Stunning Scottish beach that's like a ‘tropical untouched paradise' named among best in the world
West Beach, in the Outer Hebrides, makes the top 25, alongside breathtaking locations including Australia's The Pass and Ao Maya in Thailand.
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Situated off the northwest coast of Scotland, the seaside spot sits on the longest archipelago in the British Isles.
Award-winning travel publisher Lonely Planet, which compiled the league table, hailed West Beach as an "untouched paradise".
The stunning shoreline stretches for three miles and is a hit with locals and tourists alike.
One visitor gushed: "It feels like a tropical paradise and shows that there are gorgeous getaways right on your doorstep.
"The sand is white and the waters are blue, it's the perfect spot to catch a tan on a sunny day."
And to cool off from the rays, brave swimmers can take a dip in the chilly waters, which rarely get above 13C.
For visitors who don't like sand between their toes, the seaside spot boasts grassy dunes perfect for bird-watchers or hikers who are keen to take in the jaw-dropping views.
The beach is stunning all year round, however, it's been suggested that spring is the best time to visit due to the "burst of colour" from the abundance of wildflowers.
The beauty spot has good transport links to the mainland with a regular ferry service running from Oban.
There are also flights from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Southampton to Stornoway Airport in Lewis.
WORLD'S BEST BEACHES
Source: Lonely Planet
The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Ao Maya, Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Thailand
Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Sarakiniko, Milos, Greece
Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Colombia
Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
Playa Balandra, La Paz BCS, Mexico
Punta Paloma, Tarifa, Cádiz, Spain
Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia
West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Rauðasandur, Westfjords, Iceland
Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Dueodde, Nexø, Bornholm, Denmark
Keem Bay Beach, Keel, County Mayo, Ireland
Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI, Canada
Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India
Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
Plage de Ta'ahiamanu, Mo'orea, French Polynesia
Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
Gardner Bay, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Parque Nacional Jaragua, Dominican Republic
It's advisable to rent a car to fully explore the island and the ferry should be booked in advance.
West Beach bagged 12th place on the Lonely Planet chart, The Pass, Australia, Ipanema Beach, Brazil and Ao Maya, Thailand, respectively scooped first, second and third spots.
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