Se alguma vez sonhou passar 22 horas num voo sem escala, há boas notícias: a Airbus anunciou o voo inaugural do avião comercial com maior alcance do mundo, o Airbus A350-1000ULR, com uma autonomia cerca de 17.964 km. Viajar das grandes cidades da costa leste da Austrália, Sydney e Melbourne, para Nova Iorque ou Londres foi sempre uma aventura. Depois da Segunda Guerra Mundial, a viagem podia demorar até quatro semanas de navio a vapor. Para quem tivesse pressa, os hidroaviões conseguiam fazer o percurso em apenas 12 dias, embora com nove escalas pelo caminho. Quando os aviões comerciais a
Sonho realizado durante concerto de La La Land na Austrália. Tudo porque o pianista se tinha sentido mal ao intervalo. La La Land, protagonizado por Emma Stone e Ryan Gosling, é um filme que faz homenagem a Hollywood e ao sonho de singrar nos ecrãs de cinema. Ninguém imaginava que um sonho artístico se ia realizar durante um concerto de La La Land em Darling Harbor Theatre, Sidney. O evento na Austrália estava a decorrer normalmente até ao intervalo. Mas a pausa não durou apenas 20 minutos. Passaram 40 minutos e toda a gente percebeu que algo estava a falhar
These nine beaches have received accolades and awards (Picture: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)
Sugar-white sand, rippling azure ocean, a warm breeze caressing your cheeks. Let’s face it, we’re all dreaming of winter sun.
Or maybe you’re already planning your summer holiday, hoping that having a beach break on the horizon will help you through the dismal weeks of January.
Whatever your motivation, there are many benefits to a few days on the beach: fresh air, nature, and space to unwind. Metro has trawled the archive to find nine of the world’s best beaches to inspire your next trip.
From lunar white shores with turquoise water to quiet coves in quaint seaside villages, there’s a beach destination for everyone.
Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay, a slice of Caribbean paradise on the island of St John, was ranked number one in The World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024.
The water in Turks Bay is 27°C (Picture: Getty Images)
WIN! Business Class flights to Australia
Fly in style to Sydney and discover the very best of New South Wales (Picture: Getty Images)
The winner can choose to fly from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester, to a choice of two Sydney airports: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport or the airline’s newest gateway, Western Sydney International Airport.
Then strike out to explore the riches of this iconic Australian state, from the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains to the wines of the Hunter Valley, breathtaking beaches to sultry rainforest.
Enter by June 15, 2026, and you could be travelling in style to New South Wales with Singapore Airlines.
Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 09:00 on 26/05/2026 and closes at 23:59 on 15/06/2026. Entrant must enter by visiting metro.co.uk/singapore-airlines. One prize of two Singapore Airlines Business Class return tickets is available. One entry per person. Full T&Cs apply.
The list, based on votes from thousands of the world’s most experienced travel experts, looks at criteria including wildlife and surrounding landscape, crowds and how easy it is to access and swim in the water.
Trunk Bay’s location in the Virgin Islands National Park sets it apart from the rest — its soft sand and 27°C waters are unspoiled by commercial activity, and protected from Caribbean tradewinds.
The vibrant reef is a treasure trove for snorkelers, offering the chance to swim among schools of fish and even Leatherback turtles.
How to get there: Fly to St Thomas, the neighbouring island, and take a ferry to St John. Virgin Atlantic runs flights from London Heathrow to St Thomas, changing at New York and travelling onwards with Delta Air Lines.
Known for its dramatic red cliffs and golden sand, reviewers raved about the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the shore.
The Algarve boasts an award-winning coastline (Picture: Getty Images)
There are plenty of equally spectacular stretches of sand nearby too. The sunny Algarve is home to more than 100 beaches, boasts around 200km of coastline and has been named Europe’s best beach destination ten times in a row.
There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in the region – one of the largest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches in Europe – meaning the Algarve is home to some of the cleanest beaches in the world.
How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet fly to Faro, and Praia da Falésia can be reached within a 40-minute drive.
West Beach, Berneray, Scotland
If warm weather isn’t a dealbreaker, this remote UK beach is worth checking out.
