World’s top 50 best beaches revealed – and three are in the UK | UK | Travel

The British coast is full of incredibly beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns, but it turns out it’s not just Brits who can appreciate their appeal.

In fact, new rankings of the world’s 50 best beaches have been revealed, with three UK destinations making the cut and beating picturesque spots in the likes of Greece, Mauritius, Thailand and Australia.

Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall was the top UK coastal spot in the rankings unveiled by Big 7 Travel this week, with the team behind the research describing it as “easily one of England’s most beautiful”.

Also making the cut is the breathtaking Luskentyre Beach in Scotland, which is regularly compared to the likes of the Caribbean and Maldives thanks to its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Meanwhile Whitesands Beach in Wales was 32nd in the list, impressing with its “golden sands” and “rugged cliffs which provide the backdrop”.

You can also check out the full top 50 rankings below…

Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall

The Big 7 Travel team have placed this Cornish spot as ninth overall in the rankings. They added: “The entire Cornish coast is known for its rugged coastline and significantly better weather than the rest of the UK, and with the clear waters and bright sands of Porthcurno Beach, it’s easy to imagine that you’re in the tropics.”

It’s not surprising that Porthcurno has made the cut, given it’s an immensely popular destination for tourists, particularly during the summer months. The beach is famed for its soft sands and swim-friendly waters for families, while in winter it’s popular with surfers and bodyboarders.

Visitors are often quick to praise it too. On Tripadvisor, one happy holidaymaker wrote: “Honestly? When the weather is good, this beach rivals those abroad. Crystalline turquoise sea, golden sandy beach, reasonably priced car park and loos.”

Another added: “The most amazing beach beautiful white sand and turquoise sea. Breathtaking views and definitely one of the best beaches you will ever find.”

Luskentyre Beach, Scotland

“Found on the Isle of Harris off the northwest coast of Scotland, Luskentyre Beach looks like it has been plucked right out of the Caribbean and placed on the Scottish coastline,” the team explained, going on to highlight its “white sands and turquoise waters”.

The beach’s remote location on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides also means that it’s not full of tourists. The area is also popular with birdwatchers as the sandy dunes and rocky cliffs are a haven for a variety of species. Just be warned if you want to take a dip in the water – they can be quite cold so it’s advised to pack a wetsuit!

Whitesands Beach, Wales

This Blue Flag beach in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is popular with families thanks to its wide expanse of golden sands, with conditions that can be ideal for paddling, swimming and, during the right seasons, surfing or diving. The beach boasts a cafe and shop nearby, and it’s just a couple of miles to St Davids where you’ll find plenty more shops, restaurants and facilities.

According to researchers, “Whitesands Beach proves that you don’t need tropical weather to enjoy a stunning beach”. They added: “Rolling surf foams onto the golden sands, while the rugged cliffs which provide the backdrop to the beach make Whitesands a favoured spot for families, hikers, and surfers alike.”

World’s 50 best beaches

1. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
2. Entalula Beach, Philippines
3. Pink Beach, Indonesia
4. Sandy Lane Beach, Barbados
5. Ee Motu Beach, Cook Islands
6. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
7. Matira Beach, French Polynesia
8. Cala Macarella, Menorca, Spain
9. Porthcurno Beach, UK
10. Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka
11. Luskentyre Beach, UK
12. Starfish Beach, Vietnam
13. Tortuga Bay, Galápagos Islands
14. Keem Beach, Ireland
15. White Beach, Philippines
16. Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka
17. Eagle Beach, Aruba
18. Copacabana Beach, Brazil
19. Ksamil Beach, Albania
20. Boulders Beach, South Africa
21. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
22. Dhigura Beach, Maldives
23. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, India
24. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
25. Haukland Beach, Norway
26. Railay Beach, Thailand
27. Horseshoe Bay, Fiji
28. Palombaggia Beach, France
29. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
30. Santa Monica Beach, Cape Verde
31. Whitesands Beach, Wales
32. Chumbe Island, Tanzania
33. Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
34. Le Morne Beach, Mauritius
35. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA
36. Plaua Kenepa Grandi, Curacao
37. Piha Beach, New Zealand
38. Playa Varadero, Cuba
39. Playa Blanca, Colombia
40. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
41. Long Beach, Cambodia
42. Fteri Beach, Greece
43. La Jolla Cove, California, USA
44. Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
45. Playa Akumal, Mexico
46. Sugar Beach, St Lucia
47. La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy
48. Karon Beach, Thailand
49. Seixal Beach, Madeira
50. Manly Beach, Australia