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EXPLORE / CRETE

7. AGIA FOTIA the pink-hued sands, which

Situated 10 km east of Iera- are made up of millions of bro-
petra, this renowned and well- ken shells. Chrissi has been de-
organized beach boasts pow- clared an area of outstanding
dery sand, inviting waters and natural beauty, so spending the
a trendy beach bar that has night is strictly prohibited – as is
become a hot spot with young collecting shells, sand or any-
people – locals and visitors alike. thing else, while visitors are also
urged to take great care not to
8. VAI break the branches of the pro-
On the northeastern side tected junipers when walking.
of Crete, exotic Vai Beach is Its most famous beach is initial-
surrounded by approximately ly rocky and then turns sandy
5,000 palm trees – the largest – the setting of pure relaxation.
such forest in Europe. Follow-
ing its hippy backpacker des- 10. ΜAKRIGIALOS
tination status in the 1980s, A full kilometer long, Makri-
Vai has been declared a pro- gialos is known for its fine gold-
tected area by the state. Its ut- en sand and often referred to by
terly soft sand, crystal clear wa- the locals as "Hani" or simply
ters and overwhelming natural “Long Beach.” A great choice
beauty have made it very po- for children and families due to
Left: Just 58km
west of Chania, pular with families. its warm, shallow waters which
Falassarna maintain their high temperature
beach boasts
golden soft sand 9. CHRISSI ISLAND even during the colder winter
and incredibly OR GAIDOURONISI months, this is a great seaside
clear waters.
Located 8 nautical miles (ap- spot to while away the hours as
Top right:
The clear prox. 50 minutes by boat) south it is surrounded by cafes and
waters of of Ierapetra in the open Libyan eateries for refreshments and
Balos lagoon
are nothing if Sea, Chrissi is a flat islet thou- meals by the sea. Addition-
not exotic and
inviting; sands of visitors visit every year, al facilities and amenities in-
you won't to swim in phenomenal bright clude umbrellas, water sports
want to leave
this beach. blue waters and to marvel at and showers.

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