The 'Jaw-dropping' Greek beach that's just four hours from UK named world's best
The best beach in the world has been revealed for 2025, and you don't have to travel to a far-flung destination to find it.
Tripadvisor's annual Traveller's Choice Awards has crowned Elafonissi Beach in Crete as the number one beach on the planet, thanks to its unique pink sands and crystal-clear waters.
After a four-year absence from the rankings, it has soared past 23 other stretches of sand to claim the top spot.
Located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island, Elafonissi is a small islet separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon.
The European beach is famous for its soft, pastel pink shoreline, which gets its unique hue from microscopic organisms called Foraminifera.
These tiny marine creatures produce red-pigmented shells, which, over time, break down and mix with the white grains of sand on the shore.
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Tripadvisor's ranking of beaches is based on a comprehensive analysis of reviews and ratings from millions of travellers over the past 12 months.
The winning beach currently holds a 4.5-star rating, based on 16,000 reviews. Its description reads: 'Elafonissi Beach is just one of those places you have to see to believe.
'The shallow lagoons are perfect for those with curious kids, while the deeper waters invite all sorts of adventure for adults: swimming, snorkelling, you name it. Just make sure to stick around until sunset – you won't regret it.'
Those who visit are rarely disappointed, as made clear by the glowing reviews from thousands of travellers.
Reviewers have declared it the 'Maldives of Crete' due to its 'jaw-dropping' scenery, and some have compared it to the Caribbean.
One reviewer, Xhiria, said the beach is a 'must see'. They wrote: 'The water is clear. It's like a paradise before the people arrive.'
Another added: 'The water is beautifully clear, the pink grains of sand dance around at the water's edge, and the water is shallow enough for you to walk around in the water.'
While one reviewer said: 'This is the most stunning beach I have ever seen. It takes your breath away.'
However, some pointed out that it can get particularly crowded in summer, and a few inconsiderate tourists have been known to take samples of the pink sand.
Cerys1992 wrote: '[It's a] beautiful and clean beach. It's a shame that inconsiderate tourists have unfortunately been stealing the pink sand.'
Those who want to see the beach for themselves can easily travel from Chania, the nearest major city with convenient transport links. The beach is an hours drive away from there.
If you're flying from the UK, direct flights to Chania take roughly four hours. One-way flights from London Gatwick to Chania can be found for £40, departing in April.
Those who want to soak up the sun without the crowds can visit Elafonissi Beach during the shoulder seasons, such as May and September, rather than the busy summer months of June, July, and August. More Trending
Sunbeds are available to rent at the beach; however, there is no natural shade, so visitors should be well-equipped with umbrellas, hats, and suncream if they're planning to stay all day.
Once they're done sunbathing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, visitors can explore the Elafonissi Nature Reserve, which surrounds the beach.
This protected area is home to rare wildlife, including sea turtles and migratory birds.
The Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, a historic 17th-century monastery perched on a cliff is also close by. It boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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