Rhossili Bay in the Gower has beaten off competition from Dorset, Cornwall and Scotland to secure the top spot in the UK, and Spain, Greece, Italy and Turkey to keep its third-place ranking in Europe for the second year running.And the vast three-mile expanse of white sand managed to improve its position on the top 10 beaches in the world – which features Australia, Seychelles and Turks & Caicos - climbing from tenth place to ninth.Three UK destinations managed to secure a place in the top 10 beaches in Europe, with Woolacombe Beach, in Devon, named in seventh place, and Porthminster Beach, in Cornwall, scooping ninth place. They also came in second and third place respectively for the best beaches in the UK, according to the TripAdvisor Traveller Choice Beaches Awards, based on reviews and ratings over the past 12 months, winners revealed today. Rabbit Beach, in Lampedusa, Italy, and Playa de ses Illetes, in Formentera, Spain were crowned in first and second place in the top 10 best beaches in Europe.James Kay, TripAdvisor spokesman, said: ‘These awards recognise the best beaches in the UK and worldwide, according to the travellers that have visited and given them the highest levels of praise.‘To have three British beaches named among the best in Europe just goes to show how lucky we are in the UK to have such stunning scenery right on our doorstep.’Rhossili Bay’s triumph against beaches in such glamorous destinations as Mexico, Brazil and Australia goes to prove that travellers don’t need to travel half way around the world to find a great beach.The largest expanse of white sand on the Gower Peninsula, Rhossili Bay, which stretches below towering cliffs, is popular with surfers, paragliders and ramblers alike.The village of Rhossili itself is steeped in history and the wreck of the Helvetia, which ran aground on Rhossili Bay in November 1887, can still be seen on the beach toCllr Nick Bradley, the council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration said: ‘This is fantastic news! The national and international exposure that this award brought Rhossili Bay in 2013 was both appropriate for all those involved in its upkeep and significant in terms of the impact it has had on the tourism industry locally and nationally. ‘Our natural resources and in particular our coastline are what make Swansea Bay one of the most attractive destinations in the UK for holidays and short-breaks.’(dailymail.co.uk)ANN.Az