50 best beaches in the world

If life isn't exactly a beach at the moment, why not improve matters? Pack up your bucket and spade and head for some of the world's finest shores. Charlotte Packer and her panel of experts will help you get the sand between your toes

Pick and click for details

Africa
Lamu, Kenya.

America
South Beach, Miami, USA.
Venice Beach, USA.
Copacabana, Brazil.
Cocoa Beach, USA.

Asia
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Amanpulo, Phillipines.
Tiomen Island, Malaysia.
Mamanuca Islands, Fiji.
Kuta, Bali.
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Hat Rin, Thailand

Australasia
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand.
Mackenzie's Bay, Australia.
Wollongong, Australia.
Fraser Island, Australia.
Bondi Beach, Australia.
Marovo, Solomon Islands.
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania

Caribbean
Casurina Beach, Grenadines.
Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas.
Salt Whistle Bay, The Grenadines

Central America
Belize.

Europe
Patara Beach, Turkey.
St Tropez, France.
Barcelona.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland.
Arcachon, France
Praia da Rocha, Portugal

Middle East
Dead Sea, Israel

North America
Waikiki, Hawaii.
Cape Scott, Canada.
Acapulco, Mexico

UK
Pendine, Carmarthenshire.
Calgary, Scotland.
Durdle Door, Dorset.
Alum Bay, Isle of Wight.
Holkham Bay, Norfolk.
Rhossili Bay, Wales.
Portrush, Co Antrim.
West Sands, Scotland.
Reighton Sands, Yorkshire.
Bossiney Haven, nr Tintagel
Traigh Stir, Scotland.
Caerfai, Pembrokeshire
Woolacombe Sands, Devon
Fistral Bay, Newquay
Sandalwood Bay, Scotland.
Porthcurno Bay, Cornwall

NB: Details were checked at the time of going to press but are liable to change.