Summer is well and truly upon us, and it won't be long before holiday planning kicks into full swing. Living in the UK, we're fortunate enough to have some of the world's finest beaches just a short flight away.

From Italy to France and Spain, the options are seemingly endless. However, according to TripAdvisor, one beach stands head and shoulders above the rest.

It has just been crowned the best beach in Europe and the second best beach in the world, according to the Travellers Choice 'Best of the Best' ranking for 2026 - a breathtaking stretch of coastline on the Greek island of Crete.

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Elafonissi Beach is renowned for its strikingly calm, crystal-clear waters and its distinctive pink sands.

The rosy hue is the result of millions of tiny organisms, including seashells, coral and microorganisms, which have been ground down over centuries.

This remarkable colouring is a huge part of what makes Elafonissi so utterly captivating.

The vivid pink tones come from a mollusc known as Foraminifera.

These minuscule marine creatures produce red-pigmented shells which, over time, break down and blend with the white grains of sand along the shoreline, reports the Express.

It's a firm favourite amongst families, as the shallow lagoons are ideal for younger children to paddle and explore, while the deeper surrounding waters give adults the perfect opportunity to swim and snorkel.

On TripAdvisor, the beach holds an impressive 4.5 rating based on 16,000 reviews.

One visitor, Elliot Perry, wrote: "Elafonissi Beach is one of those places that looks just as beautiful in person as it does in photographs....Despite being well known, the beach still feels spacious if you walk a little further from the main entrance.

"There are quieter spots where you can appreciate the scenery without the crowds."

Fellow holidaymaker Iriena S added: "Despite visiting in the off-season, we had a wonderful time. We enjoyed having the whole beach to ourselves.

"The weather was quite warm, the water was crystal clear and beautiful, and the sandy beach with its scenic seaside views made it even more special."