The unusual pink sand of Elafonisi Beach is the result of bright red pigments in the crushed microorganisms of the local waters mixing with the originally white sand grains on shore. Most of Elafonisi Beach consists of white sand—this pink coloration is best seen along the waterline. The characteristic pink color is thanks to an oyster-like microorganism called Benthic Foraminifera. The foraminifera are tiny, shelled animals that live in the sea, attached by a pseudopod (i.e. a 'false foot') under various rocks, reefs, and caves to eat. The shell of these animals is bright pink or red.
Elafonisi Creta/pinkbeachesElafonisibeachcr (With images) Pink sand beach, Beaches in the
The Crete pink beaches are the result of a very unusual natural phenomenon. The pink sand you see on the fringes of these beaches is made up millions of crushed red shells of foraminifera. These minute sea creatures can be found in ocean environments across much of the world, and they come in a great many colours. It is also easy to visit Elafonisi from the vibrant beach town of Paleochora. The easiest route takes you up into the hills before joining up with the main road from Kissamos and Chania, taking roughly 75 minutes. There is a more direct coastal route but you will need a 4×4 to navigate the rough, rocky sections. Where is the pink sand beach? The most famous Crete pink sand beach - known locally as Elafonisi beach - is found on the southwest coast. Just out from the coastline is a small, mile-long island called Elafonisi that gives the beach its name. It is separated from the coast by a warm shallow lagoon and a sandbar, flanked by spectacular pink sands. PINK - It is often referred to as the Pink Beach of Crete because it some areas the sand turns pink (and we will see why later in the article) SHALLOW - The transparent waters are very shallow for a big area. So it is great to just soak and enjoy the scenery QUIET sometimes - It used to be secret and quiet, but it has more and more tourists.
Best Time to See Pink Sand Beaches in Crete 2023 When to See Rove.me
The sand of Elafonisi beach is white, but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains. It has clear green-blue waters, giving the impression that you are in an exotic paradise. Elafonisi beach is organized without losing its authenticity. 4.5 15,601 reviews #1 of 10 things to do in Elafonissi Beaches Write a review About Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is best known for its pink sand. However, temper your expectations as the amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Address Elafonisi lagoon, Greece Web Visit website Not long ago, Elafonisi Beach was a well-kept secret known to very few locals on Crete. Or at least it was until 2014 when it was named one of the world's top beaches. Two Pink Beaches in Crete Among the Most Beautiful in the World By Androniki Pateraki April 5, 2016 There are only a small number of pink beaches scattered throughout the world. They owe their exquisite color to tiny oysters named Foraminifera, which are red shells that are crushed in the sand, giving it a pink color.
Elafonisi Pink Beach in Crete Greece GO GREECE YOUR WAY
The area around Elafonisi beach is part of the Natura 2000 network that protects rare and unique natural treasures. The sand is created from seashells in a process that took thousands of years. This gave it its unique pink color. Check out: The pink beaches in Crete. There are about four kinds of lilies that grow on the sand of this beach. Relax on the clean pink sand beach of Elafonissi Full description Discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on this day trip from Rethymno to Elafonissi. Experience a heaven on earth, with soft white and pink sand, exotic crystal-clear water, and cedar trees that extend down to the coastline.
Elafonissi (sometimes spelt Elafonisos) is the other blockbuster beach on Crete and you'll surely have heard of it or seen photos.It's known for its pink-tinged sands (the result of broken-down seashells) and shallow lagoon-like waters. Elafonissi is located on the southwest coast in quite a remote area, but you can find excursions to Elafonisi from most of the resort areas on Crete. The pink beach of Balos is also located at a beautiful lagoon. Balos' pink beach will make you work for your reward, as you either need to hike there on foot or take a boat. But it's worth it! The waters are the characteristic turquoise you expect to find in the Bahamas, and the sand meets the lapping waves with its stark flamingo pink hue.
The Pink Beach Of Elafonisi Crete Road Trip Travel Blog
Beaches Write a review What people are saying " A beautiful mini lagoon " Jul 2019 We were told by the locals that there's no more pink send at Elaphonissi beach, because the tourists took all the send away during the years, but they pointed us at this tiny pink beach which was a nice surprise. Being Greece's largest island with about 300 sunny days a year, finding stunning beaches in Crete is easy. Whether you prefer white and pink sand beaches or rocky ones, Crete has many places to enjoy the bright blue sea. During our European road trip, we managed to get from Athens to Crete by ferry after visiting the fascinating Meteora.
