logo
World's best 50 beaches revealed with the top one only four hours from the UK

World's best 50 beaches revealed with the top one only four hours from the UK

The Sun29-04-2025

THE TOP 50 beaches in the world have been revealed, with the no.1 only four hours from the UK.
Cala Goloritze in Italy has been named the best beach in the world.
7 Cala Goloritze Beach in Italy has been named the best beach in the world Credit: Alamy
7 The beach is located in Sardinia, about an hour-and-a-half from Olbia Airport Credit: Alamy
7 Fteri Beach in Greece also feature in the top five Credit: Alamy
And it is only a few hours from the UK thanks to new British Airways flights to Olbia.
Located in Sardinia, the beach is about an hour-and-a-half drive from Olbia Airport.
It is known for its unique rock formations, small white pebbles and sand and clear waters.
Access to the beach is restricted to 250 people per day and visitors must book through the Heart of Sardinia app.
Judges explained: "It's impossible to point to just one factor that makes Cala Goloritzé so spectacular - and that's precisely why it's the winner this year.
"It is a beach with some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. It feels almost mystical.
"The Baunei coastline is renowned for calm winds and waters in the summer.
"On top of that, amazing measures have been taken to protect the beach and its natural environment from overcrowding."
Also named on the list - in fourth place - was Fteri Beach in Greece.
Located on Kefalonia, Fteri Beach is a secluded spot with turquoise waters, white cliffs and like Cala Goloritze, has a mixture of pebbles and sand. Dominican Republic is the cheapest Caribbean island
Unfortunately, not a single beach in the UK was listed but Keem Beach in Ireland did sneak in at place 48.
The beach lies on the horseshoe shaped Keem Bay, on Achill Island and is surrounded by a dramatic landscape.
It is also one if the island's five blue flag beaches - an award that recognises quality and cleanliness.
Outside of Europe, other beaches in the top 10 featured PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia and Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles.
7 No beach from the UK featured on the list, but Keem Beach in Ireland scored 48th place Credit: Alamy
PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia features a long stretch of white sand, on the island of Fakarava.
The isolated beach is often quiet from visitors and is known for being lined with tall, leaning palm trees.
However, visitors are also warned if they do visit the beach, to watch out for falling coconuts.
Over in the Seychelles, Anse Source d'Argent is home to shallow waters, golden sand and large granite formations.
7 Further afield, PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia - known for its towering palm trees - secured a spot Credit: Alamy
7 And so did Anse Source d'Argent, in the Seychelles, which features large granite rock formations Credit: Alamy
The beach is thought to be one of the Seychelles' most famous attractions and the Union Estate charges visitors 150 Rupees (£1.32) each to get access to the beach.
A number of new countries joined the list this year including Madagascar, Yemen and Tanzania.
The World's 50 Best Beaches list was formed by votes from a network of judges and over 1,000 travel professionals from industry experts to high-profile influencers.
Beaches were judged across eight areas: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, frequency of calm conditions, lack of overcrowding, and consistency of idyllic settings. Full list of the world's best 50 beaches
Several European beaches feature on the list.
Cala Goloritze, Italy Entalula Beach, Philippines Bang Bao Beach, Thailand Fteri Beach, Greece PK 9 Beach, French Polynesia Canto de la Playa, Dominican Republic Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles Nosy Iranja, Madagascar Ofu Beach, American Samoa Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos Turquoise Bay, Australia Boulders Beach, South Africa Pink Beach, Indonesia Shoal Bay East, Anguilla Detwah Lagoon, Yemen Voutoumi Beach, Greece One Foot Island, Cook Islands Playa de Rodas, Spain Playa Balandra, Mexico Pontal do Atalaia, Brazil Wharton Beach, Australia Cayo de Agua, Venezuela Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Island Cayo Zapatilla, Japan Baia do Sancho, Brazil Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda Pulau Palambak, Indonesia Freedom Beach, Thailand The Baths, British Virgin Islands Anse Georgette, Seychelles Ffryes Beach, Antigua and Barbuda Grand Anse, Grenada Le Morne Beach, Mauritius Bahia de las Aguilas, Dominican Republic Meads Bay, Anguilla Porto Katsiki, Greece Nudey Beach, Australia Bon Bon Beach, Phillippines Saadiyat Beach, UAE Goyambokka Beach, Sri Lanka Playa Punta Uva, Costa Rica Siesta Beach, USA Paje Beach, Zanzibar Klein Bonaire Beach, Bonaire Cathedral Cove Beach, New Zealand Santa Giulia, France Gardner Bay, Equador Keem Beach, Ireland Kuramanthi Sand Bank, Maldives La Pelosa, Italy
Tine Holst, co-founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches, said: "Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World's 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe.
"Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed of—places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable."
Corona beer also recently named its top beaches across the globe, but one in the UK did feature on their list.
Plus, the three UK beaches named the best in Europe by Tripadvisor.
7 The winning beach was noted for having "some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth" Credit: Alamy

