Pink Sand Island Gets Cheap Flights

The distinctive pink hue of the sand at Elafonisi beach on the Greek island of Crete is created by the crushed shells of tiny marine organisms called foraminifera. This natural wonder is part of a protected nature reserve, and visitors are prohibited from removing any sand from the beach. The area is a Natura 2000 protected site, recognized for its unique ecosystem. In February 2026, Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards named Elafonisi the second-best beach in the world, making it the highest-ranked in Europe. This followed its top placement in 2025 when it was crowned the best beach globally by the same awards, based on millions of traveler reviews. The influx of low-cost flights is expected to increase visitor numbers to Crete, which already relies heavily on tourism. In 2021, tourism contributed to 33% of the region's GDP. Data from 2024 shows that tourists in Crete have the highest average expenditure per visit in all of Greece at €767. The increased accessibility and popularity have led to growing concerns about overtourism. Visitors have reported overcrowding during peak seasons, and environmentalists worry about the impact on the fragile ecosystem, including the loggerhead sea turtles that are among the protected species in the area. Efforts have been made to manage the influx, including reducing the number of sunbeds and umbrellas to protect the landscape. In response to demand, Ryanair is expanding its schedule for the summer of 2026 with additional flights to Chania, the closest airport to Elafonisi. New and increased services will be available from several UK airports, including Birmingham, and London Stansted. Another airline, Jet2, has also added new routes to Chania for the summer season.