Only 40 minutes from Barcelona, this stunning beach has been voted the happiest on the planet, according to a study by travel agency, CV Villas. The study used facial recognition technology to analyse Instagram photos to scan which beach has the most smiles worldwide and Beach took the top spot with a 'beach happiness score' of 98.42. The travel agency analysed over 1,000 Instagram photos from 103 popular beaches across the world using AWS Rekognition software to detect positive facial expressions and calculate an average smile score for each .

CV Villas wrote: "Sitges Beach in Barcelona, Spain is crowned the world's happiest beach, with a near perfect happiness score of 98.42 out of a possible 100. "Just outside Spain's popular city, it is much beloved among locals and travellers for a mix of smooth sands and warm, welcoming atmosphere with a lively promenade, too."

Just a short train ride away from Barcelona, Sitges has over 17 beaches to choose from but the main one is that of Playa de la Ribera, which is right by the town, and it's popular with both locals and tourists due to its proximity to shops, restaurants, and the promenade.

The crystal-clear waters offer a view of the town's church, the boats, and the promenade is lined by palm trees.

Playa de la Ribera offers stunning views of Sitges' famous Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, which sits perched on a hill above the town.

You'll be spoilt for choice in beaches in Sitges from more quieter beaches like that of Platja de l'Estanyol, ideal for relaxation and families and one of the town's longest beaches, to the hidden coves of the Garraf Natural Park, offering turquoise waters and breathtaking natural beauty.

Sitges has been dubbed the Saint-Tropez of Spain, with property prices nearing those of the priciest European cities.

Overlooking the sea, the Old Town with its cobblestone streets and historical buildings and colours has much to offer.

While in Sitges, the Museu del Cau Ferrat is a must-visit, featuring a unique collection of modern and ancient art in the former home and studio of Catalan artist Santiago Rusiñol and is one of the three museums located on the shores of Sant Sebastià beach.

Palau Maricel, a 14th-century palace overlooking the sea, is another stunning landmark in Sitges, housing the Maricel Museum, and known for its remarkable architecture and colourful rooms.