The walk is essentially flat until you reach the bottom of the island where you will start climbing up the soft sand path. Its more isolated than the main beach as well, therefore popular among nudists too. The colour really comes alive in the sun and it can be mesmerizing to watch it come and go as the waves lap up on the shore. During particularly high tides you may need to wade across a small amount of water but sometimes it can be done without even getting your feet wet. The Most Incredible Naturist Beaches in Crete. After the visit, stop while you climb down, for a refreshing orange juice in the local taverna. As a personal note, I suffer from extreme vertigo in the mountains. It does, however, get its share of wind. While I went to Samaria Gorge and drove around the island in a day or two, I never made it to Elafonisi! It is uniquely scenic thanks to the narrow sandbar/isthmus that connects Elafonisi Island to the mainland, creating a shallow, turquoise lagoon on one side and a slightly less shallow (but protected by rocks and still fine for kids) bay on the other. You might also want to read: The Best and Most Famous Beaches in West Crete. Dont freak out, he wont go anywhere, but just know that kids can get a little startled. The sand in Elafonisi is not pink. Elafonisi has been classified as a protected Natura 2000 area, in part because of the many unique and endemic plants found among the sand dunes including Marram grass, junipers and picturesque sea daffodils. Now, Ill admit, there is also something to be said for old towns full of dank alleys tucked beneath crumbling fortresses, something else Crete has a lot of. Platanakia Beach is also a popular nudist destination, probably because it is somewhat remote and hard to access. Yeah, you dont see that everyday. In 1867, during the revolution against the Ottoman rulers, the famous war ship, Arkadi, was destroyed close to Elafonisi. Your email address will not be published. They serve traditional Greek food and Laynni highly recommends the Cretan salad. The village is quiet and gets very lonely and peaceful at night when most tourists start their way back to the north. The beach is wide and soft, the water clear and warm, plus there is the island where restless types can wander till their hearts content (or at least tired enough to sit still for a little while). If you dont arrive early in the morning, during the peak season, dont even dream of getting a free spot. ), Trip to Crete in October: Top Things to Do in Crete in Fall. Its always safe to pack your own lunch, some fruit, and plenty of water. Right next to the parking lot youll find a monument to the horrific massacre of over 600 Cretans (most of them women and children) by the Turks at Easter in 1824. are warm (some would say hot) with almost no rain. But you will find umbrellas, chairs, tents, mini-fridges you name it. Definitely keeping this in mind for my next trip to Crete! However, Ive spotted the Caretta Caretta several times in theold port in the town ofChania! Every year, by the end of October, the arrival of Fall is celebrated by the chestnut festival, which attracts visitors from different corners of the island. The clear, cold water of the river runs down to the ocean, forming a pretty lagoon that splits the beach in two. Plus, it is nice to be able to set your schedule. Spending the night in Elafonisi is an excellent idea if you come from Rethymno (132 km) or Heraklion (211 km).If you are staying in the west part of Crete, a day trip is bearable, but spending the night or even a few nights is always much better. And the key to that color is in its composition. Its a bit hard to reach as you will have either to hike or to drive along a very rough path, an off-road vehicle is the best way to go. The erosion has sculpted their unique conical shape, and many of the formations have vegetation on the top. Plus, the beach is within walking distance. You wont regret it! For more details, see Matala Beach: Cretes Original Hippie Village. Its common to arrive and find that there are no umbrellas or spots in the shade.So, remember to bring with you a big hat and loads of sunscreen with high UV protection. From Chania to Elafonisi beach you drive roughly 75 kilometres southwest (1.5 hours) through some of the most impressive hills and gorges on Crete ending up on the southwest coast. In all honesty, it impressed us more in photos than up close, although there are both icon and folklore museums on site. This bizarre landscape is made of very soft clay hills, grey, and rather low. It should be your first stop on the way there because it is the attraction that is closer to the town of Chania. Its a magical place.However, the small island of Elafonisi stopped being a secret gem years ago.Every summer, especially in August, long lines of cars populate the rather narrow and dangerous roads that lead to the