BeachAtlas, a startup based in London, famous for its beach guides has unveiled its exclusive list of the top 100 beaches worldwide. Two Portuguese beaches are included in the ranking, which showcases beaches with unparalleled natural beauty, vibrant lifestyles, friendly surroundings, a strong feeling of community, and a rich cultural past, with one of them featuring in the Top 25.

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‘Praia Dona Ana’, in Lagos, a beach known for its scenic landscape conquered 23 place on the “Top 100 Beaches in the World”, on BeachAltlas ‘Golden Beach Award 2024’. Additionally, the popular surf beach ‘Praia dos Coxos’, which is part of the municipality of Mafra, made it onto the list at position 58. The first place was awarded to ‘Bora Bora’ in French Polynesia, the second spot was given to ‘Boulders Beach’ in South Africa and ‘Waikiki Beach’ in Hawaii, secured the third place. Still in the Top 5, you can find ‘Copacabana’ in Brazil, and ‘Maya Bay’ in Thailand.


As explained in the BeachAltlas’ website, ‘Praia Dona Ana’ managed to get a good position in the ranking because more than its natural beauty, the beach “holds a poignant story. Named after Dona Ana, a nun who survived a World War I atrocity by fleeing through a tunnel from her convent to this beach, the place is a tribute to her resilience”. As they add, “Today, the beach stands as a serene escape, blending breathtaking landscapes with a remarkable history”.

This is the first selection in history to go beyond the typical criteria, such as golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters, and incorporate a wider range of variables. Thanks to this broader perspective, BeachAtlas claims that they were able to highlight distinctive beaches that typically "don't make it onto traditional, unidimensional 'best beach' list". Expanding upon these standards, they have created a selection procedure in which global travel professionals and influencers were invited to vote and assist in compiling the list.

The criteria used consisted of six different factors: ‘Classic Beauty’ - the traditional picturesque beaches; ‘Party & Lifestyle’ – touristic and vibrant beaches with loads going on; ‘Community’ - which describes beaches where local culture prevails and are not just for tourists; ‘DEI’ – which searches for inclusive beaches; ‘Cultural Significance’ – relates to beaches with historical importance, or a strong media presence; and lastly ‘Natural Diversity’ – which regards beaches with distinctive geological formations.

BeachAtlas ensured that the two-stage selection process was data-driven, but also based on human expertise by combining the accuracy of algorithms with the industry experience of influencers and travel professionals. After the algorithm assisted in the selection of the 100 beaches based on the criteria mentioned above, experts and influencers were given the chance to vote on the beaches to finalize the ranking order. The full-list can be found at BeachAtlas website.

Author

After studying Journalism for five years in the UK and Malta, Sara Durães moved back to Portugal to pursue her passion for writing and connecting with people. A ‘wanderluster’, Sara loves the beach, long walks, and sports. 

Sara J. Durães