Greece has once again proven its status as one of the world’s 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. 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. While Australia’s famous coastline attracted attention, the country had just one beach make the global top 25, with Wineglass Bay in Tasmania ranked 21st.
Taking the number one position was Trunk Bay on St John in the U.S. 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. Trunk Bay Beach “Few beaches came close to Trunk Bay’s final score.
It is truly the best beach in the world,” Beach.com said. 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. Crete’s Elafonissi Beach Named Second Best in the World Greece’s Elafonissi Beach secured second place, highlighting the beauty of Crete’s coastline on the international stage.
Famous for its pink-tinged sand, shallow turquoise waters and protected natural landscape, Elafonissi has become one of Greece’s most recognisable beach destinations.Advertising1 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The ranking praised the beach’s unique combination of stunning scenery, excellent water quality and visitor experience. Greece also featured again with Falasarna Beach in Crete ranked 14th, while Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) on Zakynthos appeared at number 20. Navagio Beach India and Europe Also Shine India’s Palolem Beach in Goa was ranked sixth globally, recognised for its tropical beauty, relaxed atmosphere and picturesque crescent-shaped coastline.
Other European destinations performing strongly included Croatia’s Golden Horn Beach, Portugal’s Praia da Falésia, Italy’s Cala Mariolu and Spain’s Playa de Cofete. Full Top 25 Beaches in the World for 2026 According to Beach.com’s ranking: Trunk Bay – U.S. Virgin Islands Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece Grace Bay Be…
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