Who says you have to fly over the Atlantic Ocean to sit on a pink-sand beach? The beautiful coast of Elafonisi is located right in Western Crete, 75 km southwest of Chania, and it has been elected as one of the most splendid beaches in the world, with its sand being crushed by tiny oysters called Foraminifera, which gives this gorgeous color pink.

More than one majestic shore on this island, there is also Balos Beach that has been counted one of the most stunning not only in Europe, but in the world. It is encircled by a lagoon shaded in bright blue and light green colors, which is formed by the peninsula of the Gramvousa and Tigani Cape. You can reach it by boat, and also by walk, but you’ll have to endure a little challenging hike if you choose the latter, but it is definitely worth the scenery you will see.

Crete, the largest Greek island of all, is almost a country by itself, with its own weather, food, accent and even its own customs. In this isle, you have a balanced mix between resorts areas, one of a kind beaches but also a number of historical sites, such as the Venetian towns of Chania and Rethymoon, the Palace of Knossos and for all sport lovers, the Samaria gorge, which is the longest in Europe.

For the people planning on keeping their summer body shape during their vacation, Cretan dishes are what you have been longing for. An exquisite cuisine filled with organic vegetables and healthy superfoods such as the green Stamnagathi plant, a key element in most Cretan dishes, which is a source of fiber, antioxidants, iron, and vitamins A, C and E, that helps detoxify the liver. These greens can be eaten alone and raw in a salad or cooked together with lamb. And also don’t miss out on the famous Staka Cheese spread, a delicious specialty of the island.

Finally, if you happen to be there around end of July, more specifically from 25^th until 28^th of the month, make sure to attend Crete’s cultural festival dedicated to love and hope, Yakinthia, which takes place in the village of Anogia. This year’s events will be commemorating Kanellos Kanellopoulos, the modern Icarus, who flew from Crete to Santorini with a bicycle-flying machine. Singers, poets, dancers and songwriters will all be there to celebrate Cretan music and folk dances, at 1260 meters above sea level in front of the Church of St. Hyacinth (Agios Yakinthos).