The best
beach
In the year 2025, this revelation will be unveiled globally, eliminating the necessity of venturing to remote destinations.
destination
to find it.
Tripadvisor’s annual
Traveller’s Choice Awards
has crowned
Elafonissi Beach
in
Crete
As the top-rated beach globally, due to its distinctive pink sand and pristine turquoise water.
Following a four-year hiatus from the rankings, it has risen above 23 other beaches to secure the number one position.
Situated along the southwest coastline of the
Greek
Elafonisi is a tiny island detached from the coast by a narrow lagoon.
The
European
The beach is renowned for its gentle, pale pink coastline, a distinctive coloration attributed to tiny creatures known as Foraminifera.
These small sea organisms create shells that have a reddish pigment. Over time, these shells disintegrate and combine with the pale sand particles on the beach.
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TripAdvisor’s beach rankings are derived from an extensive evaluation of feedback and scores provided by tens of millions of travelers within the last year.
The victorious beach boasts a 4.5-star rating, derived from 16,000 reviews. The description states: “Elafonisi Beach is simply somewhere you must witness to be convinced.”
‘The calm lagoons are ideal for families with exploratory children, whereas the more profound waters offer various adventures for grown-ups like swimming and snorkeling. Be sure to stay till dusk – trust me; you’ll be glad you did.’
Visitors seldom leave unimpressed, which is evident through the countless positive testimonials from travelers.
Critics have dubbed it the ‘Maldives of Crete’ because of its breathtaking views, with comparisons being made to the beauty of the Caribbean.
A reviewer named Xhiria commented that the beach is a ‘must-see.’ They mentioned, ‘The water is crystal-clear. It feels like paradise before visitors start arriving.’
Additionally, it was noted: ‘The water boasts remarkable clarity; the delicate pink sands swirl at the shoreline, and the depth is just right for strolling through the water.’
Although one critic commented: ‘This is the most breathtaking beach I have ever laid eyes on. It leaves you speechless.’
Nevertheless, some people noted that it becomes quite crowded during summertime, and a handful of thoughtless visitors have been observed taking small portions of the pink sand.
Cerys1992 mentioned: ‘The beach is lovely and pristine, but sadly thoughtless visitors have been taking away the pink sand.’
Individuals eager to witness the beach firsthand can effortlessly make their way from Chania, the closest large city with accessible transportation options. It takes approximately one hour to reach the beach by car from this location.
If you’re taking off from the UK, non-stop flights to Chania will take approximately four hours. You might find one-way tickets from London Gatwick to Chania priced at around £40 when traveling in April.
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People looking to enjoy sunshine away from large groups can head to Elafonissi Beach in May or September instead of the crowded peak season in June, July, and August.
Sunbed rentals are offered at the beach; nonetheless, there is no natural shelter from the sun, hence visitors intending to spend the whole day should come prepared with umbrellas, hats, and sunscreen.
After enjoying some time sunbathing or swimming in the clear blue waters, guests can venture into the Elafonissi Nature Reserve, located around the beach area.
This conservation zone hosts rare fauna such as sea turtles and migratory birds.
Close by is the Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, an impressive 17th-century religious site clinging to a cliffside. This location offers breathtaking vistas of the nearby scenery.
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