If you are coming from Chania, its no more than 15 minutes after you take the detour to Elafonisi. As you see, its one of my navigators favorite destinations too.Elafonisi Beach is one of those places that everyone wants to visit when they get to Crete. Laynni practically fell into a trance, studying the miniscule shells (some of which remain intact) with an intensity and focus normally reserved for delicate surgery or an Arsenal-Tottenham derby. Not surprisingly, summers get very busy, especially on popular beaches like Elafonisi. It will be well worth it when everyone is trying to get out later. There are essentially four ways to get to Elafonisi Beach: The simplest way to get to Elafonisi Beach (or anywhere on Crete, for that matter) is to rent a car and drive yourself. But Ive also taken friends at the peak of the season. Backed by a shaded juniper forest and featuring soft sand, photogenic outcroppings and the usual clear water, Kedrodasos is a wonderful choice, especially if youre spending multiple days in the Elafonisi area. You dont have to be a nautical expert to recognize that the waters around Elafonisi Island are a dangerous place for passing ships. The timetable is usually at the station or on the KTEL bus company website. Elafonisi is more than just a beach, its actually a small islet that gives the name to the whole beach (Elafonisi Island), but everyone is busy searching for pink sand, so nobody notices! Komolithi is located in the village of Potamida, in Kissamos, in the valley of river Tyflos. After a breathtaking steep climb of over 150 steps, you will reach the imposing entrance of this unique cave, about 285 meters a.s.l. Protected by the island and a series of rocky reefs, the stunning turquoise water of the lagoon is calm, warm and crystal clear. The small separate island is located towards the extreme west of the beach, you will find it after you walk past a few dunes and rock formations. Chania (pronounced Han-ya) is the main city on west Crete. There are also several good restaurants just up the road above the parking area. If youre driving to Elafonisi, take it easy and stop on your trip to check the following places. Not many are aware, but the lagoon is also the place of choice of loggerhead sea turtles, also known as Caretta Caretta, a rare and protected species very hard to spot. With clear, shallow water, protected natural areas, wild sand dunes and soft sand, it is a terrific place to spend a day (or three) Oh, and did we mention that sometimes the sand is pink? Shes written forGreek Reporter, published three travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person would be able to handle. The sand in Elafonisi is not pink. Continuing on youll soon reach Elafonisi Island (its pretty hard to miss), where you can check out a cave (the site of the 19th century Easter massacre), Agia Irini (Saint Irene) church and Elafonisi Lighthouse, a memorial to lost lives and a photogenic cross. Made with love in Chania, Crete by Tiny Book Media. And its not exclusive of Elafonisi either. We find that Discover Cars usually has the best deals in the area. Another very uncommon plant is the winter flower calledAndrocymbium rechingeriwhich grows only in two places in the world, Crete and Lybia. The sand itself also alternates between bright white and startling pink, a fascinating phenomenon created when small shells are crushed by the relentless lapping waves. The views back to the beach from Elafonisi Island give a shockingly different perspective on the beach. Fewer people target Kedrodasos, but it is getting quite popular too. Or there are several good tavernas just up the hill. Its also possible to get magazines, beach toys, towels, and hats. Your email address will not be published. Up until a decade ago, Elafonisi Beach was relatively unknown and very few people made it down to this remote corner of Crete. Wasnt a beach person then, but now I am. However, and in any case, my locals advice would be to slow down. This way, youll encounter less traffic.First of all and as a general rule, dont expect, in any of these roads, to speed. Elafonisi is also popular among young couples looking for a romantic landscape. Ive said it!Yes, its not pink. It tends to be at its best in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. So remember to wear comfortable shoes to climb and to walk inside, avoid flip flops at all costs. The units all have terraces with views overlooking the olive groves or the ocean, yet they all feel very private and quiet. This is a fortified construction with a very interesting name. This allows me to continue writing helpful articles for your travels. Plus, it is nice to be able to set your schedule. However, Ive spotted the Caretta Caretta several times in theold port in the town ofChania! Technically, camping is never