Beach supreme: Bournemouth has one of the best beaches in Europe says Tripadvisor voters
It might be a while before holidaymakers can hit beaches abroad, but we have some of the best sands right here in the UK. Bournemouth Beach has been voted the fifth best in Europe and 20th in the world by Tripadvisor.
The accolade comes in Tripadvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards – from sweeping white sand and turquoise waters in tropical climates, to dramatic cliffs and pounding surf in some of the most secluded spots on earth.
Another beauty: Porthminster Beach in Cornwall is among the best beaches in Europe
This year, four UK beaches make Europe’s top 25. In addition to Bournemouth’s success, Cornwall is home to two of Europe’s best, with Porthminster Beach coming in 10th and Perranporth Beach in 16th place. Scarborough’s Filey Beach ranks 18th.
Yorkshire delight: Filey Beach in Scarborough is also among the best beaches in Europe
Tripadvisor vice president Christine Maguire said: “Your last trip to the beach probably feels like a lifetime ago, but with vaccine programmes rolling out worldwide, safely making that beach getaway a reality just might be in reach!
“In fact, a recent Tripadvisor survey revealed that 60% of travellers are very likely to take a beach trip in 2021. Whether your preferred beach is preened and pristine or rugged and rough, this list of travellers’ favourites is just the inspiration you need to get planning your next beach break.”
The awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travellers, gathered over a year. And new this year, because people couldn’t enjoy the beaches as normal, the volume of “saves” for beaches were taken into account – ones voters wished they could visit.
Oh to be here: Spiaggia del Conigli in Italy, is voted the best beach in Europe by Tripadvisor
Europe’s number one goes to Spiaggia dei Conigli on the island of Lampedusa in Italy, followed by Playa de Cofete on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura.
When it comes to the best in the world, Australia’s Whitehaven Beach takes the top spot. The remote Australian paradise in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is only accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter and is lauded by travellers for its gorgeous soft white sand and postcard perfect turquoise water. In second place is Santa Maria Beach on the island of Cayo Santa Maria in Cuba.
Top 10 Beaches in Europe
- Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
- Playa de Cofete – Fuerteventura, Spain
- Praia da Falésia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal
- La Concha Beach – San Sebastian – Donostia, Spain
- Bournemouth Beach – Bournemouth
- Balos Lagoon – Kissamos, Crete, Greece
- Elafonissi Beach – Elafonissi, Crete, Greece
- Plage de Santa Giulia – Santa Giulia, Corsica, France
- Kleftiko Beach – Milos, Greece
- Porthminster Beach – St Ives
Top 10 Beaches in the World
- Whitehaven Beach – Whitsunday Island, Australia
- Santa Maria Beach – Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba
- Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
- Grace Bay Beach – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
- Saint Pete Beach – Florida, United States
- Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, Australia
- Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
- Ka’anapali Beach – Hawaii, United States
- Baía dos Golfinhos – Praia da Pipa, Brazil
For the full list of best of the best beaches, see https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravellersChoice-Beaches
