Summer is edging ever closer, which means your thoughts are likely to be turning to your next holiday.

Enjoying an annual beach holiday is a rite of passage for many Britons, and whether travelling overseas or staying a little closer to home, there are some beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Here we offer a rundown of the best beaches in the world so you can get planning your summer holiday a little earlier.

Baia do Sancho, Brazil

Regularly described as the ‘world’s best beach’, Baia do Sancho in Brazil is a picture of paradise. Based in Fernando de Noronha, this stunning stretch of sandy beach is surrounded by blue-green water and the scenic, forest-etched cliffs of Dois Irmãos Hill.

The beach isn’t the easiest to get to. Visitors have to either descend from the cliffs using ladders or get there by boat, but you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent scene.

Follow this couple’s journey to Baia do Sancho and discover what an adventure a visit to the world’s best beach really is.

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach in Aruba is private, quiet and utterly stunning. The most famous of Aruba’s many beaches, Eagle Beach offers miles of white sand and is easily accessible. Here Visit Aruba reveals what to expect when visiting Eagle Beach:

“Eagle Beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in the world and belongs to the top 3 best beaches in the Caribbean. This pristine long stretch of beach with soft white sands and aqua blue waters features a variety of water sports and some palapas.

Eagle Beach is a favourite among locals and tourists and is located in front of the low-rise hotels. The beach is the host of Aruba’s most photographed fofoti (divi) tree and is known to be a favourite nestling sport for sea turtles.”

Porthcurno, England

Think you have to travel thousands of miles to enjoy crystal clear water and fine white sand? Think again! Porthcurno near Land’s End in South Cornwall offers all this right on your doorstep.

This small but perfectly formed bay is a delightful place to spend the day, and at low tide, you can explore the area’s other beaches on foot.

Trunk Bay, US Virgin Islands

Back to the Caribbean now to the US Virgin Islands. Here you’ll find Trunk Bay, a spectacular beach situated in St John’s National Park.

As well as relaxing on its white sand and lapping up its crystal clear waters, you can explore its 200-metre-long underwater trail and admire the area’s captivating marine inhabitants.

Luskentyre Sands, Scotland

Located in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, a visit to Luskentyre Sands is one road trip you won’t forget. After discovering the country’s wildest and most beautiful landscape on your journey, you’ll be greeted by an unspoilt, out of this world water scene. The weather may not make sunbathing possible at Luskentyre, but you’ll find plenty to do and to see.

Explore the amazing sand dunes that surround the beach and venture to the nearby island of Taransay, as well as indulge in a number of outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.

Wherever your beach holiday takes you, make sure you stay hydrated with these top tips for drinking water on the go.