13 best untouched beaches in the world

This location ranks 9 out of 10 when it comes to sand and water quality and an 8 in sheer untouched beauty. And don’t forget the 274 days of sunshine. The resort-esque area also touts a spa hotel, seaside restaurant and rentable cottages, according to Flight Network. (Ville Heikkinen/Getty Images)

Chicago Tribune

Nov. 30, 2018 6:27 AM PT

The area’s first major snowfall — the largest November snowfall in 120 years — may have you dreaming of warmer climates (read: beaches). White, sandy, calm, quiet, people-less beaches. As part of its annual Best Beaches list, which spans 165 countries, travel agency Flight Network has assembled a list specifically dedicated to the world’s best untouched beaches. Rankings are based on input from 1,200 travel professionals around the globe. They considered beauty, remoteness, temperatures, sand and water quality, as well as days of sunshine. So if you’re looking to escape Chicago’s bitter temps — but don’t want to fight the crowds of the better-known beaches — click through to see which locales made the list.

This remote spot, located almost 45 minutes from Algiers Airport, is prime for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling, says Flight Network. The destination boasts 273 days of sun and ranks 9 out of 10 when it comes to remoteness, sand and water quality, and sheer untouched beauty. (PictureReflex/Getty Images)

This spot, which has 286 days of annual sunshine, offers incredible surfing. Also, the white sand is peppered with black iron from a past volcanic eruption, making it different from your normal, everyday beach. (Oliver Strewe/Getty Images)

This beach at the southern tip of India gets a perfect score for remoteness, although it only has about 183 days of sunshine. Be sure to check out Adam’s Bridge, a natural bridge that connects India with neighboring Sri Lanka. (James Adaickalasamy/Getty Images)

This site has 295 days of annual sunshine and gets a perfect score for sand and water quality from Flight Network. Snorkeling is some of the best in the world, and visitors can spot countless species of rare fish, sharks and marine animals. (Krilt/Getty Images)

This destination gets an 8 out of 10 for beauty, and sand and water quality. The family-friendly spot also has blowholes, which can spit seawater up to 100 feet into the air. (Ulrich Hollmann/Getty Images)

This locale gets a perfect score when it comes to beauty, sand and water quality, and remoteness. And with an average of 229 days of sunshine annually, who could resist? (Peter Unger/Getty Images)

This spot, which gets 295 days of sun in a year, also has smooth, golden sands, crystal clear water and stunning rock formations to keep your interest piqued. The perfect score in sand and water quality is a bonus. (Lisandrotrarbach/Getty Images)

This locale gets a perfect score when it comes to remoteness and untouched beauty. The area is hidden in the Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast of Tasmania and is routinely ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, according to Flight Network. (Australian Scenics/Getty Images)

This spot is famous for Haystack Rock, pictured. And while the area only gets an average of 144 days of sun a year, the shoreline is perfect for walks, sand castle construction and puffin sightings, according to Flight Network. (Deb Snelson/Getty Images)

This beach touts 295 days of sun and gets a 9 out of 10 when it comes to sand and water quality, and sheer untouched beauty. (Lucianbolca/Getty Images)

At Iceland’s most famous beach, mountains are within view and black sands are at your feet. When you get tired of nature, you can visit the nearby Viking settlement, which was used as a set in the filming of “Game of Thrones,” according to Flight Network. (Danita Delimont/Getty Images)