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TripAdvisor reveals 2017’s best beaches in the world

TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor

After a few months of rail strikes and wintery winds, could there be anything better than the thought of jetting off to a tropical beach?

If you’re not sure where should be on your sun seeking bucket list this year, look no further than the TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards' latest run down of the best beaches in the world.

From the stunning Baia do Sancho on the Brazilian archipelago Fernando de Noronha, to the crystal clear shores of Playa Norte on the sizzling eastern coast of Mexico, these are the best-rated stretches of sand on the planet, according to TripAdvisor’s millions of users.

Time to start planning your next sunny break.

1. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This idyllic island paradise on the volcanic archipelago of Fernando de Noronha claimed the top spot of best beach in the world - thanks to its crystal clear waters, soft white sands, rugged cliffs and plentiful sealife. In fact, it’s one of the premiere diving destinations in Brazil, boasting turtles, hundreds of species of fish and dolphins.

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

2. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

This undisturbed spot on the island of Providenciales fell one place from last year’s top spot. A beach that’s good for snorkelling, it’s often considered one of the most idyllic parts of the Caribbean with its blue waters and powdery white sands.

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

3. Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

TripAdvisor users praised this unspoilt nirvana for its ‘perfectly turquoise’ waters and clean beach. ‘Eagle beach is simply spectacular and must be seen to be believed,’ says one reviewer.

4. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba

This isn’t called Paradise Beach for nothing. Cayo Largo boasts some of the calmest waters in Cuba, as well as miles of sugar-white sand.

(TripAdvisor)
(TripAdvisor)

5. Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida, United States

With tennis courts and volleyball nets, this top Florida attraction is a lure for sports lovers.

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

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

Just picture yourself whiling away the hours here - mojito, endless sunshine and your own slice of paradise.

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

7. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Once you set foot on the bright white shores of Playa Norte, we’re pretty sure you won’t ever want to leave. 'The beach is clean, the water is warm and its walking depth is way over 200 feet from shore,' said one TripAdvisor reviewer.

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

8. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India

This little beauty is the only Indian entry to make the world’s 25 best list. Reviewers say there’s nothing better than watching the sun set from its sandy shores.

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

9. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece

You don’t have to jet to the Caribbean for white sand and turquoise waters - Elafonissi Beach is much closer to home and offers ‘white sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all,' according to reviewers.

(TripAdvisor)
(TripAdvisor)

10. Galapagos Beach at Tortuga Bay, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands

(Tripadvisor)
(Tripadvisor)

You simply cannot afford to miss the beauty of this hidden gem on Santa Cruz island. Where else in the world can sunbathe amongst sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, pelicans, flamingos and lava gulls?

As well as the top 10 beaches in the world, TripAdvisor also revealed its reviewers' favourites in the UK and Europe.

Weymouth Beach in Dorset was named the best-rated beach in the UK in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards - it’s even secured itself a spot in the top ten in Europe too.

“The UK’s beaches can more than hold their own against destinations with sunnier climes,” said TripAdvisor spokesperson, Hayley Coleman.

Top 10 beaches in the UK

  1. Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, Dorset

  2. Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

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

  4. Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Scotland

  5. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, Devon

  6. Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall

  7. Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth, Dorset

  8. Rhossili Bay, Rhossili, Wales

  9. Perranporth Beach, Perranporth, Cornwall

  10. Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset

Top 10 Beaches in Europe

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

  2. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece

  3. La Cote des Basques, Biarritz, France

  4. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus

  5. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Sicily, Italy

  6. Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain

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

  8. Kleftiko Beach, Milos, Greece

  9. Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, United Kingdom

  10. Playa de Muro Beach, Playa de Muro, Spain