Best beach holidays for 2017

If 2016 was the year of the city break, 2017 is the year of the beach holiday. It's the number one type of trip that Brits are taking this year.

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In fact, travel search engine Momondo has found that almost half of British holidaymakers (48 per cent) will be travelling for a traditional holiday by the sea. And with all the bad news and talk of Brexit, we can see why Brits are packing their bucket and spades and escaping to the beach for a stress-free holiday in the sunshine.

As there are many types of beach holidays you can take (from exploring hidden beaches to taking the family on an adventure beach break), we've brought you our best places to visit in 2017, whether you're a sports-mad traveller, searching for a heavenly spot in the UK or fancy returning to a popular destination like Spain but finding a new way to relax.

In the UK, Anglesey and a gorgeous, Caribbean-esque beach in Scotland are on our radar, while the Caribbean itself is a great place this year - and not only because the peso has made Mexico an attractive long-haul location for cash-conscious Brits seeking more for their money. Belize is the new Cuba and Costa Rica, offering responsible travellers a Central American alternative which is less burdened by tourists, and the Spanish Virgin Islands provide unspoilt sands that are waiting to be explored by boat.

Travelling for an event is always exciting but for an unforgettable trip in 2017 you should consider Bermuda, where the America's Cup takes place in June, providing sailing buzz and picturesque sands (ever seen a pink beach?) for when you're ready to relax.

Explore our pick of the best beach holidays for 2017 in the slideshow below