What makes a top beach destination? The picture postcard ideal of blue skies, crystal clear seas that lap the fine, white shore as palm trees sway over a hammock? Sun lovers everywhere will forever dispute the top ten beach destinations across the globe but if you combine its visual aspect with location, assess whether the beach itself has been awarded the respected Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness, list the amenities available and consider, dare we say it, popularity, then the following are strong contenders.
Whether it's the praias of the Costas, the neighbouring islands or the more remote shorelines of the North; Spain has monopolised the beach holiday for over 4 decades. With golden sands lapped by the Mediterranean and lined with bars, restaurants and a wealth of fun activities satisfying every need, Spain became the perfect one-stop-shop for most tourists at the package holidays' inception in the 60's, through to today's new millennium. Even with the advent of long haul travel, Spain still draws the crowds as it caters for travellers on any budget. The Balearic Islands and Canary Islands offer different packages from year round sunshine and sports to cultural discoveries and party towns. Perhaps lesser known are the rugged coastlines of the North West which face the Atlantic Ocean. Galicia is home to some of the more dramatic vistas and the shoreline of Las Islas Cies is emerging as one of the world's top beaches.
The Algarve is another famous tourist spot, as it runs along the popular Southern coastline of Portugal neighbouring Spain. It's famous amongst golfers, known for its amazing views from its greenery along the coast, and it boasts long beaches along its coastline which are punctuated by impressive rock formations which stand tall out into the Atlantic.
The islands of the Caribbean have a huge number of gorgeous beaches, of which it would be impossible to single any one in particular out - all with a unique character but encompassing crystal waters and palm trees, they share hospitality, remote resorts and a large number of facilities.
In the Thai resorts of Phuket, Koh Phnagan, Koh Samui and Krabi you'll find incredible panoramic views which have long been the inspiration for travel novels. In the Indian Ocean are the Maldives, and, made up of around 1,200 atolls, this destination is always popular with honeymooners. Boasting luxury accommodation as well as private resorts, underwater coral gardens and turquoise lagoons, it's not hard to see why.
Australia has very different shorelines from coast to coast: in the North is the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, and moving towards the East from the watersports Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to whale watching off Frasier Island. The surfer's paradise of the Gold Coast gives way to the amazing architecture found in Sydney, not to mention the world renowned Bondi Beach, and then there's Adelaide and Melbourne in the South. Further West is Perth, which is home to some of the most pristine and stunning beaches across Rottnest Island.
Perhaps not the most obvious beach favourite but becoming increasingly popular is the combination of a safari and beach holiday in Africa. Zanzibar off east Africa projects a rich culture and history along with the thrilling enticement of the 'Big 5' wildlife safari and then a relaxing recuperation on the Southern Kenyan beaches with their enticing powdery white sands.
Just because it's man-made, that doesn't rule it out, however, as proved by the next two choices. Cancun is a resort growing in popularity, and it is known as the Caribbean jewel of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Because it is relatively new, it is perfectly tailored to tourists seeking the sun and the sea, and is of course lapped by the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Well established resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea make their way into the top 10. Both offering a wide choice of all-inclusive resorts with many activities on offer - from watersports to diving - there are also many perfect beaches to enjoy. Definitely affordable luxury at its best.
Turkey has squeezed in to the top 10, due to its variety of resorts, lush mountainous backdrop, set over white sands and turquoise Aegean seas. Other attractions include its range of activities from traditional bazaars and Hammams to watersports and national parks. Turkey's gems include Olu Deniz, the apparent setting for the film 'Blue Lagoon', and the Bodrum Peninsula in the Mugla Province. - 39815
Whether it's the praias of the Costas, the neighbouring islands or the more remote shorelines of the North; Spain has monopolised the beach holiday for over 4 decades. With golden sands lapped by the Mediterranean and lined with bars, restaurants and a wealth of fun activities satisfying every need, Spain became the perfect one-stop-shop for most tourists at the package holidays' inception in the 60's, through to today's new millennium. Even with the advent of long haul travel, Spain still draws the crowds as it caters for travellers on any budget. The Balearic Islands and Canary Islands offer different packages from year round sunshine and sports to cultural discoveries and party towns. Perhaps lesser known are the rugged coastlines of the North West which face the Atlantic Ocean. Galicia is home to some of the more dramatic vistas and the shoreline of Las Islas Cies is emerging as one of the world's top beaches.
The Algarve is another famous tourist spot, as it runs along the popular Southern coastline of Portugal neighbouring Spain. It's famous amongst golfers, known for its amazing views from its greenery along the coast, and it boasts long beaches along its coastline which are punctuated by impressive rock formations which stand tall out into the Atlantic.
The islands of the Caribbean have a huge number of gorgeous beaches, of which it would be impossible to single any one in particular out - all with a unique character but encompassing crystal waters and palm trees, they share hospitality, remote resorts and a large number of facilities.
In the Thai resorts of Phuket, Koh Phnagan, Koh Samui and Krabi you'll find incredible panoramic views which have long been the inspiration for travel novels. In the Indian Ocean are the Maldives, and, made up of around 1,200 atolls, this destination is always popular with honeymooners. Boasting luxury accommodation as well as private resorts, underwater coral gardens and turquoise lagoons, it's not hard to see why.
Australia has very different shorelines from coast to coast: in the North is the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, and moving towards the East from the watersports Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef to whale watching off Frasier Island. The surfer's paradise of the Gold Coast gives way to the amazing architecture found in Sydney, not to mention the world renowned Bondi Beach, and then there's Adelaide and Melbourne in the South. Further West is Perth, which is home to some of the most pristine and stunning beaches across Rottnest Island.
Perhaps not the most obvious beach favourite but becoming increasingly popular is the combination of a safari and beach holiday in Africa. Zanzibar off east Africa projects a rich culture and history along with the thrilling enticement of the 'Big 5' wildlife safari and then a relaxing recuperation on the Southern Kenyan beaches with their enticing powdery white sands.
Just because it's man-made, that doesn't rule it out, however, as proved by the next two choices. Cancun is a resort growing in popularity, and it is known as the Caribbean jewel of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Because it is relatively new, it is perfectly tailored to tourists seeking the sun and the sea, and is of course lapped by the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Well established resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea make their way into the top 10. Both offering a wide choice of all-inclusive resorts with many activities on offer - from watersports to diving - there are also many perfect beaches to enjoy. Definitely affordable luxury at its best.
Turkey has squeezed in to the top 10, due to its variety of resorts, lush mountainous backdrop, set over white sands and turquoise Aegean seas. Other attractions include its range of activities from traditional bazaars and Hammams to watersports and national parks. Turkey's gems include Olu Deniz, the apparent setting for the film 'Blue Lagoon', and the Bodrum Peninsula in the Mugla Province. - 39815
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