The world's 'best beach' with pink sand and turquoise waters

A beautiful European beach has been named the best in the world according to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Beaches, highlighting the top-rated beaches in the world as reviewed by global travellers. The 2025 list spans six continents, celebrating everything from serene waters and white sands to dramatic cliffs and vibrant marine life. Known for its pink sand, crystal-clear shallow waters, and scenic, remote location on Crete’s southwest coast, Elafonissi Beach was crowned as the best beach for its breathtaking beauty and is said to have fewer crowds in the months of May and September.

Kristen Dalton, President at TripAdvisor, said: "Whether it's strolling the beautiful pink sand beaches of our world winner, Elafonissi beach, in Greece, experiencing breathtaking vistas in Indonesia, whale watching in Hawaii or diving in magical bioluminescent waters in Thailand - there really is something for everyone. This year's lists span an incredible six continents and 50 countries with over 100 of the very best beaches showcasing the eclectic mix of coastal spots across the world."

The incredible pink sand is natural and made out of tiny seashells and the pigmented microorganisms in the lagoon which create this unique colour.

The beach and surrounding area are in a protected nature reserve and the island is just a quick stretch of shallow, warm water away from the mainland which can be walked to.

Elafonissi Beach is also home to sand dunes, rare types of birds and native plants, protected loggerhead sea turtles and its shallow waters make it ideal for snorkelling.

Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand came in second place in TripAdvisor's ranking for 2025 and Eagle Beach in Oranjestead, Aruba came in third place.

One person said on TripAdvisor about Elafonissi Beach: "W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L. There’s no other word to describe this beach. It’s one of the best beaches ever."

Someone else added: "A beautiful beach, a true paradise! Crystal clear water, shallow waters where you can walk for km , well cared for and managed by local associations, absolutely not to be missed!"

Susanm from Barrow-in-Furness, added: "It is a very beautiful beach with gorgeous pink tinged sand from millions of little pink shells. The water is turquoise graduating into the deepest oceanic blue a truly stunning sight. As you approach the beach by road it can look like a caribbean vista."