When you picture the world’s most beautiful beach, what comes to mind? Pristine white sands lined with swaying palms, kissed by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean? You might want to rethink that. According to TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches, the most stunning stretch of sand on Earth isn’t in the Caribbean—it’s in the Mediterranean.
Earning the top spot among beaches across 50 countries and six continents is no small feat, but Elafonissi Beach has done just that. It’s no surprise to me—I’ve been fortunate enough to visit multiple times while exploring Greece, and this beach is nothing short of breathtaking. Tucked along the southwest coast of Crete, one of my favorite Greek islands, Elafonissi is surrounded by a landscape as diverse as it is magnificent, with soaring mountains, rugged canyons and spectacular beaches. Its iconic pink sand comes from tiny red organisms that grow on dead coral reefs and mix with crushed shells, a process that takes thousands of years before finally washing ashore.
Before I ever set foot on Crete, Elafonissi had been high on my bucket list. I’d seen photos of its crystal-clear aquamarine waters gently lapping against pink sand, and when I finally made it there, it was just as magical as I had imagined.
Unbiased Analysis
While I could easily call it the world’s most beautiful beach—having visited hundreds across the globe—that’s not how this winner was crowned. The title was awarded purely by fellow travelers, ensuring an entirely unbiased decision. TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards determine the top beaches based on a year’s worth of traveler reviews and ratings, considering both quality and quantity.
When to Go
Elafonissi enchants all who visit—its beauty is unrivaled. The only real complaint? Crowds. Once a well-kept secret known mostly to locals, the beach has gained worldwide attention over the past decade. Now, everyone from Instagrammers and backpackers to honeymooners and families makes their way here.
The good news? You can avoid the heaviest crowds by timing your visit outside of peak season (mid-June to early September). For a more peaceful experience, plan your trip between May and mid-June or mid-September to early October when you can enjoy the pink sands and turquoise waters without the crowds. Spring brings colorful wildflowers, while early fall offers the warmest water for swimming.
If visiting during peak season is your only option, there’s still a way to escape the crowds—wade across the sandbar to the islet of Elafonissi, where secluded coves and quiet sandy beaches offer a tranquil retreat, even in the heart of summer.
What to Do
Swimming and Snorkeling
The calm, shallow water stretches for miles, making Elafonissi perfect for families with kids or anyone else who just wants to splash around. Adults can venture into deeper waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in a vibrant underwater world. The rocky formations and shallow reefs provide an ideal habitat for all sorts of marine species (bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it on the island before arriving).
Paddling
Paddleboarding and kayaking are both popular on the calm lagoon waters or along the coast with local outfitters offering guided tours and rentals.
Nature Walks
Picturesque sand dunes line the landscape, with marked trails that wind through native flora like sea daffodils and junipers. This area is also a haven for wildlife, home to rare birds like Eleonora’s falcon and, if you’re lucky, the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. Should you spot one, be sure to give it plenty of space—these turtles are a protected species.
Photography
Elafonissi is a photographer’s dream. The best times to capture its beauty are early morning or late afternoon, when the light enhances the natural hues. Sunrise and sunset create particularly dramatic effects, from golden light reflecting off the sea to soft pink tones glowing in the sand. Whether it’s a tidal pool reflection, a wildflower peeking through the dunes, or a sweeping shot of the lagoon and coastline, every angle offers a picture-perfect moment.
Unwind
Lounger and umbrella rentals make it easy to relax between dips in the sea and strolls along the sand. There are also beach bars when you’re in need of food and drink.
Watch a Glorious Sunset
Whatever you do, don’t miss the sunset at Elafonissi. The pink sands, wildflowers and wildlife are reason enough to visit, but as the sun dips below the Mediterranean, it paints the sky in beautiful hues—a grand finale to an unforgettable day.
