{"id":18280,"date":"2026-07-27T01:47:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T01:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/27\/greeces-elafonissi-beach-ranked-worlds-second-best-beach-in-2026-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-07-27T01:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T01:47:19","slug":"greeces-elafonissi-beach-ranked-worlds-second-best-beach-in-2026-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/27\/greeces-elafonissi-beach-ranked-worlds-second-best-beach-in-2026-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Greece\u2019s Elafonissi Beach Ranked World\u2019s Second Best Beach in 2026 \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Greece has once again proven its status as one of the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

While Australia\u2019s famous coastline attracted attention, the country had just one beach make the global top 25, with Wineglass Bay in Tasmania ranked 21st.<\/p>\n

Taking the number one position was Trunk Bay on St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/source><\/picture>
Trunk Bay Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cFew beaches came close to Trunk Bay\u2019s final score. It is truly the best beach in the world,\u201d Beach.com said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Crete\u2019s Elafonissi Beach Named Second Best in the World<\/h2>\n

Greece\u2019s Elafonissi Beach<\/strong> secured second place, highlighting the beauty of Crete\u2019s coastline on the international stage.<\/p>\n

Famous for its pink-tinged sand, shallow turquoise waters and protected natural landscape, Elafonissi has become one of Greece\u2019s most recognisable beach destinations.<\/p>\n

The ranking praised the beach\u2019s unique combination of stunning scenery, excellent water quality and visitor experience.<\/p>\n

Greece also featured again with Falasarna Beach in Crete ranked 14th, while Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on Zakynthos appeared at number 20.<\/p>\n

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Navagio Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

India and Europe Also Shine<\/h2>\n

India\u2019s Palolem Beach in Goa<\/strong> was ranked sixth globally, recognised for its tropical beauty, relaxed atmosphere and picturesque crescent-shaped coastline.<\/p>\n

Other European destinations performing strongly included Croatia\u2019s Golden Horn Beach<\/strong>, Portugal\u2019s Praia da Fal\u00e9sia<\/strong>, Italy\u2019s Cala Mariolu<\/strong> and Spain\u2019s Playa de Cofete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Full Top 25 Beaches in the World for 2026<\/h2>\n

According to Beach.com\u2019s ranking:<\/p>\n

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  1. Trunk Bay \u2013 U.S. Virgin Islands<\/li>\n
  2. Elafonissi Beach \u2013 Crete, Greece \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddf7<\/li>\n
  3. Grace Bay Beach \u2013 Turks and Caicos<\/li>\n
  4. Flamenco Beach \u2013 Puerto Rico<\/li>\n
  5. Golden Horn Beach \u2013 Croatia<\/li>\n
  6. Palolem Beach \u2013 Goa, India<\/li>\n
  7. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge \u2013 U.S. Virgin Islands<\/li>\n
  8. Playa Balandra \u2013 Mexico<\/li>\n
  9. Praia da Fal\u00e9sia \u2013 Portugal<\/li>\n
  10. Eagle Beach \u2013 Aruba<\/li>\n
  11. Lac Bay Beach \u2013 Bonaire<\/li>\n
  12. Boulders Beach \u2013 South Africa<\/li>\n
  13. Playa de Cofete \u2013 Fuerteventura, Spain<\/li>\n
  14. Falasarna Beach \u2013 Crete, Greece \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddf7<\/li>\n
  15. Horseshoe Bay Beach \u2013 Bermuda<\/li>\n
  16. Playa Manuel Antonio \u2013 Costa Rica<\/li>\n
  17. Maya Bay \u2013 Thailand<\/li>\n
  18. Hanauma Bay \u2013 Hawaii, United States<\/li>\n
  19. Cala Mariolu \u2013 Sardinia, Italy<\/li>\n
  20. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) \u2013 Zakynthos, Greece \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\uddf7<\/li>\n
  21. Wineglass Bay \u2013 Tasmania, Australia \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa<\/li>\n
  22. Anse Source d\u2019Argent \u2013 Seychelles<\/li>\n
  23. Cas Abao Beach \u2013 Cura\u00e7ao<\/li>\n
  24. Baby Beach \u2013 Aruba<\/li>\n
  25. Playa de Maspalomas \u2013 Gran Canaria, Spain<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Greece Continues to Lead Global Beach Tourism<\/h2>\n

    The strong performance of Greek beaches reinforces the country\u2019s reputation as a world-leading summer destination.<\/p>\n

    \"Falasarna <\/source><\/picture>
    Falasarna Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    From Crete\u2019s famous pink-sand coastline to Zakynthos\u2019 iconic Shipwreck Beach, Greece continues to attract travellers seeking crystal-clear waters, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable island experiences.<\/p>\n

    Although Australia boasts some of the world\u2019s most famous beaches, the latest ranking shows that Mediterranean destinations \u2014 especially Greece \u2014 remain among the most admired beach escapes on the planet.<\/p>\n