A fantastic seashore with uncommon pink sand and turquoise lagoon has been topped Europe’s best by Tripadvisor and it is simply 4 hours from the UK
This gorgeous shore has been named ‘Europe’s greatest seashore’ for 2026 (Picture: Getty Pictures) This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
A secluded oasis with tinted pink sand and azure waters has been named ‘Europe’s greatest seashore’ for 2026, and it is simply 4 hours from the UK with flights ranging from £22.
Greece has dominated this yr’s Travellers’ Alternative Awards: Better of the Finest Seashores, with 4 of its picturesque shores making the highest 10 European listing. The turquoise Balos Lagoon, sandy shores of Falassarna Seaside and hidden coves at Paleokastritsa Seaside all secured a spot, however there was one Greek coast that stole the highlight.
The breathtakingly stunning Elafonissi Seaside on the southwest coast of Crete has topped the Travellers’ Alternative Awards listing because the ‘greatest seashore in Europe’, following TripAdvisor evaluate knowledge. The distant seashore is thought for its distinctive pink sand, likened to velvet, and crystal-clear turquoise waters that lap across the lagoon.
The seashore is famend for its turquoise, shallow lagoon (Picture: Tripadvisor Travellers’ Alternative Awards)
The hanging pink-tinted sand of Elafonissi Seaside, which might largely be noticed alongside the waterline, is attributable to crushed shells, that are then blended in with the initially white sand. Relying on the climate and tide, the pink’s brightness varies; it was once a lot brighter, but it surely stays a spectacular sight for any customer.
The image-perfect shore can also be famend for its shallow lagoon that separates the mainland from the island of Elafonisi, simply 650 toes from the seashore and what it is named after. Guests can simply wade throughout the turquoise lagoon due to its shallow waters, which hardly ever rise above waist degree.
The island of Elafonisi, or Elafonissi, can also be a protected nature reserve and much more secluded, so it may be greatest to arrange camp on the principle Elafonissi seashore earlier than crossing over for a bit discover. However there are many solar loungers alongside the unspoilt shores, overlooking the nice and cozy azure waters and the island, making it a haven for sunbathing.
Travellers have typically taken benefit of the watersports within the space, together with windsurfing, together with snorkelling alternatives with a crystal clear lagoon vista. Plus, due to its seashore bar and restaurant, and accessible bathe and bathroom amenities, you will not want to go away the secluded haven till the tip of the day.
The pink sand of Elafonissi Seaside (Picture: Getty Pictures)
Following a go to to Elafonissi Seaside, one holidaymaker shared on TripAdvisor: “Free to go to one of the stunning pure paradises on this planet. We spent per week within the space and got here right here to sit back out every day. Convey your personal snacks and water.”
One other additionally penned: “A real paradise! I assumed I’d by no means discover the magical colors of my Budelli, now closed to the general public for years to protect its fragile, uncontaminated atmosphere, and as a substitute… Elafonissi was an unforgettable expertise, as quickly as you get there, it takes your breath away. We arrived with 40 minutes by native bus, tremendous crowded, from Chania, alongside mountain trails a bit tough, however the journey was price it. A magical, heavenly, indescribable place that took my breath away. We hope it stays that manner…. I am unable to wait to return.”
Crete is a well-liked vacation spot amongst Brits in search of a sun-soaked getaway, simply 4 hours from the UK, with Elafonissi Seaside solely including to its plain attraction. Direct flights from Birmingham to Crete, Chania, the closest to ‘Europe’s greatest seashore’, begin from £22 one-way with Ryanair, or £23 from London Stansted.
It is a haven for a time out on the seashore (Picture: Getty Pictures)
TripAdvisor’s high 10 seashores in Europe 2026
- Elafonissi Seaside, Greece (iconic pink sand)
Balos Lagoon, Greece (turquoise lagoon peninsula)
Praia da Falésia, Portugal (orange cliffs that glow at sundown)
La Pelosa Seaside, Italy (powdery white sand with historic views)
Falassarna Seaside, Greece (wild, west-facing Crete seashore)
Platja De Muro, Spain (watersports and close by nature reserve)
Paleokastritsa Seaside, Greece (lush inexperienced cliffs and hidden grottos)
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy (steep walks and sea turtles)
Playa de Maspalomas, Spain (Saharan-style sand dunes)
Plage de Palombaggia, France (stunning pine environment)
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Laurel Greatrix, chief communications officer at Tripadvisor, stated: “For a lot of travellers, the seashore is the principle occasion. Primarily based on tens of millions of journeys, critiques, and opinions, these awards spotlight the perfect seashores on this planet – making it simpler to resolve the place to go and methods to spend your time when you’re there.”
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