Visit Beautiful Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece! Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece is actually an island, separated from the southwest coast of Crete, by a shallow, warm lagoon and a sandbar that is submerged under about one meter of water at most during high tide. The beach on the mainland and on the part of the sandbar that is never submerged is populated by hundreds of beach chairs and umbrellas and thousands of tourists in the high season. But you can wade out to the island and enter another world. It is an internationally classified nature reserve. Beach chairs and umbrellas are not permitted, and there is no shade, so fewer people make their way to it. Even in the busiest season, it is possible to find quiet little coves and pockets of sandy beach occasionally popular with nude bathers.
The island is a mile long, ending in a rocky outcrop and weird, freestanding towers of rock formed by wind and water. It’s home to more than 100 rare plants including summer flowering sea daffodils, white cups resembling normal daffodils in shape, surrounded by spiky white petals. Even rarer, the winter-flowering bulb Androcymbium rechingeri is found nowhere else in the world. To protect its rare plants, specific walks are laid out on the island, and removing any plants or animals from the island is forbidden a punishable with big fines. Visit all of the Best Beaches of Greece here.
The Beach Itself
The island is a nature lover’s paradise but there must be something about the mainland beach itself that draws so many visitors to itself every year. There are four reasons, actually:
- Pink sand: The sand here, most of the time, is composed of the remains of tiny pink shells the line the sea floor. When Elafonisi is pink, it is very pink, especially around the lagoon and along the sandbar to the island. But not everyone will find the beach pink when they arrive. Wind and the motion of tides, plus the season and the microbes these tiny, shelled creatures eat influence how or even if the sands will be pink when you arrive.
- Sand as soft as dust: In a part of the world where shingle or pebble beaches are the norm, Elafonisi stands out for its soft, powdery sand.
- Warm, shallow waters: The water to the right of the sandbar is calm, shallow and ideal for children, making this part of Elafonisi popular with families.
- Windsurfer’s heaven: The prevailing winds blow pretty steadily making this a great beach for windsurfing. Windsurfers populate the waters to the left of the sandbar, away from all the families and toddlers splashing in the shallows.
Elafonisi Beach Weather (When to Visit)
It’s a beautiful beach, but it’s often crowded. The beach is exposed to strong winds in the spring, so if you go early — April and May — the windblown sand can be unpleasant. During the height of the summer season, the beach is crowded until the day trippers and coach tours leave. The ideal time is the early autumn. In September and October both the weather and the waters of the lagoon are likely to be gentle and warm. Exploring the nature reserve on the island is still possible in November, but you may have to wade through cold, knee-deep water to get there.
Elafonisi Beach Area Beaches
Elafonisi Beach
Elafonisi is a small paradise on Earth. Located approximately 43 miles from Chania. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 Protection Program listed area with natural beauty, shallow crystal-clear waters and fine sand beaches. In some places, the sand looks pink, taking the unusual color from the thousands of crushed shells. Elafonisi is a stunning place where you can spend the day sunbathing or exploring the hidden coves.
Kedrodasos Beach
One of the best beaches in Chania is Kedrodasos Beach, which is quite untouched and unexplored. Many travelers use the area around the beach as a free camping spot. It is actually a cedar forest next to the beach. It is a favorite beach for naturists.
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Glyka Nera Beach
Glyka Nera BeachGlyka Nera (meaning “sweet water”) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with deep blue watercolor and nice pebbles. There is a small tavern on a rock that sells food, cold beverages and beds. You don’t need to have water with you, since the water from spring is potable. There are several tamarisk trees on the beach to provide shade.
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Falassarna beach
Falassarna beachKrios is a lovely beach situated very close to the center of Parikia. It is a long sandy beach with crystalline waters that are surrounded by a bay and are well protected from strong summer winds. The beach is well-organized with umbrellas and sundecks and has small taverns that serve food and drinks. Krios has a great view of the town of Parikia and the surrounding landscape.
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Balos Beach
Balos BeachBalos is a fantastic location on the northwestern side of Crete, in the region of Chania. This amazing place is like the Caribbean side of Crete. With exotic waters, soft white sand and a huge island with a Venetian Castle on top, the beach of Balos amazes all visitors at first sight. It can be reached by car through a track road from Kissamos or by excursion boat from Chania Town and Kissamos.
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Elafonisi Beach Tours & Activities
Elafonisi Beach Trip from Rethymno
Relax on the paradise-like island of Elafonisi on this family-friendly day trip. Admire western Crete’s hills and traditional villages on a drive to the southwest coast and stop for coffee at the Cave of Agia Sofia. Then, spend the afternoon on the idyllic protected islet of Elafonisi, enjoying its pink sands and clear seas. Includes round-trip transport plus select hotel pickup and drop-off. Learn more about the Elafonisi Beach Trip From Rethymno.
