Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania in the southwestern most tip of Crete. Elafonisi is a peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. This is a Natura 2000 protected area.
The island is full of sand dunes and juniper trees. The endangered caretta caretta sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either sides of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the sea water does not exceed 1m in depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite side of the peninsula, while carrying your stuff with you, because the water is very shallow there.
The eastern side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is well organized and has the most people. There are umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms.
Oppositely, the beaches on either sides of the island are less crowded and are the most beautiful, with amazing azure colors. If you want to stay completely secluded, you can walk along the peninsula until you find a quiet cove that you like!
You can reach Elafonissi by car (1.5 hours) or by bus from Chania. The road to Elafonisi is narrow and full of turns, but the beauty of the landscape is stunning; you will cross the beautiful lush green village Elos and the impressive gorge of Topolia .
Travelers in Trip Advisor voted this majestic beach as the best beach in Greece for 2015! This is not the only distinction for this beach, as Elafonisi has been declared several times as one of the best beaches in Europe and the whole world!
