Seitan Limania Beach in Crete, Greece

© Georgios Tsichlis/Alam

Turquoise delight. Seitan Limania beach, Crete

Crete is the largest and most populous of all the Greek islands, and also the furthest from the mainland. It is is small enough to drive across in a few hours but full of wonders from mountain ranges and gorges to beautiful beaches. Take this jewel box of turquoise water near the port city of Chania for example. Set on the easternmost of three peninsulas that stick out from the north-west coast of Crete, Seitan Limania is one of the most-photographed beaches on the island.

It is beautiful to behold from a distance, but driving up close via the narrow twisting road takes some nerve. And once you get to the parking lot, the rocky hike down is for only the most surefooted of beachgoers. On your way down, you'll probably meet some of the local goats. The narrow cove is flanked by steep rock walls that zig one way, then zag the other. When you reach the beach, you'll find yourself on one of the most unique spots on any coast. A selfie here at Seitan Limania is hard to beat.