A British tourist has allegedly been raped after being lured to a beach by a soldier in a popular holiday hotspot.

Police in Crete arrested a 21-year-old suspect who faces prosecution by a military court on suspicion of sexual assault.

The 26-year-old victim claimed she met the suspected soldier in a local bar before being lured to the beach where he forced himself upon her.

The suspect remains in custody in Hersonissos but he filed a counter lawsuit to claim his innocence.

He instead accused the victim of false accusation and defamation.

Both individuals were arrested, with the Greek soldier referred to the military prosecutor in Chania.

He will face the court later today and the victim was asked to ratify her statement.

A judge will then decide whether the suspect will be released on bail or face remand in custody.

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The incident comes after a British teenager was reportedly assaulted in a bar on a Greek island in April.

The 16-year-old was attacked in a Crete bar after leaving her parents to go to the toilet.

Another woman was allegedly raped on holiday in Greece by a man she met at a nightclub last August.

The 21-year-old tourist was attacked at the man's home as his three friends filmed the horrific attack.

Crete is a popular tourist hotspot for British holidaymakers.

Greece remains the third most favoured country to visit among UK travellers.

A recent YouGov poll found eight per cent of UK adults were likely to visit Greece.

Spain topped the overseas destinations at 15 per cent, with Italy level with Greece and France narrowly behind.