Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach, one of Crete's most beautiful, captivates visitors with its silky pink sand beachfront and crystal-clear blue lagoon waters. The mile-long beach is really located on a tiny islet that is a protected nature reserve on Crete's mainland (connected by a reef).

Elafonissi has a distant quality, with the sun-parched Cretan highlands creating a calm setting. There are no hotels in the immediate vicinity. However, there are a few food cafes on the beach, as well as lounge chair and sun parasol rentals. Elafonissi Beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the tranquil lagoons. Families with children like the shallow, safe waters. Elafonissi Beach is a great area to enjoy windsurfing or kiteboarding on breezy days.

Elafonissi Beach is a two-hour drive from Chania and is ideal for a day vacation. During the summer, Elafonissi Beach becomes quite busy due to its popularity. This is just one of the many beautiful beaches in Crete. Balos Beach, with its massive turquoise lagoon, is almost as well-known.

Location: Mediterranean island of Crete, Chania