The outstanding but little known Greek island with a pink beach where beers cost £2

A pretty, is famous for its pink beaches, short travel time and cheap beer.

Just under a four-hour flight away, the incredible island of has long been a popular destination for tourists, with its warm climate and stunning landscape a popular attraction.

One popular attraction is , one thought of as a hidden gem to its unique pink sand that had yet to enter popular consciousness.

But in 2014 it was named in Tripadvisor’s top 25 beaches in the world, leading to a surge in popularity and visitor numbers which for some, has taken away its charm.

The Kyriakakis travel guide goes as far as to say: “That’s when this beach on the southwest coast of came to an end as a slice of paradise”. In just 10 years, hordes of tourists have turned the pink sand a familiar shade of beige, and the loggerhead turtles that once populated the lagoon have become almost impossible to spot.

Earlier this year, Express.co.uk Senior Lifestyle Reporter Phoebe Cornish visited the beach and left disappointed that the once stunning beach and become “crowded and underwhelming”.

She said: “There’s no letting up on the . As you approach the remote coastline, huge parking lots can be seen to your right, each with a steward waving drivers in.

“Hundreds of cars, minibuses, and coaches flock to the baron area at the top of the pathway that winds down the beachfront, which is actually situated in a protected area (the loggerhead turtles are a protected species).”

“After a 15-minute walk down to the beach, you’re met with overpriced cafes and restaurants advertising French fries, hot dogs and burgers. Changing stalls, separate toilets and showers are also available for visitors, so there’s no shortage of amenities.

“But what looks like it should be a really lovely, natural landscape feels dirty and littered with people. The first stretch of beach, which makes up half of the lagoon, is where most people settle down for the day, with children swamped in the shallow pools of water that are dotted around.

“The azure waters look murky and unpleasant in these stagnant pools, but the true wonder of the beach is further afield. If you walk through the shallow and tideless water crossing to the far side of the beach, you will leave the crowds and find crystal-clear water.”

Other visitors have positive experiences to share of their time at , with may praising the selection of water sports such as kite surfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding on offer.

Others describe it as “the perfect beach for young families” thanks to shallow waters, beach bars and tavernas where you can get a beer for 2.50 euros and a gyros for five euros.

is no stranger to the , with many Greek islands seeing residents rise up to complain about the damage being done to their way of life and natural landscape as a result of too many visitors. Whilst the experiences of some would indicate that Elafonisi beach is the latest to fall victim, other accounts suggest that the tourist favourite can still be enjoyed outside of peak-time.