These are the beaches voted the best in the world for 2018

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There is nothing more synonymous with travel as the beach, and it's one of the biggest assets to any holiday destination. Canadian-owned online travel agency, FlightNetwork, has compiled a list of its top beaches in the world, by conferring with over 1200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies.

Navagio beach on Zakynthos island in Greece was voted the top beach in the world. Image: extravagantni/Getty Images

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As well as compiling its choice of top 50 beaches in the world, the guide also covers the ultimate coastlines in Africa, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, Central America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and South America. The best beaches range from the red sand beaches of Crete and dazzlingly clear waters in the Federated States of Micronesia, to the Jurassic-like shore of Bali, and a lush, exquisitely unique aquatic world in Rio de Janeiro.

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Lonely Planet Traveller Magazine, Issue 48, Queensland, The perfect trip — Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands came in second place. Image: Matt Munro/Lonely Planet.

The top place was taken by Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece, which is also known as Shipwreck Beach, thanks to its famous shipwreck Panagiotis, which is surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Australia’s Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Islands came in second place, and it's a white sandy beach that is only accessible by helicopter or seaplane. Third place went to Hidden Beach in El Nido, Philippines, with Praia do Sancho in Pernambuco, Brazil, coming in fourth place and Tulum Beach in Quintana Roo, Mexico, taking the fifth position.

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Playa Paradiso in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Image: Emma Shaw/Lonely Planet

"This is a list that’s sure to ignite your wanderlust and inspire the planning of your next great beach adventure," says FlightNetwork. "The insights we received helped us create a list of beaches that will help travellers access shores that will leave a magical and indelible imprint."

To check out the full list of the World's Best Beaches for 2018, please see here.