Question of the Week • Which Are The Worlds Best Beaches?

The Worlds Highest Rated Beaches?

The world’s top ten best-rated beaches often feature a mix of locations, with recent lists highlighting Elafonissi Beach (Greece), Banana Beach (Thailand), Eagle Beach (Aruba), and Siesta Beach (USA) as top contenders. Other commonly cited beaches include Praia da Falésia (Portugal), Playa Varadero (Cuba), Bavaro Beach (Dominican Republic), Playa de Muro (Spain), Kelingking Beach (Indonesia), and Myrtos Beach (Greece).

There is no single list of the world’s most popular beaches, but consistently high-ranking beaches include Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos), Siesta Key Beach (Florida, USA), and Eagle Beach (Aruba). Other popular beaches often cited are Praia da Falesia (Portugal), Elafonissi Beach (Greece), and Baia do Sancho (Brazil).

Here’s a collection of best beaches calculated by how often they are rated by travel related organizations:

TripAdvisor named Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, as the top beach in the world for 2025. Other beaches frequently cited by TripAdvisor as among the world’s best include Grace Bay Beach in Turks & Caicos, Baia do Sancho in Brazil, and Cala Goloritzé in Italy, which was also named #1 by a panel of beach experts in 2025. The “best” beach often depends on individual preferences for factors like sand type, water clarity, activities, or seclusion.

The following are rated by The Beach Report:

  • Cala Goloritzé, Italy: it’s known for its stunning natural monument arch and turquoise water.
  • Whitehaven Beach, Australia: Famous for its 98% pure silica sand and swirling blue and white waves.
  • Eagle Beach, Aruba: A wide, beautiful beach that has consistently ranked high in other travel awards.
  • Praia da Falesia, Portugal: Features a dramatic backdrop of 130-foot-tall red cliffs.
  • Siesta Beach, Florida, USA: Known for its fine, quartz-crystal sand.
  • Playa de Rodas, Spain: A stunning beach on the Cíes Islands, though the water is actually cold.

A Few More Beaches From Travel Publication Lists

Anse Source d’Argent is a stunning beach located on the southwest coast of La Digue, Seychelles, and is frequently celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach, is an exposed cove, sometimes referred to as “Smugglers Cove”, on the coast of Zakynthos, in the Ionian Islands of Greece. Navagio Beach was originally known as Agios Georgios.

Bondi BeachThe sweeping white-sand crescent of Bondi is one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Reliable waves draw surfers while, nearby, hardy locals swim in the Icebergs ocean pool year-round.

Champagne Beach  \is a beach located on the island of Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. The beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and powdery white sands, which make it ideal for snorkeling. 

Nissi Beach is a popular beach in the resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus. The beach stretches for 500 metres and the water is clean enough for the beach to have been awarded the blue flag designation. The beach, which runs the length of its own cove, takes its name from the small islet of Nissi located close to the coast. 

We were also sent a list compiled by VRBO:

1. Copacabana Beach, Brazil Location: Rio de Janeir. Highlights: Famous for its 4 km stretch, lively beach culture, and iconic views of Sugarloaf Mountain.

2. Whitehaven Beach, Australia Location: Whitsunday Islands, Queensland. Highlights: Renowned for its pure white silica sand and crystal-clear waters, often ranked among the best beaches in the world.

3. Maya Bay, Thailand Location: Koh Phi Phi Leh. Highlights: Known for its stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, made famous by the movie “The Beach.”

4. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles Location: La Digue Island. Highlights: Famous for its unique granite boulders, shallow turquoise waters, and pink sand.

5. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, USA Location: Honolulu, Oahu. Highlights: A bustling beach with excellent surfing, vibrant nightlife, and stunning views of Diamond Head.

6. Bondi Beach, Australia Location: Sydney. Highlights: Iconic for its surf culture, golden sands, and the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

7. Playa del Carmen, Mexico Location: Riviera Maya. Highlights: Known for its lively atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and proximity to ancient Mayan ruins.

