We continue to list the ten best beaches according to tourists and the travel site, Guardian Travel, with our final five beaches. These aren’t listed in order, and are all equally worth a visit. Many of them are only frequented by backpackers and independent tourists so are mainly quiet and unspoiled. So pack a bag, throw in a beach towel and join us as we travel the world visiting the world’s best beaches.

Last time we left you in Zanzibar. A quick hop of the water to India finds us in Goa. This is probably India’s most famous resort that conjures up images of hippies and backpackers laying around drinking beer and smoking dope. While this is still true for much of the area, the northern end, Arambol doesn’t see so many tourists. This is a good thing because the beach here takes your breath away. The sweeping stretch of sand is surrounded by a rocky headland, jungle and a beautiful, tranquil sea. You won’t see a line of beach blankets here. It’s possible to be here days without seeing another soul.

Now we fly south to Australia. Almost as famous as America for its beach culture and outdoor lifestyle. We find ourselves in Queensland, and Whitehaven in Whitsunday Islands. It isn’t hard to conceive that the word gorgeous was first dreamed up here. This is an island with the finest, softest white sand and warm, clear azure water you have ever seen. It really does make you stop and just marvel at natures beauty. It’s mostly deserted, uninhabited and amazing. It takes a while to get there, but once you do, it’s difficult to leave. Stay overnight and camp on the beach to enjoy everything this island has to offer.

A quick hop over the Pacific to the Cook Islands is where we’re headed next, to Aroa, One Foot Island on the south part of the Aitutaki atoll. One Foot Island is a small islet on the south of the lagoon and is mostly spared mass tourism. This is mainly because it takes forever to get here, but it’s well worth it once you arrive. The atoll is made of coral and borders a beautiful azure colored lagoon. It was recently voted the best beach in Australasia and sitting here on the shore it’s no surprise. Bring a beach blanket and a snorkel, then forget about the world for a while.

Now our unlikely destination is the United Kingdom for the last two beaches. First up is Shell Beach in Dorset, which is on the south coast of the island. It’s just a few miles from civilization, but it feels like hundreds. Miles of golden sand beaches, dunes, woods and wildlife separates you from the rest of the world. While the sea is probably the least inviting out of all the beaches here, this offers a more wild, untamed beach experience. It’s full of hollows and places where you can lay your beach towel and not see anyone for hours.

Last up is Caithness, which is only eight miles from the UK’s most northern point, John O’ Groats. This again is a more wild experience in Sinclair’s Bay, which is bordered at either end by 16th century castles. On a good day, the sparkling white sand and blue water is more reminiscent of the Caribbean that England. Wildlife abounds, from birds and porpoise to orca.