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
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
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Nikolas N
Athens, Greece64 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Paradise literally. Reading a lot of reviews from Greeks for a lot of walking , narrow streets etc. I had a little scared but really what the people write. The road from Chania to Elafonisi is really very good. The route is just magical, you pass through mountains, villages etc and the landscape enchanting you. At some point, it's okay, it's narrow but without any danger. Once you get there from the first car park they try to put you inside and well that the others are full but just ignore them and park at the last one called mega parking and costs 5€ all day.From there it is exactly 8 minutes walk with a timetable on a very normal road with sea fields I was okay and didn't slip half a time. As soon as you arrive at the beach there are sunbeds with 20€ the set if you will hardly find it is few. We arrived at 11:30 and although the beaches were full the people were beautifully shared and we sat right in front of the water with our umbrella. The waters are crystal clear, warm and clear and the landscape simply enchanting you.We liked it so much that we walked and swam in all points. For the unorganized there are several canteens right on the beach that offer all the cafes, food and drinks at very normal prices.No reviews are read from grinarides who have consistently parked in the water and parked them for distances etc.
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Written 8 August 2024
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.
Marco P
64 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Unquestionably the most beautiful place in Chania district.
Crystal clear sea, white sabbath, shallow waters, mountains frame all this.
It’s August, of course a myriad of people arrive and the show loses some of its shine but the game is worth the candle.
You can take an umbrella with two sunbeds for 20 euros but you must arrive no later than 10 am, otherwise bring an umbrella and arm yourself with patience because you will have to find a place and it will not be easy.
Parking 3 or 5 euros depending on which you choose.
Worth a social mention Johannis, beautiful boy who takes care of his lido, entering the beach you have to go to the right of the small beach bar.
Very kind, from advice, explanations, cleans everywhere, practically a cicero and plastic detector.
Also thanks to him Elafonissi was my favorite place.
I highly recommend dedicating a day to this place.
Crystal clear sea, white sabbath, shallow waters, mountains frame all this.
It’s August, of course a myriad of people arrive and the show loses some of its shine but the game is worth the candle.
You can take an umbrella with two sunbeds for 20 euros but you must arrive no later than 10 am, otherwise bring an umbrella and arm yourself with patience because you will have to find a place and it will not be easy.
Parking 3 or 5 euros depending on which you choose.
Worth a social mention Johannis, beautiful boy who takes care of his lido, entering the beach you have to go to the right of the small beach bar.
Very kind, from advice, explanations, cleans everywhere, practically a cicero and plastic detector.
Also thanks to him Elafonissi was my favorite place.
I highly recommend dedicating a day to this place.
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Written 24 August 2024
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.
Travel07165362596
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Very nice beach. You can get there easily by car. Parking is charged 5€, then there are about 15 min walk Recommendation put comfortable sneakers, rough terrain. It is necessary to arrive early in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 then you will no longer find the parasol, essential. The cost is 20€ (umbrella + 2 sunbeds) if in the main beach everything is busy, immediately to the right there are 2 other equipped beaches. The umbrella brought from home unfortunately flies away easily, the area is very ventilated and under the sand, because of the stone slabs, it is difficult to pitch the umbrella, better a tent. The pink sand is visible but not much, you will have to move on foot to the islet in front where it is most visible. Unfortunately, the impact of man on the environment can also be seen here!!
Shallow water almost everywhere, crystal clear (it looks like a swimming pool) unfortunately very cold so I RECOMMEND the shirts those special for water.
A nice experience accessible even with children!!!
Shallow water almost everywhere, crystal clear (it looks like a swimming pool) unfortunately very cold so I RECOMMEND the shirts those special for water.
A nice experience accessible even with children!!!
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Written 19 August 2024
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.
