If you’ve already decided you’re yearning after a beach holiday, and are desperate for some sea, sun and sand, you might think your holiday planning is done.
But with so many countries and spots to choose from, this is only the beginning of the decisions.
What sort of beach are you looking for? How far do you want to travel? How will you know if the option you’ve chosen is safe?
Fortunately, the world’s safest beaches have been revealed, which could help you to narrow down the choice.
The House of Travel compiled a list of the world’s best beaches, then analysed each beach against family safety factors.
The six criteria studied were lifeguard presence, crowd levels, cleanliness, local crime rates, shark activity and UV index levels.
Top of the list is Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE, but there are plenty of other great beaches to choose from – including two UK gems…
Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Beautiful views are dominant at Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi
This UAE gem is perfect for families, and is located on Saadiyat Island just off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
With plenty of lifeguards on duty, you can rest assured your children are in good hands while you soak up some rays.
Plus, it’s one of the cleaner beaches in the study, and boasts an extremely low crime rating – with no local shark activity reported.
Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey
Iztuzu or Turtle beach, situated near Dalyan, a town in Mugla Province in Turkey
In second place is Iztuzu Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand that scores well on family safety metrics.
Lifeguards are present on the beach – and a huge draw is that it’s relatively crowd-free.
What’s more, Iztuzu or ‘Turtle’ Beach is a protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles – adding to its charm and appeal.
Kite Beach, Dubai, UAE
The bike-friendly beach promenade in Kite beach, with plenty of walking paths
Up next is Kite Beach in Dubai, another UAE spot in the rankings.
Naturally, it has lifeguards on duty, excellent cleanliness standards, and manageable crowd levels despite being in one of the world’s busiest cities.
You will also feel super secure at this beach, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding trendy Jumeirah area.
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall, UK
Porthcurno Beach is located near the famous Minack Theatre in Penzance
One UK gem has made the top 10 – Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, near Land’s End.
The cove is famous for its turquoise waters and white sand, making it a picturesque spot.
Porthcurno has lifeguards during peak season, which is crucial given the strong Atlantic currents that can surprise unsuspecting swimmers. But beware, it can get busy during the summer.
Kalamies Beach, Cyprus
A view over the beautiful Kalamies Beach during sunrise in Protaras, Cyprus
In the fifth spot is Kalamies Beach in Cyprus, on the island’s southeastern coast.
Kalamies Beach has lifeguards watching over swimmers, good cleanliness and a low crime rate. There’s been no recorded shark activity in these waters either.
The sea is usually calm here, too, and there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area.
Playa de Rodas, Spain
Known for its white sand and turquoise waters, Playa de Rodas is often listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world
Playa de Rodas is a beautiful white sand beach in the Cíes Islands, part of a region often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Spain’.
The waters here are calm and clear – plus, visitor caps prevent the beach from getting too crowded.
There’s lots to do here, too, from swimming and sunbathing to hiking scenic trails and bird-watching.
Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
Playa de Muro in Mallorca, Spain is known for its crystal clear waters
Playa de Muro is the largest sand beach on Mallorca and includes four sections.
The beaches in the popular area are ideal for all ages, and are especially popular among families as a result of its easy access and facilities.
You can rest assured there will be plenty to do nearby if you’re visiting.
Sveti Stefan Beach, Montenegro
The old town and beach at Sveti Stefan sea island, Budva, Montenegro
Sveti Stefan is unique: with pink-hued, pebble-filled sands, the views are quite something.
The island itself is reserved for resort guests, but you can enjoy the views whether you’re staying or not.
It ranks well for safety, too, making it a perfect, original choice.
Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
The gorgeous Praia da Marinha beach in the Algarve region of Portugal
The waters at Praia da Marinha are among the clearest on the Algarve coast.
Plus, the beach has a sheltered position, keeping the sea calm on most days, ideal for swimming.
It’s one of the best choices in the popular holiday region of the Algarve.
Henderson Beach, Destin, Florida, US
Henderson Beach State Park is located in Florida, US
The world’s safest beaches
1. Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE
2. Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey
3. Kite Beach, Dubai, UAE
4. Porthcurno Beach, UK
5. Kalamies Beach, Cyprus
6. Playa de Rodas, Spain
7. Playa de Muro, Mallorca, Spain
8. Sveti Stefan Beach, Montenegro
9. Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal
10. Henderson Beach, Destin, Florida, US
11. La Pelosa Beach, Sardinia, Italy
12. Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece
13. Fig Tree Bay, Protaras, Cyprus
14. Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta
15. Kep Beach, Cambodia
16. Tulum Beach, Mexico
17. Cala Brandinchi, Olbia, Sardinia, Italy
18. Cannon Beach, Oregon, US
19. La Concha Beach, San Sebastián, Spain
20. Mandraki Beach, Hydra, Greece
21. Paralia Platis Gialos, Mykonos, Greece
22. Bang Bao Beach, Ko Chang, Thailand
23. Playa Punta Esmeralda, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
24. El Arenal Beach, Mallorca, Spain
25. Indian Head Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
26. Kynance Cove, Penzance, UK
27. Nissi Beach, Ayia Napa, Cyprus
28. Grand Anse Beach, Morne Rouge Grenada
29. Golden Sands, Larnaca Cyprus
30. Kelebekler Vadisi Beach, Ölüdeniz Turkey
31. Wharton Beach, Esperance Australia
32. Clearwater Beach, Florida, US
33. Gjipe Beach, Gjipe Gorge Albania
34. Sun Bay Beach, Vieques Puerto Rico
35. Brownes Beach, Bridgetown Barbados
36. Kuramathi Sand Bank, Kuramathi Island, Maldives
37. Praia do Camilo, Lagos, Portugal
38. Es Trenc Campos, Mallorca, Spain
39. Podrace Beach, Split region, Croatia
40. Praia da Barra, Óbidos Coast, Portugal
41. Waimanalo Beach, Kailua, Oahu, US
41. Waimea Bay, Oahu, US
43. Playa Balandra, La Paz, Mexico
44. Balos Beach, Crete, Greece
45. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia
46. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, Spain
46. Goyambokka Beach, Tangalle, Sri Lanka
48. McWay Falls Beach, Monterey, California, US
49. Calo des Moro, Cala Llombards, Mallorca. Spain
50. Calanque d’En-Vau, Cassis, France
51. Bahia de Las Aguilas, Pedernales, Dominican Republic
52. Siesta Beach Sarasota, Florida, US
53. Pontal do Atalaia, Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
54. Plage de Palombaggia Porto-Vecchio, Corsica France
54. Santa Giulia, Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France
56. Freedom Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand
56. Santa Maria Beach, Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas
58. Treasure Cay Beach, Bahamas
59. Seven Mile Beach, Negril, Jamaica
60. Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas
61. Bottom Bay, St. Philip, Barbados
62. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth, Australia
63. Praia dos Carneiros, Tamandaré, Brazil
63. Pfeiffer Beach, Monterey, California, US
65. Canto de la Playa, Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
66. Flamenco Beach, Culebra, Puerto Rico
67. Magens Bay, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
68. Lanikai Beach Kailua, Oahu, US
69. Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, South Africa
70. Playa Punta, Uva Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Source: House of Travel
The only US spot in the top 10 is Henderson Beach in Destin, Florida.
Henderson Beach State Park is home to the white sands and warm water typical of the Florida Gulf Coast.
It’s a safe spot, too, making it ideal for a family visit.
But there are six more USA beaches in the full list.
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