Ive seen friends getting burned by the sun and regretting not using sunscreen!Take special care of children, provide special sunscreen for them too, as well as a hat, even a T-shirt or cover-up and loads of fresh water. The breakfast options were abundant, but its usually not included in the price of the room. The pristine beach is magnificent. You might also enjoy reading: The Best Beaches in Akrotiri, Chania. 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. Winds are not uncommon at all, in any month, but theres not a precise factor as to why. This place is home to several wild birds, such as vultures and eagles. You will need it, plenty of places to buy refreshments.. so pleased we stayed at this end of the island & the Chania airport is so small as well. It is only about an hours drive from Kissamos to Elafonisi by the most direct route, although we would recommend taking the scenic coastal route in at least one direction. And fines are high. Elafonisi Beach is one of those places that everyone wants to visit when they get to Crete. If you are coming from Chania, its no more than 15 minutes after you take the detour to Elafonisi. You can get more information about the accommodation and on-site activities, such as cooking lessons or hiking outdoors if you check their website. I hadnt heard of Elafonisi before, to be honest, Im not very familiar with Crete. 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. 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). However, it is still worth a look as the views from the Elafonisi Lighthouse are outstanding. There are two small snack shops and a beach bar right on the beach where you can get something to hold you over. For the sake of precision, I include a small description of this second road (map 2). Boats usually leave around 10 am and return around 4 pm. Ive seen Elafonisi with rain, with clouds, and even in winter. Fewer people target Kedrodasos, but it is getting quite popular too. The area is secluded and there is no accommodation around. Snorkellers can only get a glimpse of this former Austrian steam ship but divers can get much closer to some of the fascinating remains. With a nice, sheltered bay ringed by welcoming tavernas, the west end of the beach features sandstone cliffs filled with ancient caves. Do not take images or content from this site without previous written permission from the owner. It is close to the local tavernas as well. We also found that the colour of the pink sands stood out most when there were some waves, with the brightest pink occurring as the waves retreated back from the beach leaving the wet sand glittering in the sun. STAY IN ELAFONISI:Its a good idea to stay in the village to make the most of your time. DOWNLOAD THE NEW DIGITAL CITY GUIDE OF CHANIA FOR ONLY 0,99! Among them, sea daffodils, pretty white flowers with the shape of a trumpet, quite unique but not exclusive from Elafonisi. Have you ever been to a pink sand beach?Let me know in the comments below!You might also want to read these articles about Crete: How to Get from Heraklion to Chania: Practical Guide by a Local A road guide to travel from Heraklion to Chania. Balos Beach Crete: Complete Insiders Guide A complete guide to visiting Balos Beach and Lagoon. Extraordinary Things to Do in Crete in Winter A locals guide to activities you can do in Crete during the winter months. For warm weather, minimal rain and fewer people taking up the sun beds, we would recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons. In August, that might be almost double. Milia is a private mountain resort in the center of Kissamos, and its in a zone belonging to the network Natura of protected areas.The facilities used to be an abandoned village from the 15th century, above the gorge of Topolia gorge, at the foothills of the White Mountains.Thanks to accurate restoration work, its now a cozy hostel with an organic farm on the premises. Plus, the beach is within walking distance. 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. Or there are several good tavernas just up the hill. 
Of all your posts about Crete, this was my favourite. 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. Plus, it is nice to be able to set your schedule. Kedrodasos is only one km from Elafonisi, towards the east. There are hundreds of umbrellas on the beach and on that small strip of land thats never underwater. 
