Crete abounds in stunning beaches but the painterly hues of one particular example make it feel truly out of this world and the perfect spot to leave daily life and concerns far, far behind. This is the gorgeous Elafonissi Beach, one of the island’s most popular and beloved beaches and a must-see for those who book a villa in Crete and are exploring her numerous beautiful strands.
With pale pink sands lapped by gentle waves of turquoise waters, Elafonissi Beach is a striking thing to behold. Once a secret that only locals favoured, posts about it on social media and being named one of the world's top 25 beaches on TripAdvisor in 2014 have very much let the cat out of the bag. It is now often very crowded during the peak summer tourism months as people from all over the world come to see this stunning gem for themselves. However, come off-season (just before summer or right after when the weather is still very pleasant) or plan a visit early or late in the day and you might avoid the worst of the crowds. Those who aren’t bothered by such things can visit whenever they please. No matter when you visit, though, you are sure to be struck by the incredible natural beauty of this stretch of the coast.