allowed in Greece outside of designated campgrounds but usually you can get away with it if you dont use a tent and dont bother anybody. Thank you for all the info . Thank you for leaving your feedback!! But worth it, plus stopped off in the local Cretan taverns, just so beautiful set in the hills & valleys on route home.. all Greek so lovely, but definitely worth visiting Elonofinisi beach August get up & go get on that beach to grab shade! Around 2 hours straight north of Elafonisi (although just 55 km) youll find Balos Beach, the most beautiful beach on Crete (in our considered opinion). Elafonisiis a Nature 2000 protected reserve, so visitors should respect the following rules. Topolia Gorge starts near the village of Stroules, about 450 meters a.s.l., to finish in the village of Topolia, where the rock walls are high and very steep. Tucked away in the extreme northwest corner of the island, Balos Beach can only be reached via rough dirt road or on a boat tour. I wouldnt try it. Its rather impossible and not just for the traffic. Best beach ever! According to my GPS, I live exactly 88.4 km from Elafonisi, and it takes us 1 hour and 48 minutes to get there. Prices are fair and the bungalows are really nice, among olive groves, lemon trees, and pretty views, and they also allow for easy access to the beach. Wow! Boats usually leave around 10 am and return around 4 pm. You might also want to read more about Chrisoskalithissa and other Cretan monasteries. We didnt stay there but we had lunch there, liked the look of the place and asked for a tour of the resort. The islet is a Natura 2000 reserve, internationally recognized, and it hosts unique plant species and native rare plants that you wont easily find anywhere else..Its a great place to take a walk or to spend a relaxing day next to the clear blue waters. The rooms are basic and very clean, with a kitchenette and air conditioning. Elafonisi Beach: A 2022 Guide to Visiting Cretes Pink Sand Beach, Scuba Diving the Shipwreck of the Imperatrix, Kissamos: Gateway to Cretes Most Famous Beaches, Seitan Limania: Guide to Cretes Most Unique Beach. Boats usually leave at about 10 am, but its always better to confirm with the local boatmen. You might also want to read: The Best and Most Famous Beaches in West Crete. Chrisoskalithissa and other Cretan monasteries, How to Get from Heraklion to Chania: Practical Guide by a Local, Balos Beach Crete: Complete Insiders Guide, Extraordinary Things to Do in Crete in Winter, Discover + 45 Most Gorgeous Beaches in Crete (A guide by an insider! During particularly high tides you may need to wade across a small amount of water but sometimes it can be done without even getting your feet wet. But, as I always say, why not both? Especially in the last few years, Ive noticed (with a bit of sadness) that tourists feel that they must see Elafonisi, feeling that if they dont go to Elafonisi, they feel theyve seen nothing of Crete. For the sake of precision, I include a small description of this second road (map 2). Every year, by the end of October, the arrival of Fall is celebrated by the chestnut festival, which attracts visitors from different corners of the island. Its located on the top of a rock, less than 40 meters high, this seventeenth-century building offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and the sea. Its a hit on Instagram and ranks in every travel site among the top 10 beaches in the world. The village is quiet and gets very lonely and peaceful at night when most tourists start their way back to the north. Just returned! Taking away fauna or flora (and sand) from the island is forbidden as well as punishable. Another beautiful beach in Crete? These are the things you need to know to visit Elafonisi Beach by bus: Its not hard at all to reach Elafonisi by bus from Chanias Central Bus Station. Thanks for your insight. It only gets a few hours of sun each day but is worth a visit for the view from the top alone (although we would highly recommend taking on the rugged 10-minute walking path down to explore more closely). Best Hotels in ChaniaAffordable:Aelia ApartmentsorPolixenys Suitesin the old town.Mid-range:Elia Estiain the old town andCivitel Akali Hotelin the new town.Luxury:Casa Delfinoin the old town orDomes Noruzby the sea.Check alsoChania Accommodation GuideandBoutique Hotels in Chania. Of course, Elafonissi isnt just nice to look at. At the beach, the colourful mountains backing the beach provide some fantastic views, especially from the top of the rocky point at the south end. The water is very shallow (often too shallow for swimming) and there tends to be fewer people here than at the main beach. However, you might want to think about getting there soon yourself, since Elafonisi Beach just made this list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World. If