Elafonisi Beach is located on the southwestern tip of Crete, in the Chania region, between the island of Elafonisi and Crete. It is a small island that can be reached on foot through a shallow lagoon. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and at the same time one of the most valuable such places in the world. Not only the views are breathtaking, but also the pink sand, turquoise water and paradise lagoon. The “Greek Maldives” is a great place for a vacation.
This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. How to get to Elafonisi, what to see along the way?
Elafonisi is famous primarily for its pink sand. Today, the beach is not as impressive as it was a dozen or so years ago. Why? For years, tourists have taken the characteristic sand from the beach as souvenirs. This led to a decisive response from the authorities. Today, the pink beach is included in the Natura 2000 list and is fully protected. This means that taking even a bit of sand can be severely punished. However, access to the beach is not prohibited.
No wonder Elafonisi is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, the charming color of the sand is not everything. The beach on the island of Elafonisi is one of the most frequently visited places in Crete also thanks to other natural values. Tourists can admire unusual plant species and animals, including endangered ones. Near the beach there are numerous Greek taverns full of local delicacies. You can also rent sun loungers and umbrellas. Directly to Chania, among others from Krakow, and the flight takes approximately 2.5 hours to 2 hours and 45 minutes from Warsaw and Wrocław. You can reach the beach itself by car or bus, including: from Chania and Kissamos.
Elafonisi in Crete Nido Huebl / Shutterstock
Why is Elafonisi beach pink? The locals have a macabre legend
The Greeks have an explanation for the phenomenon that may freeze your blood in your veins. According to legend, the characteristic color of the sand comes from the “blood of the innocent”, 800 women, children and elderly people murdered in April 1824. This is how Turkish soldiers punished the rebellious Cretans. There is still a stone on the island commemorating this tragic event. In fact, the pink color is nothing more than the remains of red and pink colored microorganisms and crushed corals mixed with the sand.
Source: Gazeta
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