While most are familiar with the famous beach on Crete (spelled Elafonissi), Elafonisi is actually an entire island, separated from the southwest coast of Crete by a shallow, warm lagoon and a sandbar that is submerged under about one meter of water at most during high tide.

 

The beach on mainland Crete and a portion of the sandbar that always stays above water populated by hundreds of beach chairs and umbrellas and thousands of tourists in the high season. Visitors looking to dodge crowds and see some stunning scenery can leave the crowded shores of Elafonissi and wade out to sea. Thanks to the low water level, travelers can walk along the sandbar all the way to the island of Elafonisi.

 

The small island is an internationally classified nature reserve and is like another world with its gorgeous pink sand, clear water, and lush vegetation. There's little to no shade on the island and because beach chairs and umbrellas are prohibited, fewer people make their way to it. Even in the busiest season, it is possible to find quiet little coves and pockets of sandy beach occasionally popular with nude bathers.