One Sydney beach makes TripAdvisor’s top 25 in the world

A single Australian beach has made it into the top 25 beaches in the world according to TripAdvisor, prompting a divided reaction.

Manly, on Sydney’s northern beaches, came seventh on the list drawn from millions of beachgoers around the world.

Portugal’s Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua took first place, followed by Spiaggia dei Congili in Italy and La Concha beach in Spain.

Australia’s most iconic beach, Bondi, also in Sydney, was a notable omission, as was Broome’s Cale Beach in WA, which ranked third on the same list this time last year.

Manly scored points for being wheelchair and stroller accessible, its clean water and its proximity to cafes, shops and ferry services to Circular Quay.

‘Manly Beach is at the center of everything, literally. Just a short drive from Sydney’s CBD, it is surrounded by shops, cafes and more,” the consensus read.

‘Go swimming or surfing in the warm waters (there’s a swim net area and lifeguards on duty) or take a dip in the saltwater pool. Then, take a stroll along the long boardwalk and enjoy the panoramic views.

Warringah’s local federal MP Zali Steggall was not surprised.

‘T“The world knows what we have always known,” Mrs. Steggall said. he told the guard.

It comes as the list sparked a divided reaction on Reddit, with not everyone agreeing with Manly’s high ranking.

“Manly isn’t even the best beach in Manly,” one person commented.

‘Silence please. “Let the tourists flock and stay within the boundaries of Manly Beach,” added a second.

Some complained that the list was compiled solely from tourist reviews. Someone wondered how a beach in Iceland came to be in the top 15.

“The fact that a beach in Iceland is on the list, which probably stays at 0 degrees all year round, makes me think this list is a bit rubbish,” one comment read.

Those who reviewed Iceland’s Reynisfjara Beach found it to be “all drama” and “good for a cold day,” although swimming is not recommended.

Other commentators praised Manly.

“I guess I’m in the minority here but I like Manly, every time I go there I’m tickled and leave with a big smile on my face,” one user wrote.

“The water there is so clean you can almost drink it,” added another.

Others agreed it was better than Bondi.

Another reviewer described Manly’s soft golden sand as a “luxury”, compared to the “relative mediocrity” of European beaches.

‘The best thing about most Australian beaches is that they are relatively undeveloped and accessible to everyone. I was surprised when I went to Europe and they had areas that you have to pay to use,” another commented.

Tourism Australia named Victoria’s Squeaky Beach the best in Australia, as Manly and all Sydney beaches failed to make the top 10.