Rated more than 200 beaches
Initially, 58 travel experts, content creators, and local authorities were asked to suggest the best beaches. This resulted in a list of 226 locations.
Read more «Lord of the Rings» star spoke about low earnings: had to sell houses
Later, researchers used NASA satellite data to evaluate the water color and clarity of each beach. More than 93,000 Google Maps reviews were also analyzed.
They looked at how visitors rate beach accessibility, environment, infrastructure, and overall atmosphere. Distance to the nearest major airport and climate data indicating the best time to visit were also considered.
Summing up all the results, Trunk Bay beach emerged as a clear leader.
Sand, water, and mountain backdrop
Trunk Bay was among the most frequently recommended beaches by experts. Its water was recognized as one of the clearest in the world, and suitable weather conditions last here for about ten months a year.
Travel content creator Savanna Crowell said the beach is special also because of its location in a national park.
“Behind it rises an impressive mountain backdrop. And nearby – soft white sand and incredibly blue, turquoise water. Until you are there yourself, it’s hard to believe such a place really exists,” she said.
Crete beach leads in Europe
Second place went to Elafonisi beach in Crete, near Chania. Experts named it a great place for families. The beach is famous for its shallow lagoon, pink sand, and turquoise water.
The top five also included Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač in Croatia, also known as the Golden Horn beach. It took fifth place.
The beach can be reached by catamaran from Split to Bol, and from this town Zlatni Rat is accessible on foot. This place is especially valued for its clear water.
Another European beach made it into the top ten. Praia da Falésia in the Algarve region of Portugal took ninth place. Experts praised it for its clean, well-preserved environment.
Read more Five people trapped in Kaunas elevator: minor injured
Top ten beaches in the world
- Trunk Bay, Saint John, US Virgin Islands
- Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece
- Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos Islands
- Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
- Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia
- Palolem Beach, India
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands
- Playa Balandra, Lower California, Mexico
- Praia da Falésia, Algarve, Portugal
- Eagle Beach, Aruba
