Key Points
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Navagio Beach was named the most “paradise-like” beach in Greece, and one of the most gorgeous in the world.
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The secluded cove, known for its turquoise waters, golden sand, and iconic shipwreck, can only be reached by boat.
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With 10 percent of travelers calling it “paradise-like,” Navagio joins destinations like Vanuatu’s Port Olry Beach and Mozambique’s Bazaruto National Park on the list.
Looking to spend your next vacation in a certified paradise? We got you. Over the summer, the family travel specialists at Kuoni released a list of the 20 most “paradise-like” beaches in the world—and in Greece, one dreamy stretch of sand stood out.
The tourism company determined the dreamy locations by first curating a seed list of more than 180 globally recognized beaches, using both internal expertise and recommendations from leading travel publications.
Next, the team analyzed each destination’s percentage of positive traveler reviews on popular platforms, looking specifically for the word “paradise.” After tallying the results, it named Navagio Beach on the coast of Zakynthos, the most paradise-like beach in Greece, and No. 8 worldwide.
“With an iconic shipwreck, deep but spectacularly clear waters, and light gold sands, this cove is reached by boat and is one of the most stunning hidden gems in Greece’s Ionian Islands,” the team shared in its findings. They noted that 10 percent of the reviews called it “paradise,” with many claiming the “stunning views made their hearts race, and many giving the beach experience a full five stars even when conditions meant they were unable to step ashore.”
Of course, it’s not the only beach on the planet worth swooning over. According to the research, Port Olry Beach in Vanuatu is No. 1 overall in the world, making it a must-visit on your quest to find the perfect vacation destination.
“Found among the islands of Vanuatu, Port Orly Beach takes top spot as the world’s most paradise-like beach thanks to its divine combo of natural tropical scenery, convenient facilities, and lack of crowds,” the report stated. “Found on the east coast of Espiritu Santo, Port Orly Beach has all the classic ingredients of heaven on earth; emerald-green foliage hugging golden sands and shimmering turquoise waters.”
The remote Parque Nacional de Bazaruto in Mozambique came in a close second, winning over travelers with its powder-soft white sand dunes and azure seas. However, what really cinched its high rank is the abundant wildlife. “Flamingos, dolphin sightings, and even a dugong population are just some of the examples of extraordinary tropical animals that live here,” the team said.
One Foot Island in the Cook Islands rounds out the top three spots, which the researchers called a “postcard-perfect lagoon.” The findings noted that reviewers are quick to “call out how private the beach feels—and many express their joy at the island’s unique footprint passport stamp.”
As Marco Rocha, family travel expert at Kuoni, noted, the idea of “paradise” can be different from person to person; however, the report, he added, did uncover some commonalities.
“Our analysis saw that the most common themes, besides the paradise-beach aesthetic, are the opportunity to see wildlife as well as a sense of privacy and ‘being alone,'” Rocha said, “all whilst still having convenient facilities.”
The top 20 most “paradise-like” spots in the world.
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Parque Nacional de Bazaruto, Mozambique
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One Foot Island, Cook Islands
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Veligandu Island Beach, Maldives
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Surin Islands (Mu Koh Surin National Park), Thailand
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Bon Bon Beach, Philippines
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Pentle Bay, United Kingdom
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Whitehaven Beach, Australia
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Palm Cove Beach, Australia
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Entalula Beach, Philippines
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Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye, Belize
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Hidden Beach, Palawan, Philippines
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure