TOP 5 best beaches in the world and paradises according to Lonely Planet

Fascinated by the sunshine and the sound of the surf, we often seek new emotions in the most remote corners of our planet. In the book "The Best Beaches in the World", Lonely Planet researchers reveal a list of the most fascinating beaches in the world.

This list includes the most interesting bays for recreation, which were carefully selected among readers. The article of the publication describes which places took 5 positions in this rating.

1. Byron Bay Beach, New South Wales, Australia

The place in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia is not just a beach, it is a real surfer's paradise. It is located at the eastern point of mainland Australia and attracts both professionals and beginners with its ideal surfing conditions. The history of the area is preserved in the diversity of cultural influences, from Aborigines to koalas and turkeys that can be found in the subtropical forest.

You will be able to walk around and enjoy the nature and beauty of the area. As you stroll along the Palm Valley Currenbah Track or meander near the Cape Byron loop, you will be amazed by the views and the crystal clear waters.

It should be noted that this beach is accessible to visitors even in wheelchairs. It is located 20 minutes from the center of Byron.

2. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ipanema Beach in Rio stretches for 1.9 miles and is located in the south of the city. It is very popular among young people. They like to use the numbered lifeguard chairs as different signposts for their beach area. For example, Posto 9, located near Rua Vinícius de Moraes, serves as a favorite spot for the fashionable crowd, attracting both the young and the attractive, as well as artists and bohemians. Praia Farme, located opposite Rua Farme de Amoedo, is a gathering place for the gay community. Posto 8 is a place where children from the favelas gather. Between Ipanema and Copacabana, Posto 7 is known among surfers, and Posto 10 is a place to play volleyball, soccer, and footvolley.

To get to the beach, look for Av Vieira Souto, and the nearest metro station in this paradise of Brazil is General Osório.

3. Ao Maya, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Thailand

Ao Maya is a crystal-clear corner of the beach hidden among limestone cliffs. It is 49 feet wide and 820 feet long and is ranked third among the best beaches in the world.

This natural masterpiece attracted the interest of director Danny Boyle, who chose its turquoise waters and white sand as the backdrop for the 2000 movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. After the movie's release, the number of tourists visiting Ao Maya increased to about 6,000 people daily. However, the large influx of people led to the accumulation of garbage, damage to vegetation and corals, and the destruction of the natural environment. This forced Thai officials to close the bay in 2018, and the beach remained inaccessible until 2022 when it was restored, infrastructure was improved, and new rules were introduced to regulate tourist activities, banning swimming, limiting the number of visitors, and restricting boat access in the bay.

Although access is restricted, a trip to this extraordinary paradise is still worth the effort to enjoy the natural beauty that was almost lost. To get here, you can take a sightseeing boat from the neighboring island of Koh Phi Phi Don or use a speedboat from Phuket or Krabi.

4. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

This gorgeous white sand beach on Mnemba Island is only available to guests of the 23-bed andBeyond resort and looks like your own. Here you can enjoy long walks and dive into some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots.

In terms of transportation, the cost of staying at the resort includes a transfer from Stone Town or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Unguja Island, Zanzibar. After that, you will have a short boat ride to Mnemba Island.

5. Sarakiniko, Milos Cyclades, Greece

Sarakiniko is located 1.9 miles north of Adamas port, on the northernmost coast of the island of Milos. Known as one of the favorite beaches in Greece, Sarakiniko can be crowded with tourists, especially during the high season. To avoid the crowds, visit in September and October. If you do decide to come here during the peak tourist season, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning when you will only hear the sound of the wind and the crashing waves. If possible, plan your trip so that you can enjoy the sunset - it's a breathtaking sight when the alabaster rocks reflect the fiery hue of the sun.

Centuries of wave and wind erosion have shaped the rocks on the beach, which create incredible caves to explore and alabaster formations perfect for diving into the water or relaxing in the sun.

During the summer months, there are several daily bus routes from Adamas heading to this beach. Also, if you have a scooter, car, or ATV, you can use the parking lot that is available close to the beach access point. In terms of air transportation, Milos Airport has domestic flights to and from Athens, as well as ferries that run from Piraeus port in Athens and other islands such as Santorini.

TOP-20 best beaches in the world:

1. The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

2. Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

3. Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand

4. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

5. Sarakiniko, Milos Cyclades, Greece

6. Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

7. Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Colombia

8. Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

9. Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico

10. Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain

11. Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia

12. West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland

13. Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland

14. Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

15. Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark

16. Keem Bay Beach, Keel, County Mayo, Ireland

17. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

18. Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI, Canada

19. Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India

20. Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines