The UK’s autumn has been relatively mild and dry, but as winter looms and the memory of a lacklustre summer fades, many Brits are eager to escape the chill and jet off to sunnier climate. Every year, Google searches for “winter sun” reach their peak in September and October, reports the Express.

With this trend in mind, travel agency Travelbag analysed online ratings to uncover which destinations boast the most top-rated beaches. The winner, according to the data, might raise a few eyebrows. It’s not nestled in the Mediterranean, Aegean or Caribbean, and it’s probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a “beach holiday”.

However, perhaps it should be, given its stunning beaches and vibrant blue ocean waters that have left visitors utterly spellbound. Those fortunate enough to have visited have lauded the crystal-clear water and pristine white sand of its beaches.

Travelbag scrutinised 42 locations to find the world’s best beaches. Madagascar emerged victorious, with its beaches receiving an average rating of eight out of ten, and half of the 22 analysed beaches earning five stars or higher for amenities.

The island’s top-rated beaches include Mar Esmeralda Beach and Sakalava Beach, both scoring an impressive 8.4 rating. Positioned in the Indian Ocean off Mozambique’s eastern coastline in Africa, Madagascar boasts 3,000 miles of shoreline peppered with countless “exquisite bays, tucked-away coves and golden sands stretching beside clear blue seas”.

The enormous main island also features scores of islands and islets along its coast, “offering everything from luxury resort holidays to romantic retreats and secluded castaway escapes”, according to Travelbag, including Nosy Be in the northwest, Nosy Komba to the south and the archipelago of Nosy Mitsio in the north.

Alternatively, you can venture east to discover Nosy Mangabe, tucked within the sheltered waters of Antongil Bay, and the former pirate stronghold of Nosy Boraha. However, you needn’t venture to these smaller, more remote islands to discover paradise, with magnificent beaches scattered across the main island itself.

Travelbag suggested those near the southwestern coastal towns of Toliara, Ifaty and Anakao and describes the “picture-perfect” Baobab Beach as offering “offers a serene and surreal experience before you set sail for the islands close by”.

“Wherever you go, easy beach days and stunning seafood go hand-in-hand with coral reef snorkelling and ocean cruises to search for sharks, whales, turtles, and more. On land, distinctive and protected species of lemurs have found their way to many shores,” the travel company states.

Highly-rated beaches on Madagascar include Mar Esmeralda, which features stunning white sandy coastlines and a lagoon named after its turquoise waters. Those fortunate enough to have visited the beach and sea have nothing but praise.

Marie-Christine shared on Tripadvisor: “Clearest water I have ever seen, of the most beautiful colour. It was also nice to chill on that beautiful beach in the middle of nowhere, with yummy food and lots of places to swim or lay in the sun (or shade).”

Another visitor simply described it as “paradise”, labelling it a “very relaxing, quiet and deserted beach”. Following Madagascar in the study was another East African nation, Tanzania, home to Zanzibar, renowned for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Mauritius, a sub-tropical island in the Indian Ocean, came third.

Within Europe, Italy was crowned as the country with the best beaches, followed by France and Malta.

Susan Horton, destination manager for Africa and Oceania at Travelbag, commented: “It’s no surprise that Madagascar tops the ranking for its beaches. From gaping canyons to the soft, white beaches, this island has something to offer every new visitor.

“You can dive among the coral reefs in the morning and explore the makeshift cemeteries of 17th-century pirates in the afternoon. Africa’s largest island has something for everyone.”