25 idyllic beaches that will make you wish you were there right now

From the serene beaches of the Grecian islands to the dreamy shores of Thailand, there beautiful beaches for everyone
Food & Travel Desk | February 23, 2017

PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR

Whether you have the Caribbean on your mind or you're dreaming of Cuba, there's plenty of summer getaway potential at the most stunning beaches around the world. From the serene beaches of the Grecian islands to the dreamy shores of Thailand, there are innumerable beautiful beaches to suit every taste. And although there isn't one perfect beach for all travellers, we think there are several that should be added to your bucket list.

After compiling this list of some of the world's most beautiful beaches, a beach vacation is definitely in order. Get packing!

1. Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil 

Baio do Sancho in Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha won the title of world’s best beach, which is no doubt down to its crystal clear waters - ideal for diving - and panoramic cliff-tops offering views of dolphins splashing in the bay. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


2. Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 

Falling from first in 2016 to second place in 2017 was Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, which has a five-star rating on TripAdvisor with the community praising its ‘unbelievable colours’ and empty beach. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


3. Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean

Stunning white sands and turquoise waters await beach-goers at this third-place Caribbean slice of paradise. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


4. Playa Paraiso, Cayo Largo, Cuba 

Paradise Beach, known locally as Playa Paraiso, on Cayo Largo del Sur, in Cuba, is down one place from last year with many critics on TripAdvisor praising its 'beautiful, sheltered beach. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


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

There's a snack shack, volleyball nets, a playground and restrooms at this top Florida attraction, named the fifth best beach in the world in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


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

Sixth in the world and number one in Europe, unusually beach-goers at La Concha Beach can paddle out to Isla Santa Clara, a small island in the bay that features its own strip of beach, lighthouse, bar and picnic tables. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


7. Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, Mexico 

A TripAdvisor reviewer explained why this uncrowded beach was named seventh best in the world. They said: 'The beach is clean, the water is warm and its walking depth is way over 200 feet from shore. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


8. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India 

This pristine Indian beach is the only one from the country to make the world's 25 best list. Reviewers claim it is the perfect spot to watch the sun set. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


9. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Crete, Greece 

Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Europe, this year the Grecian beauty takes the title for ninth best in the world and second best in Europe. Reviewers say it offers ‘white sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


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

This untouched, rugged spot attracts nature lovers and iguanas alike. It rounds out the world's top ten. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


11. Anse Lazio Praslin Island, Seychelles

Down from fourth place last year, Anse Lazio on Praslin Island in the Seychelles is a destination that attracts celebrities. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


12. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands 

Actually only 5.5miles-long, Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman won 12th place with holidaymakers impressed by its family-friendly vibe. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR



13. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico 

Trees line Flamenco Beach on Isla Culebra off the east coast of Puerto Rico offering welcome shade. The beach has slipped from sixth place last year. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


14. Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

This Dominican Republic beach was commended for its 'soft sand, beautiful turquoise sea' and clean beach. Reviewers also commented on the waves being 'gentle'. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


15. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica

Reviewers praise this Jamaican beach as it doesn't attract large crowds. It took the title for 15th best beach in the world. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


16. Anakena Beach, Easter Island 

Ancient appeal: This award-winning cove has it all - 'Moai and sand dunes, palm trees and gentle waves', according to reviewers. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


17. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia 

Breath-takingly beautiful, Whitehaven Beach regularly features on lists of the best beaches in the world and is down to 17th place from 12th last year. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


18. La Cote des Basques, Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

The only French beach to feature on the list of the best 25 beaches in the world, this idyllic spot also won third place on the Europe list. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


19. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus 

Fourth on the Europe list and 19th in the world, Fig Tree Bay in Protaras, Cyprus, was noted for its 'very clean beach with lots of sunbeds' and the chance to enjoy water sports in its clear waters, too. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


20. West Bay Beach, Honduras

Turquoise waters and vibrant coral makes the 20th best beach in the world a paradise for snorkellers. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


21. Camp's Bay Beach, Camps Bay, Western Cape, South Africa 

Dramatic setting: Boasting several restaurants and bars lining its shores, reviewers also praised this beach's 'sensational mountain backdrop. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


22. Praia de Santa Maria, Santa Maria Ilha do Sal, Cape Verde

Up from 25th place last year, Praia de Santa Maria is a long beach with a pier and local craft stalls along it. It's also popular with surfers. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


23. Playa Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Jungle vegetation and palm trees line this Costa Rican beach, previous visitors warn beach-goers to watch out for monkeys, though, who might steal their unattended items. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


24. White Beach, Boracay, Visayas, the Philippines 

Explaining its popularity, reviewers said that this Boracay beach is 'perfect for children and those not good at swimming. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR


25. Ngapali Beach, Ngapali Rakhine State, Myanmar 

Down from number eight in last year's awards, this peaceful spot achieved 25th place on the world's best list due to its 'laid back' ambience. PHOTO: TRIP ADVISOR
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