Countless beautiful beaches can be found on each and every Greek island, and Crete is home to some of the very best. Many tiny isles are located off its coast, but none of them compares to Elafonisi, best known for its stunning pink sand beaches.
Located on the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonisi aka “deer island” is one of Greece’s best-hidden secrets. It may not be as popular as Mykonos or Santorini, but it certainly has its charm thanks to the shimmering pink sands that put it on the map.
The vibrant pink colors of Elafonisi are not a coincidence. The pink sands were created thanks to millions of crushed shells, coral, and other pigmented microorganisms living in a symbiotic relationship with native seaweed in this area. The Greek government declared Elafonisi a nature reserve, prohibiting the sand’s removal.
Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the water barely reaches one meter in depth and you can easily walk to the island through the shallow water when the weather is good.
It also doesn’t hurt Elafonisi’s case that it’s more peaceful and secluded than most other popular islands. It offers all the amenities you’d expect, including umbrellas, showers, and lifeguards, but it’s also home to many quiet coves where you can wander of when you want to escape from the big crowds.