Two simple words come to mind: pink sand.
What's the best beach in the world for 2025?
Source: Hert Niks/Unsplash
- Tripadvisor just named Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, the best beach in the world.
- People rave about this spot for its calm, clear waters and stunning pink sands.
- Other top beaches include Banana Beach in Thailand, Eagle Beach in Aruba, Siesta Beach in Florida, and Praia da Falésia in Portugal.
Winter is here, so it's perfect for a warm weather vacation or planning a beach trip! Luckily,
On Tuesday, February 18, the travel company released its 2025 version of the Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches. This year's list covers 6 continents, 50 countries, and over 100 beaches, highlighting the finest coastal spots worldwide. Plus, the choices come from a detailed analysis of global beach reviews on Tripadvisor from the past year. So, it's all from fellow travelers, making it super trustworthy.
"Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards truly reflect the voices of millions of travelers and help guide people in planning their perfect trip," said Kristen Dalton, president of Tripadvisor's core business, in a statement. "In my family, beaches are more than just sunbathing – we love to explore! The variety on this year's list really shows all the fun a beach trip can offer."
After looking at the reviews, Tripadvisor named Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, the best beach in the world. This marks the first time it has ranked since 2021, jumping up 23 places to take the top spot.
Source: Marina T/Unsplash
Tripadvisor highlighted Elafonissi Beach's "turquoise waters, pink sands, hiking paths, and ample sunbathing areas." It mentioned that May and September are the ideal months to visit, with "warm, sunny weather and much fewer crowds than during peak summer in June, July, and August."
Reviewers loved its stunning views, shallow waters, and secluded feel.
"Visiting here is like being in the Pacific Rim, but you're in Crete," one reviewer shared. "The clear, pale blue sea really helps with arthritis. You can wade in 15 feet and still be up to your hips in water. The drive there is nice, so go for it!"
Other top beaches included Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand, followed by Eagle Beach in Aruba, Siesta Beach in Florida, and Praia da Falésia in Portugal.
"Whether you want to stroll the gorgeous pink sands of our winner, Elafonissi Beach, explore amazing views in Indonesia, watch whales in Hawaii, or dive in the magical bioluminescent waters of Thailand – there's really something for everyone," Tripadvisor noted.
If you're planning to fly to Crete for this stunning beach getaway, don't forget to sort out your parking. Search for "long-term parking lots near me" on Google to find convenient off-site options. For the best deals, check out our smart booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, where you can find special airport parking coupons and make an easy airport parking reservation through just a few clicks to ensure a stress-free start to your trip.