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Island nation nine times larger than UK banned from World Cup as statement released
Island nation nine times larger than UK banned from World Cup as statement released

Scottish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Island nation nine times larger than UK banned from World Cup as statement released

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GREENLAND'S hopes of playing competitive football on the world stage were dashed when the country was told it cannot join the confederation that also represents the Caribbean. The Arctic territory of Denmark started exploring entry to Concacaf — which covers North and Central America — three years ago. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Incredible playing views, like this one in Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, couldn't help Greenland get accepted Credit: Alamy 3 Football is hugely popular in the vast island nation Credit: Getty With a route into Uefa blocked, the Confederation that also includes the sun-kissed Caribbean was seen as the only alternative for the world's largest island, which is mostly covered with ice and has a population of just 57,000. Incredibly the country has 5,500 registered players. But Concacaf's ruling committee killed off the Polar Teddy Bears' dream at its Congress. A statement said their membership application had been reviewed and 'unanimously rejected'. Greenland is the world's largest island and bigger than western Europe, but 81% of its land is topped by sheet ice. And it has never played official international football. Although it is a sovereign territory of Denmark, its considered to be part of North America geographically. Joining Uefa was a no-no - as European football chiefs only accept countries formally recognised by the United Nations. 3 Such breathtaking sights still won't host official international matches Credit: Alamy BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Greenland have played friendlies - but they are NOT sanctioned by football's world rulers Fifa. And now Concacaf have declined to help the country, which is nine times larger than the UK, make the next major step forward. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World's best players decide which club is the greatest The organisation said in a statement: "Based on a thorough assessment conducted by the Concacaf administration and Council, and in accordance with the Concacaf Statutes, the Member Associations reviewed the membership application submitted by the Greenlandic Football Association and unanimously rejected it." It comes with US President Donald Trump claiming he wants his country to take control of Greenland. But the the ice-covered nation, as well as Denmark, insist there is no chance of that happening.

Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather
Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather

Scottish Sun

time12 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather

Some of them have record-breaking lidos and historical hotels to stay at too KENT WAIT Our pick of Kent's best beaches from hidden bays to pubs on the sand ahead of the 26C weather Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE UK is set to welcome weather up to 26C this week - so there has never been a better time to visit the beach. One of the easiest beach spots to get to is the Kent coastline, with some being less than an hour from London. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Along with some more popular beaches, The Sun Travel team have rounded up some of their lesser-known favourites, where you are more likely to bump into a local than a tourist. Here are 10 of the best to choose from to make the most of the sun this weekend. Dungeness Beach, Romney Marsh Not your average parasol and sun lounger beach, Dungeness on the south Kent coast used to be known as Britain's only desert, thanks to its barren landscape. It's part nature reserve, part nuclear power station and part cod-fishing mecca, and also possibly the bleakest-looking stretch of coast in the whole of the UK. This is also its draw for many like me, who love how desolate it looks. The late artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman felt the same way, and visitors still visit to see his quaint old seaside cottage and quirky garden. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire Stone Bay, Broadstairs While Broadstairs has seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. But Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds, with the traditional a British seaside resort alongside imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages. With lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides, it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Trendy English seaside town has rooftop bar that 'feels like the Med' Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932 with the fabulous Art Deco interior only beaten only just by the stunning sundaes. Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 Stone Bay in Broadstairs is slightly quieter but Credit: Alamy 9 Make sure to head back to Morelli's in town for ice cream Credit: Alamy Mermaid Beach, Folkestone Folkestone has it's all - a hidden sandy beach that comes with the tide and the main pebble beach lined with bars and restaurants. But the pretty Mermaid Beach- named from the rock shape formation looking like a tail - is where to go to avoid the crowds. You are more likely to be joined by local families with a BBQ than hoards of tourists, and it is right under the Leas Cliff Hall which has a new bar open this summer and live music. Mermaid Cafe has some great food and drink nearby too for when you need a snack, as well as the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is free to visit and undergoing renovation. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 You can tell why it is called Mermaid Beach Credit: Alamy Whitstable Beach, Whitstable Whitstable has long been the most fashionable of Kent's seaside towns, despite the surge in popularity of places like Margate and Folkestone with 'down from Londoners'. I love the town's beach, not for its soft yellow sand (it's instead full of grey pebbles) but for the awesome attractions, pubs and restaurants that line it. Sea Scrub sauna is a lovely experience, the Whitstable Oyster Company is a perfect place for lunch, The Forge oyster shack serves excellent no-frills seafood and The Old Neptune Pub is a great spot for a pint. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire 9 Whitstable is still a great destination despite it's popularity Credit: Alamy 9 The Old Neptune Pub is right on the beach Credit: Alamy Palm Bay, Margate One of Margate's big draws is the sandy Main Sands which you can see as soon as you leave the train station - but the nearby Palm Bay is my favourite. Having lived in Margate for a number of years, Palm Bay is where you will spot the locals. Tucked under the cliffs, it is much quieter than the main area and is round the corner from Walpole Bay lido - the largest of it's kind in Europe. Make sure to find the pop up sauna as well, and visit on the last Sunday of every month for Cliftonville Farmers' Market, with fresh food and drinks. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Palm Bay is quieter in Margate and near the famous lido Credit: Alamy Kingsgate Bay Beach, Broadstairs The walk from Margate to Broadstairs has some amazing hidden coves, one of which being Kingsgate Bay. With white cliffs on one side and Kingsgate Castle on another, you can even walk through the natural archway depending on the tide (reminiscent of Durdle Door). The sandy beach is often overlooked, as it is only accessed by a steep set of steps and there is very limited parking so it is mainly for walkers to visit. Make sure to grab a pint from the authentic Captain Digby pub above too. Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey 9 Kingsgate Bay is hidden thanks to having steep steps and limited car parking Credit: Alamy Deal Beach, Deal While the broad sweep of pebbles on Deal's seafront may not be great for kiddie sandcastles, this is a very grown-up place for adult fun. With its upmarket bistros and historic buildings, it is picture postcard pretty and its high street behind has won awards for its range of independent shops. The Royal Hotel is the perfect place to admire the beach and sea views, you'll be in good company as Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton were once frequent visitors. For somewhere great to stay, The Clarendon Hotel is an elegant 18th century building right on the seafront with great views across to Deal Pier where you can stroll by day to the restaurant at the end or watch anglers try their luck along its length. Trying to choose somewhere to eat? The Frog & Scot is a great small plates restaurant, while The Pelican is one for fish-lovers. Head of Travel (Print) - Lisa Minot 9 EWBEXG the beach at Deal in Kent, England Credit: Alamy Camber Sands Beach, Camber East Sussex lays claim to Camber Sands, but according to Wikipedia a small fraction of this seven-mile-long beach reaches over the Kent border. Which helpfully means we can use it as part of this round-up, as it is easily the best beach in the area. Backed by large sand dunes, Camber is so large that you can always find a spot - even on the hottest of summer days - if you are willing to walk. After an afternoon lazing in the sun, drive 10 minutes down the road to the medieval town of Rye for a pub dinner. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire

