Four beaches in Greece rank among the world’s top 15 coastal destinations for 2026, according to the latest Travellers’ Choice Awards from Tripadvisor. The annual ranking draws on millions of traveler reviews submitted over the past year and measures both popularity and overall experience quality.
The global list places Isla Pasion in Cozumel, Mexico, at number one. Greece follows with two beaches in Crete taking second and third place worldwide, while two more Greek beaches also appear within the global Top 15.
Crete beaches take two global top three positions
Elafonissi Beach ranks second worldwide for 2026 and also holds the top position in Europe. Visitors frequently cite its shallow lagoon waters and pink tinted sand created by crushed shells.
#Elafonisi beach, #Crete. Nature’s masterpiece in shades of turquoise.
📷 georgeeptr pic.twitter.com/QFIlndqzDP— Greece Ελλάς Grecia (@GreekPictures) October 15, 2023
Right behind it, Balos Lagoon places third globally. The lagoon stands out for its turquoise shallows and dramatic landscape and forms part of a protected Natura 2000 environmental zone.
A third Cretan entry, Falassarna Beach, ranks eleventh worldwide, giving Crete three separate beaches inside the global Top 15.
One of the most famous beaches of #Crete, #Falasarna Beach, is a paradise for nature lovers. With turquoise water & pink sand, Falassarna is part of the Natura 2000 network, both due to its variety of flora and fauna and as an area of outstanding natural beauty. 🇬🇷
📷 visit.crete pic.twitter.com/uNIZGjigS9— Greece Ελλάς Grecia (@GreekPictures) July 12, 2025
Corfu adds a fourth Greek beach to the Top 15
Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu ranks fourteenth worldwide. Its series of coves and clear waters helped secure Greece’s fourth placement in the world Top 15 and extend the country’s presence beyond Crete.
Overall, four Greek beaches appear in the global Top 15, strengthening the country’s profile in the premium coastal tourism segment.
Agios Spiridon Beach
Palaiokastritsa, Corfu, Greece #travelphotography #corfu #landscapephotography #ThePhotoHour pic.twitter.com/ChPJxV7EkY— Gary Ellis (@mrgaryellis) June 7, 2023
Tripadvisor awards highlight Greece’s top beaches
The European ranking shows a similarly strong performance. Elafonissi holds first place in Europe, followed by Balos in second.
Falassarna ranks fifth and Paleokastritsa seventh among European beaches. Tsambika Beach in Rhodes also appears on the European list, placing sixteenth overall.
Tsambika Beach in Rhodes is a stunning spot with golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports! It’s a perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure!https://t.co/WcJDrGqVeR pic.twitter.com/gNIdRMlVtv
— Greek Boston (@GreekBoston) February 9, 2026
New Tripadvisor “one of a kind” category includes Greece’s Santorini
For 2026, Tripadvisor introduced a new category titled “One of a Kind,” focusing on beaches known for distinctive natural features.
Red Beach Santorini ranks nineteenth worldwide in this category, recognized for its volcanic terrain and red cliff formations.
Good morning from Red Beach, Santorini. #VisitGreece #ttot #travel pic.twitter.com/kWsxDY6IlR
— Visit Greece (@VisitGreecegr) August 19, 2019
How the Tripadvisor ranking is calculated
Tripadvisor says its “Best of the Best” labels reflect the highest rated destinations on the platform. Company executive Laurel Greatrix noted that for many travelers “the beach is the main motivation for the trip,” making the awards a practical guide for destination selection.
The 2026 rankings rely on the quality and quantity of reviews submitted between November 30, 2024 and December 1, 2025. The platform now hosts more than one billion user reviews and contributions, making its beach rankings a closely followed global travel indicator.
