The stunning island that's the largest in Greece and home to the world's 'best beach'

One stunning Greek island is home to the world's best beach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an abandoned islet with a dark history.

On the southern side of the Aegean Sea, Crete's stunning coastline and archaeological marvels charm every type of traveller.

It takes just four hours to transport yourself from the UK to marvel at the grand buildings and taste the local delicacies in the ancient city of Heraklion, where it reaches 20 degrees in April.

A visit isn't complete without seeing the UNESCO World Heritage site of Knossos Palace, the centre of the Minoan civilization which is associated with Greek mythology, such as the legend of the Minotaur.

For anyone who's read Victoria Hislop's book The Island, a visit to Spinalonga Island is a must. The small fortified island which acted as a leper colony is in sight of the mainland, a painful daily reminder to friends and families who were separated.

Further west along the coast, the Rethymno Old Town not only provides easy access to stunning beaches, it's also full to bursting with Renaissance architecture.

Talking of beaches, the Elafonissi was named by Tripadvisor as 2025’s Best Beach, deemed so for its crystal clear waters and miles of pink-tinged sand.

Sitting on the northwest coast, its prestigious title is backed up by an impressive 10,641 five-star ratings, and it's a great spot for hiking too surrounded by forests of cedar trees.

If beaches are your thing, the peaceful Balos Lagoon on the northern tip of Crete is accessible by boat or a hike, and you'll be rewarded for the journey with turquoise waters and white sands.

Heraklion is the island's main airport, and it's easy to hire a car to drive around. To reach the world's best beach, you can drive to Chania on the island's north-west coast, from where Elafonissi is about an hour and a half away.