As the weather starts to hot up (hurry up!) thoughts turn to summer holidays and what way better way to kick back than to chill out on an idyllic beautiful beach?
News supersite CNN has just announced their Top 100 Best Beaches: tough job, but somebody’s got to do it! And the top three contains some real gems; blissful Sun Island Beach in the Maldives, pretty Egremni Beach in Greece and idyllic Crane Beach in Barbados. But what about those hideaways a little further down the list? Great excuse to browse some outrageously stunning photos to compile our dream top 7!
Ifaty Beach, Madagascar
Expect real back-to-basics at the pristine Ifaty beach in southwest Madagascar. Jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes replace plush resorts and mod-cons. Lay back, relax and take in the stunning sunsets. Head into the crystal clear waters to scuba and snorkel the coral reef and take a boat out during July and august to spot whales pass by the island. No. 96 on the list.
Porto da Barra, Salvador, Brazil
The pretty Porto da Barra Beach lies on Brazil’s northeast Atlantic coast. Fishing is the main pastime here and the waters are filled with colorful boats of all sizes. Watch the beautiful sunset and enjoy a game of volleyball or frisbee with the locals. No. 50 on the list.
Bottom Bay, Barbados
Spectacular Caribbean beaches and Barbados go hand in hand! The list has been narrowed down however to include stunning Bottom Bay on Barbados’ southeast coast which is pleasantly under-developed. It’s also off the beaten track as it’s enclosed by a tall cliff of corals, but the journey is well worth it. No. 91 on the list.
Byron Bay, Australia
The New South Wales territory of Australia is home to world-famous Byron Bay. The bustling beachside town has drawn keen surfers for years. And with a great array of cafes, pubs and the annual Bluesfest music festival, the town is the perfect hangout for those that want plenty going on. No. 88 on the list.
La Concha, San Sebastián, Spain
Spain doesn’t come up short in the fabulous beach stakes, and the stunner at La Concha (Spanish for ‘shell’) is a prime example. Located in San Sebastián in Spain’s Basque Country, in the far north, the Playa de La Concha is a citybreak paradise. If you like your beaches close to a thriving city then this destination is for you. With a vast expanse of powder-soft sands and a pretty promenade this is a real European gem. No. 82 on the list.
Venice Beach, California, United States
The stuff of movies and TV shows, Venice Beach has a huge reputation to live up to! This is where artists, poets and musicians all congregated back in the day. Experience a real eclectic atmosphere along the bustling Venice Boardwalk. No. 73 on the list.
Balos Beach, Crete, Greece
I know it’s not fashionable to just fly and flop anymore – but seriously – just look at that azure blue sea! The Balos Beach lagoon is resplendent in rich greens and blues and has got to be a serious contender for best beach in the Greek islands. No. 25 on the list.