you are visiting for the same reason that 90% of people go there, aka the beach, then you must visit sometime between late May and early October for warm temperatures. As beautiful as the beach, dunes and island are, many people come specifically to enjoy swimming in Elafonisi Lagoon. In August, that might be almost double. Some of the more remote coves are popular with nudists, also. Other are content with a relaxing float around the sandy lagoon. this step-by-step guide to rent a car and travel on Crete. Directly south of Sfinari, this adorable little beach hemmed in by tall, rocky promontories on both sides can only be reached on foot, either by hiking over Cape Korakas from Sfinari or down the gorge from Kampos. Keep coming back! The island alone is the habitat for over 100 different species of plant, including the very rare Androcymbium rechingeri, a delicate white flower found only in a small number of specific regions in western Crete. International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Throw in the opportunity for a bit of hiking, some rather brutal history and a pretty nearby mosque and you start to see why Elafonisi Beach is one of the top destinations on Crete. The Best and Most Famous Beaches in West Crete. Another good choice is Lafo Rooms, about 800 metres away from the beach where the rooms all have balconies, a fridge and kettle. However, Ive found that if instead of being a front-seat passenger Im sitting at the back or -even better- Im driving, I can go through Topolia in a breeze. The route to Elafonisi Beach from Heraklion another 1.75 hours to the trip. In general, the roads are doable with due care, you must be precautious because parts of the roads might not have safety barriers or signposts indicating danger.One important suggestion though, when you reach Elafonisi by car, its a good idea to either spend the night in the village or to leave at about 5 pm, before the sunset, its always better toavoid these roads at night. Like most of Crete, Elafonisi enjoys a very mild climate year-round thanks to the surrounding Mediterranean Sea. And its always a great full-day trip. The place is famous for the alga, but also the number of pigeons flying inside. While I went to Samaria Gorge and drove around the island in a day or two, I never made it to Elafonisi! It takes roughly 45 minutes to walk from the Elafonisi Beach parking lot to the top of the island (at a very relaxed pace, Elafonisis default speed). If you depart from Chania, this road will take you to Elafonisi in a little bit more than an hour. Use them! And the trips are often cancelled if the weather takes a nasty turn, although they will usually be able to let you know the night before. Much later, when it had become a common haven for pirates, it was given the name Elafonisi, meaning Treasure Island in Greek. The sand in Elafonisi is made out of millions of microscopic pink shellfish (Benthic Foraminifera) that mix with the white, powdery sand. Thats also a reason why youll see so many tents around on the beach.In case you forget any of the essentials, therere a few markets on the main road before reaching the beach. There are several smaller, more secluded beaches within walking distance and some outstanding seafood tavernas where you can watch the sun go down. If you are interested in stopping in places such as Potamida or Millia Mountain Resort (more about those later, at the end of the post), this is the way you have to choose. With calm, clear water and myriad rocky areas to explore, Elafonisi Beach is a great place for snorkelling. Not to be mistaken for Elafonissos, a small Peloponnese island, Elafonisi Crete has a fascinating history dating back to when the ancient Greeks built one temple dedicated to the Lord of Muses on the island and another to Ino, the daughter of Kadmos, on the mainland. Another version explains that the sanctuary sold the valuable staircase during the Ottoman rule to alleviate its economic burdens. Hope you make it to Crete soon! There are no good places to eat on the beach. The beach of Elafonisi is a remarkable sandy beach located on the Southwest coast of Cree, in the region of Chania prefecture. If you want to spend multiple days enjoying Elafonisi Lagoon and the surrounding area, the pretty little village of Chrisoskalitissa is a good place to base yourself. This location on the extreme southwestern point of Crete serves both to limit tourist numbers (keeping them at merely staggering) and provide fabulous sunsets. Another extraordinarily beautiful Crete beach, popular Preveli Beach is unique because of its lush forest of palm trees extending up a gorge from the beach. Check prices with several boatmen before buying your ticket. While the best big picture views of the beach are from the small road coming down the