manly Beach is a must see – very chill community vibe, plenty of people around but not feeling too crowded’
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. The beach is located off the famous Pacific Coast Highway and is three-and-a-half miles long. It also includes the famous Santa Monica Pier. One review said: ‘Room on this beach for everybody! Loved it. The sunset is incredible. Great spot for a romantic evening picnic’
18. Agonda Beach, Goa, India
The only Indian beach to feature in the top 25 is Agonda Beach in the holiday hotspot of Goa on the country’s west coast. The shoreline is dotted with little beach huts and it is not unusual to see horses as well as cows strolling along on the sand. One impressed visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: ‘One of the finest, cleanest and most serene beaches of Goa. If you are lucky you can spot a turtle lay eggs on the beach and it is just an amazing experience’
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. More than 68 per cent of people reviewing the beach on TripAdvisor rated it as ‘excellent’ with another 28 per cent saying its was ‘very good’. One reviewer wrote: ‘We read that it is a very highly rated beach and we see why. The sun sets perfectly on the horizon of the Mediterranean Sea’
20. Galapagos Islands
Rounding off the top 20 is the Galapagos Islands with its untouched, rugged beaches that attract nature lovers and iguanas alike. Many visitors to the beach opt to snorkel and dive at Cousin’s Rock to look at the sea lions and sea turtles. While others hike along the Darwin Trail to see finches, flamingos and other creatures
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. Its name in Italian translates to English as ‘beach of the rabbits’ – although it is best known for its colony of loggerhead turtles. One reviewer said it was the best beach he had ever visited, explaining: ‘Please, if you’re looking for a beautiful, small beach with no waves, warm crystal clear water, fish, soft white sand and a ton of sun on a small, friendly Italian island, THIS is the place!’
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. And 75 per cent of those leaving a review about the beach on TripAdvisor rated it as ‘excellent’ thanks to the white sand and crystal clear water. One reviewer wrote: ‘A wonderful place to snorkel. This is paradise. The coral reef is very beautiful with beautiful marine life’
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 beach is on the northern most point of the island and is surrounded by coral cliffs. One reviewer wrote: ‘I have visited many beaches around the world and this one is my favourite by far. Sand is white and soft. many shells and coral rock pools at low tide. Loved it!’
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. One reviewer said: ‘Amazing beach! Its a paradise! It’s a must when you visit the Caribbean side of Costa Rica’
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. One review reads: ‘Better than anywhere. Nice sandy beaches and clean seas take you to heaven’
