Elafonissi Beach is situated in Crete’s far southwest. Unusual-shaped black rocks rise on the white, sandy beach. Like at Balos Lagoon, it is thought that the stones arrived at the shore following the tsunami.

Rare plant species can be found growing in the sand dunes of Elafonissi.

The sea narcissus, or Pancratium maritimum, is the most well-known flower that graces coastlines.

Thyme has purple blossoms. Cretan honey is prepared with thyme, which is highly prized around the world.

A bee collects nectar for future honey.

Caper is a shrub whose berries are used as a spice in Mediterranean cuisine. It grows in rocky soil.

A common plant found on Europe’s sandy beaches is Eryngium maritimum. It prefers to grow in wind-sheltered areas, such as sand dunes. It’s a peculiar shade of metallic blue.

Elafonissi’s beaches are peppered with coastal junipers, or Juniperus oxycedrus in Latin. This subspecies prefers dry, sunny environments on a sandy ground. It can withstand low temperatures rather well. The fruits of coastal juniper are red in contrast to those of regular juniper, which are blue.

The ocean is evocative of the Caribbean in its white and turquoise hues, and the shoreline is incredibly shallow.

The yellow sea grasses give Elafonissi its final touch of charm.

The Mediterranean rainbow wrasse, or Coris julis, is a hermaphrodite. The image depicts a female that eventually transforms into a male and changes the colour of its scales to colourful tones.

Anular seabream is distinguished by a black band on the tail and horizontal stripes on the body, which are only visible when close up.

A peculiar yellow gelatinous material. Most likely, it’s a sponge.

Sparisoma Cretense, a parrot fish that is uncommon in the Mediterranean, entered the picture. One hermaphrodite species is the parrot. Initially, a female is born, but she does not reach full sexual maturity before eventually changing into a male. There are some females who never become males. The size and colour of males and females are different. Males are dark grey or dark blue, and females are clearly red with yellow undertones.

Seagulls are an indispensable part of the seascape.