Elafonissi Beach

Ελαφονήσι

A pink-sand beach and shallow lagoon at Crete's southwest corner, where you can wade across to a small island opposite; one of Europe's most frequently ranked beaches, especially good for families.

Elafonissi lies at the southwest corner of Crete, about 75 kilometers from Chania (a 1.5–2 hour mountain drive). It is a Natura 2000–protected islet and sandbar. The beach is a mix of white sand and red coral fragments, which in certain light and humidity turns pink. Don't expect it to be pink all the way; the colour is most noticeable near the waterline, and taking sand away is forbidden. The lagoon between the beach and the islet is less than 1 meter deep, warm and calm, so children can wade across to the Elafonissi islet. The islet has juniper woods, a small chapel and quieter sandy coves, and walking around it takes about an hour. The beach is free. There are paid parasols and loungers (about 10–15 euros), basic changing rooms and showers, and a snack stall. Nearby villages have a few taverns and guesthouses. There is a naturist area on the southwest side of the beach. Because access is inconvenient, tour groups fill the beach around midday in July and August. Go before 9 a.m., or wait until after 4 p.m. when the groups have left. The most beautiful time is the afternoon, when the pink shoreline glows under the westering sun. It can be combined with the Chrissoskalitissa cliff monastery (a white monastery, 2 euros admission) 20 kilometers away and the more natural Kedrodasos juniper beach (20 minutes' walk). Getting there: renting a car is most convenient. Mountain roads have many bends but good surfaces, and parking costs about 3 euros. In summer, KTEL runs one direct bus daily from Chania, taking about 2 hours (departs 9 a.m., returns 4 p.m.), and there are also many one-day tours.

Elafonissi Beach

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby