Two Greek beaches have been named among the 25 “Best of the Best Beaches” in the world, at this year’s Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Celebrating the highest level of excellence in global travel, the annual awards honor travel destinations, hotels, restaurants, beaches, and other tourism-related activities, based on the quality and quantity of reviews on the travel platform.
Out of a total of 8 million listings, the prestigious awards are given to destinations that receive “a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews” from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period, says the website, adding that “fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.”
© Shutterstock
Best of the Best Greek Beaches
On the list of the world’s top 25 beaches, Falassarna Beach on the eastern side of Crete ranks 19th overall, with reviewers praising its “pink sands, blue waters, stunning mountains, [and] incredible sunsets.”
Boasting an impressive 3,880 reviews on the platform, visitors also noted that the beach is “great for families, and has free amenities like restrooms and parking.”
Further down the list, past Nissi Beach on Cyprus, comes the famous Myrtos Beach on the Ionian island of Kefalonia. Ranked 23rd, reviewers described the picturesque beach, surrounded by mountains, as a “scenic spot, perfect for a peaceful beach day.” Visitors recommend going for a swim in the “cobalt blue waters” and then “grab a bite at a coffeeshop nearby.”
Based on 4,569 reviews, one of the many positive aspects of this spectacular beach is that it rarely gets crowded, “so there’s plenty of space to hang out and just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere,” adds the website. Another bonus for pet owners is that dogs are allowed at Myrtos Beach.
© Unsplash
European Beaches Top the Bill
Boasting golden sands, rugged coastlines, and clear-blue waters, eight of Tripadvisor’s top 25 beaches are located here in Europe, landing the top three spots.
Praia da Falésia on the Algarve coast of Portugal, is crowned the best beach in the world, based on 5,915 reviews. Praised for its “dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and sparkling blue waters,” the website notes that the beach has been awarded “Blue Flag recognition for its cleanliness.”
In second place is Spiaggia dei Conigli – “Rabbit Beach” – on the south coast of the island of Lampedusa, in Sicily. With 6,511 reviews, visitors rave about the “unbelievably blue waters and white sand,” and note that there is “lots of marine life to check out.”
Rounding out the top three is Spain’s La Concha Beach, which means “cone shell beach.” This iconic crescent shaped beach forms the seafront of the city of San Sebastián, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. With 9,236 reviews, La Concha is lauded for its panoramic views and being a great place for families.
Others in the top 10 include Ka’anapali Beach in Hawaii (4th), Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos (5th), Anse Lazio in the Seychelles (6th), Manly Beach in Australia (7th), Eagle Beach in Aruba (8th), Siesta Beach in Florida, USA (9th), and Varadero Beach in Cuba (10th).
Elsewhere, Cyprus’ famed Nissi Beach, on the east coast near Ayia Napa, comes in 22nd place.
For the full list, click here.
