4Balos Lagoon, Crete

Balos is a dreamlike lagoon with turquoise waters and white sand, but behind its beauty lies hidden danger. The currents just outside the lagoon are very strong, pulling swimmers away from the shallow pools into deep, rough seas.

The area is remote, requiring a hike or boat trip to access, meaning help is far away in an emergency. Additionally, the lagoon is extremely exposed to the Meltemi winds in summer, making the sea unpredictable.