It’s one of four UK beaches named on Lonely Planet’s list of the best beaches in Europe, but unlike its fellow nominees Durdle Door (Dorset), Kynance Cove (Cornwall) and Rhossili Bay (the Gower), West Beach is relatively unspoilt by tourists.
West Beach is often mistaken for a more exotic location (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
Located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this stretch of coastline boasts three miles of unbroken white sand – it’s often mistaken for somewhere more exotic.
In 2009, a travel guide accidentally published a picture of Berneray after mistaking it for Thailand’s Kai Bae Beach.
Sunbathing may not be an option, but this dog-friendly beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing walk in a remote setting.
How to get there: The closest airport is Inverness, which is served by easyJet flights. From there, drive to the Isle of Skye and catch the ferry from Uig to Berneray.
Tell us about your favourite beach destination in the comments belowComment Now
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
Those looking for a beach staycation may want to consider this Welsh location, which gained fame as the site of Dobby’s death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
This Welsh beach is best known for being the scene of Dobby’s death in the Harry Potter franchise (Picture: Getty Images)
After paying their respects at Dobby’s grave, visitors can also enjoy surfing and swimming; food and drink vans are on site in the main car park during the summer months.
Other UK beaches mentioned by Beach Atlas include Brighton Beach, West Sands Beach in St Andrews (of Chariots of Fire fame), Durdle Door in Dorset and Birling Gap Beach in East Sussex.
How to get there: The closest major train station is Swansea, where it’s possible to catch a connecting train to Pembroke Dock before hopping on a bus to Freshwater West.
Lucky Bay, Australia
For a beach where warm weather is all but guaranteed, head to Australia’s Lucky Bay, on the south coast of Western Australia.
Boasting temperatures higher than 30°C in the Australian summer, it’s previously held the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list and is regarded as the whitest sand beach in the country.
Kangaroos roam freely at Lucky Bay (Picture: Getty Images)
Visitors to this stretch of sand will feel lucky indeed, as it offers the chance to paddle out into the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, take a scenic flight over bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier or follow the bushwalking tracks of Cape Le Grand National Park.
Plus, there’s the chance to spot one of Lucky Bay’s inquisitive kangaroos, which roam freely along the shores.
How to get there: The closest international airport is Perth. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic fly there from airports around the UK.
Aharen Beach, Japan
If you’re looking for a golden sandy beach that’s lesser known to Western tourists, Japan’s Aharen Beach was recently named among the world’s best.
It sits at number 13 on the 2024 list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Aharen is a lesser-known beach in Japan (Picture: Getty Images)
Found on the Kerama Islands, just off the coast of mainland Japan, Aharen’s colourful waters rival those of the Maldives, and it is also home to soft sand and lush green hills.
A relatively secluded spot, it’s a welcome diversion from busier tourist attractions in the region.
How to get there: Japan Airlines fly to Okinawa from London Heathrow with one stop. Take a ferry from Okinawa to Tokashiki Island, where Aharen Beach is located.
Pasqyra Beach, in the southwest of the country, recently beat out the likes of Bondi Beach and Bora Bora to claim the title of the beach with the world’s bluest sea, in research carried out by travel experts at CV Villas.
Albania’s beaches rival those of the Maldives (Picture: Getty Images)
But as Albania’s shores become increasingly overrun by tourists, those seeking something a little quieter should opt for a trip to Durrës.
Not far from the capital of Tirana, it was recently awarded the title of Europe’s least crowded beach by budget airline Wizz Air.
How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air fly to Tirana. From there, it’s just half an hour by car or public transport to Durrës, or a three and a half hour drive to Pasqyra Beach.
Nissi Beach, Cyprus
If less-crowded beaches are your thing, Nissi Beach also made the list of quieter spots, despite its proximity to party destination Ayia Napa.
Though it’s technically one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, Wizz Air’s research notes that its 600-metre length provides more than enough space for avid beachgoers.
