The 10 best beaches on the planet, according to the world's leading bloggers and travel experts

Spanning countries across the globe travel professionals have compiled the definitive list

Alison Millington
Saturday 02 December 2017 19:34 GMT
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Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos has been named the world's best beach
Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos has been named the world's best beach (Shutterstock/Jo Ann Snover)

Canada's largest online travel website — has launched its first annual list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, chosen by 632 of the world’s top travel professionals, including experienced travel journalists, travel agents and bloggers.

Calling the list "a diverse collection of off-the-beaten-path slices of paradise from every hidden corner of our planet," the ranking is made up of places that ranked highly on three scores (out of 10) — Sheer Untouched Beauty, Remoteness, and Sand and Water Quality.

Average Days of Sunshine and Average Annual Temperature were also taken into consideration.

Including powder-white beaches and stunning blue waters from all over the world, "this is truly the most up to date and definitive list in the world," according to Flight Network.

Scroll down to see the 10 best beaches in the world, according to the list, then click here to see the full top 50 ranking.

10. Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay was donated to the NPS because of its popularity Shutterstock/Sean Pavone (Shutterstock/Sean Pavone)

The beach was donated to the National Park Service more than five decades ago and remains one of the best-preserved in the world, according to Flight Network. You'll find a 205-metre underwater snorkelling trail, "silky sands," clear water, and colourful sea creature to make your trip picture-perfect.

"This amazing beach in the US Virgin Islands offers spectacular snorkelling, extraordinary views, and so much more beauty that you have to see it to believe it," said Michelle of blog Making Sense of Cents.

9. Hidden Beach, Mexico

The Hidden Beach was created by a huge blast by the Mexican government during target practice Shutterstock/Nadia Borisevich (Shutterstock/Nadia Borisevich)

Influencer The Product Poet called Mexico's hidden beach "A true secret paradise invisible from the outside," adding: "Playa del Amor is filled with hidden water tunnels to explore for hours."

The beach, only reachable by boat (or by swimming or kayaking) is tucked away inside a "cave with a cavernous opening in the roof to let the perfect amount of sunlight enter," according to Flight Network, who said that the hole in the roof of the cave was reportedly made when Mexican forces were engaging in bombing practice during World War I.

8. Hyams Beach, Australia

Hyams Beach is a seaside village located in the City of Shoalhaven Shutterstock/Simon Beedle Photography (Shutterstock/Simon Beedle Photography)

With "the whitest sand I’ve ever seen against a beautiful backdrop," according to Jemma York of Academy Travel (and the Guinness Book of World Records), Hyams Beach — located on the south coast of New South Wales — is the perfect relaxation spot.

7. Playa Paraiso, Mexico

The resort is right next to preserved Mayan ruins Shutterstock/VICTOR TORRES (Shutterstock/VICTOR TORRES)

Playa Paraiso has stunning teal water, white sands, and offshore coral reefs that make it a bright, colourful, and close to perfect getaway, both for relaxing or for scuba diving and snorkelling. It gets 290 annual days of sun, has an average temperature of 20°C, and water at 21°C, so it's not too hot, but always comfortable.

6. Baia Dos Porcos, Brazil

Baia Dos Porcos Beach is only accessible by foot Shutterstock/Iuliia Timofeeva (Shutterstock/Iuliia Timofeeva)

"The most picturesque beach you can imagine, Baia Dos Porcos is inundated with the bluest of turquoise waters and vividly colored wildlife hidden behind lofty cliffs," said Marisa Megan of blog Traveling With Boys.

Also known as the "Bay of Pigs," it's packed with rock formations — and it's a trek to get to, meaning it's usually pretty quiet.

5. Navagio Beach, Greece

Navagio Beach is an exposed cove Shutterstock/Netfalls Remy Musser (Shutterstock/Netfalls Remy Musser)

This truly tropical spot on Zakynthos Island is a "shipwrecked oasis," according to Flight Network, with truly blue water, golden cliffs, and the shipwrecked Freightliner MV Panagiotis.

Jolene Ejmont of Wanderlust Story Tellers said: "A picture perfect setting awaits you at Navagio Beach, an exposed cove on the coast of Zakynthos. Visitors come from all corners of the world to grab photos of the famous shipwreck, called Panagiotis. The gorgeous blue water is just stunning in contrast to the white cliffs and sand."

4. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

Pink Sands Beach was only accessible by dirt paths until a ramp was installed recently Shutterstock/Leonux (Shutterstock/Leonux)

With nearly five kilometres of coastline, the sand beach — not as pink as some images might make it appear — is still dreamy, with an offshore coral reef and slightly-tinted sand thanks to bright red and pink shells of microscopic Foraminifera insects.

Blogger Stephanie White Travels said: "The island has a stunning pastel pink sand beach which adds a dreamy feeling to the atmosphere. The best part is this dreamscape is your reality on Harbour Island."

3. Anse Lazio, Seychelles

The getaway is considered one of the best beaches in the archipelago Shutterstock/Filip Fuxa (Shutterstock/Filip Fuxa)

At Anse Lazio in the Seychelles, "the white sand, emerald waters, and lush jungle are pure paradise," according to The Blonde Abroad's Kiersten.

With soft, golden sands, coconut palm trees, and crystal clear water, it's truly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and has waters with an average 27°C temperature.

2. Whitehaven Beach, Australia.

Whitehaven is said to be made of 98 per cent pure white silica Shutterstock/Tanya Puntti (Shutterstock/Tanya Puntti)

Receiving a 10/10 on every mark, the super-white sand and seven kilometres of coastline make it clear why Whitehaven Beach on Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands made the list.

To see it in all its glory, take a helicopter or seaplane along the coast.

"Whitehaven Beach has oh-so-white sands, deepest green rainforests, and crystalline waters," said Sharron Livingston of The Travel Magazine.

"It’s a wild island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, and is by far the most beautiful location to experience."

1. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos.

Grace Bay lasts 19-kilometres Shutterstock/rusty426 (Shutterstock/rusty426)

This iconic stretch of sand came in at number one thanks to its colourful barrier reef, rock-free sand, and number of sunny days — 319 a year.

"Soft white sand and unbelievably clear blue water make Grace Bay the beach traveler’s dream location," said Travel Editor Kelly Stilwell.

Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.

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