Elafonissi and Balos rank among world’s best beaches, Tripadvisor says

Elafonissi and Balos, two well-known beaches in the Chania region, have been ranked among the world’s top beaches in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards. Elafonissi placed second worldwide and Balos placed third, according to the platform.

The Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award recognizes destinations that receive a high volume of strongly positive reviews and feedback from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period, the platform said.

What Tripadvisor said about Elafonissi

Describing Elafonissi, Tripadvisor highlighted its pink-tinted sand and turquoise-green waters, calling it a place visitors need to see to believe. The platform noted that the shallow lagoons suit children, while deeper waters offer opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and recommended staying until sunset.

What Tripadvisor said about Balos

For Balos, Tripadvisor described crystal-clear waters and soft white sand with a semi-private feel, noting that the site is easily accessible, with calm, shallow waters suited to families with children. A beach bar on site serves drinks and snacks, according to the platform.

A third Chania-region beach, Falassarna, also made the list, ranking 11th. Tripadvisor cited the beach’s scenery, its stretches of pink sand and deep blue waters set against steep mountains in the background, and noted that beachside clubs rent sunbeds and jet skis. The platform also recommended staying for the sunset.

Both Elafonissi and Balos draw large numbers of visitors during peak summer months, prompting Chania authorities to plan an online booking system aimed at curbing overcrowding at the two sites. For visitors seeking quieter conditions, a recent report listed several Crete beaches worth visiting later in the day, after the busiest hours have passed. More destinations can be found among the island’s wider beaches.