Nissi Beach is one of Cyprus’ tourist hotspots (Picture: Getty Images)
And thanks to the thriving tourism in the area, Nissi Beach offers the chance to try various water sports – including jet skiing and banana boating – while there are plenty of beach bars dotted nearby.
The Nissi Bay Beach Bar is famous among holidaymakers and locals alike for its legendary DJ sets.
How to get there: Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet fly to Paphos in Cyprus from airports across the UK. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Ayia Napa.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland
For something different, a geothermal beach in Iceland has been ranked as one of the world’s most relaxing beaches – despite the water measuring a rather chilly -1.9°C in the cooler months.
This geothermal beach offers a unique experience (Picture: Getty Images)
Head to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach in summer, however, and going for a dip in can be like getting into a warm bath, thanks to an artificial hot spring.
Described by Visit Reykjavík as ‘a little bit of paradise’ that’s widely regarded by locals as ‘our own Ibiza,’ this lesser-known gem offers an escape for beach lovers looking for a unique experience without the hot temperatures.
And if you’re wondering how seawater can be -1.9°C without freezing, the salt content means it has a lower freezing temperature than freshwater, at -2°C.
Therma tourism is still a major trend for 2026, according to insiders, so get to this destination before the crowds do.
How to get there: easyJet and Icelandair fly direct to Reykjavik from Manchester Airport as well as London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.
These nine beaches have received accolades and awards (Picture: Getty Images/Tetra images RF)
Pillow soft sand, rippling azure ocean, a warm breeze caressing your cheeks. Let’s face it, we’re all dreaming of winter sun.
Or maybe you’re already planning your summer holiday, hoping that having a beach break on the horizon will help you through the dismal weeks of January.
Whatever your motivation, there are many benefits to a few days on the beach: fresh air, nature, and space to unwind. Metro has trawled the archive to find nine of the world’s best beaches to inspire your next trip.
From lunar white shores with turquoise water to quiet coves in quaint seaside villages, there’s a beach destination for everyone.
Tell us about your favourite beach destination in the comments belowComment Now
Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay, a slice of Caribbean paradise on the island of St John, was ranked number one in The World’s 50 Best Beaches in 2024.
WIN! Business Class flights to Australia
Fly in style to Sydney and discover the very best of New South Wales (Picture: Getty Images)
The winner can choose to fly from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester, to a choice of two Sydney airports: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport or the airline’s newest gateway, Western Sydney International Airport.
Then strike out to explore the riches of this iconic Australian state, from the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains to the wines of the Hunter Valley, breathtaking beaches to sultry rainforest.
Enter by June 15, 2026, and you could be travelling in style to New South Wales with Singapore Airlines.
Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 09:00 on 26/05/2026 and closes at 23:59 on 15/06/2026. Entrant must enter by visiting metro.co.uk/singapore-airlines. One prize of two Singapore Airlines Business Class return tickets is available. One entry per person. Full T&Cs apply.
The water in Turks Bay is 27°C (Picture: Getty)
The list, based on votes from thousands of the world’s most experienced travel experts, looks at criteria including wildlife and surrounding landscape, crowds and how easy it is to access and swim in the water.
Trunk Bay’s location in the Virgin Islands National Park sets it apart from the rest — its soft sand and 27°C waters are unspoiled by commercial activity, and protected from Caribbean tradewinds.
The vibrant reef is a treasure trove for snorkelers, offering the chance to swim among schools of fish and even Leatherback turtles.
How to get there: Fly to St Thomas, the neighbouring island, and take a ferry to St John. Virgin Atlantic run flights from London Heathrow to St Thomas, changing at New York and travelling onwards with Delta Air Lines.
Known for its dramatic red cliffs and golden sand, reviewers raved about the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the shore.
The Algarve boasts an award-winning coastline (Picture: Getty)
There are plenty of equally spectacular stretches of sand nearby too. The sunny Algarve is home to more than 100 beaches, boasts around 200km of coastline and has been named Europe’s best beach destination ten times in a row.
There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in the region – one of the largest concentrations of Blue Flag beaches in Europe – meaning the Algarve is home to some of the cleanest beaches in the world.
How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair and easyJet fly to Faro, and Praia da Falésia can be reached within a 40-minute drive.
