World's best beaches according to Tripadvisor are less than 4 hours from the UK

21 February 2024 , 05:11

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Falesia Beach in Portugal (Image: Dorling Kindersley)

Tripadvisor has offered up a major dose of holiday inspiration by revealing the world's best beaches for 2024 - and the best part is, the top three spots are less than four hours away from the UK.

The travel site has unveiled the results of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards, with spots in Portugal, Italy and Spain proving particularly popular, alongside some of those wanderlust-inducing coastal spots in Hawaii, Caribbean islands and Australia.

The good news for Brits is that the world's best beach is one short direct flight away from the UK. Praia da Falésia in Portugal's Algarve has been crowned the winner thanks to its clean, golden sands and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for a dip, not to mention there are heaps of facilities whether you're looking to hire a sunbed or want a spot of lunch at the nearby bars and restaurants.

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Spiaggia dei Conigli took the second spot on the podium (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

It's not surprising to see Falésia proving such a hit - just recently it was named Europe's best beach destination. It's often hailed as one of Portugal's best family-friendly beaches but that does mean it can get busy during the peak summer months!

One happy visitor wrote: "Love the coloured cliffs along this beach. Wide open seas with pristine sandy beach for about 6 km. You can also walk on top of the cliffs and look at the ocean from up high. A beach not to be missed."

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Another added: "A beautiful beach with golden sands and stunningly coloured cliffs. Whilst we didn’t make use of the Atlantic Ocean other than a paddle, we did enjoy a long walk on the wet sand in glorious sunshine."

It wasn't the only European hotspot to feature; in fact, all top three slots are in Europe. The second best beach in the world title went to Spiaggia dei Conigli in Sicily, which has often been compared to the likes of the Maldives and the Caribbean due to its white sands and sparkling waters.

World's best beaches according to Tripadvisor are less than 4 hours from the UK

Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos was another gorgeous destination that made the top 10 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Meanwhile, Brits planning Spain holidays may want to consider a trip to Basque Country which is home to La Concha Beach, a golden sandy shore that's not quite as busy as other tourist hotspots (although it's still popular in the summer months). Located in the city of San Sebastian, this gorgeous beach boasts a long promenade lined with shops, restaurants and bars, while visitors have also praised its clean, swim-friendly waters.

Although no UK beaches made the top 10 global rankings, two British coastal spots still got a shout out in the awards for the world's most sustainable beaches. Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset took the top spot in the rankings, while Saundersfoot Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales took the third trophy.

Beaches in this category were ranked across a number of factors from sustainable data partner BeCause (via the Blue Flag program) and Tripadvisor traveller reviews, including sustainable transport options, waste disposal and water quality.