Ayia Napa in Cyprus was declared top European beach destination, with Skiathos in Greece second, Protaras in Cyprus third and Mykonos in Greece fourth.

St Ives was in sixth place in the European list, compiled by the TripAdvisor company.

West Country locations dominate a table of best British beach destinations.

St Ives in Cornwall was voted the top UK beach resort and also made it into the top 10 of best European beach destinations.

The Cornish resort boasts several beaches and some of the top-ranked hotels and B&Bs, said TripAdvisor.

Newquay in Cornwall was in second place in the British list, with Bournemouth third, Weymouth in Dorset fourth and the Welsh resort of Tenby in Pembrokeshire fifth.

TripAdvisor official Emma O’Boyle said: “These awards recognise the best beach destinations in Britain and Europe as decided by millions of travellers.

“Vast numbers of Brits jet off to traditional Mediterranean beaches every year, yet a British beach resort has out-classed all its Spanish, French and Italian counterparts in the awards.”

Malcolm Bell, head of tourism at VisitCornwall said: “This award is an amazing testament to the popularity of St Ives which is truly one of the jewels in Cornwall’s crown.

“As well as stunning beaches it has a range of quality accommodation and fantastic attractions making it appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.”

Top 10 European beach destinations:

1. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
2. Skiathos, Greece
3. Protaras, Cyprus
4. Mykonos, Greece,
5. Oludeniz, Turkey
6. St Ives, Cornwall, England
7. Alcudia, Majorca
8. San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
9. Calvia, Majorca
10.Villasimius, Sardinia

Top 10 beach destinations in the UK:

1. St Ives, Cornwall
2. Newquay, Cornwall
3. Bournemouth, Dorset
4. Weymouth, Dorset
5. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
6. St Brelade, Jersey, Channel Islands
7. Woolacombe, Devon
8. Padstow, Cornwall
9. Shanklin, Isle of Wight
10.Swanage, Dorset.