A spectacular island, famous for “pink sand”hosts “the second most beautiful beach in the world”according to a recent survey conducted by Tripadvisor.
Elafonissi beach, located on the sunny Greek island of Crete, was recently ranked second in a Tripadvisor survey dedicated to the most beautiful beaches in the world, writes Express.co.uk.
Elafonissi was overtaken only by the Mexican beach Isla Pasion, thus becoming the best-rated beach in Europe. Visitors praise them “natural beauty, crystal clear waters and unforgettable views”.
The beach conquered the tourists because of its famous “pink sand”. The unique color is attributed to molluscs, a large group of soft-bodied, spineless animals.
There are over 85,000 known species, living in oceans, freshwater or on land. At the end of life, they leave their shells behind; they break down and mix with the sand, giving it its distinctive pink hue.
However, the beach has become somewhat of a victim of its own success, with a score of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 16,000 reviews on Tripadvisor. Tourists are advised to visit between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM to avoid the crowds.
Although it gained fame in the age of Instagram, the history of the place is much older. In Antiquity, the surrounding area was associated with the Moussagorai Islands, where it is believed that there was a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo Mousagetes, ruler of the Muses. Over the centuries, the islet would also have been used as a hideout for pirates, notes Travel Tomorrow.
The name would come from Greek words “flamboyant” (deer) and “snow” (island). Although deer no longer live in Crete today – with the exception of the dama dama species, which is found only on the island of Rhodes – paleontological evidence shows that the island was once inhabited by deer, including an extinct Cretan species, dating back to the Pleistocene.
The best months to visit the beach are May and September, when the weather is warm but not very crowded. In the height of the summer season, the word about the beauty of the place spreads fully and the beach becomes highly sought after.
