Aspri Limni beach
Aspri Limni (i.e. White Lake) is one of the most weird beaches in Crete, that almost nobody knows. This is a small secret beach, located 500m west of Chrysoskalitissa monastery and 70km southwest of Chania city. Thousands of visitors are attracted by the nearby exotic Elafonissi lagoon, but actually nobody has heard of this magnificent neighboring place.
The beach has fine white sand and rocks in places and is surrounded by sharp rocks, reminding of a small whitish lake inside the sea. Fortunately, the beach is unexploited by touristic industry and remains an untouched paradise. There is no natural shade in the area.
In order to come here, you have to turn right in Chrysoskalitissa village and follow the signs to the small Phoenix theofrasti (Cretan palm date) habitat, located around the lake. Otherwise, just ask one local to show you the way.
Aspri Limni is a Natura 2000 protected area because it is the westernmost habitat of Phoenix theofrasti, the endangered palm tree of Crete. The palm species is also met in other palm groves of Crete such as Vai, Preveli, Agios Nikitas, Souda, etc, but also small colonies exist in South Turkey. Among them, the palm grove in Vai is the largest.
