Crete's Beaches Rank Among World's Best, Highlighting Greek Island Tourism

Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards named Crete’s Elafonisi beach as the second‑best beach worldwide and the Balos lagoon as third. The rankings are based on a twelve‑month period of exceptionally positive reviews, with fewer than one percent of listed entries achieving the award. Elafonisi is noted for its pink sand, shallow warm water and protected‑area status, while Balos is praised for its crystal‑clear waters and family‑friendly conditions.

Other Greek islands are also promoted for quieter holidays. Samos offers historic sites linked to Zeus, Hera and the mathematician Pythagoras, along with its signature dessert wine and scenic coastal villages. Skiathos, part of the Sporades, is highlighted for its sand‑covered beaches such as Koukounaries and Mandraki, a picturesque fishing harbour and easy access by car or scooter.