The world's most stunning stretches of sand have been revealed by the first professional beach information platform Beach-Inspector. Professional beach testers spent over three years examining more than 1,600 beaches using a 120-point criteria, ranging from water quality, beach development and infrastructure. From Cornwall to Mauritius, here are the 21 beaches deemed the most awe-inspiring by beach inspectors. 

Hidden in the impressive Akamas National Park in the west of Cyprus, this beach is where Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is said to have met Adonis. The lagoon impressed the beach inspectors with its crystal clear waters.

North of the Sardinian city Tortoli, the Cala Mariolu bay lies on a steep coast and the beach can only be reached by boat unless you're ready to embark on a hike of several hours. Apart from its picturesque location, the beach is also great for diving and has a protected underwater world with lots of different species of fish and marine life.

Also known as Platges de Comte, this beach in the west of the Balearic island of Ibiza is one of the most beautiful and popular stretches of sand on the island. Although it's hard to find a quieter spot on this fine-sand beach during high season, the beach inspectors commended its shallow, turquoise waters, the rocky coast excellent for snorkeling and the great views over to Illa des Bosc.

Canto de la Playa is the most remote beach on the Isla Saona, a protected island within the Dominican Republic's National Park of the East. The inspectors specifically loved its palm tree line, pure, white sand and crystal clear water perfect for snorkelling.

Although getting to this beach takes a bit of an effort (think an hour and a half on a serpentine gravel road), it's well worth it. The seven-mile stretch of fine, beige sand is sandwiched between the towering Jandia mountain range and the rough waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and it impressed the inspectors with its natural, rugged beauty.

About 22 miles south of Mombasa, this is one of Africa's most popular beaches that has managed to keep its natural beauty thanks to its status as a protected area within the Diani Chale Marine Reserve. The white sand beach is great for leisurely strolls and sunbathing while the shimmery blue water is perfect for windsurfing, kite surfing and is an excellent diving location with 18 different reefs to explore.

Located at the southern tip of Israel, Dolphin Reef is the largest open sea enclosure in the world that houses five dolphins, who are not trained and are free to leave should they wish. This is a great place to learn about dolphins and other marine animals from both above and underwater without disturbing them, as visitors are not allowed to touch the animals.

This beach on the west coast of Crete is special because of its unique sand. A mix of white and pink grains, its pastel shores look stunningly beautiful against the crystal clear water. The shallow waters of the lagoon are not only perfect for families but also offer numerous kite and windsurfing options.

A popular tourist destination in the South China Sea, this postcard-perfect beach charms with its shimmering white sandbanks and blue waters. Although the beach gets busy, the inspectors were impressed by the fact that all plastic bottles must be handed in before entering the beach to keep it clean.

Located on the smallest of the three islands located in the Lamu Archipelago off the coast of Kenya, there's not much on it apart from the luxurious Manda Bay Lodge and a tiny airport. Although a trip to this island isn't cheap, the boat passes through mangrove forests offering a chance to spot many different animals, including sea turtles, dolphins and even whale sharks.

Less crowded than the nearby Maya Bay, this little island beach is surrounded by high, dark cliffs and densely covered palm tree forests further inland. The beach inspectors specifically loved its remote location and unspoiled feel.

The beach inspectors described Pai Plong as a "sandy dream bay surrounded by cliffs". The so-called Monkey Trail starts here as well, giving the visitors an opportunity to see lots of small monkeys up close.

Literally called 'beach of mussels', the remote Playa de las Conchas is far away from the tourist masses visiting the Canary Islands. This beach charmed the inspectors with its fascinating colours – a deep, blue ocean, fire-red volcanic cones and pitch-black lava stone at both ends of the sandy beach.

Called the 'beach of the dead' thanks to its pirate past, Play de los Muertos today is a spectacular stretch of sand hugged by black lava rocks on one side and deep blue sea on the other. Although it's a popular beach, particularly favoured by locals, there's always a quieter spot to relax.

The seemingly endless beach in the north of Formentera is almost Caribbean-like with its soft, white sand and crystal-clear, sparkling water. Although the focus here is on relaxation in an impressive natural setting, there are plenty of water sports on offer as well.

One of the most beautiful beaches in the southern part of Costa Rica, Playa Punta Uva really is a paradise beach. Surrounded by palm trees, the fine, clean sand is ideal for sunbathing. There's also an upmarket restaurant that specialises in local cuisine and offers excellent cocktails.

The beach inspectors say visiting this beach is a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" due to its unbelievable natural beauty. Although the journey to Whitehaven Beach in Queensland is not easy, arriving by seaplane or helicopter offers the most spectacular views over the uninhabited island.

A well-known beach on the Cornish coast, Porthcurno and the surrounding coastal paths are great for spectacular walks that offer breathtaking views. The beach inspectors were most impressed by the pristine white sands.

Tucked away between spectacular cliffs on Algarve's south-western coast, the small bay of Praia de João de Arens is almost completely enclosed by imposing cliff face. This beach is perfect for a bit of peace and quiet as only a very small number of people find their way to it.

Once the visitors overcome steep gravel roads, deep potholes and big mud puddles after rainfall, they're rewarded with the sight of this dreamy white, sand beach. Although there are no beach vendors, no snack bars and no toilets, it's a part of what makes this beach so special.

Even though Mauritius is known for having great beaches, many believe Trou aux Biches on the north-west coast of Mauritius is one of the most beautiful examples in the entire Indian Ocean. Soft sands, wooden boats gently rocking in the waves and coconut trees swaying in the breeze are what makes this beach a little slice of paradise.