Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach
4.5
About
Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is best known for its pink sand. However, temper your expectations as the amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and watersport enthusiasts alike. Also, hike up to the neighboring cedar tree reserves for a change of scenery.
Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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- Wendel N4 contributionsA Serene ParadiseElafonisi Beach is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Crete. The stunning views of the countryside during the drive to the beach already set the tone for the serene escape from the city that awaits. Once there, I was amazed by the clear turquoise waters and pink sand, which make this beach truly unique. The peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds only added to the overall experience. It was the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun while feeling rejuvenated by the tranquil surroundings. I highly recommend Elafonisi Beach to anyone seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating day trip in Crete.Visited February 2023Written 16 February 2023
- AmandaosaraHabo, Sweden2,018 contributionsNice but to crowdedI don't know what I think, sure it's a nice beach but I think there are better ones to go to where it's not so crowded and the sunbeds doesn't cost a fortune. There are some pink sand here, but it's hard to see because there is so many people everywhere. My guess it was better before it got so known.Visited August 2022Written 23 February 2023
- MJK1,227 contributionsIndeed, one of the best in the World.We have visited this place in nice, sunny October Sunday. Crystal clear water, great views and lots of sand. Fortunately the place is big enough, so we could find our own place on the beach, far from any sunbathers, however looking at the rows of sun umbrellas and beach beds (most of them empty in October) I can imagine how busy this place is during the typical holiday months. Anyway, it was great experience and I can only agree with "The World's Top Most Beautiful Beaches" rankings where Elafonissi beach is usually listed.Visited October 2022Written 10 April 2023
- verion2739San Francisco, California3 contributionsOne of the best beaches in the worldElafonisi is a beautiful beach located in the southwest coast of the island. The turquoise waters and the pink sand give a unique look. The drive there is amazing with a lot of traditional villages on the way there and amazing landscapes.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- CH_globalviewThe Hague, The Netherlands229 contributionsBeautiful beach. Well worth the trip.Visited in late April outside high season and it was just stunning. White and pink sand, shallow water. Parking down by the beach was great. Can imagine it gets packed in high summer given just how lovely it is.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 April 2023
- Amy J4 contributionsBeautifulIncredible trip! The beach wasn’t as pink as the pictures however it’s was still beautiful, powder soft sand. The lagoons were crystal clear, shallow, flat water which warmed up quickly and we’re safe for little ones to splash in. There are sun beds your can hire but it is expensive and some bars serving snacks/drinks at the top of the beach. On our trip we stopped at some caves on the way there and a small village for a meal on the way home. Brilliant experience and spectacular views.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 May 2023
- Dawn RChichester, United Kingdom10 contributionsNot worth the travelI thought this was a little disappointing after a 2 hour drive. You had to park a good mile walk away from the beach unless you were a coach. Parking is definitely not free it is 5€ unless you get the chance of parking on the side of the road which I wasn’t up for just in case the hire car got hit. There were a few little bars which looked very unappealing and were very expensive 1.50€ for a small packet of crisps. Then they want to charge you 1€ to go to the toilet of which they looked horrendous. If you have any problems walking don’t do it especially the walk back out of the beach. You could see a little bit of pink sand here and there but not much, and I didn’t want to ask how much the sun beds were!! I would suggest taking a towel to sit on and picnic not to get caught out.Visited May 2023Written 17 May 2023
- AirsuckerMaple, Canada538 contributionsNice to visit on a hot day.Not easy to get to and they charge 5 euros to park. The sand is beautiful but not always pink as advertised. 2 chairs and an umbrella are 20 euros for the day and they are packed together relatively close. The water is beautiful and calm and you can walk out so far without it getting above your waist.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2023
- Jaye AHouston, Texas73 contributionsThe Beach Your cannot MissThe beach was beautiful. We drove to the beach, there is parking. There are chairs which you can rent. They also have a stand where you can purchase food. The water is beautiful. They have clean bathrooms which cost 1 Euro to use. Yu can take some really great pictures at the beach.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 June 2023
- voyager1Deventer, The Netherlands78 contributionsToo many touristsGet there early, after 10 the tour busses arrive in their droves. In the end you could actually go to somewhere less crowded and just as pretty. A good example of marketing 1, reality 0, where what was potentially beautiful is no more with the crazy influx of people into a protected area.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 June 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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beachbum50295
New York15 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
beautiful beach, chairs available for rent, very good restaurant on the beach, easy access and they deliver to your beach chair
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MARIAN
Miami, FL5 contributions
Sep 2023 • Business
It is a wonderful place to visit, I will return very soon I recommend it, it is perfect.
greetings everyone see you
greetings everyone see you
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E Clay Anderson
Rehoboth Beach, DE2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Breathtaking Beach. Crystal blue and turquoise water as far as your eyes can see. Soft sand, some pink sand at the waters edge. I must see.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen S
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Really amazing beaches, all with slightly different characters and all idyllic.
