Crete has emerged as one of the world\u2019s 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.<\/h4>\n
Greece has once again made a major impression on international beach rankings, with Crete taking two of the top three positions in Tripadvisor\u2019s Travellers\u2019 Choice list of the world\u2019s best beaches for 2026.<\/p>\n
The island\u2019s famous Elafonissi Beach was ranked second in the world, while Balos Lagoon claimed third place.<\/p>\n The results put Crete firmly among the world\u2019s leading beach destinations and highlight the island\u2019s combination of turquoise waters, dramatic landscapes and distinctive natural beauty.<\/p>\n Elafonissi takes second place<\/p>\n Elafonissi, on the southwestern coast of Crete, was named the world\u2019s second best beach for 2026.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Located within a protected natural area, Elafonissi attracts visitors with its lagoon like waters and picturesque surroundings.<\/p>\n Authorities have also taken measures to protect the fragile environment, including restrictions on removing sand from the beach.<\/p>\n Balos Lagoon ranked third<\/p>\n Just above Elafonissi in the rankings is another Cretan favourite, Balos Lagoon, which was named the third best beach in the world.<\/p>\n Located on the northwestern tip of Crete, Balos is known for its spectacular combination of shallow turquoise water, white sand and rugged rocky landscapes.<\/p>\n Visitors can reach the lagoon by boat from Kissamos or by travelling over a rough road before completing the journey on foot.<\/p>\n Its remote location has helped preserve much of its natural character, while the extraordinary colours of the lagoon have made Balos one of Crete\u2019s most photographed destinations.<\/p>\n Falassarna also makes the top 24<\/p>\n Crete secured a third place in Tripadvisor\u2019s global ranking with Falassarna, on the island\u2019s western coast, which came in at No. 11.<\/p>\n The beach faces west, making it particularly popular for sunset views, while the remains of an ancient Greek harbour are located nearby.<\/p>\n With three Cretan beaches appearing in the global top 24, the island has once again demonstrated its strength as an international beach destination.<\/p>\n Australia also dominates the rankings<\/p>\n Australia performed strongly across the international lists, with several of its beaches making the global and regional rankings.<\/p>\n Manly Beach in Sydney was ranked ninth in the world, while Bondi Beach placed 19th.<\/p>\n Manly also topped Tripadvisor\u2019s South Pacific list, with Bondi taking second place. Seven of the region\u2019s top 10 beaches were located in Australia.<\/p>\n Other highly ranked beaches around the world included Isla Pasion in Mexico, which took the No. 1 spot globally, followed by Elafonissi and Balos.<\/p>\n Portugal\u2019s Praia da Fal\u00e9sia ranked fifth, while Aruba\u2019s Eagle Beach came fourth.<\/p>\n The results once again underline the extraordinary variety of beaches around the world, but for Greece, the rankings provide another reminder of Crete\u2019s status as one of the Mediterranean\u2019s premier beach destinations.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/crete-balos-greece-la-vie-en-blog-all-rights-reserved-9_upscale-1024x682.webp)
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