Elafonissi beach ranked second most beautiful in the world

The Elafonissi beach in Crete has been ranked as the second most beautiful beach in the world according to the 2026 Global Beach Index by beach.com. This ranking makes it the top-rated beach in Europe.

Two other Cretan locations also appeared in the global top 25: Falassarna ranked 14th, and Balos ranked 21st. These sites are noted for their crystal-clear waters and ecological significance, with both being part of the Natura 2000 protected network.

Despite the international acclaim, the popularity of Elafonissi has led to concerns regarding overtourism. Recent reports highlight extreme crowding during peak periods, which poses risks to local marine species and the integrity of the area's characteristic pink sand, which visitors sometimes illegally remove as souvenirs.