If you fancy the beach, sun and sea and are looking for inspiration for your next vacation, Tripadvisor's new beach ranking might help you decide where to go. The good news is that you don't have to travel far - some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in Europe.
What makes a beautiful beach? It's when soft, fine, white sand meets a clear, turquoise-blue sea. What you can do without: crowds of people sharing your paradise and garbage left behind. The travel platform "Tripadvisor" has determined which coasts are particularly fantastic based on millions of reviews. 24 dream beaches have made it onto the list - many of them surprisingly easy to reach in Europe. Falstaff TRAVEL presents the Top 4.
The ranking is based on the number and quality of testimonials submitted. You will search in vain for insider tips here, as the main focus is on those beaches that particularly inspire many travelers. However, this is precisely what makes the selection so exciting: it shows which beaches leave unforgettable impressions despite - or perhaps because of - their fame.
Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Greece
The beach is world-famous for its unique, often shimmering pink sand, which is created by crushed shells. "Tripadvisor" describes it as a natural wonder that you have to see once in your life. The shallow lagoons are particularly popular with families with small children. Adults can enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the deeper water. An insider tip: stay until sunset - it's unforgettable.
Balos Lagoon, Kissamos, Greece
You pay an entrance fee of one euro for a visit, which is used to maintain the area; money that you are happy to pay for this paradise. The beach can only be reached via an unprepared coastal road and a flight of steps, but the stony path is worth it and once you reach your destination, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view. From the island's mainland, you can reach the Tigani peninsula via a broad, rugged carpet of sand. The water in the lagoon is turquoise blue, super clear and shallow - the perfect place for a splashing adventure with the whole family. Or how about a boat trip on the calm waters? A real highlight for which you should plan a whole day.
Falésia Beach, Algarve, Portugal
It is six kilometers long, probably the most famous and largest beach in Portugal. Praia da Falésia, located to the west of Faro and south of Albufeira, is part of the small fishing village of Olhos de Agua and is particularly popular with surfers and those seeking relaxation. Red, furrowed cliffs covered with pine trees meet white and golden sandy fields that gently merge into the green-blue sea. And although Falesia Beach is so popular, thanks to its length it offers secluded spots to sunbathe and unwind.
Cala La Pelosa, Sardinia, Italy
Cala La Pelosa on the Stintino peninsula on the north-western tip of Sardinia is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island - not least because of its crystal-clear water, which attracts locals and travelers alike. Framed by jagged cliffs, fragrant maquis and the historic Torre della Pelosa, the bay has an almost Caribbean feel. The beach, which is around 330 meters long and glides gently into the sea, is protected from strong waves by an island off the coast - ideal conditions for families with children.
1st Isla Pasion, Mexico
2. Elafonissi Beach, Greece
3rd Balos Lagoon, Greece
4th Eagle Beach, Aruba
5th Falésia Beach, Algarve, Portugal
6th Banana Beach, Thailand
7 La Jolla Cove, California
8th Cala La Pelosa, Italy
9th Manly Beach, Australia
10th Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, South Africa
11th Falassarna Beach, Greece
12th Playa de Muro Beach, Mallorca
13 Tobacco Bay Beach, Bermuda
14th Paleokastritsa Beach, Greece
15th Kite Beach, United Arab Emirates
16th Kelingking Beach, Indonesia
17 Clearwater Beach, Florida
18th beach Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
19th Bondi Beach, Australia
20th Playa de Maspalomas, Spain
21st Poipu Beach Park, Hawaii
22nd Plage de Palombaggia, France
23rd Ipanema Beach, Brazil
14th Spiaggia La Cinta, Italy
