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30 EXPLORE / CRETE BEACHES BEACHES EXPLORE / CRETE 31

Pure white or golden sands; crystalline waters; hidden coves; ancient ruins; fascinating
islets – all this and more can be found on Crete's coastline.

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also stuns visitors with awe in- waters. You can get there by
spiring vistas of Paximadia is- boat from Palaiochora or by car.
lands, which seem to almost There are cantinas and water
hover in the middle of the Lib- sports facilities on the beach op-
yan Sea. posite Elafonisi, while the islet
itself features white sand and
4. BALOS many cedar trees, and can only
The beauty of the shores be reached by crossing the reef
and waters of Balos lagoon is on foot.
legendary. When seen from
above, the water looks almost 6. KOLOKITHA
transparent, glass-like, sur- Known for its fine white sand
rounded by multiple strips of and calm waters, this secluded
an exotic, pure white sand. cove is made even more beau-
Opposite the beach, the rocky tiful by the surrounding ancient
island of Gramvoussa with its olive groves and wheat fields.
Venetian castle beckons, while As it is very popular – especial-
Mediterranean seals have ly in the peak summer months
been known to frequent the due to the excursion boats – we
surrounding waters. recommend you visit early in
Top right:
the morning or late in the af- Elafonisi has
5. ELAFONISI ternoon. Remember to take an been ranked
in the top 11
Located on the southwest tip umbrella as the beach isn’t or- beaches in the
entire world.
of Crete, 82 km from Chania, ganized and the only natural It owes its pink
hue to millions
the exotic islet of Elafonisi [“is- shade is provided by a hand- of tiny seashells.
land of deer” in Greek] is re- ful of tamarisk trees.
Bottom right:
nowned all around the globe. The clear
In fact, it made the top eleven 7. AGIA FOTIA waters of
Balos lagoon
most beautiful beaches in the Situated 10 km east of Iera- are nothing if
not exotic and
entire world in 2018 in Trip- petra, this renowned and well- inviting;
Advisor’s Choice Awards for its organized beach boasts pow- you won't
want to leave
pink coral sand and crystalline dery sand, inviting waters and this beach.
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