One of Cornwall's beaches has been voted among the top ten in Europe. 

Porthminster Beach, St Ives has been named the tenth best beach according to a new Tripadvisor survey online, together with data gathered from online reviews and ratings.

The idyllic Porthminster is used to seeing thousands of tourists flock to it in the summer months.

Tripadvisor reviews describe the "lovely golden sand" and "vibrant turquoise blue" sea that beachgoers can experience.

Others describe it as "the beach to go to" and "like being in Barbados."

Cornwall is also home to another of Europe’s best beaches, with Perranporth Beach coming in 16th place.

Perranporth beach was voted the 16th best beach in Europe

Perranporth beach was voted the 16th best beach in Europe

The awards are based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings from Tripadvisor travellers for beaches, gathered over a 12-month period.

New for 2021, the Best of the Best Beaches also takes into account the volume of 'saves' for beaches on Tripadvisor, reflecting the position that many travellers were in for much of 2020 - unable to travel, desperate to travel, lusting after the beaches they wished they could visit.

Elsewhere in the south west, Dorset’s Bournemouth Beach is named fifth in Europe and 20th in the world.

Christine Maguire, vice president and general manager at Tripadvisor, said: “Your last trip to the beach probably feels like a lifetime ago, but with vaccine programs rolling out worldwide, safely making that beach getaway a reality just might be in reach. In fact, a recent Tripadvisor survey revealed that 60% of travellers are very likely to take a beach trip in 2021.

“Whether your preferred kind of beach is preened and pristine or rugged and rough, this list of travellers’ favourites is just the inspiration you need to get planning your next beach break.”

Europe’s number one goes to Spiaggia dei Conigli on the island of Lampedusa in Italy, followed by Playa de Cofete on the Spanish island of Fuerteventura.