The unspoilt yellow sands of Rhossili Bay in Swansea, South Wales was voted as Europe's third best beach in a survey of worldwide tourists.

The beach, that featured in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, is best known for its sweeping panorama across the Gower Peninsula, its sunset - and hosting a world-breaking skinny dip.

Woolacombe Beach in Devon, another stretch of unspoilt sand popular with surfers and Porthminster Beach at St Ives were also in the top ten.

The British beaches may not as much sunshine as the Costa Brava, Riviera or Greek islands but respondents voted them as a better destination for scenery, food and actviities.

Matthew Oates, of the National Trust that owns much of the Gower Peninsula, said Rhossili is unspoilt and low key yet "unforgettable".

In comparison to other European beaches, he said it was peaceful and tranquil.

"It is the purest of the sand, disappearing into the disance. There is no 20th Century clutter, no traffic, no houses. It is famous for its sunsets. It is uncluttered. It is pristine.

"To quote TS Eliot: It is the still point of the turning world."

Emma Shaw, of TripAdvisor, that carried out the poll, said the results prove the UK can compete with the rest of Europe as a beach holiday destination.

The top European beach was Rabbit Beach at Lampedusa in Sicily, with Playa de las Catedrales in Rabadeo in Galicia, Spain, in second place.

Councillor David Phillips, leader of the City and County of Swansea, said Wales was very proud.

"We are delighted, but not surprised, that Rhossili Bay has been acknowledged by TripAdvisor. We hope that many more visitors continue to enjoy its outstanding natural beauty," he said.

The best beaches in Europe:

1. Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa, Sicily, Italy

2. Playa de las Catedrales, Ribadeo, Spain

3. Rhossili Bay, Rhossili, Swansea, Wales

4. Playa de ses Illetes, Formentera, Majorca, Spain

5. Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe, Devon

6. Elafonissi Beach, Elafonissi, Crete, Greece

7. Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Turkey

8. La Pelosa Beach, Stintino, Sardinia, Italy

9. Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall

10. St Pauls Bay, Lindos, Rhodes, Greece

Where is your favourite beach in Europe?

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