Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, was crowned the world's best beach for 2025 by Tripadvisor, Travel And Tour World reported. Climbing 23 places from the previous year, Elafonissi secured the top spot with 16,017 reviews, including 10,641 five-star ratings.

Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, unveiled the latest edition of its Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025, ranking the most stunning seaside escapes based on real traveler reviews.

Elafonissi Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and mesmerizing pink-tinged sands, which have captivated visitors from around the globe. The shoreline features rose-hued sand, a characteristic that adds to its natural beauty. The pink tint of the sand is most vivid along the water's edge and shifts depending on tidal movements and weather conditions, according to Travel And Tour World.

Located on the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonissi Beach is part of the network of protected areas known as Natura 2000, constituting an ecosystem of exceptional ecological importance.

"This beach is also surrounded by forests of cedar trees, making it a great spot for hiking, too," Tripadvisor noted, according to the Daily Mail. The beach features a small island approximately 200 meters south of the main swimming area, accessible by walking through the shallow waters.

The best time to visit Elafonissi Beach is between May and September when it offers warm, sunny weather with fewer visitors compared to the peak summer months of June through August, Travel And Tour World advised. Visitors are encouraged to pack sun protection due to limited natural shade, and while sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, it's a good idea to bring your own in case they're fully booked.

The drive to Elafonissi Beach provides a journey through the landscapes of Crete. The easiest route is flying into Heraklion Airport, the main gateway to the island. From there, travelers can rent a car and drive to the town of Chania on Crete's northwest coast, approximately a 90-minute drive away, Travel And Tour World mentioned. For those staying in Chania, local and international travel agencies operate bus trips to Elafonissi Beach daily, providing easy access to the destination.

Elafonissi Beach is not only a haven for sunbathers but also attracts water sports enthusiasts. The nearby shallow lagoon, no more than one meter deep, offers opportunities for kite surfing. 

The Travelers' Choice Awards showcase reviewers' favorite beaches around the world, based on a comprehensive analysis of millions of reviews from travelers worldwide over the past year. This year's lists span six continents and 50 countries, featuring over 100 of the best beaches and including the mix of coastal spots across the world, including Greece's pink sands and Thailand's hidden coves.

In the global rankings, Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand, secured the second spot, while Eagle Beach in Aruba came in third, according to the Daily Mail. Siesta Beach in Florida, was named the top beach in the United States and ranked fourth globally, Travel And Tour World reported. Praia da Falésia in the Algarve, Portugal, completed the top five.

Weymouth Beach in Dorset was ranked the best beach in the United Kingdom and 20th in Europe for 2025, the Daily Mail reported. Tripadvisor describes Weymouth Beach as being "ideal for families," with "plenty to do on a day out in the summer from Punch and Judy shows to donkey rides and pedalo hire," according to Forbes. Gorleston-on-Sea Beach in Norfolk secured the No. 2 spot in the UK and 23rd in Europe. Described by Tripadvisor as "a quintessential British beach" that's "perfect for bucket-and-spade outings," Gorleston-on-Sea is a two-mile stretch of golden sand curving around a picturesque bay, Forbes noted.

Hawaii dominated the Top 10 US Beaches in Tripadvisor's rankings, claiming five spots, Travel And Tour World reported. Millions of travelers rely on platforms like Tripadvisor for guidance in beach tourism. Reviews, photos, and firsthand experiences provide real-time insights into changing beach conditions, amenities, and recommendations.

The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.