Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach, Secret Kedrodasos and Sunset at Falassarna

Along the far western and south-western coast of Chania prefecture sit three of the highest-rated beaches in Europe: the shallow pink-sand lagoon of Elafonisi, the hidden juniper-forest coves of Kedrodasos, and the wide, sunset-facing golden sands of Falassarna.

1. Elafonisi Pink Sand Beach (75 km / 90 mins south-west of Chania via Topolia Gorge)

Located at the south-western corner of Crete where the Aegean meets the Libyan Sea, Elafonisi is a protected Natura 2000 nature reserve where a shallow, warm knee-deep lagoon separates the mainland beach from the sandy island of Elafonisi:

• Why the Sand is Pink (And Why It Changes Every Week): the vivid pink and lilac ribbons along the water's edge are formed by billions of microscopic red-and-pink calcium shells of marine microorganisms (foraminifera) living in the offshore posidonia seagrass meadows, crushed by winter waves and washed onto the white sand. Depending on currents, wind and tide, the pink shoreline is brightest right at the water's edge around the central sandbar.
• Pro Tip, Wade Across to Elafonisi Island: walk 15 minutes west across the ankle-deep lagoon onto the island itself, sunloungers are banned on the island reserve, giving you quiet, unspoiled coves of white sand and turquoise water all the way out to the western lighthouse.

2. Secret Kedrodasos ("The Cedar Forest Beach", 2 km east of Elafonisi)

If Elafonisi feels busy around midday, hike 25 minutes east along the coastal E4 path (or drive 5 minutes down the side road) to Kedrodasos: a wild paradise of smooth white limestone ledges, turquoise natural pools and fine white sand shaded by twisted, centuries-old prickly juniper trees (Juniperus oxycedrus) with zero sunbeds and zero cafés (bring your own water and snacks).

3. Falassarna Beach (50 km west of Chania, The Best Beach Sunset in Crete)

On the western coast just 15 minutes south of Kissamos stretches Falassarna (Pachia Ammos), a colossal, one-kilometre-wide expanse of pale golden-pink sand facing due west into the open sea. Because of its enormous width, Falassarna never feels crowded, and staying in the early evening to watch the sun sink straight into the western horizon (after visiting the 4th-century BC ruins of Ancient Phalasarna harbour at the northern end of the bay) is memorable.