With summer just around the corner, Irish holidaymakers are already planning their sunny escapes. And for beach lovers still undecided, TripAdvisor’s latest travel awards might just help seal the deal—naming Elafonissi Beach in Greece as the best beach in the world.
Part of the 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards, the list is based on reviews from real travellers over 12 months. That means the rankings reflect genuine, firsthand experiences.
The winning beach, located on the Greek island of Crete, wowed visitors with its rare pink sand, turquoise water, and unspoiled nature.
TripAdvisor described it as “one of those places you have to see to believe,” highlighting its kid-friendly lagoons and adventurous activities like swimming and snorkeling.
The sunsets, they said, are unforgettable.
Flights from Dublin to Chania are available from Ryanair, starting at just €53 in October. Even peak summer fares are affordable, from €89 in August and €67 in September. The airport is about 90 minutes from Elafonissi, with regular bus trips available.
Accommodation options include the top-rated Ruby Luxury Suites in Chania (9.7/10 on Booking.com, €682/week in May), and the Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family, just 150m from the beach, from €599/week in May.
Aer Lingus also flies to Heraklion, about 210km away, offering another route to the award-winning beach.
Travellers are full of praise. Peter from Dublin called it “magnificent” and advised bringing a sun umbrella or renting pricey loungers.
He also recommended mountain vendors selling local honey balm and urged drivers to take the coast road back for breathtaking views.
A couple from Cork said they were unsure at first, but after finding a quiet spot and dipping their feet in the warm water, they understood the hype. “We sat on a rock with our picnic and swam in gorgeous warm water. No beach in Ireland has water like that!”
Elafonissi also features a shallow lagoon for kite surfing, a walkable island, scenic trails, daily boat trips, and even a lighthouse for adventurous explorers.