Flight Network, a Canadian travel agency, has just released its annual round-up of the best beaches across the globe for 2018.
The rates 100 beaches on almost all continents utilizing, "over 1200 journalists, editors, bloggers, and agencies, who possess endless travel wisdom."
From here, the ratings are broken into categories: World's Top 50 Beaches,World's Top 50 Untouched Beaches, World's Top 50 City Beaches, Africa's Top 50 Beaches, Asia's Top 50 Beaches, Oceania's Top 50 Beaches, Central America and Caribbean Top 50 Beaches, Europe's Top 50 Beaches, North American's Top 50 Beaches, and South America's Top 50 Beaches.
Kitsilano Beach stole the 16th spot on the list for its stunning, natural beauty and wide range of facilities. They also note that it has the longest swimming pool in Canada, and that, "There are also volleyball courts, tennis courts, concessions, restaurants, and a playground. The soft white sands and gorgeous blue waters make this the perfect family beach vacation!"
Spanish Banks Beach took the 18th spot, and they note how the beautiful beaches are loved by tourists and locals alike. Further, they note that they are more remote than some of the city's other beaches, which make them far less crowded during peak beach season. They add that visitors may enjoy volleyball, picnics, soccer, games, and much more.
"Beyond the fields tower the dramatic mountains of the Howe Sound. These often snow-capped peaks provide a beautiful backdrop to the soft warm sands and turquoise blue waters of the beaches," they describe of Spanish Banks in the summer.
As for the world's best beach, that accolade was awarded to Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, Greece, and for good reason. It is the shore often pictured with a quote about utopia over it, or of something paradisiacal. With piercingly blue waters perfectly framed by a crescent shaped sandy cove, it is the stuff of dreams.