LOOKING for holiday inspiration? The best beaches for 2024 have just been revealed by Tripadvisor.
Praia da Falesia in Olhos de Agua on the Algarve in Portugal was voted the world’s No1 according to Tripadvisor reviews, with beaches in Spain and Italy taking second and third spots.
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While those in Hawaii, the Caribbean and Seychelles and Hawaii made up the rest of the top ten, it is beaches closer to home that are easily accessible for a spring break.
Lisa Minot shares the favourite spots in Europe voted for by reviewers, as well as some package holiday getaways so you can fly and flop on super shores.
LA CONCHA BEACH
Basque Country, Spain
THIS crescent of fine golden sand in the bay of La Concha is one of San Sebastian’s most popular beaches.
Bordering the Atlantic in northern Spain, the surrounding mountains protect it from the wind.
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Its adjoining boardwalk is popular with families, while the coast is popular for surfing.
And, of course, the city is perfect for foodies and culture vultures.
Visit in spring for lower prices.
Most read in Beach holidays
GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Silken Amara Plaza is from £487pp, including flights from Gatwick and hand luggage.
See firstchoice.co.uk.
PRAIA DA FALESIA
Algarve, Portugal
BACKED by fiery red cliffs, this Blue Flag beach has golden sands and clear, clean water.
It stretches around four miles from Olhos de Agua to Vilamoura in the east, with a nature park running along the clifftops, meaning the beach is untouched and not overlooked.
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Spring is the best time to visit to enjoy warm temperatures, more affordable prices and fewer crowds.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3H Vilamoura Golf Apartments is from £546pp, fly from Leeds Bradford May 1, 22kg hold and 10kg hand luggage and transfers included (jet2holidays.com).
SPIAGGIA DEI CONIGLI
Sicily
THE pristine white sands of this beach – Rabbit Beach in English – are best known as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.
The graceful curve of sand borders turquoise waters and looks out on to the tiny islet of Conigli, just off the island of Lampedusa.
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It is easiest to access in summer, when you can fly to Palermo or Catania or take a ferry from Porto Empedocle.
GO: The Villa Romana Beach Hotel is on Sicily’s southern coast near Porto Empedocle.
Double rooms from £60 per night, including breakfast.
Flights to Palermo with Ryanair from £119 return.
See ryanair.com.
REYNISFJARA BEACH
Vik, Iceland
ON Iceland’s south coast, this black volcanic sand beach is a must-see on any trip to the land of fire and ice.
Just outside the village of Vik, it is surrounded by towering basalt stacks and dramatic Atlantic waves.
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The sea stacks are home to thousands of nesting birds.
Neighbouring Black Sand beach in Vik came in at No10 in the Tripadvisor poll, and there are opportunities to witness the fantastic phenomenon of the aurora borealis.
GO: Intrepid’s Iceland Express five-day trip features the beach as well as the classic Golden Circle tour with the Great Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall and more.
Prices from £1,036, including all tours via private minibus and four nights’ B&B.
Flights extra.
See intrepidtravel.com or call 0808 274 5111.
PLAYA DE LAS CANTERAS
Gran Canaria
IN the heart of buzzing capital Las Palmas, these golden sands are perfect for all beach lovers.
An offshore lava reef acts as a wave break, protecting the sand and ensuring calm waters year-round, which are perfect for snorkelling throughout the summer months when the waters are warm.
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There are good facilities on the beach itself as well as cafes, bars and restaurants along the promenade.
GO: Five nights’ B&B at the 4H Bull Reina Isabel and Spa in Las Palmas is from £695pp, including flights from Luton on April 4, 23kg hold luggage and transfers.
FALASSARNA BEACH
Crete, Greece
POWDERY white and pink sands are the stand-out feature of this large beach on Crete’s western coast.
The sea is crystal clear and the stunning sunsets are also a huge draw.
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For those looking to explore, the remains of an ancient Hellenistic port and harbour are nearby.
The beach is a bus ride from bustling Chania and is truly stunning in spring, with flowers blooming during May and June.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Kriti Hotel in Chania is from £555pp, including flights from Gatwick on May 1 and hand luggage.
To book, see tui.co.uk.
MYRTOS BEACH
Kefalonia, Greece
SURROUNDED by near-vertical limestone cliffs and green hills of pines, this 800m crescent white pebble beach promises a different, stunning view morning, noon and dusk.
Very popular in summer, the best time to visit is late April or September to avoid the crowds.
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The waters are calm and clear and at one end there is a small cave with its own tiny beach.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Mirabel Hotel in Argostoli is from £412pp, including flights from Gatwick on April 18.
See olympicholidays.com.
NISSI BEACH
Ayia Napa, Cyprus
THESE soft sands are just a short walk from the party town of Ayia Napa – and the beach could not provide more of a contrast.
Relax by clear, warm seas and grab some rays or take a dip in the calm, shallow waters.
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The beach is also popular for water sports, with banana boats, jet skis and parasailing all on offer.
Wade over to the small islet just off shore with shallow waters that never go past your waist.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3H Margadina Hotel in Ayia Napa is from £561pp, including flights from Liver-pool on May 18.
To book, see loveholidays.com.
PLAYA DE MASPALOMAS
Gran Canaria
BACKED by spectacular dunes, this two-mile stretch of golden sand offers something for everyone.
There are family friendly facilities at the eastern end adjoining the popular resort of Playa del Ingles, and if you head west, the beach becomes wilder as it approaches the Maspalomas lighthouse, with watersports zones and even nudist areas.
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If you like the perfect selfie, you’re in the right place, don’t miss the chance provided by the dunes at sunset.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the Canary Garden Club is from £596pp, including flights from Manchester on April 2.
See thomascook.com.
