TripAdvizor, one of the largest Internet operators in the tourism industry, holds among its users the annually contest “The Best of the Best in Tourism: the choice of millions of travelers”. Its results have been summed up.

In 2018 nomination of the 25 best beaches in Europe, there are several beaches from our beloved island of Crete!

On the 2nd place is Elafonissi Beach in the western part of the island, known for its unusual pink sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Elafonissi is a separate island about 150 meters away from the coast of Crete, connected to it by a sand spit, which itself is Elafonissi beach. The island is uninhabited; there are no hotels and big restaurants.

The island became notorious after the events of 1824, when on Easter Day it hid from the Turks several dozens of Cretan soldiers and 600 women with children. All of them were discovered and killed by the Turks. According to a legend, it was the blood of the victims that painted the sand on the beach in pink. In memory of the dead, at the highest point of the island is a memorial plate.

Visitors reviews: “Calm, beautiful sea. Stunning colors: light blue water, soft pink sand, a real paradise.”

On the 8th place is Balos Lagoon in Kissamos.

The famous lagoon of Balos is located approximately 56 km. northwest of Chania and 17 km. northwest of Kissamos, near the Cape Gramvousa. It is in one of the most difficult locations of Crete. You can get there either by car (quite a difficult task, since there is no normal road), or as part of an organized excursion to Gramvousa Island from the port of Kissamos. Ships go almost every hour.

The beach is unique for what? First, here you can count dozens of shades of water, and secondly, there are here three seas: the Ionian, Aegean and Libyan. The number of shades of blue and the purity of water are amazing. Add to this the white sand and a small bay where children can splash: you will fall in love with this place forever.

Responses of tourists: “The hallmark of Crete, it’s necessary to see!”
“The dream has come true! Visiting Crete and not seeing Balos is like visiting Moscow and not seeing Red Square!”

Best time to visit the beaches is from May to October.