At Crete's remote south-western tip, Elafonissi is famous for sand blushed pink by crushed shells and a lagoon so shallow you can wade to the islet opposite. It's protected, gorgeous and — fair warning — popular, so treat it as a day trip with an early start. The drive through the Topolia gorge is part of the pleasure, and nearby Kedrodasos offers an escape if you crave solitude.
Featured in Ten dreamy beaches for your next summer escape · Beach
Crete's famous pink-sand lagoon is essentially a giant natural paddling pool: warm, waist-deep at most and studded with sandbars children wade between like explorers. It is no secret, though. Arrive before ten or after four in July and August, or the car park queue will test everyone's holiday spirit. The drive from Chania takes about ninety minutes on winding roads, so pack accordingly for delicate stomachs.
Featured in Ten beaches with calm, shallow water for small swimmers · Family