Madagascar was named as the country with the best beaches in the world – and it’s not hard to see why.
While the UK autumn has been relatively mild, with winter on the horizon and a lack of any prolonged warm and dry weather this summer, many Brits are eager to escape the chill and jet off to sunnier climates. Every year, Google searches for “winter sun” reach their peak in September and October.
With this trend in mind, travel agency Travelbag analysed online ratings to uncover which destinations boast the highest-rated beaches. The winner, according to the data, might be a bit unexpected. It’s not nestled in the Mediterranean, Aegean or Caribbean, and it’s probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a “beach holiday”.
However, perhaps it should be, as the beaches and vibrant blue ocean waters here are truly breath-taking. Those fortunate enough to have visited have lauded the crystal-clear water and stunning white sand of its beaches.
Travelbag scrutinised 42 locations to find the world’s best beaches. Madagascar emerged victorious, with its beaches receiving an average rating of eight out of ten, and half of the 22 analysed beaches scoring five stars or higher for amenities, reports the Express.
Top-rated beaches on this island include Mar Esmeralda Beach and Sakalava Beach, both boasting an 8.4 rating.
Positioned in the Indian Ocean off Mozambique’s eastern coastline in Africa, Madagascar boasts 3,000 miles of shoreline peppered with countless “exquisite bays, tucked-away coves and golden sands stretching beside clear blue seas”.
The enormous main island also features dozens of islands and islets scattered along its coast, “offering everything from luxury resort holidays to romantic retreats and secluded castaway escapes”, according to Travelbag, such as Nosy Be in the northwest, Nosy Komba to the south and the Nosy Mitsio archipelago in the north.
Alternatively, you can venture east to discover Nosy Mangabe, tucked within Antongil Bay’s sheltered waters, and the former pirate stronghold of Nosy Boraha. However, you needn’t travel to these smaller, more remote islands to discover paradise, with stunning beaches scattered across the main island itself.
Travelbag suggests those near the southwestern coastal towns of Toliara, Ifaty and Anakao and describes the “picture-perfect” Baobab Beach as offering “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,” the travel company explained.
Highly-rated beaches on Madagascar feature Mar Esmeralda, which showcases gorgeous white sandy coastlines and a lagoon christened after its turquoise waters. Those fortunate enough to have experienced it rave about the beach and sea.
Posting on TripAdvisor, Marie-Christine gushed: “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 visitor simply branded it “paradise”, describing it as a “very relaxing, quiet and deserted beach”. Taking second place behind Madagascar in the research was Tanzania, another East African nation and home to Zanzibar, equally renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Mauritius, a sub-tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, claimed third spot. Across Europe, Italy emerged as the continent’s beach champion, with France securing second place and Malta rounding off the top three.
Susan Horton, destination manager for Africa and Oceania at Travelbag, commented: “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.”
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