southwest corner of Crete. Hi and thanks for reading! The area is secluded and there is no accommodation around. Please respect these restrictions at all times and always stay well back of any sea turtles (pregnant, post-natal, infant or otherwise). Throw in the opportunity for a bit of hiking, some rather brutal history and a pretty nearby mosque and you start to see why Elafonisi Beach is one of the top destinations on Crete. Chania (pronounced Han-ya) is the main city on west Crete. Another very uncommon plant is the winter flower calledAndrocymbium rechingeriwhich grows only in two places in the world, Crete and Lybia. If you are interested in seeing Elafonisi at its best, thenvisit in early May or October. The islet is a Natura 2000 reserve, internationally recognized, and it hosts unique plant species and native rare plants that you wont easily find anywhere else..Its a great place to take a walk or to spend a relaxing day next to the clear blue waters. And its not exclusive of Elafonisi either. Its a hit on Instagram and ranks in every travel site among the top 10 beaches in the world. FYI: Some of the posts on this blog include affiliate links. Or there are several good tavernas just up the hill. Bear in mind that there is no port in Elafonisi. There are pink sand beaches in different parts of West Crete. Just watch for goats (something that also applies everywhere on Crete). The area is often hit by very strong winds which, paired with a calm lagoon, have transformed this spot into a sanctuary for kite surfing and several other water sports. I only recommend things I use myself or that I believe will deliver value to you.. When Ive got time to spare, I like to combine the first road on the way to Elafonisi and to leave this one for the way back, especially if I return during sunset, the views are fantastic. We have made it our mission to seek out the most spectacular hiking and epic long-distance treks the world has to offer. If you want to rent a villa, check out the Elafonisi Villa Above the Beach. The ticket is 11 and the journey there is about 2 hours. Avid snorkellers will love the many different fish and types of marine life among the fascinating rocks and tide pools of the ocean side. Elafonisi is also popular among young couples looking for a romantic landscape. Safe to say, we are now thinking about staying there next time. Ive taken pictures of sea daffodils in Tersanas, Agii Apostoli, and Stavros (all beaches in the Regional Unit of Chania, West Crete). You can rent a pair of sun beds and an umbrella for 8 per day, although they are often all taken by 10 or 11 am in mid-summer. The one through Topolia mentioned above and the following one from Falasarna and passing through Sfinari Beach.This is a beautiful scenery road, that might take a little longer but is worth it. The timetable is usually at the station or on the KTEL bus company website. However, it boasts a large, beautiful forest of palm trees, some great viewpoints in the hills surrounding the beach, as well as several secluded coves and there are even some more Minoan ruins nearby. Or arrive late in the afternoon when the crowds have already had enough and are packing up, then stick around and hope for one of the classic Elafonisi sunsets. Another version explains that the sanctuary sold the valuable staircase during the Ottoman rule to alleviate its economic burdens. In Elafonisi its forbidden to: Elafonisi is home to over a hundred atypical plants. If youre just looking for a lonely place to spend some time, maybe resting, or just reading a good book, you can visit any time of the year, spend time in the small traditional villages in the area, enjoy the view of distant olive groves, walk on the sand and even make it to the small islet, and fully enjoy the solitary beach.Please take extra care when driving in winter, as temperatures in the mountains drop and ice formations are not rare. Much later, when it had become a common haven for pirates, it was given the name Elafonisi, meaning Treasure Island in Greek. Check prices with several boatmen before buying your ticket. Chrisoskalithissa and other Cretan monasteries, How to Get from Heraklion to Chania: Practical Guide by a Local, Balos Beach Crete: Complete Insiders Guide, Extraordinary Things to Do in Crete in Winter, Discover + 45 Most Gorgeous Beaches in Crete (A guide by an insider! Shes written forGreek Reporter, published three travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person would be able to handle. The Most Amazing Things to Do in Agios Nikolaos During Your Trip to Crete. Elafonisiis a Nature 2000 protected reserve, so visitors should respect the following rules. You might also enjoy reading: The Best Beaches in Akrotiri, Chania. We have only linked to products we actually recommend and although using one to make a purchase wont cost you anything extra, it will