EUROPE'S best beach has been revealed by TripAdvisor – but travellers aren't likely to pack suncream or swimsuits when paying a visit.
The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards honours travellers’ favourite beaches worldwide, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor.
The website analysed worldwide reviews for beaches, gathered over the 12-month period from January 1, 2022, through to December 31, 2022.
While the likes of Spain, Greece and Portugal all made the top 10 in Europe, the number one spot was taken by a somewhat surprising location.
Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland was voted as Europe's best place to see the sea, beating some very popular sunny holiday destinations.
The beach impressed those who visited, with TripAdvisor describing it as a "beach like no other".
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It's famous for its black sands and imposing rock formations towering over the shore and was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
However, it's not a great place for a dip, with waves of up to 130 feet and freezing cold waters to contend with.
From more than 2,000 reviews Renisfjara has an overall score of 4.5/5.
One recent reviewer wrote: "Stunning beach. Breathtaking views. If the weather is bad and cloudy, the beach is even more beautiful. Don’t miss this unique beach!"
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Another said: "So ominous and foreboding, such a strange landscape, so beautiful. If you are a photographer this will be especially delightful."
A third added: "Words are not enough to describe this astonishingly beautiful water and landscape!"
The beach not only impressed enough to climb to the top of the European rankings, but it also came fourth overall in the best beaches in the world.
It was beaten only by Baia do Sancho in Brazil, Eagle Beach in Aruba and Cable Beach in Australia.
It beat competition from Caribbean beaches in Turks and Caicos and exotic island bays from Hawaii.
Meanwhile, Praia da Falésia on Portugal’s Algarve was named number two in Europe, closely followed by Sicillian beach, Spiaggia dei Conigli, at number three.
La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Spain and Playa de Muro Beach in Majorca, Spain rounded off Europe's top five.
Sarah Firshein, the Head of Editorial at Tripadvisor said: “As a huge beach fan myself, I know the impossible-to-resist allure of sunshine and turquoise water—and certainly, there's plenty of that on this year's list.
“But there are some delightful surprises as well. In addition to the much-loved beaches of the Caribbean and Hawaii, our community is really looking to kick up their experiences, even exploring cooler destinations like Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland.
"So whether you're looking to pack a windbreaker or a swimsuit, our list has something for a wide range of travellers—and it might even convince the most ardent beach sceptics to embrace some time on the sand."
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Meanwhile, this seaside town has one of the best beaches in the UK.
And this beach location is one of the cheapest places in the UK for a staycation.
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