The world’s most popular beaches

Summer has nearly ended and the days are getting shorter and cooler. What remains are the best memories from the last beach vacation.

The hotel price comparison site trivago.co.uk has brought together its list of the most popular beaches worldwide, based on the most popular and most researched beaches from July to September 2009.

1. As Catedrais, Spain (Galicia)

The most popular beach of the summer of 2009 is As Catedrais in Galicia, Spain. Bizarre rock formations have shaped the island over time which has created a magnificent beach. Stone caves and pillars give the impression that one is in the middle of a cathedral – not to mention the name of the beach, “Beach of the Cathedrals” stems from the backdrop. Between gigantic rock formations, holidaymakers can sunbathe on the fine white sandy beach and observe rare birds such as the Plover, Northern Gannet and Curlew.

Hotel Tip: Four star hotel Parador de Ribadeo, bookable from 54 pounds per night via laterooms.com.

2. Anse Lazio Beach, Seychelles

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found in the Seychelles. Anse Lazio beach in the north of the second largest island Praslin is especially loved. With its fine sand and crystal clear water, Anse Lazio is known as the most beautiful bay of the island but despite its popularity is often deserted. The bizarre rock formations in the sea and at the beach, palm trees and wonderful weather make this beach a popular sunny winter destination for European holidaymakers.

Hotel Tip: Three star hotel Acajou, bookable from 278 pounds per night via Expedia.

3. Jandia beach, Spain (Fuerteventura)

The beach on the peninsula of Jandia in the south of Fuerteventura stretches over 13 miles from the small fishing village of Morro Jable to Costa Calma. In the main town of the same name, Jandia Playa holidaymakers can reside behind the long promenade. The constant strong winds cool down the long hot days and attract surfers from around the world. Fuerteventura has more than 30 miles of white sandy beaches and is known as one of the main bathing isles of the Canary Islands. Jandia beach is the longest in the Canary Islands.

Hotel Tip: Four star hotel Sunrise Jandia Resort, bookable from 52 pounds per night via onhotels.com.

4. Balos Bay, Greece (Crete)

Balos Bay can be found on the uninhabited peninsula of Gramvousa in the north-west of Crete. The partly open lagoon offers bathers protection from the sea while offering an amazing shell and coral beach. Shallow waters with a depth of up to 50 centimetres are ideal for small children. This secret gem in Crete is completely unspoiled – it is impossible to find hotels, bars or even sun loungers here. The bay offers a breathtaking backdrop with a Caribbean flair.

Five star hotel Cavo Spada, bookable from 128 pounds per night via hotelopia.

5. Tsambika Beach, Greece (Rhodes)

In front of a landscape of mountains Tsambika Beach on Rhodes invites travellers to bathe. The sandy beach stretches over several hundred metres and is surrounded by strange rock formations on the left and the right. The beach is exempt from mass tourism and is particular loved by relaxation seekers and the locals. High above the far-stretched bay lies the pilgrimage church Kyra Tsambika, from which visitors can experience breathtaking views over Rhodes.

Four star hotel Lindos Mare, bookable from 76 pounds per night via gtahotels.com.

6. Palombaggia, France (Corsica)

South of Porto Vecchio hidden behind a pine forest lies the beach of Palombaggia. It is one of the many beaches on the largest French Mediterranean island Corsica that is particularly favoured by travellers. The red rock combined with the crystal clear water and white sandy beach captivates holidaymakers. The Iles de Cerbicale also offers an impressive backdrop. Corsica has a lot to offer as well: The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean is well known for its mountainous landscape that includes the 2,706 metre high Monte Cinto.

Hotel Tip: Three Star Hotel Le Tilbury, bookable from 90 pounds per night via Expedia.

7. Whitehaven Beach, Australia (Queensland, Whitsunday Islands)

The Australian Whitehaven Beach on the uninhabited Whitsunday Island offers a breathtaking beach experience. It is completely untouched and only accessible by boat from Airlie Beach and visitors are immersed in an unspoiled beach and underwater world. The six mile beach is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park and is only accessible by small boats and luxury yachts that visit the islands for one or multiple day tours. Only 35 nautical miles further, travellers can find the world famous Great Barrier Reef that together with the Whitsunday Islands is one of the top highlights in Australia.

Hotel Tip: Four star hotel Mango House Resort, bookable from 82 pounds per night via Expedia.

8. Hanauma Bay, USA (Hawaii)

Visitors to the so-called “Shelter Bay” in the south-east of the Hawaiian island Oahu bathe in a dormant volcanic crater. The small bay that opens up to the ocean offers a safe haven to numerous species of fish. The marine life along with the living coral and sea turtles attract many snorkelers year after year to the bay. Oahu is one of the 137 islands that make up the Hawaiian States in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel Tip: Three star hotel Aqua Palms & Spa, bookable from 60 pounds per night via ehotel.

9. La Pelosa, Italy (Sardinia)

In Italy there is also a well known seaside destination that offers beaches for every taste. A remarkable example lies on the Mediterranean island Sardinia; La Pelosa beach in the north-west of the island. Travellers can get to the turquoise blue water over the smooth slate rock or over the fine sandy beach. Rocks and islands in front of the beach protect bathers from changes in the weather. Just opposite of the island Asinara, a former prisoner island – is now a popular tourist destination.

Hotel Tip: Three star hotel Ancora, bookable from 50 pounds per night via onhotels.

10. Copacabana Beach, Brasil (Rio de Janeiro)

The Brazilian Copacabana is one of the most famous beaches in the world. From the fort gates in Rio de Janeiro sun lovers find three miles of white sand and various activities: The beach on Guanabara Bay brings together a mixture of hotels, beach bars and restaurants – it is never boring here. With average temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius sunbathers can bask in the view of the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Christ statue on the top of Mount Corcovado.

Hotel tip: Four star hotel Porto Bay Rio International, bookable from 139 pounds via EasyClickTravel.

For more information and travel reviews, visit trivago.co.uk.