8. Kuta Beach, Indonesia Location: Bali. Highlights: Famous for its surf breaks, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful sunsets.

9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia Location: Society Islands. Highlights: Known for its stunning lagoon, coral reefs, and luxury overwater bungalows.

10. Tulum Beach, Mexico Location: Quintana Roo, Highlights: Famous for its Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, eco-chic resorts, and pristine beaches.

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Odd Man Out In The Falklands

A King Among Gentoo Penguins

On visiting The Falkland Islands the big attraction is looking for penguins and sea lions. Traveling up to the windswept north coast we found that both the sea lions and the penguins had plenty of newborns among them. It was February and the Gentoo Penguins were there making up large colonies.

Above: One colony it seemed had adopted a sole King Penguin as one of their own. Looking very much like the Emperor Penguin, the smaller King is the second largest of the penguins and stands a full head above his gentoo friends.

A colony of Sea Lions with dozens of moms and their new pups. In the foreground is a vulture, one of many that were attracted to the afterbirth.

On a cruise returning from Antarctica our ship stopped in The Falklands and these islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, are renowned for their rich wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. They are a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as they host five species of penguins, each one nesting at a different time. They’re also frequented by elephant seals, and sea lions, as well as 220 species of birds making it a prime spot for nature lovers.

Visiting A Penguin Colony

Hiring a local guide we traveled for almost an hour over mostly dirt roads through open land to reach the southern coast. Once there and almost a mile inland from the sea were the penguin rookeries with literally thousands of penguins. It was amazing as the penguins payed us no mind and you could just walk into the middle of the colonies. On the return trip we also visited a rocky shore full of elephant seals with newborn pups. All in all a really great experience!

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Discover Anasazi State Park In Utah

A Surprise While Driving Utah’s Hogsback Route 12

Utah’s Scary Hogsback Route 12

The Anasazi State Park and Excavations

Anasazi village

Located along the two lane Route 12, near Boulder Mountain is the Anasazi State Park and archaeological site. A remarkable gem well worth stopping by for a visit should you be exploring the parks of Utah. It is the site of an ancient Anasazi village with an interesting museum*

More About the Anasazi State Park

Anasazi State Park, located in southeastern Utah, is a fascinating archaeological site that showcases the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans, commonly referred to as the Anasazi. The park features excavations of a well-preserved ancient village and showcases reconstructed dwellings along with artifacts that illuminate the lives of these early inhabitants .

The site includes a museum that provides educational exhibits about the Anasazi’s agricultural practices, architecture, and social structures, enhancing the understanding of their sophisticated civilization . Additionally, the park is known for its scenic landscapes, making it a popular destination for hiking.

Visitors can engage in various activities, including guided tours and interpretive programs, which aim to foster appreciation for the cultural heritage of the region. Overall, Anasazi State Park serves as a vital resource for both education and recreation while preserving the rich history of the Ancestral Puebloans.

Who Were The Anasazi?

The term “Anasazi,” was coined in 1927 and refers to the Ancestral Puebloans, an ancient Native American culture that thrived in the Four Corners region of the United States, encompassing areas such as Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. This term is often considered controversial, as it translates to “ancient enemies” in Navajo, and many prefer the term Ancestral Puebloans to honor their descendants.

At their peak in the late 11th century, the Anasazi, particularly those in Chaco Canyon, dominated a vast territory in the American Southwest, which was larger than many contemporary European regions. This cultural center was pivotal for trade and ceremonial activities, influencing surrounding areas. The Anasazi culture is characterized by its impressive architectural achievements, including multi-story dwellings and intricate road systems that allowed for commerce and communication across the region.

Overall, the Anasazi represent a significant chapter in Native American history, showcasing advanced societal structures and cultural practices that have left a lasting legacy in the American Southwest.

