World’s best beaches revealed but can you guess which one is in the UK?
It took three years of careful - and probably fairly pleasant - work for judges to inspect 1,500 beaches
SUNSEEKERS travel far and wide to find the most pristine and picturesque beaches.
The usual spots in Thailand, Mauritius and Greece are coveted for their clear waters and stunning scenery - but Brits may be surprised to learn one of the top contenders is within our shores...
It took three years of careful - and probably fairly pleasant - work for judges to inspect 1,500 beaches, and award the best beaches in the world.
"Beach testers" took on the gruelling task of evaluating 52 holiday spots around the world - and a Cornish stretch of sand made its way into the winners.
Kai Michael Schäfer, CEO and co-founder of the Berlin start-up said: "After three years of preparation, we are very proud to, for the first time in our history, present the Beach-Inspector Awards to the world’s best beaches.
"Our assessment produces clear results, substantiated by facts. Where other providers stick to the evaluation of likes by users, we carried out an objective evaluation."
Winners of the Wow Factor Award
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall
This stunning beach is located at the southern point of Land's End.
If you're not content with just sitting on the beach, you can try your luck at getting into the Minack Theatre, which is build into the rock face that surrounds the cove.
Playa de las Conchas, Spain
The Playa de las Conchas (beach of mussels) is located on "La Graciosa", probably the most unknown island of the Canary Islands, north of Lanzarote.
The different shades of blue of the Atlantic, the colourful volcanic tones in the background and the untouched beach in the middle of a desert-like landscape are special treats for anybody who comes here.
Koh Nang Yuan Beach, Thailand
These three tiny islands in the South China Sea connected by shimmering white sandbanks in the crystal blue water create a dream setting for any photographer.
It is no wonder that Koh Nang Yuan has become a very popular holiday and trip destination for many tourists.
Winners of the Party Award
Playa de Magaluf
Magaluf is located in the southwest of Mallorca and is widely known as the stronghold of British party holidaymakers on the Balearic Islands.
A beautifully designed promenade accompanies Playa de Magaluf along the entire length of the beach. Numerous beach bars, restaurants and beach clubs await you here.
Lo Dalam Beach, Thailand
Lo Dalam Beach, which is also known as Loh Dalam Bay, is one of the two main central beaches of the popular holiday island of Koh Phi Phi Don.
Along the beach there are some hotel complexes, restaurants, bars and, above all, party hotspots - from the evenings until 3am wild and high-spirited partying takes place.
Haad Yuan Beach, Thailand
Giant, smooth rocks enclose this small bay, which is great for swimming all year round.
This nice remote beach is the perfect place for young, as well as more mature, backpackers, sun-lovers and party-animals.
Winner of the Special Ambience Award
Kallithea Springs, Greece
The Kallithea Springs are one of the most popular tourist attractions on Rhodes.
The adjacent palm-fringed beach is nestled in a fascinating thermal spa complex on the east coast of the island.
Pink Beach, Indonesia
The Pink Beach is located in the northeast of Lombok and is about one and a half to two and a half hours away from the next bigger tourist place Kuta.
If you want to experience the pink colour in its full splendour, you should come to the beach in the early morning hours.
Praia das Calhetas, Brazil
Praia das Calhetas lies almost exactly in the middle between Praia Porto de Galinhas and Recife, in tropical Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil.
It is one of the lesser known beaches in Pernambuco - which means visitors can get a taste of the unspoilt scenery.
Winner of the Watersports Award
Bingin Beach, Bali
Here many Australian surfers hang out and wait for the best wave, which is usually to be found far out in the sea.
This makes Bingin Beach a spot for advanced and professional players. If you want to try your luck as a beginner, the best thing to do is to take lessons.
Maracaipe, Brazil
If you are looking for the Brazilian surfing paradise, you will find it in the tropical northeast at Praia do Maracaípe.
The beach with its high coconut palms and golden sands resembles a postcard motif, the waves are high and the reggae music in the beach bars adds to the unique atmosphere.
Bells Beach, Australia
Bells Beach is one of Australia's surf hotspots!
Every surfer in the country has or would like to ride a wave at this famous spot.
Winner of the Classic Holiday Award
Simius, Sardinia
The Simius beach is not far from the tourist village Villasimius on the east coast of Sardinia.
The beach at Simius captivates with its white, fine sand and wonderful turquoise water.
The Beach, Dubai
The most popular and most well-known beach of Dubai is right in the centre of the town and simply has everything.
At the beach itself you will find DJ booths which are small huts where DJs regularly provide the music and create a great atmosphere here at the best of all beaches in Dubai.
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Playa del Matorral, Fuerteventura
The sandy beach Playa del Matorral lies in the south of Fuerteventura and is the large city beach of Morro Jable, which stretches to Jandia Playas.
The northern part of the beach is the nudist area and offers a lot of space for privacy and enough sun beds and umbrellas, which are available all year round.
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