This post is going to be short because what is there to say when you spend the entire day relaxing on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches?! I know, I know – someone has to do it!

As per usual we wanted to see the sunrise over Chania so we headed down early to the old Venetian port. We were able to walk partway to the lighthouse where we watched the sun make its appearance behind a bunch of kinda nasty looking clouds. I think it made it even prettier, however, as at one point it looked like fire over the mountain. And in another view the sun’s rays were literally like the sunshine you drew as a child.

Another great way to start the day but the weather was looking a little iffy. We had already purchased bus tickets to take us to Elafonisi beach and since it is shoulder season there is only one bus there and one bus back to and from Chania. So we were a bit panicked that we’d get there and spend the day huddled under an umbrella while the skies opened up around us. But we chanced it! And I’m so glad we did.

The weather started to clear as we were on the picturesque but sometimes scary (Big bus! Cliffs!) ride. But by the time we got there there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Me = blessed.

There are no good words to describe how beautiful this beach is! Elafonisi beach is the beach one often sees in photos of Crete and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is called the pink beach because of the pink coral sand seen at the water’s edge. It is unique because of the pink hues of the sand and the light turquoise clear water that is so shallow that you can simply walk to Elafonisi island.

In my research I’d learned not to expect to see the pink sand as the tides and weather can affect whether or not you can see it. But there it was! Stunning! To best see the pink sand, I stood at the waters edge and waited for the clear turquoise water to turn the sand. It was then that the pink coral shells would appear turning that area of the sand a beautiful baby pink. See the pictures below. I think I captured it a little bit.

What do you do when you’re in paradise? Grab a sandwich, grab a beer, go for walks, plan your next days in Crete, read, sleep.

Note that I think part of the reason we enjoyed the beach so much is because it’s shoulder season. I simply cannot imagine high season here. Based on articles I’ve read, I’m not even sure we would have come during July or August. But as always, things have a way of working themselves out!

It was a long day of relaxing….I know I can hear the little violins playing now…but we needed an easy night. And we needed to buy some jewelry! We got a bit lost but eventually found Ouranos jewelry where we’d found a ring that I loved the previous day. I needed my own souvenir right? It’s a spinner ring! I’ve seen these before in pictures and I just love it. The brand is K.And. Super cool and it will bring back great memories of Crete!

We are definitely on Greek time. We did not even sit down for dinner until 10 pm. We stumbled upon a place due to being famished and indifferent. The tavern is called Avli twn thaumatwn and it was really really good! I tried another local dish that I just learned about called Apaki. A delicious Cretan smoked pork. This one was served with local honey sauce. Yum! Second favorite meal!