From a list of 25 of the most idyllic stretches of shoreline on the planet, judges at Passport Magazine awarded seventh and eighth place to Varadero Beach in Cuba and Knip Beach in Curacao, respectively.

In his review of Knip Beach, Rich Rubin concentrated more on the natural beauty of the shoreline along the northwest coast of Curacao.

“Curaçao’s Knip Beach is the very image of a Caribbean strand: a perfect curve of white, surrounded by a crescent of low-lying green hills,” he said.

“Because of the geography of this famously gay-friendly island, you won’t find miles-long stretches of beach, rather, you’ll find a series of individual beaches. The best lie along the northwest coast, isolated in little coves that make each succeeding beach a new discovery as you drive around that corner of the island, where all the best beaches are located.

“Knip, technically it’s Grote Knip (Large Knip) as there’s a smaller beach nearby that shares the name, is popular with Curaçaoans as well as tourists, and because it’s a local favourite, you’ll find a lot more people there on weekends. During the week, though, it’s practically deserted. Reefs lie offshore, a decent swim for dedicated snorkelers but not out of reach.

“Before going down to the water’s edge, stand on the cliff above and gaze down at this postcard-perfect Caribbean image. You might see young men diving from the rocks or, especially during the week, it might be just you, that vast expanse of incredible water, the manzanilla trees framing a view of rugged cliffs and blue/green seas, with perhaps a tiny fisherman’s boat out in the water. Descend to the beach, where the sand is white as sugar, the water that aqua-emerald-who-knows-what-colour-to-call-it-but-it’s-amazing hue that you’ll find only in the Caribbean.”

Read the full post, originally published on January 17, 2017, on Caribbean360.