A stunning island famed for its ‘pink sand’ possesses the ‘second best beach in the world’ – and Brits can secure return flights for as little as £41. Elafonisi Beach, on the sun-kissed Greek island of Crete, recently came second in a Tripadvisor poll of the world’s top beaches.
It came second behind Mexican beach Isla Pasion, making it the top-rated in Europe, and visitors praise its “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.
What’s more, there are flights available in April for as little as £41 return, leaving and returning to Stansted with Ryanair.
The beach has captivated visitors thanks to its iconic ‘pink sand’. The unique colour is reportedly caused by mollusks, a massive group of soft-bodied animals that do not have a backbone.
There are more than 85,000 known species and they are found in the ocean, in freshwater or on land. At the end of their lives, they shed their shells, which decompose and mix with the sand, creating the sand’s distinctive pink colour.
The beach has become the victim of its own success though, with a rating of 4.4/4.5 based on over 16,000 Traipadvisor reviews. Tourists are advised to visit between 8am and 11am to beat the crowds.
The official Tripadvisor page also warns visitors to “temper your expectations”. It reads: “The amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
“Also, hike up to the neighbouring cedar tree reserves for a change of scenery. Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.”
Elafonisi is situated in the south-west of Crete, the largest Greek island and one of the most popular with tourists. It is around 45 miles by road from Chania, the nearest airport.
Recent reviews on Tripadvisor are generally glowing. One visitor said: “Free to visit one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. We spent a week in the area and came here to chill out daily.”
Another added: “Elafonissi is the icing on the cake called Crete. you need to spend at least a day to taste the beauty of the place; we went there at the end of September and the tourism was nothing short of … mighty. The clear water and the shoreline attract.”
The negative reviews tend to focus on one thing – overcrowding and a lack of ‘authenticity’. One tourist wrote: “I personally cannot recommend it.
“There are far too many tourists and influencers on the beach. Really enjoying it and experiencing it authentically is hardly possible. Getting to the beach is also not particularly easy, as you have to drive numerous serpentines by car.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
