A secluded oasis with tinted pink sand and azure waters has been named ‘Europe’s best beach’ for 2026, and it’s just four hours from the UK with flights starting from £22.

Greece has dominated this year’s Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches, with four of its picturesque shores making the top 10 European list. The turquoise Balos Lagoon, sandy shores of Falassarna Beach and hidden coves at Paleokastritsa Beach all secured a spot, but there was one Greek coast that stole the spotlight.

The breathtakingly beautiful Elafonissi Beach on the southwest coast of Crete has topped the Travellers’ Choice Awards list as the ‘best beach in Europe’, following TripAdvisor review data. The remote beach is known for its unique pink sand, likened to velvet, and crystal-clear turquoise waters that lap around the lagoon.

The striking pink-tinted sand of Elafonissi Beach, which can mostly be spotted along the waterline, is caused by crushed shells, which are then mixed in with the originally white sand. Depending on the weather and tide, the pink’s brightness varies; it used to be much brighter, but it remains a spectacular sight for any visitor.

The picture-perfect shore is also renowned for its shallow lagoon that separates the mainland from the island of Elafonisi, just 650 feet from the beach and what it’s named after. Visitors can easily wade across the turquoise lagoon thanks to its shallow waters, which rarely rise above waist level.

The island of Elafonisi, or Elafonissi, is also a protected nature reserve and a lot more secluded, so it might be best to set up camp on the main Elafonissi beach before crossing over for a little explore. But there are plenty of sun loungers along the unspoilt shores, overlooking the warm azure waters and the island, making it a haven for sunbathing.

Travellers have often taken advantage of the watersports in the area, including windsurfing, along with snorkelling opportunities with a crystal clear lagoon vista. Plus, thanks to its beach bar and restaurant, and available shower and toilet facilities, you won’t need to leave the secluded haven until the end of the day.

Following a visit to Elafonissi Beach, one holidaymaker shared on TripAdvisor: “Free to visit one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. We spent a week in the area and came here to chill out daily. Bring your own snacks and water.”

Another also penned: “A true paradise! I thought I would never find the magical colours of my Budelli, now closed to the public for years to preserve its fragile, uncontaminated environment, and instead… Elafonissi was an unforgettable experience, as soon as you get there, it takes your breath away. We arrived with 40 minutes by local bus, super crowded, from Chania, along mountain trails a bit rough, but the trip was worth it. A magical, heavenly, indescribable place that took my breath away. We hope it stays that way…. I can’t wait to go back.”

Crete is a popular destination among Brits looking for a sun-soaked getaway, just four hours from the UK, with Elafonissi Beach only adding to its undeniable appeal. Direct flights from Birmingham to Crete, Chania, the closest to ‘Europe’s best beach’, start from £22 one-way with Ryanair, or £23 from London Stansted.

TripAdvisor’s top 10 beaches in Europe 2026

1. Elafonissi Beach, Greece (iconic pink sand)

2. Balos Lagoon, Greece (turquoise lagoon peninsula)

Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor, said: “For many travellers, the beach is the main event. Based on millions of trips, reviews, and opinions, these awards highlight the very best beaches in the world – making it easier to decide where to go and how to spend your time once you’re there.”

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