The pink beach dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’ – with short flights from the UK

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  A gorgeous beach in Greece could help tourists feel like they’re in the Maldives
  
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  READ MORE: I’ve visited every country in the world – this is my least favourite
  

The Maldives might be one of the world’s most desirable destinations for a beach holiday.

Sadly a trip to the pretty islands generally comes with a pretty hefty price tag.

However, a gorgeous beach in
Greece
could help tourists to feel like they’re in the Maldives – for a much lower fee.

Elafonissi Beach on the island of Crete has been described as ‘the Maldives of Europe’ by several reviewers who’ve visited.

The beach is world-famous because of its pink sand and crystal-clear water.

Its pastel-pink sand gets its colour from Foraminifera, tiny marine creatures which create red-pigmented shells.

Over time, the shells break down and mix with the sand giving it its attractive pink colour.

And the beach’s popularity has even won it awards.

Elafonissi was named the world’s best beach in the latest
Travellers’ Choice Awards from Tripadvisor
.

A spokesperson from the review platform said: ‘With pink sands and turquoise waters, Elafonissi Beach is just one of those place you have to see to believe.’

One reviewer
writes: ‘The best Greek beach on the islands, a magnificent experience.
I don’t think there’s a better beach in the Mediterranean.’

Another said: ‘There’s no other word to describe this beach. It’s one of the best beaches ever. Rose sand and crystal water.’

And the prestigious
World’s 50 best Beaches
ranking named it the 14th best beach in Europe.

Luckily for British travellers, the pink beach isn’t too tricky to get to.

Tourists can fly to Chania Airport in Crete which is around one and a half hour’s drive from the beach.

easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair, TUI and British Airways all fly direct to Chania with the average flight time just over four hours.

Outside of the beach, tourists can explore Chania’s historic Old Town and admire the Venetian Harbour which was built in the 1300s.

Visitors can also head to Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge, which is an excellent destination for hiking.

And Chania isn’t the only budget holiday swap Brits can opt for this summer.

A gorgeous island in Africa has been described as the
continent’s answer to the Caribbean
.

Read more