Chania Elafonisi beach

Table of contents:
• General info • Things to do & See • Tours & Activities • Map • Members Photos (271) • Greeka Photos (11) • Reviews (1)

General information

Elafonisi Beach is a true treasure on the southwestern side of Crete, only 5km away from the southwesternmost end of the island. It is famous for its unique pink sand, whose color was created by the thousands of tiny parts of shattered seashells. Its dazzling turquoise waters are truly magical, and the fact that they’re warm and shallow during the summer makes them perfectly suitable for children.

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Across the coast, you can find different beaches, with the one on the eastern side being fully organized. It provides showers, umbrellas, changing rooms, and a canteen. Additionally, during the summer, there are lifeguards supervising the area, making sure everyone is safe, and intervening whenever it’s needed. Behind the organized beach, there is a parking space, and a little further, you can find some rooms to let. You can also find taverns and restaurants nearby. If you prefer to enjoy a peaceful swim, you can walk across the coast and find quiet, less crowded, unorganized beaches. By swimming a little deeper, you have the chance to explore some beautiful small caves as well!

Things to See & Do in Elafonisi

Check out the things to see & do in Elafonisi during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa Elafonisi Lighthouse

Sports (1)

Top Activities & Tours in Elafonisi

Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments by participating in well-organized tours related to Elafonisi.

Day trip to Elafonisi Island

Category: Day Trips, Island, Shore Excursions

Enjoy a fantastic day trip from Chania to Elafonisi Island, let the sun sink in, and relax by Elafonisi's stunning pink sand!

9 - 12 hours Map
from € 31.45
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Elafonisi Island day tour by bus

Category: Day Trips, Island, Shore Excursions

Witness the amazing Elafonisi Island and its gorgeous seashore, one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete

10 hours - 1 day Map
from € 31.00
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Elafonisi Map

Explore our interactive map of Elafonisi.

Photos by Greeka Members

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Photos by Greeka Team

More about Elafonisi Beach

The exotic landscape and natural charm of the place are truly remarkable. Its ecosystem is full of life, with the most widely known animals living there being the Carreta Carreta turtles. Thus, in order to protect the rich flora and fauna of the area, Elafonisi has been declared under protection by the EU Natura program.

On your way to Elafonisi, you can stop by the Monastery of Panagia Chrissoskalitissa. It lies on a white cliff right above the beach, and it’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is open to the public and also houses a museum with traditional household items, as well as tools and memorials from the Cretan Revolution.

If you enjoy watersports, don’t miss the chance to have an awesome surfing experience! Watersports centers there offer various activities, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, and SUP rentals, as well as lessons for those who are inexperienced.

Reviews

christa21 29 Apr 2010

Exotic water

Sparklingly clear waters and pure soft sand make Elafonissi a beach outside Greece, an exotic coast more likely to find in the Caribbean and not in Crete. The beach is actually a long coast with a tiny islet in front. It has been listed as a special environmental region, and "Life" has initiated two programs in the area. One of them is an observatory for the rare Bearded Vulture, which has a single specimen among only 2 existing pairs that inhabit the region. No hotels or villas spoiling the natural beauty of the place, but I was told that with every passing year, the summer crowd seems to be swelling. Camping is allowed in the area, but thankfully the area is under some government decree on restricted development, and it is protected by an environmental program under the EU.

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