We went in October at the end of the season and it was busy, I imagine in peak season it would be too crowded to enjoy fully- October definitely a good time to go. Really stunning place.
We went in October at the end of the season and it was busy, I imagine in peak season it would be too crowded to enjoy fully- October definitely a good time to go. Really stunning place.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Legs26
London, UK254 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Wonderful beach - remote and beautiful, really worth the slightly tough drive to get there!
The water is just fabulous, if you like a little adventure and nice beach -- this is a must do!
The water is just fabulous, if you like a little adventure and nice beach -- this is a must do!
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreasZillig
Guntramsdorf, Austria226 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The beach is large and ideal for families with young children. Laggon is very shallow water, water is very clear. You can spend 2-8h all day if you like.
Just remember to drive down the whole street and do not get fooled from "official parking place guides" - there are 2 or 3 parking lots private but directly before beach is the Mega Parking for beach and costs as well 5€, but you save 1km walking......
Just remember to drive down the whole street and do not get fooled from "official parking place guides" - there are 2 or 3 parking lots private but directly before beach is the Mega Parking for beach and costs as well 5€, but you save 1km walking......
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevierogrog
Wisbech, UK6 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It's a long old drive across to Elafonsi from Chania but with some lovely little villages and sights on the way as you make your way through winding narrow roads, sometimes with sheer drops at the side of them.
Anyway about the beach. It's one of the nicest beaches we've ever visited, however it's seriously overhyped and looks nothing like the pictures you'll see in tour guide brochures. There are very small traces of pink in the sand where the sea laps the shore but that's about it.
We visited in late October on a weekday. It was quite busy but not to the point it was uncomfortable. The water was crystal clear, warm and shallow, making it a safe place for families or those that are not strong swimmers.
When you arrive, ignore the people trying to persuade you to park on their premises and keep driving until you can't drive any further. You'll get to some bollards in the road and just before them on the right hand side is the closest car park, with plenty of spaces. It costs 5 Euros to park for the day.
The walk down to and back up from the beach is a bit of an arduous one, especially in the boiling sunshine.
Anyway about the beach. It's one of the nicest beaches we've ever visited, however it's seriously overhyped and looks nothing like the pictures you'll see in tour guide brochures. There are very small traces of pink in the sand where the sea laps the shore but that's about it.
We visited in late October on a weekday. It was quite busy but not to the point it was uncomfortable. The water was crystal clear, warm and shallow, making it a safe place for families or those that are not strong swimmers.
When you arrive, ignore the people trying to persuade you to park on their premises and keep driving until you can't drive any further. You'll get to some bollards in the road and just before them on the right hand side is the closest car park, with plenty of spaces. It costs 5 Euros to park for the day.
The walk down to and back up from the beach is a bit of an arduous one, especially in the boiling sunshine.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Global-Villagerr
Denver, CO367 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
This is a lovely area with fantastic extended beach. The throngs of people, even late in the season, makes it less than relaxing, however. Go as far out as you can,and enjoy the shallow waters
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ped
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Beautiful beach and is as shown, sand is white and where the shore meets the sand, that is where there are pink patches. Water is clean and clear with very good visibility and you can see your feet until you can’t stand. The beach has plenty of Nissis where the sand and see meet to form water that looks like ice. Gorgeous and would recommend to anyone.
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unto K
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
A beach paradise, fantastic water, a interesting bus trip with narrow roads and mountains to go there.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anastasia Limassol
Limassol City, Cyprus21 contributions
Does Elafonissi beach have toilet facilities ????
JonBr2014
Charlotte, NC150 contributions
Yes. There are facilities located near the entrance at the beach level. Cost is 2 Euro per person. There are also changing rooms on the beach with no charge.
Martina D
Carate Brianza, Italy
Ci sono docce?
sabry_besse
Parma, Italy471 contributions
Gentile Martina,
Si c'è un area dove ci sono bagni e docce.
anastasia Limassol
Limassol City, Cyprus21 contributions
Hi, we are arriving Chania next week and want to visit elafonisi. What’s the easiest way to get there ? By boat possibly? Ideally having available toilet for the route !