Weve been to Santorini and Mykonos in previous years but this was our first time in Crete. Check prices with several boatmen before buying your ticket. As I briefly mentioned before, the only place with boat trips to Elafonisi is Paleochora. Your email address will not be published. Of course, Elafonissi isnt just nice to look at. Just 5 kilometres north of Elafonisi Beach, youll find the magnificent Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, the perfect stop on your way to or from the beach. 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). Look out because there is just one small sign. From Chania to Elafonisi beach you drive roughly 75 kilometres southwest (1.5 hours) through some of the most impressive hills and gorges on Crete ending up on the southwest coast. Protected by the island and a series of rocky reefs, the stunning turquoise water of the lagoon is calm, warm and crystal clear. Also see, Preveli Beach: How to See Cretes Spectacular Palm Forest. Use them! The name of the beach means cedar forest, but the tree that populates the area is the juniper, a delicate and protected species. 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! Right next to the parking lot youll find a monument to the horrific massacre of over 600 Cretans (most of them women and children) by the Turks at Easter in 1824. Other are content with a relaxing float around the sandy lagoon. Elafonisi is also popular among young couples looking for a romantic landscape. Elafonisiis a Nature 2000 protected reserve, so visitors should respect the following rules. The Elafonisi Beach seems like an incredible place to visit. If possible, try to visit on a calm day (unless youre into. Even though Elafonisi Beach isnt necessarily the most convenient beach on Crete to get to, and can get a tad busy, it definitely has enough going for it to make the trip worthwhile. 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. Yeah, you dont see that everyday. 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. Trust me, you probably will. The units all have terraces with views overlooking the olive groves or the ocean, yet they all feel very private and quiet. 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. So basically, there are two good possible roads that take you to Elafonisi. Inside the cave, there is a variety of spiders, known as Phoicus Creticus, that only live here, nowhere else in Crete or in the world!According to a legend, Saint Georges horse left an imprint of his hoof on the walls of the cave. If you depart from Chania, this road will take you to Elafonisi in a little bit more than an hour. Hope you enjoy and make the most of your trip! Going in Sept! Weve used your page to go to Elafonisi this summer and it was useful and the info accurate. Also, accommodation might be close to impossible to find and floods are not uncommon. The area has unique coves and ponds with emerald green, transparent water, but theres no umbrella available. Unfortunately, it seems there are always a few people who see a small rope and polite no entry sign as yet another challenge to be conquered. Elafonisi Island, or Elafonisi Peninsula, depending on who you ask, sticks out into the Libyan Sea like Cretes deformed little toe, or the price tag you forgot to remove from that brand new bathing suit. But the unique natural aspects of Elafonisi mean they enforce the rules much more strictly. 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. The Imperatrix, which famously sank off Elafonisi Island in 1907, still lies at the bottom of the sea and is accessible by scuba divers. The best way to beat the crowds is to get in the early morning, never after 10 am. Its also possible to get magazines, beach toys, towels, and hats. However, Ive always managed to find accommodation without booking in late September. Its a wonderful and unique kind of pinkish color, at times. Thanks for sharing! It is uniquely scenic thanks to the narrow sandbar/isthmus that connects Elafonisi Island to the mainland, creating a shallow, turquoise lagoon on one side and a slightly less shallow (but protected by rocks and still fine for kids) bay on the other. 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. 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. Its a hit on Instagram and ranks in every travel site among the top 10 beaches in the world. You may also want to check out Kissamos: Gateway to Cretes Most Famous Beaches. Wild and rocky, Stomio is a great choice if you want to get away from the crowds. If you were waiting for a different shade of pink, then youve probably seen stunning pink sand photoshopped pictures of Elafonisi. They can also be seen on other beaches of Crete. There are pink sand beaches in different parts of West Crete. This bizarre landscape is made of very soft clay hills, grey, and rather low. To this day, there are plenty of legends about hidden treasure on the island but it is unlikely any hidden gems have survived the past decade of busy summers. Its also a good spot for snorkeling with a beautiful landscape also under the sea. 
It has two bedrooms, a kitchen and terrace with amazing sea views as well as spectacular views from the massive windows. Its always a better idea to bring food from home or stop at any of the markets on the main road before the beach. The removal of any plants, shells or sand is also prohibited. There are many tour companies that run guided tour day trips to Elafonisi Beach from Kissamos, Chania and even Rethymno and Heraklion, although coming from those farther destinations will make for a very long day. In theory, you should not find other umbrellas than the official ones. Lifeguards, showers, pay toilets (0.50), change rooms and two separate snack/drink bars. Relatively few tourists make it to all the way to Vai Beach, located at the extreme eastern end of Crete. Check also these alternatives to travel to Elafonisi. You might also want to read more about Chrisoskalithissa and other Cretan monasteries. 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. 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. International Union for the Conservation of Nature. All the juniper trees on the island were cut down for use in building projects but at least there were no more shipwrecks. 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. There you will find bread, fruit, snacks and iced drinks. The Best and Most Famous Beaches in West Crete. Thanks for a great post! Enjoying a commanding position on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea, the views both from and of the monastery are superb. 
As you can see in this picture, many years ago, the beach was virtually empty.This picture is previous to Elafonisi being designed asone of the worlds top 25 beaches on TripAdvisor in 2014.It was heavenly back then.
