5 of the best crystal clear blue water beaches in the world

Perfect for families and one of the most widely recognised images of Menorca’s virgin beaches come from Macarella and Macarelleta. Clear turquoise and blue water fill the bay alongside the white sandy beaches and surrounding rocks.

Some of the best views on the island are from the elevated cliff point between the two beaches of Macarella and Macarelleta.

With a beach bar and restaurant (Susy’s Chiringuito) serving a selection of meat and fish dishes complete with fresh accompaniments, Cala Macarelleta is a great day out at the beach.

Named the world’s best beach by many top tourist magazines, Shoal Bay offers a picturesque 2 mile stretch of powdery white sand, perfect reefs, beach bars and open-air restaurants.  The snorkelling here is not to be missed, with quiet little coves to spot various species of fish.

Francis Bay beach has something for everyone …white sand, good sun, shade, excellent swimming and snorkelling.A fantastic family beach, Francis Bay beach doesn’t get the crowds that some of the other beaches get.

A long white sand beach offers plenty of space with ample shade. Unlike some of the other St John beaches – Francis has a wide beach regardless of tides.

When it comes to snorkelling, the Eastern side of the bay offers beautiful underwater terrain with more diversity in species, here you will see schools of fish, tangs, parrotfish and reef squid. On the west side, you’ll find rocks extending from the shoreline with a mix of hard and soft corals. With the centre of the bay home to mostly seagrass beds turtles, rays and if you’re lucky gigantic Manta Rays.

Flamenco Beach is considered to be the second most beautiful beach in the world by the Discovery Channel.  Here you can walk along the shore, soak up the clarity of the water and splash in the foamy waves. With shallow turquoise waters, white sand, swimming areas, and diving sites it’s a perfect beach stop for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay.

Described by some as a paradise, Porthcurno, located in the far west of Cornwall has won many awards and it’s easy to see why. Gorgeous soft white sand, and a sea that turns turquoise in the sun with high cliffs on both sides providing shelter, it’s an oasis of stunning natural beauty.