Crete has emerged as one of the world’s biggest winners in the latest beach rankings, with three of its spectacular shores placing among the global top 24, including two in the top three.
Greece has once again made a major impression on international beach rankings, with Crete taking two of the top three positions in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice list of the world’s best beaches for 2026.
The island’s famous Elafonissi Beach was ranked second in the world, while Balos Lagoon claimed third place.
The results put Crete firmly among the world’s leading beach destinations and highlight the island’s combination of turquoise waters, dramatic landscapes and distinctive natural beauty.
Elafonissi takes second place
Elafonissi, on the southwestern coast of Crete, was named the world’s second best beach for 2026.
The beach is famous for its shallow turquoise waters and distinctive pink tinged sand, created by fragments of shells and marine organisms mixing with the white sand.
Located within a protected natural area, Elafonissi attracts visitors with its lagoon like waters and picturesque surroundings.
Authorities have also taken measures to protect the fragile environment, including restrictions on removing sand from the beach.
Balos Lagoon ranked third
Just above Elafonissi in the rankings is another Cretan favourite, Balos Lagoon, which was named the third best beach in the world.
Located on the northwestern tip of Crete, Balos is known for its spectacular combination of shallow turquoise water, white sand and rugged rocky landscapes.
Visitors can reach the lagoon by boat from Kissamos or by travelling over a rough road before completing the journey on foot.
Its remote location has helped preserve much of its natural character, while the extraordinary colours of the lagoon have made Balos one of Crete’s most photographed destinations.
Falassarna also makes the top 24
Crete secured a third place in Tripadvisor’s global ranking with Falassarna, on the island’s western coast, which came in at No. 11.
The beach faces west, making it particularly popular for sunset views, while the remains of an ancient Greek harbour are located nearby.
With three Cretan beaches appearing in the global top 24, the island has once again demonstrated its strength as an international beach destination.
Australia also dominates the rankings
Australia performed strongly across the international lists, with several of its beaches making the global and regional rankings.
Manly Beach in Sydney was ranked ninth in the world, while Bondi Beach placed 19th.
Manly also topped Tripadvisor’s South Pacific list, with Bondi taking second place. Seven of the region’s top 10 beaches were located in Australia.
Other highly ranked beaches around the world included Isla Pasion in Mexico, which took the No. 1 spot globally, followed by Elafonissi and Balos.
Portugal’s Praia da Falésia ranked fifth, while Aruba’s Eagle Beach came fourth.
The results once again underline the extraordinary variety of beaches around the world, but for Greece, the rankings provide another reminder of Crete’s status as one of the Mediterranean’s premier beach destinations.
First published on Greek City Times.