Elafonisi Small Group Tour
A full-day trip to Elafonissi island in the southwest of Crete. You will travel on an air-conditioned minibus, with a stop off at the beautiful Aghia Sophia Cave on the way. Learn more about the Elafonisi Small Group Tour.
Elafonisi Beach Idyllic Escape Customized – VIP Private Tour from Elounda
Experience the idyllic escape to Elafonisi beaches with pink sands and crystal-clear Libyan Sea waters like a true VIP. A full-day chauffeur-driven private tour with ultimate convenience and comfort. Enjoy a personal hotel, villa or cruise pick up and drop off by your private local insider guide, with a premium vehicle at disposal. Your customized daytrip will be enriched with bespoke itineraries off-the-beaten-track to explore and engage with the West Crete and its hidden gems. Last but not least, you will also get the best recommendations for an authentic Cretan lunch! Learn more about the Elafonisi Beach Idyllic Escape from Elounda.
Elafonisi – Pink Sands
This private tour includes three stops. First, experience the unique pink sand and postcard-worthy views at Elafonissi Beach. Then it’s on to Chrisoskalitissa Monastery, a 17-century structure built atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Finally, tour the Cave of Agia Sofia with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The tour price includes up to seven people. Learn more about the Elafonisi Pink Sands Tour.
Elafonissi Beach Idyllic Escape – Customized VIP Private Tour
Experience the idyllic escape to Elafonisi beaches with pink sands and crystal clear Libyan Sea waters like a true VIP. A full-day chauffeur-driven private tour with ultimate convenience and comfort. Enjoy a personal hotel, villa or cruise pick up and drop off by your private local insider guide, with a premium vehicle at disposal. Your customized daytrip will be enriched with bespoke itineraries off-the-beaten-track to explore and engage with the West Crete and its hidden gems. Last but not least, you will also get the best recommendations for an authentic Cretan lunch! Learn more about this Customized VIP Private Tour.
Best Elafonisi Beach Restaurants & Taverns
Stimadoris $11 – 30
Entering the main hall, you could think you’re in a folklore museum, as it is decorated with old objects. The fish is always fresh and the seafood really good. Telephone: +30 28220 22057 Web: Stimadoris.
Innahorion $11 – 30
Mrs, Athena cooks only with virgin olive oil and fresh local ingredients. The meats are the produce of the owners of the tavern and there is fresh fish whenever the weather permits. Telephone: +30 28220 61111 Web: Innahorion.
Sunset Tavern Under $10
The first restaurant that opened in the area and as the name implies, it offers a spectacular sunset view. The portions are generous and the food is prepared strictly with fresh ingredients. Telephone: +30 2822041204 Web: Sunset.
Yalites Tavern $11 – 30
A traditional tavern in one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Livadia, decorated with folklore and marine items, where you can enjoy fresh fish, tasty casseroles and appetizers cooked in the wood-oven. Telephone: +30 697 464 3885 Web: Yalites Tavern.
Angeliko tou Fouro Tavern $11 – 30
In the hinterland of Kissamos, this tavern serves traditional Cretan dishes made from local materials, genuine and pure Cretan olive oil, and homemade pasta (courtesy of Mrs. Anthi). Excellent service in a renovated building with a lovely courtyard. Telephone: +30 6977572266 Web: Angeliko tou Fouro Tavern.
Best Elafonisi Beach Bars
Almira Beach Bar
Located at the area of Agia Marina at the old Touvladika. This could be your choice for refreshing dives under the summer sun and for spending relaxing moments enjoying some of the delicious items on the beach menu (salads, burgers, pasta, sandwiches, etc.), refreshing cocktails (more than 40 different suggestions), or enjoying a cold beer, picking out one of your choices from over 50 Greek and foreign labels. Telephone: +30 28210 84960 Web: Almira Beach Bar.
Maria Beach Bar
Located on the sandy coast of Mavro Molo in Kasteli, 35 km from the center of Chania, you will find the Maria Beach Bar right in front of the hotel bearing the same name. Given that it has shallow waters, it is an ideal choice for families with small children, so you can relax and enjoy the beautifully surroundings. Start your day off with an iced coffee and continue with chilled beers and summer cocktails. Telephone: +30 28220 22610 Web: Maria Beach Bar.
Loutraki Seaside Bar
Loutraki Seaside Bar is a lounge bar for all day long relaxation by the sea in Loutraki. It is located in the Akrotiri area, 15 minutes by car from the center of Chania. The lawn on which you can lie down, is unique to this beach bar. You can sit on the loungers nibbling on snacks or dine in the restaurant after a swim in the blue waters. It plays chill out music and progresses to dance as time passes. Telephone: +30 28210 66239 Web: Loutraki Seaside Bar.
