Lonely Planet: The top 25 beaches in the world - one in Greece

Navagio beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos is among Lonely Planet's top 25 beaches in the world, businessinsider.com reports and notes:

"Lonely Planet has been a go-to resource for travelers for over 40 years, and recently whet our appetite for travel by showcasing some of the world's best bars.

The guidebook gurus managed to induce us with wanderlust once again, this time with their book "50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind."

From crazy coastlines to traditional tropical paradises, read on for the 25 most amazing beaches you should visit in your lifetime."

Lonely Planet notes that Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) in Zakynthos, Greece, is best-known for the smuggler's ship that wrecked onshore here in 1982.

The list of 25 most amazing beaches by country includes:

1. Spain

Gulpiyuri Beach, near Llanes, Spain, is actually a flooded sinkhole. The tiny beach is connected to the Cantabrian Sea by a series of underground tunnels, meaning there’s bona fide saltwater and mini waves to enjoy.
2.Hawaii

Oahu’s North Shore, and especially Ehukai Beach (aka Bonzai Pipeline) is famous for record-breaking waves and brave surfers. Watch the pros during prime surfing season, between October and April.
3. New Zealand

Hot Water Beach on Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, is a DIY hot tub. Visitors often bring their own shovels and dig snug holes into the sand, so that when the warm water from the beach’s natural hot springs comes bubbling up, they have a mini Jacuzzi.

4.Hawaii

Black sand is a staple of many Hawaiian beaches thanks to the volcanic activity that created the islands. Punalu’u Beach on the Big Island is the perfect, dramatic-looking example.

5. Iceland

Vik Beach in Iceland is another take on black sand, also of the volcanic variety, coupled with basalt rock formations and, if you’re lucky, a view of the Northern Lights. Icelanders famously believe in fantastical creatures, and the craggy caves surrounding this beach are reportedly home to trolls and monsters. Worth a look, for sure.

6. Australia

Surf’s up at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia. It’s known for steep cliffs, sharp breaks, and world class waves — but recommended only for seasoned surfers.

7. Indonesia

Wayag Beach in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, is a clear-watered diver’s paradise. The blue-green water is crystalline, and the shallow waters are home to diverse reefs and fish life.

8. UK

Charmouth Beach in Dorset, UK, is a haven for fossil hunters and beachcombers. Bisected by the River Char as it meets the sea, you can spend hours combing its rocky shore for ancient treasures.

9. Greece

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) in Zakynthos, Greece, is best-known for the smuggler’s ship that wrecked onshore here in 1982.

10. Australia

Squeaky Beach in Wilson’s Promontory, Australia, has sand so fine that it squeaks with every step.

11. US

Tierra del Mar on Oregon’s Pacific Coast is a windy, rainy beach perfect for an exhilarating horseback ride through the surf. It’s also a popular destination for beach combing — agates and Japanese glass ball floats are common finds here.

12. Croatia

Bačvice Beach is right in the middle of Split, Croatia, making it a popular stop for nightlife. You’ll also see Croatians playing picigin on its shores, a game similar to volleyball that originated here.

13. Brazil

Copacabana is not just a catchy chorus, but also one of the most famous beaches in Brazil. Just outside of downtown Rio, it welcomes millions of sunbathers each year. It’s divided into interest areas, with football players gathering in one designated area and fishermen in another.

14. US

Alabama doesn’t usually come to mind when debating the best beaches in the world, or even just in the US, but its white-sand Gulf Shore Beach shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s also home to the popular Hangout Music Festival, a May event that brings 35,000 fans to the nearby festival grounds.

15. Philippines

White Beach is the center of the action in party-heavy Boracay, Philippines, and home to a monthly full moon party. If all-night partying isn’t for you, at least catch a stunning sunset before turning in.

16. Kenya

Diani Beach in Mombasa, Kenya, brings the safari to the shore, as it’s not uncommon to see monkeys scampering about the fine white sand here, as well as beach side camel rides.

17. Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio Beach, in a Costa Rican national park of the same name, is a quiet, protected cove of sand and shady tree cover. There are many hikes through the park, some of which offer wildlife spotting, and this beach serves as the perfect lunch break picnic spot mid-trek.

18. Australia

Monkey Mia is a bit of a misnomer because this beach is actually known for scores of bottlenose dolphins that come play in the shallows every day. The beach is fairly remote — a flight away from Perth, the capital of Western Australia — but the wildlife makes this a destination in its own right.

19. UK

At first glance, Porthcurno looks like it belongs on a tropical island, or at least in southern California. However, the gold-speckled beach is actually in Cornwall, UK, and marked by a freshwater stream and striking rock cliffs.

20. Portugal

Praia de Mira in Mira, Portugal, is an all-around family-friendly beach. The brightly-colored fishing boats and huts provide lovely photo opportunities, while the fishermen hauling up their fresh catches provide incredible meals.

21. Bora Bora

Matira Beach in Bora Bora is one of the only free, public beaches on the island — and it is a mighty fine beach at that. The water is calm and crystal-clear, perfect for snorkeling and exploring the rich ocean life.

22. France

Off the western coast of France, Île de Ré is home to Conche des Baleines, a grassy, seashell-laden beach. Climb up its beautiful lighthouse for sweeping views.

23. Italy

Brandinchi Cove, in Sardinia, Italy, is the perfect place to enjoy that deep Mediterranean blue. There are plenty of watercraft available for rent, and lovely hidden coves to explore.

24. Seychelles

Source de l’Argent Beach in La Digue, Seychelles is a picture-perfect hideaway with slightly pink sand and rough, weather-worn boulders to set off the crystalline water.

25. Northern Ireland

Not all beaches have sand. Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a stunning, geologic maze featuring 40,000 symmetrical volcanic rock columns.

Source: BusinessInsider.com

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