Greece has once again proven its status as one of the world’s greatest beach destinations, with Elafonissi Beach in Crete ranked the second-best beach on Earth in a new global ranking that analysed nearly 100,000 reviews and data from destinations around the world.
The Beach.com Global Beach Index 2026 examined hundreds of beaches using expert recommendations, traveller reviews and data sources including water quality, climate, accessibility, popularity and environmental factors.
While Australia’s famous coastline attracted attention, the country had just one beach make the global top 25, with Wineglass Bay in Tasmania ranked 21st.
Taking the number one position was Trunk Bay on St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Located within the protected Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay impressed judges with its crystal-clear waters, white sand, mountain scenery and world-class snorkelling opportunities.
“Few beaches came close to Trunk Bay’s final score. It is truly the best beach in the world,” Beach.com said.
The beach features a famous underwater snorkelling trail where visitors can explore coral reefs and marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays and colourful tropical fish.
Crete’s Elafonissi Beach Named Second Best in the World
Greece’s Elafonissi Beach secured second place, highlighting the beauty of Crete’s coastline on the international stage.
Famous for its pink-tinged sand, shallow turquoise waters and protected natural landscape, Elafonissi has become one of Greece’s most recognisable beach destinations.
The ranking praised the beach’s unique combination of stunning scenery, excellent water quality and visitor experience.
Greece also featured again with Falasarna Beach in Crete ranked 14th, while Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on Zakynthos appeared at number 20.
India and Europe Also Shine
India’s Palolem Beach in Goa was ranked sixth globally, recognised for its tropical beauty, relaxed atmosphere and picturesque crescent-shaped coastline.
Other European destinations performing strongly included Croatia’s Golden Horn Beach, Portugal’s Praia da Falésia, Italy’s Cala Mariolu and Spain’s Playa de Cofete.
Full Top 25 Beaches in the World for 2026
According to Beach.com’s ranking:
- Trunk Bay – U.S. Virgin Islands
- Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece 🇬🇷
- Grace Bay Beach – Turks and Caicos
- Flamenco Beach – Puerto Rico
- Golden Horn Beach – Croatia
- Palolem Beach – Goa, India
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge – U.S. Virgin Islands
- Playa Balandra – Mexico
- Praia da Falésia – Portugal
- Eagle Beach – Aruba
- Lac Bay Beach – Bonaire
- Boulders Beach – South Africa
- Playa de Cofete – Fuerteventura, Spain
- Falasarna Beach – Crete, Greece 🇬🇷
- Horseshoe Bay Beach – Bermuda
- Playa Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica
- Maya Bay – Thailand
- Hanauma Bay – Hawaii, United States
- Cala Mariolu – Sardinia, Italy
- Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) – Zakynthos, Greece 🇬🇷
- Wineglass Bay – Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺
- Anse Source d’Argent – Seychelles
- Cas Abao Beach – Curaçao
- Baby Beach – Aruba
- Playa de Maspalomas – Gran Canaria, Spain
Greece Continues to Lead Global Beach Tourism
The strong performance of Greek beaches reinforces the country’s reputation as a world-leading summer destination.
From Crete’s famous pink-sand coastline to Zakynthos’ iconic Shipwreck Beach, Greece continues to attract travellers seeking crystal-clear waters, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable island experiences.
Although Australia boasts some of the world’s most famous beaches, the latest ranking shows that Mediterranean destinations — especially Greece — remain among the most admired beach escapes on the planet.