West Beach, Berneray, Scotland
If warm weather isn’t a dealbreaker, this remote UK beach is worth checking out.
It’s one of four UK beaches named on Lonely Planet’s list of the best beaches in Europe, but unlike its fellow nominees Durdle Door (Dorset), Kynance Cove (Cornwall) and Rhossili Bay (the Gower), West Beach is relatively unspoilt by tourists.
West Beach is often mistken for a more exotic location (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)
Located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, this stretch of coastline boasts three miles of unbroken white sand – it’s often mistaken for somewhere more exotic.
In 2009, a travel guide accidentally published a picture of Berneray after mistaking it for Thailand’s Kai Bae Beach.
Sunbathing may not be an option, but this dog-friendly beach is an ideal spot for a relaxing walk in a remote setting.
How to get there: The closest airport is Inverness, which is served by easyJet flights. From there, drive to the Isle of Skye and catch the ferry from Uig to Berneray.
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
Those looking for a beach staycation may want to consider this Welsh location, which gained fame as the site of Dobby’s death in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
This Welsh beach is best known for being the scene of Dobby’s death in the Harry Potter franchise (Picture: Getty)
After paying their respects at Dobby’s grave, visitors can also enjoy surfing and swimming, while food and drink vans can be found in the main car park during the summer months.
Other UK beaches mentioned by Beach Atlas include Brighton Beach, West Sands Beach in St Andrews (of Chariots of Fire fame), Durdle Door in Dorset and Birling Gap Beach in East Sussex.
How to get there: The closest major train station is Swansea, where it’s possible to catch a connecting train to Pembroke Dock before hopping on a bus to Freshwater West.
Lucky Bay, Australia
For a beach where warm weather is all but guaranteed, head to Australia’s Lucky Bay, on the south coast of Western Australia.
Boasting temperatures higher than 30°C in the Australian summer, it’s previously held the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Beaches list and is regarded as the whitest sand beach in the country.
Kangaroos roam freely at Lucky Bay (Picture: Getty)
Visitors to this stretch of sand will feel lucky indeed, as it offers the chance to paddle out into the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, take a scenic flight over bubblegum-pink Lake Hillier or follow the bushwalking tracks of Cape Le Grand National Park.
Plus, there’s the chance to spot one of Lucky Bay’s inquisitive kangaroos, which roam freely along the shores.
How to get there: The closest international airport is Perth. Emirates and Virgin Atlantic fly there from airports around the UK.
Aharen Beach, Japan
If you’re looking for a golden sandy beach that’s lesser known to Western tourists, Japan’s Aharen Beach was recently named among the world’s best.
It sits at number 13 on the 2024 list of The World’s 50 Best Beaches.
Aharen is a lesser-known beach in Japan (Picture: Getty)
Found on the Kerama Islands, just off the coast of mainland Japan, Aharen’s colourful waters rival those of the Maldives, and it is also home to soft sand and lush green hills.
A relatively secluded spot, it’s a welcome diversion from busier tourist attractions in the region.
How to get there: Japan Airlines fly to Okinawa from London Heathrow with one stop. Take a ferry from Okinawa to Tokashiki Island, where Aharen Beach is located.
Pasqyra Beach, in the southwest of the country, recently beat out the likes of Bondi Beach and Bora Bora to claim the title of the beach with the world’s bluest sea, in research carried out by travel experts at CV Villas.
Albania’s beaches rival those of the Maldives (Picture: Getty)
But as Albania’s shores become increasingly overrun by tourists, those seeking something a little quieter should opt for a trip to Durrës.
Not far from the capital of Tirana, it was recently awarded the title of Europe’s least crowded beach by budget airline Wizz Air.
How to get there: Budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air fly to Tirana. From there, it’s just half an hour by car or public transport to Durrës, or a three and a half hour drive to Pasqyra Beach.
Nissi Beach, Cyprus
If less-crowded beaches are your thing, Nissi Beach also made the list of quieter spots, despite its proximity to party destination Ayia Napa.
Though it’s technically one of Cyprus’s most popular beaches, Wizz Air’s research notes that its 600-metre length provides more than enough space for avid beachgoers.
Nissi Beach is one of Cyprus’ tourist hotspots (Picture: Getty)
And thanks to the thriving tourism in the area, Nissi Beach offers the chance to try various water sports – including jet skiing and banana boating – while there are plenty of beach bars dotted nearby.
The Nissi Bay Beach Bar is famous among holidaymakers and locals alike for its legendary DJ sets.
How to get there: Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet fly to Paphos in Cyprus from airports across the UK. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to Ayia Napa.
Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, Iceland
For something different, a geothermal beach in Iceland has been ranked as one of the world’s most relaxing beaches – despite the water measuring a rather chilly -1.9°C in the cooler months.
This geothermal beach offers a unique experience (Picture: Getty)
Head to Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach in summer, however, and going for a dip in can be like getting into a warm bath, thanks to an artificial hot spring.
Described by Visit Reykjavík as ‘a little bit of paradise’ that’s widely regarded by locals as ‘our own Ibiza,’ this lesser-known gem offers an escape for beach lovers looking for a unique experience without the hot temperatures.
And if you’re wondering how seawater can be -1.9°C without freezing, the salt content means it has a lower freezing temperature than freshwater, at -2°C.
Therma tourism is one of the hottest travel trends of 2025, according to insiders, so get to this destination before the crowds do.
How to get there: easyJet and Icelandair fly direct to Reykjavik from Manchester Airport as well as London Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow.
This beach in Portugal beat the Caribbean, Seychelles and Hawaii (Picture: Getty Images)
The best beach in the world has been crowned by Tripadvisor – and it’s under three hours away from London.
Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal has finished in first place at the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, ahead of stunning locations in the Caribbean, Australia and the Seychelles.
In fact the top three are all in Europe, with Spiaggia dei Conigli in Sicily and La Concha Beach in Spain taking second and third respectively. The highest Caribbean entry was Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos which came in at number five.
Though the UK failed to make the top 10 overall, we did win an award for having the most sustainable beach in the world. Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset, got a special mention from the judges for its commitments to sustainability, including eco-friendly transport options, waste disposal and water quality.
Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset gets a shout out for sustainability (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The popular travel guidance platform analysed ‘tens of millions’ of reviews submitted by travellers over the past 12 months, looking particularly at the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences.
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Portugal’s Praia da Falésia is known for its dramatic red, sandy cliffs and golden sand. Reviewers who have been lucky enough to visit loved walking along the soft, powdery sand while admiring the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are thousands of gushing reviews for the beach. A Tripadvisor user known as Waddler said of the location: ‘It reminded me of some remote beaches I’d been to in Western Australia, but here it has resorts around so is much more easily accessed.’
The gorgeous red cliffs at Praia da Falésia (Picture: Getty Images)
Another visitor, @grillo84BS, wrote about the walk they enjoyed from the beach Praia Maria Luisa towards Vilamoura, with Praia da Falésia being located in between both. ‘The colours of the cliffs are spectacular and you almost don’t realise how many kilometres you have travelled,’ they said about the award winning beach. ‘Highly recommended for those who love these scenarios.’
Meanwhile, @GlobetrottingViking said: ‘The red-coloured cliffs were magnificent and it was amusing to see the playful birds, like Ruddy Turnstones, Yellow-legged Gulls and a solitary Kestrel along the beach.’
Although the beach is often showered with praise, one criticism from reviewers is that it isn’t the most accessible place for those with mobility issues. Tripadvisor user @Steve_of_N21 commented: ‘Both the entry points at the Albufeira Surf Adventure and the Algarve Gardens Sports Resort involve steps, especially at the surf adventure where the wooden staircase down to the beach is an impressive piece of mechanical engineering.
‘Also Praia da Falésia is not blessed with facilities, with the Strandbar Alfamar at the Garden Sports entrance being about it.’
Top 10 beaches in the world for 2024
Praia da Falésia- Algarve, Portugal
Spiaggia dei Conigli – Sicily, Italy
La Concha Beach, Basque Country, Spain
Ka’anapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii
Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Eagle Beach- Aruba, Caribbean
Siesta Beach, Florida, US
Varadero Beach – Cuba, Caribbean
How much do flights from England to Faro cost?
