A surfer's paradise with pink sand located in Australia is, according to Lonely Planet, the best beach in the world. At the easternmost point of mainland Australia, in Byron Bay, The Pass beach is suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Greece of course also featured in the Lonely Planet list of best beaches.
In 5th place is a Greek beach
In 5th place on Lonely Planet's list of the best beaches is Sarakiniko in Milos, with the magazine writing that the spectacular view from the volcanic rocks and cool waters compensate those who will need to carry their own supplies to this beach.
“Centuries of wave-and-wind erosion made the rock formations at the beach dip and arch, creating caves to explore and alabaster cliffs to jump off. Sunbathe on the rocks or use them as your access point to slip into the water for some snorkeling,” the magazine continues.
For those who want to avoid the crowds, Lonely Planet recommends visiting Sarakiniko in September or October. And in high season, it is better to arrive early in the morning, when the only sound is the wind and the waves.
"If you can, check back in at sunset – it’s quite a sight as the alabaster-colored rocks glow against the fiery hues from the setting sun," Lonely Planet adds.
Getting there Sarakiniko is 1.9 miles (3km) north of Adamas port, on Milos’ northernmost coast. Several daily buses run here from Adamas during summer months and there’s parking for anyone arriving by scooter, car, or ATV.
Milos airport has domestic flights to and from Athens, or you can also reach Milos by ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port (2½ to 6½ hours) as well as other islands such as Santorini (two hours).
Lonely Planet's list of the 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, 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, India
20. Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
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