The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island
The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island

Scottish Sun

time13 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island

And how to find the world's longest coastal path in the UK JOG ON The UK's best seaside walks revealed including a secret celeb-loved island Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IF you're looking for the UK's most beautiful beachfront walks, you're in luck. Conde Nast Traveller has revealed their top coastal strolls across the country. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Here are the best seaside walks across the UK Credit: Alamy 4 Studland Beach was named one of the best in the UK Credit: Alamy One of the best named is Osea Island, a private island in Essex which has been visited by a number of A-Listers. Rihanna, Stormzy and Daniel Radcliffe have all been spotted there, although the public can stay by booking a night at one of the hotels or cottages. They said: "In the middle of the Blackwater Estuary, with faint echoes of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, sits 380-acre Osea, reachable only around low tide along an ancient Roman causeway." The island has been owned by Nigel Frieda for more than 20 years, a music producer behind The Rolling Stones and Sugababes. Read more on walks HIKE ON UK's best winter walks with a pub en route revealed - is your local on the list? Earlier this year, the island went on the market for £25million which includes the entire island as well as all of the hotels on it. Also dubbed the English Necker Island, it is great for nature lovers due to the abundance of wildlife and fauna. Prices for the hotels start from £300, or you can splash out £35,000 to rent the whole island. Osea Island is not the only beautiful walking route that was praised by the experts. In regard to Lythe, Sandsend, they wrote: "There's something a bit magical about the place. "In these parts, it's possible to beach hang, fossil hunt, forage, rock pool, and explore more of the North York Moors." Scotland's West Highland Way: A Global Hiking Gem Ravenscar in Scarborough made the cut, for it's "huge, breathtaking views" and "prosperous wildlife". Studland Bay, in Dorset also made the list, with walks alongside the Jurassic Coast cliffs. They also listed Ynys Gifftan in Wales, praising the "lush uninhabited isle". You can only visit for a few hours a day, due to the ide, but the walk has views of the huge Snowdonia. 4 St Ninian's Isle was a top spot Credit: Getty And in Scotland, St Ninian's Isle was listed for its "fine sand that slowly disappears as the tide rises," along with the "romantic" Erraid, also in Scotland. Last year, a 2,700-mile walking route was finally complete, making it the longest coastal path in the world. The King Charles III England Coast Path stretches from the Scottish border to the Cornish coast. There is even a walk that in the UK that people say looks more like Canada. Here are some other UK walks that all have a pub along the way. And we spoke to a man who has walked thousands of miles across the UK - here is his favourite.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store