Silvia T
Rome, Italy69 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Definitely the most beautiful beach I have seen in Crete. I was there twice just as much as I liked although I had to make a journey of about 1 h and a half. Convenient parking and a short walk to the sea. The beach is equipped with various points with umbrellas and sunbeds and the cost for the set (umbrella + 2 sunbeds) is 20€. My husband and I chose the right side where there are 2 small points with a few umbrellas close to 2 lagoons... in our opinion the
Best point. We had the pleasure of meeting a beach attendant who in our opinion is a lovely person. Tourists are provided with detailed information on the beach and its surroundings. He shows attention to the cleanliness of the beach by picking up here and there what is left by the patrons through neglect or distraction. His kindness shines through in every little attention he places on customer service. His name is Ioannis. There were such people around who demonstrate love and respect for the environment around us. An example to follow. Discounted tip: you have to arrive early to find free umbrellas otherwise be equipped on your own to guarantee a little shade.
Best point. We had the pleasure of meeting a beach attendant who in our opinion is a lovely person. Tourists are provided with detailed information on the beach and its surroundings. He shows attention to the cleanliness of the beach by picking up here and there what is left by the patrons through neglect or distraction. His kindness shines through in every little attention he places on customer service. His name is Ioannis. There were such people around who demonstrate love and respect for the environment around us. An example to follow. Discounted tip: you have to arrive early to find free umbrellas otherwise be equipped on your own to guarantee a little shade.
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Written 24 August 2024
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.
banzai94400
Vitry-sur-Seine, France12 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Exceptional then yes it is armored, the road is endless especially behind a bus but we take full eyes. We arrived at 10:30 we avoided the first drop-offs to park at the last car park (€5) 2 € more expensive than the car parks at the entrance but we were very happy on the way back to have our car next door after a hard lift in the middle of the country. To access the beach, a downhill walk of 10 min if you have sneakers c is better but can be done in tap. On the spot it was anarchy, I advise you to cross to the islet then tip over to the other side following the marked path after the rescue station, you will be more sheltered from the wind, quieter and with turquoise blue and pink on the sand just to you. Feast!!!!
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Written 14 August 2024
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.
Andrea
Oberwaltersdorf, Austria47 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Beautiful sandy beach, the small waves wash up the pink color, which you then perceive as a strip on the shore. Areas are recommended to arrive early and preferably stay in the suburbs before the crowds of tourists invade with the buses or rental cars like the grasshoppers. There are suburban supermarkets, restaurants, canteen (food stalls). Shower and toilet are also available. The water is crystal clear, sunbeds can be rented (2024 for € 20). Parking is available for a fee and the path to the beach leads downhill for about 10 minutes.
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Written 14 October 2024
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.
JacopoCarfagna
San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy336 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
The beach of Elafonissi is among the most beautiful in Crete and therefore also among the most coveted and frequented, however with some care you can live a pleasant and stress-free day. Shortly before arrival in Elafonissi there are various parking lots where you can leave your car at a price including three € 3 and € 5 per day, essential to arrive early. Leaving the car we proceed on foot to the beach which is divided into two parts: a coastal one where most people stop also because of the presence of bathing establishments; and an island characterized by an offshoot of dunes and rocks that extends offshore. This is the part where Recommendation to go because unspoilt and less frequented, to do so you have to cross a stretch of sea from the height of about 1 meter, doable then walking getting wet up to the waist. Once on the island the setting is heavenly where small bays of white sand alternate with dark rocks, the water, needless to say, seems that of the Caribbean and almost never reaches remarkable heights. If you want to explore this part of the beach Recommendation to take a walk to the most exposed point out to sea, characterized by a higher rocky promontory on which is placed a small church and allows you to enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the whole Elafonissi.
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Written 16 August 2024
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.
Julie B
San Francisco, CA116 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
This is quite a large pretty beach with little lagoons and tight pools
Even though I read a review that said to ignore the guys trying to get you to park when the paved road ends, the parking lot attendant directed us into his lot and charged five euros. After waling about 15 minutes to the beach down the gravel path we realized we could have driven almost all the way down The parking lot at sea level had only two cars in it on October 7 at 11 AM when we visited. And it’s FREE. The beach wasn’t overly crowded when we arrived, but within a half hour, several tour buses arrived and most of the lounges and Palapas were in use.