earn us a small commission, which is much appreciated. The island is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoonand a strip of pure white sandbars sand usually below sea level. Its rather impossible and not just for the traffic. Of all your posts about Crete, this was my favourite. Komolithi is located in the village of Potamida, in Kissamos, in the valley of river Tyflos. Hi Diana, and welcome. I love how you not just not cover the beach but the history and myths of the surrounding area. Especially in the last few years, Ive noticed (with a bit of sadness) that tourists feel that they must see Elafonisi, feeling that if they dont go to Elafonisi, they feel theyve seen nothing of Crete. To this day, there are plenty of legends about hidden treasure on the island but it is unlikely any hidden gems have survived the past decade of busy summers. Loungers, beach chairs, and umbrellas are not allowed because Elafonisi is a protected area. Also, you can find a protected place to stay near the coves. Are you ready? I really appreciate your comment. The hills are fairly easy to climb.The place is rather unknown and solitary, perfect to take unique pictures. This is a fortified construction with a very interesting name. Its also rather narrow and bendy. Kedrodasos is only one km from Elafonisi, towards the east. Thanks! Click here to see prices for Elfonisi Villa Above the Beach. You get around 5 hours at the beach and it costs 26 per person (return) and half that for children 12 and under (kids under 4 free). Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. This place is home to several wild birds, such as vultures and eagles. The best way to beat the crowds is to get in the early morning, never after 10 am. Thanks for leaving your comment. Therefore, this boat service is only worthwhile if you are already staying there. You can get more information about the accommodation and on-site activities, such as cooking lessons or hiking outdoors if you check their website. The hike down Kampos Gorge is longer (roughly an hour one-way) but is relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, it seems there are always a few people who see a small rope and polite no entry sign as yet another challenge to be conquered. Another popular place to stay isGlykeria, located on the main road of the village, a few hundred meters from the beach. We would recommend coming early in the morning while Elafonisi Beach is still quiet, then spending the hottest part of the afternoon exploring the sights and villages of the cooler, quieter highlands. This location on the extreme southwestern point of Crete serves both to limit tourist numbers (keeping them at merely staggering) and provide fabulous sunsets. In both months you will find quiet beaches, desert roads, and warm water. thanks for this guide! Wow! It is also one of the better places for snorkelling as long as it isnt too windy (a common issue in the area). Looking like a classic postcard, Elafonisi Beach is nonetheless more than just a pretty photo op. Then, after the original lighthouse was destroyed by German bombs in World War II, it was replaced (eventually) with a more modern (but less atmospheric) metal one. There you will find bread, fruit, snacks and iced drinks. These are the things you need to know to visit Elafonisi Beach by bus: Elafonisi Beach Crete: Useful Tips by a Local to Visit the Best Beach on the Island. If you love Elafonisi Beach, you should probably check out at these other beautiful beaches on Crete. One of the most exotic and comfortable ways to get to Elafonisi Beach is by boat trip along the incredible south coast of Crete. The Elafonisi Beach seems like an incredible place to visit. Thank you for all the info . Enjoying a commanding position on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea, the views both from and of the monastery are superb. Elafonisi Beach is one of those places that everyone wants to visit when they get to Crete. Snorkelling gear, floaties, towels, bathing suits, souvenirs and much more. Boats usually leave at about 10 am, but its always better to confirm with the local boatmen. Well, it really is. It is best to book seats in advance as they tend to fill up.There are also a few public buses that make it down to Elafonisi Beach between May and November. A great choice is the Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family in the Elafonisi village. It tends to be at its best in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky. Thanks for a great post! All of them are mountain roads, so they narrow, slippery, with blind hairpin turns, and distressing ravines. Almost 10 years ago I stayed in Paleochora over the winter for 3 months or so from memory. So remember to wear comfortable shoes to climb and to walk inside, avoid flip flops at all costs. But Ive also taken friends at the peak of the season.