At Crete's north-western horn, Balos is a lagoon of white and pink sand pooling between the mainland and the rocky islet of Gramvousa, shading through every blue in the paintbox. Day boats run from Kissamos, but driving the rough track and walking the final twenty minutes gets you there before them — and the view from the path is the one on all the postcards. Wear proper shoes and carry water; there's little shade below.
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