It may not have the buzzing nightlife or the scorching weather that holidaymakers enjoy at some Mediterranean resorts, but the Cornish seaside town of St Ives has beaten the best Spain, France and Italy can offer to be named one of Europe's top beach destinations.
According to data compiled by the online travel review site TripAdvisor, the best European beach resorts are to be found in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. But St Ives is sixth on the list.
Enthusiasts will not be surprised. As well as golden beaches and the clear blue ocean, the town also boasts world-class cultural attractions such as Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth museum.
Malcolm Bell, the head of tourism at VisitCornwall, said the award was an "amazing testament to one of jewels in Cornwall's crown". He added: "As well as stunning beaches it has a range of quality accommodation and fantastic attractions making it appeal to visitors of all ages and interests."
TripAdvisor spokeswoman Emma O'Boyle said: "These awards recognise the best beach destinations in Britain and Europe as decided by millions of travellers.
"Vast numbers of Brits jet off to traditional Mediterranean beaches every year, yet a British beach resort has outclassed all of its Spanish, French and Italian counterparts in the awards."
The winners of the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Beach awards are based on the views of visitors who post reviews on the website.
Cyprus was the winner in the European beach destination top 10. Ayia Napa was voted the continent's number one, while Protaras took third place. The Greek island of Skiathos came second.
In a separate top 10 of British beach destinations, resorts in the south-west of England dominated. St Ives topped the table, followed by the Cornish surfing mecca of Newquay. Bournemouth and Weymouth, both in Dorset, were third and fourth.
Tenby was the only Welsh destination to feature and there are bound to be eyebrows raised that no resorts in Scotland or Northern Ireland made the list.
Top 10 Beach Destinations in Europe
1. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
2. Skiathos, Greece
3. Protaras, Cyprus
4. Mykonos, Greece,
5. Oludeniz, Turkey
6. St Ives, England
7. Alcudia, Balearic Islands, Spain
8. San Vito lo Capo, Sicily, Italy
9. Calvia, Balearic Islands, Spain
10. Villasimius, Sardinia, Italy
Top 10 Beach Destinations in the UK
1 St Ives, Cornwall
2 Newquay, Cornwall
3 Bournemouth, Dorset
4 Weymouth, Dorset
5 Tenby, Pembrokeshire
6 St Brelade, Jersey
7 Woolacombe, Devon
8 Padstow, Cornwall
9 Shanklin, Isle of Wight
10 Swanage, Dorset
