A SOUTH Pembrokeshire beach has been named in the top 25 in the world, ranking alongside celebrated attractions in Hawaii, Cuba, Mexico and Tahiti.

Barafundle, one of only two beaches in the UK to make the list by New York-based Passport, an international travel lifestyle magazine, even beats globally famous attraction Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema Beach, immortalised by the bossa nova hit The girl from Ipanema.

Barafundle also bests Israel’s Tel Aviv California’s Silver Strand State Beach, San Diego, and the other UK listing, Yorkshire’s Robin Hood’s Bay.

In the online top 25, Passport states: “Barafundle Bay, part of southwest Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is a revelation—all the more so for the process of arriving there. As you approach by car, rolling countryside turns more dramatic, sheer and craggy cliffs dropping precipitously to the sea.

“Heading off the main road, drive down to Stackpole Estate, a National Trust site and part of the national coastal walking path. Set off on a long dirt track through this now-deserted estate, perhaps noticing a couple behind you carried along swiftly by their excited dog and a pair of elderly walkers leaning on canes and walking sticks.

“Let them get far ahead as you stand admiring the deeply-striped cliffs on the cove to your left, the bright emerald fields surrounding you. Ascending, the dirt track disappears and you’re in open green fields, the pastures backed by rolling hills and the shimmering bay below, ringed by rocky cliffs.

"A few more minutes and you’re standing above Barafundle Bay. A fairly steep flight of steps brings you down to the sand. It’s been consistently voted one of Britain’s best by whomever votes on these things, and it’s easy to see why: it’s a luxuriant curve of sand, topped by dunes and grasses on hills that make it feel immensely private. The long stretch of cliff known as Stackpole Head sticks straight into the sea like an arm. A little boulder sits jauntily offshore. The waves crash against the smooth sand. Your company here? 12 people, four dogs, and a visual overdose of beauty.”

Passport's editorial director Robert Adams said: "We asked our writers from around the globe to nominate their choices for The Best World's Best Beach. After we received their selections, we narrowed it down to our top 25 for publication."