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Today’s Images • Anchors Aweigh

Departing the BVI for open waters.

“Anchors aweigh” is a nautical phrase meaning a ship’s anchor is clear of the seabed and therefore the ship is no longer tethered to land and is ready to depart for the open sea.

I first went to sea in 1965 and still, even today as we cruise, I feel that promise of adventure as the ship departs port…

The Norwegian Sun departs from Key West before sunset.

Going cruising? Here’s a quick lesson in speaking sailor – nautical terms 101

Aft: Toward the stern of the boat.

Ahead: The world in a forward direction.

Astern: The opposite of ahead, in the back of the boat.

Bow: The forward part of a boat. Usually the pointy end of a boat.

Bridge: A space for controlling the boat that usually houses steering, engine command, and communications.

Bulkhead: The nautical term for a wall.

Deck: The nautical term for a floor.

Galley: The ships kitchen.

Head: A bathroom on a working boat.

Helm: The wheel or tiller controlling the rudder which steers the boat. Oddly modern ships may not have a ships wheel.

Hull: The main body of a vessel designed to allow it to float.

Keel: the main element under the bottom of a boat that forms the foundation upon which the rest of the boat is built.

Leeward: The direction away from the wind. The opposite of windward..

Lines: The nautical term for rope.

Nautical Mile: One minute of latitude; approximately 6076 feet, about 1/8 longer than the statute mile of 5280 feet.

Port: The left side of a boat looking forward. Historically the side of the ship tied to a pier (port) Remember that port and left both have four letters.

Rudder: A vertical plate or board for steering a boat.

Square Knot: A knot used to join two lines of similar size. Also called a reef knot.

Starboard: The right side of a boat when looking forward. The names comes from historically the side of a ship where the stearing board was located.

Stern: The after part of the boat in nautical terms. The stern of a boat is the rounded or flat end of the vessel.

Windward: The side of the boat closest to the wind. When heeling over, this will always be the high side.

Nautically Terminology

“making way” means a vessel is actively moving through the water.

At a loose end: Nautically, loose ends are unattached things that are not doing their job. “Tying up loose ends” is used to mean finalizing details of a matter as a sailor makes fast the loose ends to ensure the boat is shipshape.

Batten down the hatches: Battening down the hatches was secure for bad weather.

Get underway: The “under” is likely to have meant “on the” and the “way” is the forward progress of the ship through the water, so it means going to sea.

Give a wide berth: Originally, a berth was a place where there was room to moor a boat. The meaning of “berth” was probably “bearing off”. Sailors were warned to keep a wide distance between moving boats. It could also refer to anchoring a boat far enough away from another to ensure they wouldn’t hit each other when swinging around the anchor from the wind or the tide.

Dead in the water: A negative term suggesting a ship wasn’t moving ahead like it should. Come from no wind in the sails or no working engine..

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The Historic Liberty Ships of WWII

In WWII these are the real ships that won the war…

The USS Alstede Under Way
A Liberty Ship Museum In Piraeus, Greece

They came out of one of the world’s greatest ship building programs in history. Nothing glamorous, just a basic cargo ship design quickly replicated by the hundreds. The first productions were called Liberty ships and a couple of years later the updated model’s were renamed Victory ships.

I have a particular fondness for these old relics because over fifty years ago one particular ship was my home for about two and a half years. Find out more about them by clicking below:

CLICK HERE TO VISIT A LIBERTY SHIP

Above left to right_ The engine room, The Galley, Main deck passageway

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Dreaming About Caribbean Cruises, Part 1

It’s Caribbean Season!

One of the most popular destinations in the cruising world is the Caribbean, including the Bahamas. Taking a three, four or five day cruise out of Florida is a great way to sample cruising at a very inexpensive price (some 3 and 4 day cruises are as inexpensive as $200 to $300* per person). Royal Caribbean and Carnival have a number of these itineraries sailing out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Port Canaveral year round. In addition to these two cruise lines there are a number of other lines in the market with many of them sailing only seasonally.