Ammos & Hlios Beach Bar
This is one of the most famous beach bars for the youth of Chania. Upon arrival at the institutional beach bar, you’ll instantly feel your mood lift; with constant good vibes and a super summery environment. Aside from its beachfront space, which is literally covered in crowds of people, it’s a truly awesome bar, with sinfully sweet crepes and waffles, and a great grill restaurant which serves delicious dishes. Sport lovers will be thrilled with its beach volley facility, and its surf and kite lessons, taught by experienced trainers. There are guest DJs and performances by famous artists of the Greek music scene, but also its various happenings throughout the summer. Telephone: +30 28210 60045 Web: Ammos kai Ilios.
Neromylos Beach & Pool Bar
With 20 years in the business, this is undoubtedly considered to be one of the most successful beach bars in Chania. Neromylos beach club is located in Platanias. Right next to the main bar is a pool for those who do not want to dive into the sea. Its party mood and young crowd await you for morning coffee, swimming and games on the sandy beach. Afterwards, head for the pool bar where you can enjoy cocktails to the sounds of the dj’s music selection. You can try light meals at the restaurant. Telephone: +30 28210 60449 Web: Neromylos Beach & Pool Bar.
Best Elafonisi Beach Hotels
Hi! You´ve got a fantastic site about Crete. I have been there 3 times, and I have toured the island around the coast. Still more a lot to discover – you need a lifetime on this island.
On the top of this page regarding Elafonisi beach, the top picture is from Elafonisi, but the next is a picture of Balos and Gramvousa, though it is presented as Elafinosi. Both have pink sand, so no wonder it´s mixed. I see that several internet pages do the same mistake.
I am 100% certain of this, couldn´t mistake them after being to Elafonisi two times and Balos one time.
I hope you can fix it and put another amazing picture of Elafonisi instead.
I will do and thank you Jorunn. Sounds like you have had more than one amazing visit to Elafonisi Beach!
Awesome post.Looks like a place.I would love to check out. Back in the late 70s growing up in San Diego me and some surf friends went to some cliffs and found a killer inside left breaking consistently. We called it out secret spot. And it was until the weekend came and the locals came to surf it. I have always dreamed of an isolated spot to surf with no crowds. This is what I envisioned it would be like if there were waves there. Well.written and informative!
Thanks David and also for stopping by and leaving me comments. There might not be the big waves here, but it is definitely beautiful and worth a visit.
I really love reading your post Leahrae. It’s really inspired me to make Crete mine next destination trip. I cannot wait to visit there.
It is a good choice for sure! Absolutely beautiful with lots to see and do. You will have a wonderful time here!
What a breath taking view! I’ll definitely have to add this to the list of places to visit!
It is a bucket list item for sure Lucas! When you are ready, I would be more than happy to help or answer any questions for you. Thank you for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Hey Leahrae! I loved the overview of Elafonisi! I almost went to Greece once, but unfortunately there was a ferry strike and I couldn’t get there! It has been on my list ever since!!
I love that you’ve broken down all these places to go, I wasn’t such a preparer back then, and now I love to have a list of things to check out! I was just wondering, what’s your number one must see there? Also is there any season that is more likely to have pink beaches? I would LOVE to see that!
Thanks so much!
Thank you Kitty for taking the time to stop in and leave me comments. I cannot tell you a particular time that you will see the pink sand, BUT it is pink more often than not 🙂 The number one place in Crete is going to be Elafonisi Beach, hands down. I would also make sure to check out Surf Island as well 🙂 Thank you for visiting Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece.
Lovely!
I don’t go to beach a lot, but this is tempting. I might just go there some day.
I hope I can tempt you! There really is so much more to just “going to the beach”. I am a water person and love the outdoors, so I enjoy visiting sights, and of course playing in the water. So much to see and do! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi I loved your website it was so informative and well laid out, as a disabled person I wonder if you could bear that in mind when reviewing these beautiful places, so many are inaccessible for various reasons and it would be good to know if they were or not. Well done great site
Thank you Steve for stopping in and taking the time to leave me comments. I will definitely be reviewing beaches that are wheel chair accessible. Everyone enjoys beautiful scenery 🙂
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This is a great article about Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece. Greece is one of the travel destinations that my husband and I would love to visit one day. I have never seen or even heard of pink sand. That is something to look forward to when I decide to visit Elafonisi Beach. Thank you for such detailed information. You have covered everything one needs to know. Keep up with the work.
Thanks Hong, and glad you enjoyed your digital visit to Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece. I hope that you will get to vacation there with your husband soon!
Hey Leahrae,
Impressive overview for Elafonisi Beach Crete! Greece is one of my vacation destinations. After reading your article, I just might have to push it to the top of my list.
