What to do in Elafonisi

Voted as one of the 10 best beaches in the world, Elafonisi is located in south-west Crete 75km from Chania which works out to about one and a half hour travel time by car.

Elafonisi contains a small island about 200 metres south of the main swimming area north of which is the big shallow kite surfing lagoon no more than 1m deep. For those who choose Elafonisi for surf vacations, there are some hotels and restaurants at 500 metres distance from the beach and some more in the area of 7km.

On the other side, for those who want to stay at cosmopolitan Chania, local and international travel agencies organise bus trips to Elafonisi every day. An alternative choice is to rent a car. Additionally, for those who choose to stay at Palaiochora village, they can catch daily boats to Elafonisi from the eastern harbour of Paleochora. Those boats usually arrive around 11 o’clock on Elafonisi and depart at 5 o’clock. The beach is 200 metres from the island and you can walk on the coastline and pass the shallow lagoon with the green blue water around you.

The sand at the beaches isn’t just sand but masses of empty seashells, which explains the pink and red colour of the beach. There you will find many small beaches to relax and feel the magic energy of this place. The Municipalities of Selinou-Kantanou and Kissamou have designated Elafonisi a natural preserve though canteens for refreshment and snacks, which are located at the main beach organised together with lifeguards, showers, umbrellas, locker rooms and trash disposal.

The swimming beaches in most areas are shallow and totally safe for children. Across Elafonisi’s beach is Elafonisi island which may be visited by simply walking through the shallow water. Behind the island you will find a more quiet small beach with clear blue green water.