Elafonisi
Elafonisi is a popular visitor destination on the west coast of Crete renowned for its pink-tinged sandy beaches which are created by tidal and wave-induced deposits of pigmented microorganisms living in a symbiotic relationship with native seaweed. The island is a protected nature reserve accessible by paddling through warm, shallow lagoon-like water. It can get busy in the height of summer when coaches take tourists there. It's a beautiful place but when there is a strong wind blowing the fine sand can sting.