Useful Information
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 hours travel time by car. Elafonisi contains a small island about 200m 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 kite surf vacations, there are some hotels and restaurants at 500m 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 organize 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 harbor of Paleochora. Those boats usually arrive arround 11 o’clock on Elafonisi and depart at 5 o’clock.
The beach is 200m 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 color 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 organized 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.
On the way to Elafonisi you will notice the monastery of Panagia Chrisoskalitisa built on a hillside adjacent to a small peaceful village complete with restaurants and hotels.
Other Activities
Light House: A very beautiful path leads to the lighthouse at the west end Elafonisi island from which you may see a particularly nice view of Elafonisi’s exotic scenery.
Palaiochora Elafonisi Path: There is an E4 path with spectacular wild flora leading to Krios beach next to Paleochora. The path has moderate difficulty though crosses through a beautiful cedar forest known as “Kedrodasos”.
Boat Trips: For those who want to see from different angles Elafonisi organized trip for 4-5 people with large inflatable boat.