I am traveling to New York City next month, so maybe I’ll plan the trip to Greece after. When do you recommend that I do so? I don’t want to go there when it’s super crowded.
Cheers,
Eric
I would say to head there in late August or early September. October is nice as well, but the water might be a bit chilly. But of course, there is so much to see and do besides a dip in Elafonisi Beach 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for a great review of Elafonisi Beach Crete.
I have been very fortunate to have had the chance to visit many of the Greek Islands and explore some of the most beautiful beaches.
Elafonisi Beach sounds amazing and it is definitely on my list of places to go now. I have never seen pink sand so that will be a first for me!
I just love visiting your site as your reviews want to make me jump on the next plane to go there.. keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Moni, and for continuing to stop by and visit. Glad you enjoyed reading about Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece!
Such an amazing looking beach! How stunning!
The pink sand looks great and unusual.
I was always dreaming of going to Greece as I have some Greek heritage. Apart from seeing some classic tourist attractions, I would love to go to Elafonisi Beach as well.
Yes, if going to Greece, and you love the beach, then Elafonisi Beach is a must for sure. Thanks for stopping by!
I travel quite a lot but never have been anywhere close to Crete. After reading this I am definitely going to add this to my travel bucket list. This would be a great place for photography and quite a few beers. Absolutely stunning. Great article!
Yes, it is stunning and a definite great place for photography. I am glad you enjoyed reading about Elafonisi Beach, Crete Greece. You will fall in love when you visit! Thanks for stopping by!
Greece is an Island I’ve always wanted to see. You have an amazing way of describing these islands so that the person feels like they’re actually there! Wow. Soft, powdery, pink sand? Shallow warm water? All while experiencing this on the back of a horse? That sounds amazing. Let me ask you something. All of these places that you write about, have you been there?
I am glad you are enjoying visiting beach travel destinations Shalisha and this is an amazing place, exactly as described. I have been to many places I write about, but of course, there are some that are on my bucket list that require research 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
This was a great timing article for me to read as we are actually planning a late summer holiday to Crete this year. Fortunately, it’s not too far from the UK and I literally can’t wait!
I had no idea that Crete had so many delights to offer, and that pic of Elfonisi beach’s pink sand is just beautiful. Such a great spectacle to see. And I’m looking forward to the horseback riding… something that had been a childhood dream of mine 🙂
You will really enjoy horseback riding on the beach. One of my favorite things to do actually. Something that is kind of tradition for my son and myself when we vacation to a beach and it is available. Please let me know if you have any questions Stefanie, and thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Elafonisi Beach in Crete Greece makes me think about somebody who fantasizes about elephants but would most likely be named Elephantasy instead hehe. You can explore but leave your umbrella and chairs behind, that way you don’t accidentally poke a nude bather who has blent into the beach. All silliness behind I have certainly heard great things about the beaches in this area and as long as you don’t mind fighting over a spot it’s a blast.
Well you can go off season 🙂 But because of the fame of being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, yes it will have some crowds. I think it is definitely worth it though! Thanks for stopping by Eric.
I have always wanted to go to Greece but haven’t as of yet. They have some nice beaches there. Elafonisi Beach is a very nice beach. Your webpage reveals that they have a lot of 5 star resorts which is great. I spotted a nude sun bather in the video. See if you can find him. Hint: He is on some rocks. Very rocky area around the Elafonisi Beaches. Is Crete very rocky as well?
Yes, I saw the nude sunbather 😀 And yes there are some rocky sections to Crete. Really a beautiful destination. Thanks for stopping by and visiting Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece.
Greece. I have never been there, but there is so much history and culture, I would just love to go. A must if you like the classical. Pink sand composed of shells. Wow! I never knew that. I am sure it is a beautiful sight to behold. Thanks again for sharing.
Yes, definitely beautiful Robert! Along with the history and the beautiful scenery, a beach destination must 🙂 Thanks for visiting Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece.
Very nice topic. I love beaches and travelling with my family. I used to wish to have a site talking like yours also. I like your articel
Thank you Piseth! I am glad you enjoyed visiting beach travel destinations and visiting wonderful Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece.
I was in Crete 2 years ago with my children in August and it was absolutely fantastic! The only complaint I have is that the place was way too crowded. Next time I’ll travel in May or in September, the weather is much more pleasant and less crowded. Our favorite activity is snorkeling; maybe you know a good place where we can rent our snorkel gear? That would be really helpful:)
Thank you!
Yes Daniella, you can rent from Dive 2 gether who can provide with all your rental needs including snorkeling gear. And yes, it can get crowded given the fact that it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. May or September are great months to avoid the crowds for sure. Thanks for visiting Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece.