Don't visit one of the world's most beautiful beaches after serious warning

A spectacular beach tucked away off the South American coast has just been crowned as one of the world's most beautiful spots - but it comes with a potentially perilous twist. The secluded Cayo de Agua, bathed in sunshine within the eastern Caribbean Sea and resting on the outskirts of Los Roques National Park, forms a piece of the enchanting Los Roques archipelago.

Its picture-perfect shores, defined by crystalline blue waters and a breathtaking sandbar topped with pure white sand, alongside a rare sense of seclusion, have catapulted it to number 22 on the World's 50 Best Beaches 2025 list. And it appears that those fortunate enough to visit agree, with Cayo de Agua boasting an outstanding 4.9 score from 883 reviews on TripAdvisor. A particularly effusive visitor, who is no stranger to globe-trotting, has described the spot as "indescribably beautiful".

They proclaimed: "I have traveled widely, more than 120 countries to date. For me, this beach, this island, is rightly one of the most beautiful in the world. Extremely impressive. What I particularly like is that you are almost alone, private, on this small island, as only a few day tourists are taken to this island, this beach."

Another enchanted guest christened Cayo De Agua as a slice of "paradise" and one of the "most beautiful keys" amidst the wonders of Los Roques, branding it as a site of "truly magical" allure with "crystal clear" water lapping over pristine white sands.

Meanwhile, someone else compared it to what they consider the "Bora Bora + Maldives" of Venezuela; others labelled it a "spectacular paradise island" and branded the experience as "unforgettable".

However, those wishing to experience this idyllic haven must be aware of a significant caveat: travel warnings. Cayo de Agua falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, a country currently subject to numerous severe travel advisories from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to certain regions of Venezuela, including areas within 80km of the Colombia-Venezuela border. The presence of drug traffickers and illicit armed groups in these regions poses a serious risk of kidnapping.

Travel to Zulia State is also discouraged due to local conflict, violence, power outages and water shortages, as well as areas within 40km of the Brazilian border. The reasons mirror those of the Colombian border, with drug traffickers, illegal armed factions and the threat of abduction being prevalent.

Moreover, the FCDO's warnings extend to the remainder of the country, advising against all but essential travel to other parts of Venezuela due to issues of instability and crime.

The UK does not recognise the administration of Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, and the FCDO warns that the country's atmosphere is fraught with tension. There is a risk of protests escalating into violence, potentially leading to the deployment of tear gas and rubber bullets.

Furthermore, it highlighted an increased security presence across the country, including stringent border controls and at airports. Some Britons have experienced interrogations by officials, resulting in lengthy airport delays that could last hours or even days, with no permission to contact relatives or the Embassy, and potentially leading to deportation.

Venezuela reportedly has one of the world's highest murder rates, with crimes such as burglary, armed robbery, mugging, and carjacking being commonplace. The FCDO also cautioned that those committing these crimes often resort to extreme violence.

Travellers are advised not to resist attackers and to refrain from displaying electronics or valuables in public or inside vehicles. Both official visitors and residents have been known to employ private security services, while armoured vehicles are a frequent sight in the capital, Caracas.

Visitors are also warned against using public transport due to a series of armed robberies on the Caracas metro and are advised to only use pre-booked taxis. Additionally, those travelling by sea are alerted to the risk of piracy and armed robbery.

Anyone planning a trip to Venezuela should also be mindful of the problems plaguing the country's public services, which can affect security, health care, fuel, water, and electricity supplies.

The nation also endures lengthy power outages that disrupt mobile and internet services, affecting Caracas International Airport. The FCDO further highlighted potential shortages of essentials, suggesting it might be prudent to stockpile canned water and food.

You can learn more on the FCDO website here.