Beaches can be found in numerous popular holiday locations all over the world.
But the quality of these stretches of sand can vary hugely from destination to destination.
Travel site FlightNetwork has done the hard work of identifying the best beaches in the world.
The research considered the opinion of 1,200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies and scored the beaches on sheer untouched beauty, remoteness and quality of the sand and water.
From Greek islands to the shores of the Caribbean, they’ve identified the top 10 spots.
1. Shipwreck Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Scoring a 10 out of 10 on sheer untouched beauty, Shipwreck Beach – also known as Navagio Beach is just 50 minutes from Zakynthos International Airport in Greece.
It’s located in a secluded cove, is surrounded by towering golden cliffs and boasts turquoise water. There’s also a shipwreck to explore. It scored eight out of 10 for both remoteness and sand and water quality.
2. Whitehaven Beach, Queensland, Australia
Although in second place, this beautiful spot on Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands in Australia garnered a 10 out of 10 for both sheer untouched beauty and remoteness. It received a nine out of 10 for sand and water quality.
The bright white beach – backed by tropical forest – is only accessible by helicopter or seaplane and benefits from 290 days of sunshine a year with an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius.
3. Hidden Beach, Philippines
Hidden Beach is home to iconic protruding limestone cliffs, a turquoise blue lagoon, spectacular reefs and palm-lined shores, said FlightNetwork.
It got a nine out of 10 for sheer untouched beauty, seven out of 10 for remoteness and eight out of 10 for sand and water quality.
4. Praia do Sancho, Pernambuco, Brazil
This remote beach is on the small island of Fernando de Noronha — about an hour off the coast of Brazil. It’s consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the world.
It’s pretty hard to reach, though, and requires a hike, a climb down a dark narrow tunnel and a descent down steep stairs. You’ll also need to pay to access as it’s located in a national park.
It’s worth it for the golden sands and bright blue water, however. It scored a 10 out of 10 in all categories.
5. Tulum Beach, Mexico
This popular beach has white sands and bright teal waters, as well as offering bohemian-style restaurants and accommodation for easy access.
It scored nine of 10 for sheer untouched beauty, eight out of 10 for remoteness and 10 out of 10 for sand and water quality.
6. Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
This famous beach boasts a rainbow-coloured reef just off the shore and is home to thousands of sea creatures. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Plus, it has sun 319 days of the year.
Grace Bay won 10 out of 10 for sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality and scores eight out of 10 for remoteness.
7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
This seemingly endless beach features palm trees and turquoise water. Shops, restaurants and bars are also nearby.
It won eight out of 10 for both sheer untouched quality and sand and water quality. It got seven out of 10 for remoteness.
8. Anse Source D’Argent, Seychelles
This beach in the Indian Ocean is the most photographed beach in the world. The intense hues of the boulder-adorned spot are best at sunset.
It scored 10 out of 10 for sheer untouched beauty and sand and water quality. It ranked nine out of 10 for remoteness.
9. Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Bay – an iconic cove surrounded by cliffs – was made famous in the film The Beach starring Leonardo Di Caprio.
Only accessible by boat, it scored an eight out 10 for sheer untouched beauty, nine out of 10 for remoteness and 10 out of 10 for sand and water quality.
However, the beauty spot has now unfortunately been closed indefinitely following tourist damage, so you will have to wait for a visit.
10. Varadero Beach, Cuba
Varadero Beach boasts fine, white sand, blue water and stunning waves. World-class hotels also border the beach, promising utter luxury and relaxation.
It scored eight out 10 for sheer untouched beauty, seven out of 10 for remoteness and nine out of 10 for sand and water quality.
READ MORE: THE WORLD’S BEST BEACHES FOR 2018
