With its ‘golden sands and sparkling blue waters’, the beach has been voted the best in the world and is less than three hours away by direct flight from Birmingham Airport. This beautiful beach was voted number one in the world in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards and reminds some holidaymakers of Western Australia.
However, Europe is just around the corner, so it’s much closer to home and cheaper than Australia. Based on reviews from the public, this award is considered more reliable and often chooses hidden gems and unsuspecting places for holidays.
This beautiful, little-known spot in Europe beat out competition from more famous places like Hawaii and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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The “best beach in the world” is located in Portugal, near Faro Airport in the sunny Algarve region. Birmingham Airport has regular and cheap flights from EasyJet here, Jet2 here, Ryanair here and TUI from £31 one way.
Once you arrive at Faro Airport, it’s a 30-minute drive or taxi ride to Oljos de Agua’s top beach, Praia da Falesia. It was highly praised for its “dramatic” views and for being perfect for swimming and bodysurfing.
The TripAdvisor Awards say, “Praia da Falesia, Portugal, is known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sand beaches, and sparkling blue waters. Soak up the sun on its expansive shores, swim or body-slide in the waves.” Go surfing or stroll along the scenic walkway at the top.” Climb the cliffs for amazing views.
“This beach is Blue Flag certified for its cleanliness and has toilets and a snack bar. It is easily accessible by public transport.”
It ranks as a top beach with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 from nearly 6,000 reviews. The presence of a coffee shop, free parking, wellness facilities and sports facilities were also highly praised.
One tourist wrote on TripAdvisor: “It’s a very attractive beach, with the color of the cliffs contrasting with the sand, blue sky and sea. Golden cliffs and sea in other parts of the Algarve. It’s an interesting contrast to the mass. It brought back some memories.” I’ve been to remote beaches in Western Australia, but here they’re more easily accessible with resorts all around. ”
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She added, “Even on a sunny, windless winter day, it was warm enough for the kids to play in the ocean and enjoy the waves.”
Tapierito added, “I told my family that this beach was one of the best in the world, and when we went there, the reality exceeded our expectations. A place where beauty appears everywhere and the senses come alive,” he added.
Second place for the best beach in the world was the white sand beach of Spiaggia dei Conigli on Lampedusa, Italy, and third place was La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Donostia, northern Spain.
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Further information on flights from Birmingham Airport to Faro can be found on the website with easyJet from £31 one way, Jet2 here, Ryanair here and TUI here.