December has only just begun and were already dreaming of beach holidays in the sun.
But, where to go to for the best golden sand and glittering seas?
With the help of information from more than 1,200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies, Flight Network has ranked the worlds 50 best beaches – and each is a sight to behold.
This years winner is Navagio Beach in Greece, on the island of Zakynthos, known for the shipwreck found on its shores. Runner up is Whitehaven Beach on the popular Whitsunday island, Australia, followed by El Nido in the Philippines.
Out of the remaining beaches, sadly only one is located in the UK; more specifically Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, which came in at number 41 on the list.
The beach can be found on the north coast, near Bushmills, and has 40,000 basalt columns – a result of a volcanic eruption.
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Navagio Beach, Greece
Only accessible by sea, this serene spot has been crowned the winner for the serene calmness of its remote location, sand and water quality. It also sees an average of 275 sunny days per year.
Its something out of a dream, said journalist Erin Miller.
The crystal clear waters lap against this small beach with the bones of an old ship rusting away in the sand. Its quite literally a once-in-a-lifetime kind of beach.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Found on Whitsunday Island, which is actually one of 74 in a cluster of islands, off the coast of Queensland. This one sees 292 days of sunshine, and the beach be reached via boat or plane.
El Nido, Philippines
Also known as Hidden Beach, El Nido can be found on the island of Palawan. Of the top three, it has a more exotic feel, surrounded by cliffs and palm trees.
The wild, vegetation-covered rock formations and crystal clear waters of Hidden Beach will make you feel as if youve been dropped into a movie, said travel industry expert Sachin Aggarwal.
Praia do Sancho, Brazil
Hidden away off the coast of Brazil, on the small island of Fernando de Noronha, you can only reach this gem by climbing down a shaky ladder.
Tulum Beach, Mexico
Described as an idylllic, serene getaway with white sands and bright teal waters.
Works for us.
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Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Found in the archipelago that is Turks and Caicos, a popular destination with celebrities. The beach itself is on the island of Providenciales, and sees almost year-round sunshine (319 days).
From its pure white sand to rich blue water, this beach is absolutely flawless. I cannot imagine a location more picturesque than this, said blogger Stuart Brown.
Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
Technically, this Caribbean sanctuary is British Overseas Territory, and located a hop, skip and a jump from the capital of George Town.
Anse Source dArgent, Seychelles
Only accessible by boat, surrounded by rock formations.
I am still dreaming of this beach 25 years after spending a day in the shade of the coconut palms on this private stretch of white sand, said author Alexander Lobrano.
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Maya Beach, Thailand
You probably saw Leonardo Dicaprio lounging on this beach in The Beach. Located on Phi Phi island, its temporarily closed now, so that the coral can recover.
Varadero Beach, Cuba
Finally, its Varadero Beach.
Its not as remote as some of the others, but scores nine out of 10 for is sand and water quality.
Varadero has everything youd want out of a dream beach vacation; Cuban culture, flawless nature and relaxing amenities. I cannot wait to go back, said blogger Shea Powell.
The 50 best beaches in the world in 2018
1. Navagio Beach, Greece
2. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
3. El Nido Beach, Philippines
4. Praia do Sancho, Brazil
5. Tulum Beach, Mexico
6. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
7. Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
8. Anse Source DArgent, Seychelles
9. Maya Bay, Thailand
10. Varadero Beach, Cuba
11. Diani Beach, Kenya
12. Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas
13. Anse Lazio, Seychelles
14. Railay Beach, Thailand
15. Playa Norte, Mexico
16. Noetzie Beach, South Africa
17. Balandra Beach, Mexico
18. Reynisfjara Beach, Iceland
19. Honokalani Beach, USA
20. Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
21. Coffee Bay, South Africa
22. Platja de Formentor, Spain
23. Lanikai Beach, USA
24. Malmok Beach, Aruba
25. Matira Beach, Bora Bora
26. Radhanagar Beach, India
27. Isla Holbox, Mexico
28. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
29. Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica
30. Blinky Beach, Australia
31. Long Beach, Canada
32. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa
33. Hyams Beach, Australia
34. Cable Beach, Australia
35. Lucky Bay, Australia
36. Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
37. Flamenco Beach, Puerto Rico
38. Honopu Beach, USA
39. Bowmans Beach, USA
40. Comporta Beach, Portugal
41. Giants Causeway, UK
42. Calanque de Sugiton, France
43. Bai Khem Beach, Vietnam
44. Wineglass Bay, Australia
45. Laguna Beach, USA
46. Pianemo, Indonesia
47. Ngapali Beach, Myanmar
48. Grand Anse, Grenada
49. Bathsheba beach, Barbados
50. Cannon Beach, USA
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