Beautiful Eagle Beach Aruba, Southern Caribbean Island

The Bahamas cruises are the most economical and usually include a stop in Nassau or Freeport and a day at one of the “private islands”. If you are booking one of these cruises and can swim, one of the best excursions you can take is a snorkeling trip. Everyone should experience this at least once in their life because there is nothing to compare to gliding over a coral reef watching marine life swimming all around you.

If your stop is Nassau we would recommend going over to Paradise Island and visiting the Atlantis resort. There is a daily admission fee but it includes sea life exhibits, beaches, a water park, casino, restaurants and bars. (Most cruise ships offer tours.)  In addition you can walk thru Nassau town and shop for souvenirs, duty free watches, jewelry, clothes and liquor (see customs rules below). The private islands offer a day of beaches, barbecue, water sports and more.

There are also west-bound short cruises which usually include Cozumel, Grand Cayman and often Key West. Our favorite stop is Key West with its’ shops and restaurants and our favorite attraction, a small aquarium, is only a short walk from the pier. Unfortunately, cruise ships must sail well before sunset so you will miss the sunset celebration at Mallory Square which is the best show in town. (The large ships would block the view of the setting sun.)

St. Thomas

Stopping in Cozumel offers some duty free bargains including silver, onyx and tequila (see customs rules below) and good pricing on vanilla. The cruise ships will offer tours including beach trips and snorkeling but our recommendation is to take a taxi to Chankanaab Beach Park and pay the admission. You’ll save a lot of money and can go and return when you want. There is a bar, food, snorkeling rental and beach chairs and the water is great. Reefs are a bit of a swim out though.

There are two cruise ship areas in Cozumel. One is downtown and only a short walk to shops and Senior Frogs. The other is a bit north (actually two piers) with shopping areas dedicated to cruise passengers. There is also a smaller version of Senior Frogs which actually has a good snorkeling area right next to it. If your group includes teenagers beware. one of the local pastimes is pouring tequila into young Americans, so keep a watch on how much alcohol is consumed.

Grand Cayman is the other usual stop on these itineraries and offers probably the best duty free shopping on the cruise. You tender rather then dock but the tenders drop you off right in the center of Georgetown. Grand Cayman is dotted with great beaches (one seven miles long), terrific snorkeling and diving and many American chain restaurants. Our recommendation for a great day is a tour to “stingray city”.  Pick an excursion that visits the stingrays and also a coral reef for snorkeling.  It is advisable to book the tour through your ship as the day runs long  and you can get dangerously close to missing the ship’s departure time .

A cautionary note here regards the Cayman dollar. It is permanently fixed to the US dollar with the exchange rate being one Cayman dollar equaling US$1.25 so everything is 20% more expensive than it appears. Always be sure to ask if the quoted price is in Cayman or US dollars.

Duty Free Shopping

There is a lot of confusion about bringing back duty free liquor and how much and from where. The following is from the web site of U.S. Customs:

Please note, only one liter of alcohol purchased in a cruise ship’s duty-free shop is eligible for a duty-free exemption, although if at least one bottle purchased on board is the product of an eligible Caribbean Basin country**, then you will be allowed two liters duty free. If you buy five liters of alcohol in – say – the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and one of them is the product of the USVI, then you would have reached your duty-free limit. Any additional purchases made on board in a duty-free shop would be subject to CBP duty and IRS tax.

If you buy four bottles in the USVI, one of which is a product of the USVI, then you could purchase one additional bottle from the onboard duty-free, and it would be eligible for duty-free entry.

Additional bottles will be subject to a flat duty rate of 1.5% and subject to Internal Revenue Service taxes.

** Most Caribbean Basin countries are considered beneficiary countries for purposes of this exemption. (Anguilla, Caymen Islands, Guadeloupe, Martininque and Turks and Caicos are not eligible)

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