There are cheap flights to Faro Airport (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The nearest airport to Praia da Falésiais Faro, which is a 40-minute drive away by car. Comboios De Portugal runs a train service from Estação Ferroviária de Lisboa Oriente (a major public transport stop) between Albufeira and Ferreiras five times a day. Tickets are typically priced between £14-£20 and the journey takes two hours and 36 minutes according to Rome2Rio.
You can currently book a plane ticket from London Luton Airport to Faro for £58 with Ryanair.
Other airlines that fly direct to Faro include Jet2, easyJet and British Airways, with flights priced between £108-£151. The non-stop flights usually last for around two hours and 50-55 minutes.
What is the weather like in the Algarve and when should you visit?
The boardwalk leading to Praia da Falésia beach (Picture: Getty Images)
The Algarve is a top choice among travellers seeking warmth and sun even during the winter months. The Olhos de Agua region, where you’ll find Praia da Falésia has a Mediterranean climate, with long hot summers and relatively short winters.
For the most heat, the best time to visit is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July, which has an average high of 30°C and an average low of 22°c°.
February is the coldest month of the year, but you would still be able to wear a t-shirt outdoors. During the second month of the year, the average high is 16°C and an average low of 10°C.
What are the top things to do and where should you stay at Praia da Falésia?
The nearby Maria Luisa beach with rock formation in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal. (Picture: Getty Images)
The beach is also listed number one for things to do in the Olhos de Agua region on Tripadvisor, however that doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire trip sunbathing (even though that does sound ideal).
For a shopping spree, visit Albufeira’s old town – Avenida Dr Francisco Sa Carneiro – for souvenirs and clothes. You can also find an open-air mall with the easy to remember name Algarve Shopping, where you can buy anything from pottery to a new outfit, as well as local bars and restaurants, like Planet Fusion, The Three Harps and Symbiosis.
For tapas and booze, you can head to Fabio’s RoadStop, Platinum and Metrópole.
But let’s face it, the beach is an attraction itself and visitors can actually walk or hike from Praia Maria Luisa towards Vilamoura and pass through Praia da Falésia.
The west side of the award-winning beach is where you’ll find the high red cliffs. This part is also referred to as Açoteias and a highly rated hotel in this era is the Epic Sana Algarve Beach Hotel.
The east side of Praia da Falésia, towards Vilamoura, is referred to as Alfamar because of the nearby Alfamar Beach & Sport Resort. The lower parts of the cliffs can be found here, along with shallow waters where activities like paragliding, diving and surfing take place.
This beach in Portugal beat the Caribbean, Seychelles and Hawaii (Picture: Getty Images)
The best beach in the world has been crowned by Tripadvisor and it’s under three hours away from London.
Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal has finished in first place at the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024, ahead of stunning locations in the Caribbean, Australia and the Seychelles.
In fact the top three are all in Europe, with Spiaggia dei Conigli in Sicily and La Concha Beach in Spain taking second and third respectively. The highest Caribbean entry is Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos.
Though the UK failed to make the top 10 overall, we did win an award for having the most sustainable beach in the world. Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset, got a special mention from the judges for its commitments to sustainability, including sustainable transport options, waste disposal and water quality.
Sandbanks Beach in Poole, Dorset gets a shout out for sustainability (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The popular travel guidance platform analysed ‘tens of millions’ of reviews submitted by travellers over the past 12 months, looking particularly at the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences.
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Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher
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Portugal’s Praia da Falésia is known for its dramatic red, sandy cliffs and golden sand. Reviewers who have been lucky enough to visit loved walking along the soft, powdery sand while admiring the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
There are thousands of gushing reviews for the beach. A Tripadvisor user known only as Waddler called the location: ‘It reminded me of some remote beaches I’d been to in Western Australia, but here it has resorts around so is much more easily accessed.’