Even though I read a review that said to ignore the guys trying to get you to park when the paved road ends, the parking lot attendant directed us into his lot and charged five euros. After waling about 15 minutes to the beach down the gravel path we realized we could have driven almost all the way down The parking lot at sea level had only two cars in it on October 7 at 11 AM when we visited. And it’s FREE. The beach wasn’t overly crowded when we arrived, but within a half hour, several tour buses arrived and most of the lounges and Palapas were in use.
Written 7 October 2024
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.
Vitalba P
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Beautiful beach with fabulous sea. Pink sand may not be what will catch your eye but the color is phenomenal. We went on Sunday (and I was told that buses organized on this day do not arrive) at 9 am I was already at the beach, the available stations end by 10 am (not after). 20€.on the far right, entering the beach , there is another small place where they rent umbrellas, it is not visible as soon as you enter and then you have to look out (there should be a flag flying). If you go in the afternoon you can try renting instead of leaving. Facing west you have to calculate that there is no unfavorable wind.
Recommendation to park at the last parking at a cost of € 5, provides the bathroom at a cost of € 0.50 . You pay at the exit. You have to stay until sunset and enjoy the beauty of the place. To eat there is immediately a kiosk attached to the beach, and one with a quick kitchen just above. Bathrooms for a fee of 1€.
The road from Kissamos is not short and you have to go slowly, narrow roads, hairpin bends and beautiful canyons. Local produce vendors on the street.
Recommendation to park at the last parking at a cost of € 5, provides the bathroom at a cost of € 0.50 . You pay at the exit. You have to stay until sunset and enjoy the beauty of the place. To eat there is immediately a kiosk attached to the beach, and one with a quick kitchen just above. Bathrooms for a fee of 1€.
The road from Kissamos is not short and you have to go slowly, narrow roads, hairpin bends and beautiful canyons. Local produce vendors on the street.
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Written 14 August 2024
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.
Luisa F
5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The beach of Elafonissi is really beautiful and the water is so crystal clear that it looks like a natural pool.
Few shaded areas and if strong wind blows put umbrellas is practically impossible.
So Recommendation to arrive early or to take umbrella and deck chairs at a cost of 20 € or to occupy a shaded space.
There are several parking lots .. the last one costs 5€ and is a few meters closer to the entrance to the beach. Walking path of about 500 meters feasible ..
To see
Few shaded areas and if strong wind blows put umbrellas is practically impossible.
So Recommendation to arrive early or to take umbrella and deck chairs at a cost of 20 € or to occupy a shaded space.
There are several parking lots .. the last one costs 5€ and is a few meters closer to the entrance to the beach. Walking path of about 500 meters feasible ..
To see
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Written 18 August 2024
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.
Does Elafonissi beach have toilet facilities ????
Written 2 July 2023
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.
Written 3 July 2023
Gentile Martina,
Si c'è un area dove ci sono bagni e docce.
Written 27 June 2023
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 !
Written 26 June 2023
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.
Written 27 June 2023
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?
Written 13 May 2023
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.
Written 14 May 2023
bonjour j aimerais savoir si c est possible de faire elafonissi Matala en bus ?
Written 1 May 2023
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
Written 1 May 2023
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.
Written 11 January 2023
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.
Written 12 January 2023
Staying in Agia Marina. Bring a ca and wondering which it the best for an early visit 8am-12 noon…Balos or Elafonisi?
Written 11 September 2022
Would advise taking the boat, its cheaper, quicker and v relaxed. Why tyer yourself walking. Not even worth the car trip or even walking
Written 13 September 2022
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
Written 1 August 2022
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.
Written 4 August 2022
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