hill, showing a beach paradise, looking back from the island you see something that more resembles a coastal desert landscape. In a nod to their 1907 heroics, in 1924 the Russian Admiral in charge of the Hivendis, Nikolaevich Filosofof, was appointed lighthouse keeper. Much of this section is roped off to protect the sensitive natural areas (referring to flora and fauna here, not the nudists) from the plodding feet of tourists. Or if youre just looking for a quick stop, drive up to the small church at the north end for nice photos back toward the bay. If you are staying in Heraklion and want to visit Elafonisi in a day, think it over, the trip can take a long time and every tiring, even when you are not the one on the wheel! Yeah, you dont see that everyday. Of all your posts about Crete, this was my favourite. While most people congregate around the wide, sandy area by the lagoon, you can continue on to find on more solitude among the dunes and coves near the island. It depends on the tides, the light, the wind, and the moment of the day. You need a bit of luck. A few years ago, I drove there even on August 15th! They serve traditional Greek food and Laynni highly recommends the Cretan salad. Umbrellas are not allowed on the island because of the sensitive ecosystem so if you want shade, make sure you arrive early enough to get one of the umbrellas on the main beach. However, the farther you walk toward the island the fewer people you will see and the wilder the terrain gets among the protected sand dunes. LAST-MINUTE PLANS FOR CRETE? UseFerryhopperand Skyscanner for the best ticket rates. Find great accommodation deals onBooking.com. Compare car rental prices withDiscover Cars.Check the best tours with GetYourGuide. VisitElafonisi, discoverBalos Beach, hikeSamaria,or explore Knossos.Pack theLonely Planet Guide to Creteor get mydigital guide to Chania. Still, it is well worth the journey for the spectacular viewpoints and warm, shallow Balos Lagoon. If possible, try to visit on a calm day (unless youre into. Thanks for a great post! Spending the night in Elafonisi is an excellent idea if you come from Rethymno (132 km) or Heraklion (211 km).If you are staying in the west part of Crete, a day trip is bearable, but spending the night or even a few nights is always much better. If you want to rent a villa, check out the Elafonisi Villa Above the Beach. A great choice is the Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family in the Elafonisi village. You might also want to read: Aspri Limni, Kedrodasos Beach, Elafonisi: Three Beaches in a Day! You can rent a pair of sun beds and an umbrella for 8 per day, although they are often all taken by 10 or 11 am in mid-summer. Were Dean and Laynni, two Canadians who quit our jobs to travel in 2008 and have been exploring phenomenal destinations around the globe ever since. There are pink sand beaches in different parts of West Crete. That road passes Sfinari Beach and the village of Kampos and is one of the most exceptionally scenic stretches of road on an island full of them. Weve also visited many times, both at sunset for a drink and later for dinner too. In high season, there are daily boats that travel between Paleochora and Elafonisi. Or arrive late in the afternoon when the crowds have already had enough and are packing up, then stick around and hope for one of the classic Elafonisi sunsets. Yes, vertigo is not a joke and some of those roads can be impressive, glad I could help a little bit to cope with that and happy you are thinking of coming back, this island is magic , Such a beautiful place, I hope to visit Crete soon. Another popular place to stay isGlykeria, located on the main road of the village, a few hundred meters from the beach. Then, 40 years later, the Austrian ship Imperatrix tragically sunk after colliding with the island. Living in the region of Chania has given me the possibility to visit Elafonisi many, really many, times. There are two small snack shops and a beach bar right on the beach where you can get something to hold you over. Required fields are marked *. The erosion has sculpted their unique conical shape, and many of the formations have vegetation on the top. Your email address will not be published. Experts flock to the area when conditions are right but there are many good places for beginners as well. Also, you can find a protected place to stay near the coves. Its also popular among young Cretans as an alternative to spending Christmas at home, they come here with friends or with a partner. Elafonisi has been classified as a protected Natura 2000 area, in part because of the many unique and endemic plants found among the sand dunes including Marram grass, junipers and picturesque sea daffodils. Thanks for leaving your comment. After the visit, stop while you climb down, for a refreshing orange juice in the local taverna. You can check in with Nireas Adventures in Paleochora to find out if they have any dives heading to the Imperatrix during your stay. I hope you can make it to Crete soon! Do not take images or content from this site without previous written permission from the owner. With a nice, sheltered bay ringed by welcoming tavernas, the west end of the beach features sandstone cliffs filled with ancient caves. This road is often less crowded than the road through Topolia, even in the high season.The sea is part of the landscape as well as the pebbles and rocks falling from the mountains, and the dozens of goats and sheep blocking the road at times. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices at Glykeria. The Most Incredible Naturist Beaches in Crete. The initial stretch of beach near the parking area has snack stalls, sun beds, umbrellas and various rentals, not to mention the vast majority of visitors. You can either bring your own snorkelling gear or pick some up at the shop near the parking lot. Its a magical place. Look out because there is just one small sign. If youre looking for something a little quieter, Sfinari Beach is a perfect choice. Just watch for goats (something that also applies everywhere on Crete). Elafonisi Beach (often spelled Elafonissi Beach) is especially good for families because of its shallow, protected water and the long stretches of sand dunes that allow kids to really stretch their legs (one of many things Im told they require, along with food, water and loads of patience). And fines are high. However, if you would rather not drive, in high season the Elafonissi Express Bus goes from Chania to Elafonisi (stopping in Kissamos) every Tuesday and Saturday, leaving around 9 am and returning at 4 in the afternoon. Elafonisi is very safe, a very good place for families with small children. This place is excellent to practice my favorite sport ever: do nothing on a beach. As I briefly mentioned before, the only place with boat trips to Elafonisi is Paleochora. You might also enjoy reading: The Best Beaches in Akrotiri, Chania. Unfortunately, boats dont go to Elafonisi from the northern centres of Kissamos or Chania so this will only work if youre based on Paleochora (which is a good idea in itself, at least for a few days). Thanks! Thanks for sharing! With strong winds being fairly common, Elafonisi is a great place for kite surfing. Bear in mind that there is no port in Elafonisi. Theres a very small selection of places to stay. Scary Journey or what! In conclusion, one thing has to be said immediately, the roads to Elafonisi are not easy, thats why this is how I begin this guide, discussing how to get to Elafonisi. One of the most exotic and comfortable ways to get to Elafonisi Beach is by boat trip along the incredible south coast of Crete. Right after youve passed the tunnel of Topolia, theres a wonderful place that deserves a stop: Agia Sophia. As you saw in the pictures above, Elafonisi has offers sunbeds and umbrellas (from 7 to 12 and more, depending on the month and sometimes on the hour of the day too). It is close to the local tavernas as well. If upon arrival you find heavy wind, reach the island on foot, place your beach towel on the wet sand and just wait. Looking like a classic postcard, Elafonisi Beach is nonetheless more than just a pretty photo op. You can get more information about the accommodation and on-site activities, such as cooking lessons or hiking outdoors if you check their website. Many people choose the place as a camping spot, though the Greek law forbids it. Relatively few tourists make it to all the way to Vai Beach, located at the extreme eastern end of Crete. Diana. Almost 10 years ago I stayed in Paleochora over the winter for 3 months or so from memory. Ive taken pictures of sea daffodils in Tersanas, Agii Apostoli, and Stavros (all beaches in the Regional Unit of Chania, West Crete). In 1867, during the revolution against the Ottoman rulers, the famous war ship, Arkadi, was destroyed close to Elafonisi. We have only linked to products we actually recommend and although using one to make a purchase wont cost you anything extra, it will earn us a small commission, which is much appreciated. The beach is quite large and much longer than it looks at first glance, stretching about 1.5 kilometres from the parking lot to the island. In both months you will find quiet beaches, desert roads, and warm water. Once you reach Platanos, you keep driving until the village of Elos, and at the sign, turn to Elafonisi.Youre better off avoiding this road although it allows exploring some picturesque and lonely villages worth a stop. Safe to say, we are now thinking about staying there next time. In Elafonisi its forbidden to: Elafonisi is home to over a hundred atypical plants.