Airsucker
Maple, Canada538 contributions
I'm not sure their is a boat. We drove. It was about 1 1/2 hours and is pretty windy. Their are also drive services that will take you.
I am travelling to Crete in August and looking to visit the beach. Is there much to do whilst at the beach? I am not one for lying on a sun bed all day but want to visit as it looks beautiful. Would I be better off just visiting after 4pm when most people have left? Is it still worth visiting in the evening rather than during the day?
MJK
Coventry1,227 contributions
Hi.
To begin from, I think you are my "type of animal" - I am not a fan of idle sunbathing either.
The area around the beach is picturesque enough and you can have a walk to some local landmarks (remains of lighthouse and old little church), after crossing strip of water and getting to the Elafonissi island. It is not a long walk, however some (including myself) may find it better than sitting on the beach. If you decide to have a walk, be sure that you have proper shoes - the first part of walk is easy (just on the beach) but you may need to go cross some rocky areas, before reaching the end of island.
As to the time of visiting the place: August is probably the most unfortunate month (unless you enjoy crowded places) - in order to reduce the misery, I highly recommend later hours for visiting the place. You will still enjoy sun and sea but will be able to avoid (hopefully) the hordes of noisy people.
bonjour j aimerais savoir si c est possible de faire elafonissi Matala en bus ?
CKD
Codsall, UK119 contributions
Bonjour ce depons où se trouve votre hôtel. Il y a un bus que vous pouvez prendre depuis La Canée à 9h00 tous les matins, ce qui prend environ 2 heures pour se rendre à la plage. Il quitte la plage lors de son voyage de retour à 16h
We're staying in the Royal and imperial belvedere hotel in hersonissos and we're wondering how to get to and from elafonisi beach on a day trip.
Thanks.
GITeo
Singapore3 contributions
Did a day trip from Chania to Paleochoro and Elafonisi.
Departing at 8.45am from Chania to Paleochoro in a 2 hours bus ride. After a fabulous lunch at Galaxy Family Restaurant, we head for Elafonisi in a taxi for €20.
Catching the last bus at 4pm back to Chania.
bunnyhead73
Southampton, UK6 contributions
Staying in Agia Marina. Bring a ca and wondering which it the best for an early visit 8am-12 noon…Balos or Elafonisi?
Kritikal k
3 contributions
Would advise taking the boat, its cheaper, quicker and v relaxed. Why tyer yourself walking. Not even worth the car trip or even walking
vecotpin
Marseille, France3 contributions
Bonjour, est ce que l’on pourrait me confirmer s’il y a bien une route praticable qui rejoint Elafonissi et Paleochora SVP ? (Route sans repasser par le nord de l’île) Si c’est le cas, combien de temps faut il pour rejoindre les 2 villes ? Merci pour vos réponses
Lisa Cul
Istanbul, Türkiye8 contributions
I took a bus from the city center in Chania. It dropped off right at the parking lot which was a 3 minute walk to the beach. Actually driving to the beach isn't recommended because of the roads being so narrow and winding.
Aliona P
Hamfelde in Holstein, Germany1 contribution
Hi folks, does anyone know whether it'd be possible to catch a bus from Chania to Elafonisi in mid/late April? Schedules for the buses I saw online start from June.
Thanks!
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Claim your listingElafonissi Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Elafonissi Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Elafonissi Beach:
- Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Direct From Heraklion (From ₹ 4,169.31)
- Elafonisi - Pink Sands. Private Tour. (From ₹ 45,397.43)
- Elafonissi Beach from Rethymno (From ₹ 2,779.54)
- Elafonisi Beach Trip from Rethymno (From ₹ 4,169.31)
- Elafonisi Beach Private Tour (From ₹ 40,765.71)
- Hotels near Elafonissi Beach:
- (0.70 km) Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family
- (0.57 km) Elafonisi Village
- (0.69 km) Panorama
- (0.88 km) Lafo Rooms
- (4.68 km) Glykeria Hotel
- Restaurants near Elafonissi Beach:
- (0.70 km) Taverna Kalomirakis Family
- (0.58 km) Panorama Restaurant
- (0.66 km) Elafonisi Village
- (0.93 km) Diner Elafonisi
- (4.41 km) Kosmos Fish Tavern
- Attractions near Elafonissi Beach:
- (0.06 km) Elafonisi Viewpoint
- (0.09 km) Chrisoskalitissa Monastery
- (0.28 km) SurfIsland
- (2.16 km) Kedrodasos Beach
- (13.38 km) Paleochora Boat Trip