From the white sands of The Whitsundays to the golden bays of the Caribbean: TripAdvisor names 2017's best beaches in the world

  • TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards reveals top 25 beaches in the world, top 10 in Europe and top 10 in UK
  • Baia do Sancho in Brazil takes world No1 title and La Concha Sebastian in Spain is crowned Europe’s best
  • Weymouth Beach, Dorset, takes the title of the UK’s most desirable beach and wins ninth best spot in Europe

By Naomi Leach For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

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For beach lovers there is an idyllic waterside haven to suit every taste.

But if you want to ensure your slice of holiday paradise is the very best Earth has to offer, then look no further. Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, the annual list of the world's, Europe's and the UK’s best beaches, voted for by holidaymakers, has been revealed.

Baia do Sancho on the Brazilian archipelago Fernando de Noronha takes the top spot in the world rankings, followed by Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. While La Concha Sebastian has been crowned Europe’s best, Weymouth Beach, Dorset, takes the title of the UK’s most desirable beach.

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

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

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

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

3. Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean

Stunning white sands and turquoise waters await beach-goers at this third-place Caribbean slice of paradise

Stunning white sands and turquoise waters await beach-goers at this third-place Caribbean slice of paradise

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'

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'

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

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

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.

The paradise archipelago also has a Unesco world heritage status. It was up one spot from its second place ranking last year.

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.

 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

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

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'

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'

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

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

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'

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'

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

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

In Europe, Spanish and Greek beaches dominate the top ten with each country home to a hat-trick of the most outstanding seascapes, according to the TripAdvisor community.

City beach La Concha Beach in San Sebastian was crowned number one in Europe. 

Unusually, beach-goers can paddle out to Isla Santa Clara, a small island in the bay, which features its own strip of beach, a lighthouse, a bar and picnic tables.

Second place was claimed by dreamy Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi, Crete, described by reviewers as offering ‘white sand with a hint of red garnet. Warm and clear water and no rocks at all'.

TRIPADVISOR'S BEST BEACHES AWARDS

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

Weymouth Beach was crowned the best in the UK and the ninth best in Europe

Weymouth Beach was crowned the best in the UK and the ninth best in Europe

 TOP 10 BEACHES IN EUROPE

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

2. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, 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

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, beat stiff competition to be named the best beach in Europe

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian, beat stiff competition to be named the best beach in Europe

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The UK struggled to make an impression on the global list of 25 best beaches but Weymouth Beach in Dorset did take the ninth spot in Europe.

As the UK’s best rated beach, critics hailed it as ideal for dog walking and said its golden sands are photogenic.

TripAdvisor spokesperson Hayley Coleman commented: ‘The UK’s Weymouth Beach beating beaches in Sardinia, Greece and Spain this year, proves that the UK’s beaches can more than hold their own against destinations with sunnier climes.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20. West Bay Beach, Honduras

Turquoise waters and vibrant coral makes the 20th best beach in the world a paradise for snorkellers

Turquoise waters and vibrant coral makes the 20th best beach in the world a paradise for snorkellers

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'

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

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

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

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

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

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'

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

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

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

 

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