Of all your posts about Crete, this was my favourite. 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. Plus, it is nice to be able to set your schedule. Kedrodasos is only one km from Elafonisi, towards the east. There are hundreds of umbrellas on the beach and on that small strip of land thats never underwater. Weve been to Santorini and Mykonos in previous years but this was our first time in Crete. Check prices with several boatmen before buying your ticket. As I briefly mentioned before, the only place with boat trips to Elafonisi is Paleochora. Your email address will not be published. Of course, Elafonissi isnt just nice to look at. Just 5 kilometres north of Elafonisi Beach, youll find the magnificent Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, the perfect stop on your way to or from the beach. 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). Look out because there is just one small sign. From Chania to Elafonisi beach you drive roughly 75 kilometres southwest (1.5 hours) through some of the most impressive hills and gorges on Crete ending up on the southwest coast. Protected by the island and a series of rocky reefs, the stunning turquoise water of the lagoon is calm, warm and crystal clear. Also see, Preveli Beach: How to See Cretes Spectacular Palm Forest. Use them! The name of the beach means cedar forest, but the tree that populates the area is the juniper, a delicate and protected species. 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! Right next to the parking lot youll find a monument to the horrific massacre of over 600 Cretans (most of them women and children) by the Turks at Easter in 1824. Other are content with a relaxing float around the sandy lagoon. Elafonisi is also popular among young couples looking for a romantic landscape. Elafonisiis a Nature 2000 protected reserve, so visitors should respect the following rules. The Elafonisi Beach seems like an incredible place to visit. If possible, try to visit on a calm day (unless youre into. Even though Elafonisi Beach isnt necessarily the most convenient beach on Crete to get to, and can get a tad busy, it definitely has enough going for it to make the trip worthwhile. 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. Yeah, you dont see that everyday. 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. Trust me, you probably will. The units all have terraces with views overlooking the olive groves or the ocean, yet they all feel very private and quiet. 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. So basically, there are two good possible roads that take you to Elafonisi. Inside the cave, there is a variety of spiders, known as Phoicus Creticus, that only live here, nowhere else in Crete or in the world!According to a legend, Saint Georges horse left an imprint of his hoof on the walls of the cave. If you depart from Chania, this road will take you to Elafonisi in a little bit more than an hour. Hope you enjoy and make the most of your trip! Going in Sept! Weve used your page to go to Elafonisi this summer and it was useful and the info accurate. Also, accommodation might be close to impossible to find and floods are not uncommon. The area has unique coves and ponds with emerald green, transparent water, but theres no umbrella available. Unfortunately, it seems there are always a few people who see a small rope and polite no entry sign as yet another challenge to be conquered. Elafonisi Island, or Elafonisi Peninsula, depending on who you ask, sticks out into the Libyan Sea like Cretes deformed little toe, or the price tag you forgot to remove from that brand new bathing suit. But the unique natural aspects of Elafonisi mean they enforce the rules much more strictly. 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. The Imperatrix, which famously sank off Elafonisi Island in 1907, still lies at the bottom of the sea and is accessible by scuba divers. The best way to beat the crowds is to get in the early morning, never after 10 am. Its also possible to get magazines, beach toys, towels, and hats. However, Ive always managed to find accommodation without booking in late September. Its a wonderful and unique kind of pinkish color, at times. Thanks for sharing! It is uniquely scenic thanks to the narrow sandbar/isthmus that connects Elafonisi Island to the mainland, creating a shallow, turquoise lagoon on one side and a slightly less shallow (but protected by rocks and still fine for kids) bay on the other. 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. 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. Its a hit on Instagram and ranks in every travel site among the top 10 beaches in the world. You may also want to check out Kissamos: Gateway to Cretes Most Famous Beaches. Wild and rocky, Stomio is a great choice if you want to get away from the crowds. If you were waiting for a different shade of pink, then youve probably seen stunning pink sand photoshopped pictures of Elafonisi. They can also be seen on other beaches of Crete. There are pink sand beaches in different parts of West Crete. This bizarre landscape is made of very soft clay hills, grey, and rather low. To this day, there are plenty of legends about hidden treasure on the island but it is unlikely any hidden gems have survived the past decade of busy summers. Its also a good spot for snorkeling with a beautiful landscape also under the sea. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen and terrace with amazing sea views as well as spectacular views from the massive windows. Its always a better idea to bring food from home or stop at any of the markets on the main road before the beach. The removal of any plants, shells or sand is also prohibited. There are many tour companies that run guided tour day trips to Elafonisi Beach from Kissamos, Chania and even Rethymno and Heraklion, although coming from those farther destinations will make for a very long day. In theory, you should not find other umbrellas than the official ones. Lifeguards, showers, pay toilets (0.50), change rooms and two separate snack/drink bars. Relatively few tourists make it to all the way to Vai Beach, located at the extreme eastern end of Crete. Check also these alternatives to travel to Elafonisi. You might also want to read more about Chrisoskalithissa and other Cretan monasteries. 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. 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. International Union for the Conservation of Nature. All the juniper trees on the island were cut down for use in building projects but at least there were no more shipwrecks. 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. There you will find bread, fruit, snacks and iced drinks. The Best and Most Famous Beaches in West Crete. Thanks for a great post! Enjoying a commanding position on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea, the views both from and of the monastery are superb. As you can see in this picture, many years ago, the beach was virtually empty.This picture is previous to Elafonisi being designed asone of the worlds top 25 beaches on TripAdvisor in 2014.It was heavenly back then.