The gorgeous red cliffs at Praia da Falésia (Picture: Getty Images)
Another visitor, known as @grillo84BS on the site, wrote about the walk they enjoyed from the beach Praia Maria Luisa towards Vilamoura, with Praia da Falésia being located in between both. ‘The colours of the cliffs are spectacular and you almost don’t realise how many kilometres you have travelled,’ they shared about the award winning beach. ‘Highly recommended for those who love these scenarios.’
And a Tripadvisor account holder called @GlobetrottingViking said they visited the beach in mid-November when it wasn’t very busy. ‘The red-coloured cliffs were magnificent and it was amusing to see the playful birds, like Ruddy Turnstones, Yellow-legged Gulls and a solitary Kestrel along the beach.’
Although the beach is often showered with praise, one criticism from reviewers is that it isn’t the most accessible place for those with mobility issues. Tripadvisor reviewer @Steve_of_N21 shared: ‘Both the entry points at the Albufeira Surf Adventure and the Algarve Gardens Sports Resort involve steps, especially at the surf adventure where the wooden staircase down to the beach is an impressive piece of mechanical engineering.
‘Also Praia da Falésia is not blessed with facilities, with the Strandbar Alfamar at the Garden Sports entrance being about it.’
Top 10 beaches in the world for 2024
Praia da Falésia- Algarve, Portugal
Spiaggia dei Conigli – Sicily, Italy
La Concha Beach, Basque Country, Spain
Ka’anapali Beach – Maui, Hawaii
Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos, Caribbean
Anse Lazio, Seychelles
Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Eagle Beach- Aruba, Caribbean
Siesta Beach, Florida, US
Varadero Beach – Cuba, Caribbean
How much do flights from England to Faro cost?
There are cheap flights to Faro Airport (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The nearest airport is Faro, which is a 40-minute drive away by car. Comboios De Portugal runs a train service from Estação Ferroviária de Lisboa Oriente (a major public transport stop) between Albufeira and Ferreiras five times a day. Tickets are typically priced between £14-£20 and the journey takes two hours and 36 minutes according to Rome2Rio.
You can currently book a plane ticket from London Luton Airport to Faro for £58 with Ryanair.
Other airlines that fly direct to Faro include Jet2, easyJet and British Airways, with flights priced between £108-£151. The non-stop flights usually last for around two hours and 50-55 minutes.
What is the weather like in the Algarve and when should you visit?
The boardwalk leading to Praia da Falésia beach (Picture: Getty Images)
The Algarve is a top choice among travellers seeking warmth and sun even during the winter months. The Olhos de Agua region, where you’ll find Praia da Falésia has a Mediterranean climate, with long hot summers and relatively short winters.
For the most heat, the best time to visit is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July, which has an average high of 30°C and an average low of 22°c°.
February is the coldest month of the year, but you would still be able to wear a t-shirt outdoors. During the second month of the year, the average high is 16°C and an average low of 10°C.
What are the top things to do and where should you stay at Praia da Falésia?
The nearby Maria Luisa beach with rock formation in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal. (Picture: Getty Images)
The beach is also listed number one for things to do in the Olhos de Agua region on Tripadvisor, however that doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire trip sunbathing (even though that does sound ideal).
For a shopping spree, visit Albufeira’s old town – Avenida Dr Francisco Sa Carneiro – for souvenirs and clothes. You can also find an open-air mall with the easy to remember name Algarve Shopping, where you can buy anything from pottery to a new outfit, as well as local bars and restaurants, like Planet Fusion, The Three Harps and Symbiosis.
For tapas and booze, you can head to Fabio’s RoadStop, Platinum and Metrópole.
But let’s face it, the beach is an attraction itself and visitors can actually walk or hike from Praia Maria Luisa towards Vilamoura and pass through Praia da Falésia.
The west side of the award-winning beach is where you’ll find the high red cliffs. This part is also referred to as Açoteias and a highly rated hotel in this era is the Epic Sana Algarve Beach Hotel.
The east side of Praia da Falésia, towards Vilamoura, is referred to as Alfamar because of the nearby Alfamar Beach & Sport Resort. The lower parts of the cliffs can be found here, along with shallow waters where activities like paragliding, diving and surfing take place.
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