Autumn in the UK has not been too cold and wet so far, but with winter approaching fast and the total lack of any sort of extended period of dry and warm weather this summer, many will still be keen to escape the cold and jet off to a warm destination.
Google searches for “winter sun” peak in September and October every year. With this in mind, travel agent Travelbag analysed online ratings to discover which locations have the most top-rated beaches.
And the winner, according to the results, might come as a bit of a surprise. It’s not in the Mediterranean, Aegean or Carribean, and probably isn’t somewhere that springs to mind when you think “beach holiday”.
However, it probably should, because the beaches and vibrant blue ocean waters look truly awe-inspiring here and those lucky enough to have been have praised the clarity of the water and beautiful white sand of its beaches.
Travelbag analysed 42 locations to find the world’s best beaches. Madagascar came out on top, with its beaches getting an average rating of eight out of 10, and 50% of 22 analysed beaches rating five stars or higher for amenities. Top-rated beaches on this island include Mar Esmeralda Beach and Sakalava Beach, both with an 8.4 rating.
Situated in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Mozambique in Africa, Madagascar has 3,000 miles of coastline dotted with hundreds of “exquisite bays, tucked-away coves and golden sands stretching beside clear blue seas”. Madagascar’s huge main island also has dozens of islands and islets off its coast, “offering everything from luxury resort holidays to romantic retreats and secluded castaway escapes”, says Travelbag, including Nosy Be in the northwest, Nosy Komba to the south and the archipelago of Nosy Mitsio in the north.
Or you can head east to find Nosy Mangabe, nestled in the protected waters of Antongil Bay, and the former pirate island of Nosy Boraha. But you don’t have to go to these smaller, more secluded islands to find paradise, with beautiful beaches all over the main island itself.
Travelbag recommends those near the southwestern seaside towns of Toliara, Ifaty and Anakao and says the “picture-perfect” Baobab Beach “offers a serene and surreal experience before you set sail for the islands close by”.
“Wherever you go, easy beach days and stunning seafood go hand-in-hand with coral reef snorkelling and ocean cruises to search for sharks, whales, turtles, and more. On land, distinctive and protected species of lemurs have found their way to many shores,” says the travel firm.
Top-rated beaches on Madagascar include Mar Esmeralda, which boasts beautiful white sandy shores and a lagoon named after its turquoise waters.
Those lucky enough to have visited praise the beach and sea. Writing on TripAdvisor, Marie-Christine wrote: “Clearest water I have ever seen, of the most beautiful colour. It was also nice to chill on that beautiful beach in the middle of nowhere, with yummy food and lots of places to swim or lay in the sun (or shade).”
Another described it simply as “paradise”, saying it was a “very relaxing, quiet and deserted beach”.
Coming second to Madagascar in the study was another East African country, Tanzania, home to Zanzibar, also known for its white-sand shores and crystal-clear waters. In third place was Mauritius, a sub-tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean. Within Europe, Italy was named as the country with the best beaches, with France second and Malta third.
Susan Horton, destination manager for Africa and Oceania at Travelbag, said: “It’s no surprise that Madagascar tops the ranking for its beaches. From gaping canyons to the soft, white beaches, this island has something to offer every new visitor. You can dive among the coral reefs in the morning and explore the makeshift cemeteries of 17th-century pirates in the afternoon. Africa’s largest island has something for everyone. ”
