Idyllic UK beach named third best in world for 'clear water and perfect sands'

03 March 2024 , 13:33

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A beautiful beach on a Scottish island has been named the third best in the world by top travel experts (Image: Photo Des Blenkinsopp (cc-by-sa/2.0))

A beautiful beach on a Scottish island has been named the third best in the world by top travel experts.

Breckon Beach, located on the Isle of Yell in the Shetland archipelago, was praised for its "clear water and perfectly powdery sands". The only beaches that ranked higher were Palm Cove Beach in Australia and Honopu Beach in Hawaii.

The stunning beach is tucked between two bright green fields, which protect it from the south-westerly winds that often blow through the area. It's also famous for its gorgeous turquoise-coloured water.

Breckon Beach isn't just about the sand and sea though - it's also home to remnants of Viking and pre-Viking settlements. Over the years, some incredible finds have been made in the area, including pottery, bone combs, and even Roman coins.

The peaceful bay looks like the perfect spot to sit and breathe in the fresh sea air (Photo Stuart Wilding (cc-by-sa/2.0))

But if you're planning a visit, be prepared for very cold waters, warns Conde Nast Traveller. The beach is also in a rural farming region, and getting there involves navigating some steep slopes, reports The Daily Record.

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The travel magazine also highlighted the coast's dangerous past, saying: "It's a beautiful spot with clear waters and perfectly powdery sands, but all is not as it seems on a clear summer's day. Many boats have met their end along these shores - learn all about the treacherous sea at the local museum in Burravoe, which details harrowing accounts and displays fascinating artefacts that have washed up over the years."

The experts who picked the best beaches said they chose lovely, quiet places that are a bit harder to get to. They didn't just pick the usual busy sandy beaches. It also said: "From the most exquisite beaches in Europe to far-flung stretches in Asia, Africa and more, these are the best beaches in the world."

Alexander Smail