Online travel company, Expedia, has come up with a list of the world's top 10 beaches. Some are a little out of the way and others are nestled neatly in popular tourist destinations. Expedia.com.au marketing manager Louise Crompton says that while Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to coastline there are great beaches in other parts of the world.
"Australians know better than most that nothing beats the fabulous feeling after a day at the beach," Ms Crompton said.
"There are some great beach experiences to be had in other parts of the world and it was a difficult job narrowing the list down to our top 10. Not only will you find a special beach experience at each of these destinations but great deals are also to be found."
First on the list is Cable Beach in Broome. With 22.5 km of white sand and turquoise water, the beach is almost completely flat and is perfect for surfing and swimming. With an atmospheric last outpost feel, travellers are free to explore the beach by foot or four-wheel-drive. The sunsets will amaze any visitor and travellers can even take a camel ride along the white sandy beach. Stay at the five star Pinctada Cable Beach Resort and Spa. Rooms start at $287 per night.
In Krabi, Ao Nang Beach is known as the best beach in Thailand. It has a central location in the Andaman Sea and incredible scenery. Travellers who want to fill the day while on the beach can snorkel, scuba-dive or kayak. Ao Nang is also close to many restaurants and bars. Railey Beach is also just a 15 minute ferry ride from Ao Nang and both are about two hours from Phuket. Expedia recommends staying at the four-star Krabi Cha-da Resort. Rooms start from $108 per night.
Third on the list is Nha Trang Beach in Vietnam. Known as Vietnam's premier traditional seaside resort town this party and relaxation destination is surrounded by scenic mountains. The long flat beach is a gateway to a group of quieter islands that offer incredible snorkelling and scuba diving. Stay at the four star Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang for $73 per night.
In Fiji, Expedia recommends Yasawa Island. Paradise Beach is the pick here, as well as Champagne Beach. The limestone caves of this other Eden were made famous by the 1980s film The Blue Lagoon. Visitors can look forward to beaches and rugged scenery all throughout Yasawa Island. The 4.5 star Outrigger on the Lagoon has rooms from $220 per night.
Buzios is a peninsula of Brazil surrounded by 8km islands and beaches. Azeda Beach is the recommended beach of the peninsula and was made famous by a visit from Bridget Bardot in the 60s. Featuring many restaurants, bars and boutiques, the 300m beach is also perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Stay at the four star Porto Bay Glenzhaus. Rooms start from $312 per night.
Number six on the list is Lanikai Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. The four-star Hotel Renew has rooms from $164 per night. The beach is 30 minutes drive from Honolulu and offers a perfect view of the Na Mokulua Islands. The English translation of 'Lanikai Beach' is 'heavenly sea' so visitors are sure to be delighted.
Isola Bella Beach on the east coast of Sicily and has views of Mt Etna. Near Italian beach town of Taormina the beach is a popular destination for celebrities and offers the quintessential pebbled beach with crystal clear water. At certain tides visitors can walk to the islet nature reserve of Isola Bella. Expedia recommends the four star Hotel Tritone. Rooms start from $131 per night.
Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa is on the Expedia list and is actually four adjacent beaches separated by giant granite boulders. With a backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, Clifton Beach is a place where the rich and famous gather. Beachgoers can relax with a game of volleyball or frisbee before a quick dip in the Atlantic. Rooms at Bantry Bay Luxury Suites start from $200 per night.
Number nine on the Expedia list is Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica. This is the longest continuous stretch of beach in the heart of the Caribbean and has majestic views of cliffs and rock formations. There is plenty to do for the whole family with the usual snorkelling and swimming and kayaking as well as glass bottom boat rides. Stay at the three and a half star Tensing Pen Hotel. Rooms start from $187 per night.
Mughsail Beach in Salalah, Oman is the final stop on the top 10 list and is one of the most popular beaches of Oman's 2700km coastal stretch. During the wet season the huge waves cause explosions of water through the blow holes at one end of the beach. This coastal beauty is about 45km from Salalah city but is completely worth the trip. Expedia recommends the Crowne Plaza Resort Salahah. Rooms are available from $215 per night.