Revealed: The world's best beaches, from stretches of pink sand in Greece to Thai hideaways reached only by boat - plus how you can stay nearby from just £50 a night

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreFrom the sun-soaked shores of Italy to the turquoise waters of Sri Lanka, the world’s best beaches have been revealed.Conde Nast Traveller has unveiled its highly anticipated Readers’ Choice Awards, showcasing the beaches that have captured the hearts of travellers across Europe, Asia and the Americas.And there are plenty of stunning spots closer to home, from sweeping stretches of golden sand to secluded coves with crystal-clear waters.Whether you’re looking to make the most of October’s surprisingly mild weather or dreaming of escaping abroad for some winter sun, there’s no shortage of tempting destinations to choose from.Here is the pick of beaches worth putting on your travel list, from famous favourites to lesser-known gems – along with hotels nearby for an easy stay…Europe1. Sperlonga, Italy Taking the winning spot in Europe is much-loved Sperlonga in ItalySperlonga in Italy takes the crown, a coastal gem in the province of Latina, about halfway between Rome and Naples.It's a budget-friendly option, with Ryanair flights starting from just £39 to Rome, home to one of the nearest airports.Equally delightful is the old town, a jumble of tall whitewashed buildings interwoven with narrow streets, which every so often reveal unexpected glimpses of the strikingly blue Tyrrhenian Sea.2. Blue Lagoon, Malta In second place, scooping up the silver award, is Malta's Blue LagoonMalta's Blue Lagoon, on the west coast of the island of Comino, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and dazzling colours.It is so picturesque that it has starred in many films, such as 2004's Troy starring Brad Pitt and pirate adventure film Cutthroat Island (1995).To get there, a day trip is best as you'll find better accommodation on the mainland or Gozo. A short 25-minute ferry ride will deposit you at the magical spot.3. Patara Beach, Turkey Taking the bronze medal in third place is Patara Beach, TurkeyPatara – one of Turkey's most spectacular beaches – is also one of the longest natural shorelines in Europe.The ancient city of Patara charms visitors with its 2,000-year-old theatre and parliament building, too.Much of the city of Patara remains buried in sand, making it a delightful addition to a holiday itinerary for curious tourists.4. Praia da Falésia, Portugal In fourth place is the famously red-hued Praia da Falésia in PortugalWith its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, Praia da Falésia is next up on the list.Stretching for more than six kilometres, it's especially good for hikers and walkers, with magnificent views.One happy visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: 'A unique beach that deserves a visit. Very nice colors, the cliffs are mesmerising and the ocean very clean. A must in the Algarve, a favourite!'5. Falassarna Beach, Greece Rounding out the top five in Europe is Falassarna Beach, GreeceFalassarna Beach on the island of Crete in Greece is fifth in the European ranking.Pink-tinged sands make it stand out, as well as its amazing sunsets – it's worth timing your visit to catch one.'Falassarna is definitely the most beautiful beach in all of Crete! We spent an amazing day here,' one Tripadvisor review read.UK and Ireland1. Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey, Wales The winning spot in the UK is Llanddwyn Beach in Anglesey, WalesLlanddwyn Island, off the coast of Anglesey, is home to an expansive, dune-backed beach, ranked as one of the best in the UK.It offers views of Eryri National Park, Caernarfon and Llyn Peninsula and is located near the famous Twr Mawr Lighthouse.Llanddwyn was home to the Celtic patron saint of love, St Dwynwen – so perhaps it's a great pick for couples seeking to turn up the dial on romance?2. Ballyheigue, County Kerry Next up is an Ireland spot that's a favourite among walkers and surfers: BallyheigueBallyheigue is a stretch of sandy beach in County Kerry, perfect for swimming, surfing and walking – and is the highest-ranked beach in Ireland.One visitor noted: 'Absolutely heavenly, the most beautiful beach in Ireland. Not crowded, safe, beautiful soft white-ish sand and views of the mountains with breathtaking sunsets.'The locals are friendly and everything a person could want is here. Hopefully it doesn’t get too crowded with tourists in the future.'3. Camusdarach Beach, West Highlands, Scotland Cinema-famous Camusdarach Beach is located in the West Highlands, ScotlandWho needs international travel when you can take a beautiful walk on one of the many incredible beaches in the UK, such as Camusdarach Beach?The destination served as the backdrop for 1983 classic film Local Hero, thanks to it white sands.'What a lovely beach this is! I've been here midsummer and midwinter, and it's truly beautiful every time,' one visitor wrote on Google reviews.4. Perranporth Beach, St Agnes, Cornwall, England Up next is Perranporth Beach in St Agnes, CornwallThis three-mile stretch of sand in Cornwall is well known for its golden hues, tidal range and top-tier surfing conditions.It is also home to The Watering Hole, the UK's only live music bar on the beach.Visit Chapel Rock while you're there, a landmark with a natural tidal swimming pool that fills up during high tide.5. Barleycove, County Cork Joining the list is another Irish beach, Barleycove in County CorkBarleycove is a bay and beach in County Cork, on the south coast of Ireland, with brilliant views of sand dunes.There's on-site parking for convenience, and a clean, quiet ambience.One visitor called it 'Ireland's southern gem', while another said it has 'fabulous views'.Asia1. Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka Looking to catch some waves? Head to Arugam Bay Beach in Sri LankaSurfing is the main selling point of Arugam Bay Beach, a Sri Lankan spot that lures in tourists with its bohemian vibes and relaxed atmosphere.Beach shacks, cafes and yoga studios line the shores, while adventurous types can hike up to the scenic viewpoint of Elephant Rock.One tourist wrote: 'If you are coming to Sri Lanka for surfing, Arugam Bay is an absolute vibe. I stayed here for about a week during the peak season and honestly the right-hand point breaks here are chef's kiss.'Main Point is proper if you want to catch solid set waves but if you want slightly more relaxed line-ups without getting completely wiped out, head up to Whiskey Point.'2. Railay Beach, Thailand The out-of-this-world coastline at Railay Beach in Thailand is an unsurprising additionRenowned for its towering limestone cliffs, Railay is a frequent feature in travel reels on social media.To add to the drama, the beach is accessible only by boat, the cliffs behind it being too steep and crevasse-ridden for road-building.It’s reached by paths that run through jungle from East Railay, where boats from Krabi dock.3. Coral Beach, Pangkor Island, Perak, Malaysia Coral Beach is up next, located on Pangkor Island, Perak, MalaysiaCoral Beach is one of the best beaches in Pangkor Island in Malaysia, and is next up on the list.Pangkor Island has a fascinating history as a refuge for fishermen and then a colonial outpost, and you can visit the central 17th-century Dutch fort built by the Dutch East India Company.The beach is best at sunset, but can be enjoyed throughout the day.4. Boracay, Philippines Boracay in the Philippines is a favourite among couples on their honeymoonThe holiday hotspot of Boracay Island, located in the Philippines, is up next. The resort island is known for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife.One visitor remarked: 'A beautiful island in the Philippines. The ocean is beautiful and the beach has white sand. The nightlife is rocking. People are very well mannered and tourist-friendly.'5. Nusa Dua Beach, Indonesia Nusa Dua Beach in Bali rounds out the top five best beaches in AsiaUpmarket Nusa Dua Beach in Bali is a luxury resort enclave that is notably safe, with great sands and waves.Visitors rave about how well-maintained the beach is, with a polished, clean look and stress-free experience.'Nusa Dua Beach at sunrise is a masterclass in coastal serenity. It forces you to slow down and just take in the natural beauty of the island before the heat of the day sets in,' one visitor advised.Americas 1. Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, US Hawaii's Hanauma Bay is up next on the complete list of best beachesHawaii's Hanauma Bay, nestled on the southeastern shore of Oahu, has some of the state's calmest waters, most pristine beaches and world-renowned snorkelling.The picturesque nature reserve is filled with clear, turquoise water and coral reefs that teem with colourful fish.It's against the law to mistreat any marine life in the bay, and visitors are not allowed to touch or walk on the coral reefs.2. Tulum Beach, Quintana Roo, Mexico Looking for a romantic getaway? Try a break in Tulum Beach, Quintana Roo, MexicoTulum Beach's six-mile stretch of sand attracts chic crowds thanks to its bohemian atmosphere.Expect hotels with thatched roofs, plenty of hip restaurants and bars and an array of boutiques to shop in.Fancy keeping fit on your holiday? Head to Tulum Jungle Gym, an outdoor gym with equipment made from wood, bamboo and stone.3. Clearwater Beach, Florida, US Clearwater Beach in Florida has a popular built-up coastlineOffering powdery white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Clearwater provides access to water activities such as parasailing and dolphin-watching.If you want to relax, it's great for that too, and it's located near the Clearwater Aquarium, if you're looking to mix up the beachy fun.Clearwater Beach was also ranked among the top 15 international white sand beaches for 2025 by Travel + Leisure.4. Gulf Shores Public Beach, Alabama, US Joining the ranking is Gulf Shores Public Beach in AlabamaGulf Shores Public Beach in Alabama is next up on the list, with sparkling sands and a range of great restaurants to try.The family-friendly beach is also famous for its turtles, which nest from May to October and come ashore to lay eggs.A visitor wrote: 'Gulf Shores Public Beach is simply beautiful. The first thing that stands out is the stunning white sand, which gives the beach a unique appearance that is not easy to find in many places.'5. Playa Balandra, Baja California, Mexico Rounding out the list is Playa Balandra in Baja California, MexicoDescribed as an 'off-the-beaten path gem', Playa Balandra in Baja California Sur, Mexico, remains relatively untouched because of local restrictions that manage the number of visitors and amount of development in the area.As a result, the natural beach offers a tranquil escape.The area is home to a mushroom-shaped rock formation, called El Hongo, and there are seven beaches in the bay to enjoy.To see the full list, head to Conde Nast Traveller.