The Greek beach of Elafonissi on Crete was recently crowned the best in the world for 2025, according to popular travel website Trip Advisor.
“It is just one of those places you have to see to believe,” Trip Advisor wrote. Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is best known for its pink sand. However, temper your expectations, as the amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season, the website notes.
Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and watersports enthusiasts alike. A hike up to the neighboring cedar tree reserves offers a change of scenery. Visit in the morning to beat traffic, and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive—or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left, it was added.
Elafonissi Beach on a small island
Elafonissi is a small island just 200 meters off the coast of Crete. It is accessible through the lagoon, connecting it to the mainland. Visitors can safely walk a short distance and carry their items along without worrying about getting them wet since the waters are quite shallow.
The sand on Elafonissi is white, but in many places, it takes on a pink color due to the thousands of broken seashells there. The crystal clear, blue-green sea is reminiscent of an exotic paradise, and that is the reason why it was voted as the most beautiful beach in the world.
Myrtos Beach in Kefalonia in the top 10 best beaches
A second Greek beach, which placed 10th, in Trip Advisor’s top ten in the world is Myrtos Beach on Kefalonia.
“Surrounded by mountains, Myrtos Beach is the perfect scenic spot for a peaceful beach day. Take a dip in the cobalt blue waters or go snorkeling, [and] then grab a bite at a coffee shop nearby. It rarely gets crowded, so there’s plenty of space to hang out and just enjoy the vibe,” the website boasts.
The ten best beaches in the world per Trip Advisor
- Elafonnisi, Crete, Greece
- Banana Beach, Phuket, Thailand
- Eagle Beach, Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida
- Praia da Falésia, Olhos de Agua, Portugal
- Playa Varadero, Varadero, Cuba
- Bavaro Beach, Bavaro, Dominican Republic
- Playa de Muro Beach, Majorca, Spain
- Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Indonesia
- Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Related: Is This the Best Beach in Greece?
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