Crete Falasarna is one of those places that spell beach life. Clap eyes on it, and you can envision bolting your entire holiday around it. A 3km-long sandy cape on the fertile west coast of Crete, Falasarna was voted second best beach in the country by Greeks. Until a few years ago, there was nothing here - now there are a handful of rooms and a few snack bars. In summer, the white sand turns pink, as tiny fragments of shell are washed up.
Big boulders break up beach monotony and create rock pools.
The waters remain tropically warm. This corner of Crete is best covered by a motorbike and a tent, but if that's not your thing, a car will do. Winning features The fact that you can behave like a slob for at least a few days. That means heaving off the beach and depositing yourself at the nearest shady table. Siestas will inevitably get longer as the week wears on.