Cover up from the sun, grab your backpack and get ready for an amazing day trip to Elafonisi beach! Elafonisi beach is located in the southwest of Crete. It is believed to be among the best beaches of the world! 

With all shades of blue in the shallow and warm waters, as well as the soft sand in shades of golden, white and pink, this is a place your Chania holiday list should definitely include.

Elafonisi is a word that actually refers to an island. The island is separated from the coast by a shallow lagoon. Elafonisi lagoon includes a strip of sand which allows you to reach the island on foot! 

There is a part on the beach which offers some beds and umbrellas to visitors. There are a few beach bars. This place is ideal for a day trip! 

If you wish to enjoy all this amazing landscape to yourself, stay until late in the afternoon, when tourists on a day trip are gone!

The road trip from Chania to Elafonisi beach.

First off, you need to know that the road trip from Chania to Elafonisi beach is highly enjoyable. It is about an hour from Chania town. On the itinerary you will enjoy amazing views of the Cretan landscape. Reaching your destination, there is a lot of parking space near the main beach.

Alternatively, you can go to Elafonisi lagoon by bus. You only need to get the bus from the central bus station of Chania. 

Another way to get there is opting for a boat cruise from Paleochora.

Top highlights of Elafonisi beach.

  • The crystal clear waters of Elafonissi lagoon are ideal for snorkeling.
  • A nudist beach is hidden at the tip of the island. On the island there are ruins of a shipwreck. There is also an old lighthouse and a chapel.
  • Elafonisi beach is a kite surfer’s paradise when the weather is windy. There is also an area available for water sports.
  • Arriving at the island, you will be astonished at the beauty of the wild landscape. Juniper trees, rocks and sand dunes will make you adore it! Both the beach and the surrounding area is protected by the Natura 2000 network. Elafonisi is a habitat for protected flora and fauna, unique in the island of Crete. You may also encounter little nests where Caretta-Caretta sea turtles have laid their eggs.