A day stretched over a golden sand, a book that is good for your hands, the sun glows, and the sound of waves colliding nearby will bring smiles to almost everyone. But which beach brings the most joy to tourists?
London-based travel agency CV Villas uses an interesting method to rank the happiest coastlines in the world to scan thousands of Instagram photos using AWS facial recognition technology. The happiest beach in the world had the most smiles online. Spain dominated the podium with two beaches in the top three.
Just 25 miles from Barcelona, Sichez Beach took the top spot with a near-perfect “beach hacking score” of 98.42.
Known for its golden sand, scenic palm-lined promenade, 300 days of sunshine and a lively mix of restaurants and bars, Sidge is a favorite of both locals and tourists. It is one of the best day trip destinations to escape the chaos of the Catalonian capital, just 40 minutes from Barcelona.
Spain's second most “happiest beach” is Port de Solar, found on the picturesque northwest coast of Mallorca. It ranked third worldwide, just behind Praia da Falesia in Albafeira, Portugal.
According to the timeout, travel editor Grace Beard said:
“I spent two weeks in the Algarve, Portugal, and it was a ritual that ended daily by walking through these four miles of sand. On certain lights, I took on the same orange red tint as the limestone cliffs behind it.”
The secluded gem of Cala Pregonda in northern Menorca took 11th place, closing out Spain's top three most enjoyable beaches. It rounds out the top three most enjoyable beaches in Spain, famous for its reddish sand and crystal clear waters.
In total, Portugal claims five top 30 positions. Greece, meanwhile, won the crown for most appearances, including eight entries in the rankings.
The UK also had a surprising impact, with Wales and Scotland appearing in the top 30. Wales' Rhossili Bay and Caswell Bay took an impressive fourth and fifth place, while Scotland's Troon Beach took 26th place.
Overall, Europe rules the top 30 and claims an impressive 24 locations. There are lots of smiles on the continent.
Top 30 “happiest” beaches in the world
Seasis Beach, Spain
Praia da Falesia of Portugal
Port de Solar Beach, Spain
Rosilli Bay, Wales
Caswell Bay, Wales
Plugging French sublets
Praia Donna Ana of Portugal
Praia do Vale de Centeans, Portugal
Elafoni Beach, Greece
Greek Ai Helis
Cala Pregonda, Spain
Playa del Fine in Mexico
Praia do Paraiso in Portugal
Las Positas Beach, Peru
Mongonissi Beach, Greece
Cannon Beach, USA
Agios George Pagon of Greece
Miletos Beach, Greece
Keimbay, Ireland
Glyfada Beach, Greece
Siesta Key Beach, USA
Pescoluse (Maldive del Salento), Italy
Greece, Kalamitzi
Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka
Captus Beach, Turkier
Troon Beach, Scotland
Porto Katsuki in Greece
Santa Giulia, France
Camilo's Ply, Portugal
Hyams Beach, Australia
