World famous and justifiably so, this is the definition of a great city beach. Learn to surf, take a cliff walk or cross the street to check out some of Sydney’s best cafes and restaurants. Settle back with a flat white or cold beer as you watch the endless parade of skateboarders and rollerbladers pound the promenade. A 1km stretch of some of the world’s softest sand, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Lovely.
Vote for Bondi here Photograph: David Noton/Getty
If the bongo players of Ibiza’s feted Benirrás beach leave you cold, and Salinas beach’s popularity with nudists puts you off your paella, a trip to trendy Cala Jondal will provide the definitive white isle experience. Sip a cocktail while lounging on a massive day bed at the Blue Marlin bar, watching well-heeled types arrive by yacht as a DJ provides the soundtrack for another blissed-out day at this beautiful beach.
Vote for Cala Jondal here Photograph: Alejandro Iborra Ventura/Alamy
Bottoms. Lots of bronzed bottoms – belonging to men and women – barely encased in tiny shorts and thongs. Once you’ve got over the sheer level of toned flesh on show, you can sit back and appreciate the beauty of the beach itself. With the stunning city of Rio as its backdrop, and the deep swells of the ocean crashing on the shore, this beach is picturesque and a people-watching paradise.
Vote for Ipanema here Photograph: Micah Wright/Getty Images
With a backdrop of pastel-hued art deco buildings, the stunning white sand of South Beach is a stage for Florida's beautiful people. Deep tans and sculpted bodies are the order of the day in a place that takes its hedonism, ostentation and extravagance very seriously. A crop of ultra-cool hotels and bars have opened along Ocean Drive in recent years, attracting top DJs to spin tunes in the perfect sunshine.
Vote for South Beach here Photograph: Joe Sohm/Getty Images
One of the world’s most famous surf destinations and a year-round location for a chilled beach holiday. In summer, the stunning horseshoe bay in the island of Oahu offers calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. By winter though, Waimea's ranking on the cool scale really cranks up as the shores are pounded by 8-metre waves, luring thrill-seeking surfers from around the world.
Vote for Waimea Bay here Photograph: Craig Aurness/Corbis
