Crete is always the destination to choose if you are interested in a seaside location that boasts beaches that seem too beautiful to be real. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Crete and are exploring her incredible beaches, pretty towns, and strikingly beautiful landscape, we might suggest setting aside some time to head to the beaches of Elafonisi, in particular.
Previously a hidden gem that was only popular among locals on Crete, Elafonisi was named one of the world's top 25 beaches on TripAdvisor in 2014 and has been all over Instagram and Pinterest in the years since. As such, it is absolutely crowded during the high season in the summer months (up to 2,500 people visit daily during July and August) but it is still worth visiting as there is a very good reason that it became so famous: it is utterly stunning, with saturated hues that seem photoshopped (and often are but are no less impressive in real life all the same), wildflowers, intriguing rock formations, pink sands, and waters so crystal clear that you can perfectly observe any wildlife that you come into contact with. Plus, if you visit outside of the busiest times of the year for tourists (when it is generally still warm and pleasant) then you will most likely have little to no crowds to contend with at all.
Previously a hidden gem that was only popular among locals on Crete, Elafonisi was named one of the world's top 25 beaches on TripAdvisor in 2014 and has been all over Instagram and Pinterest in the years since. As such, it is absolutely crowded during the high season in the summer months (up to 2,500 people visit daily during July and August) but it is still worth visiting as there is a very good reason that it became so famous: it is utterly stunning, with saturated hues that seem photoshopped (and often are but are no less impressive in real life all the same), wildflowers, intriguing rock formations, pink sands, and waters so crystal clear that you can perfectly observe any wildlife that you come into contact with. Plus, if you visit outside of the busiest times of the year for tourists (when it is generally still warm and pleasant) then you will most likely have little to no crowds to contend with at all.
Elafonisi is actually technically an island that is separated from the southwest coast of Crete by a shallow lagoon and a sandbar that is only covered by around a metre of water at most during the high tide. Both the beach on the mainland that faces the island and the part of the sandbar that is never fully submerged are where visitors set out towels, umbrellas, and sun loungers and lay out to sun themselves. The island itself is part of a protected nature reserve and umbrellas and loungers are not permitted on it but if you head out there and start exploring the coves and various stretches of the coast, you are likely to find more private areas where there are few other visitors.
While the beaches of Elafonisi and the main Elafonisi Beach are very pretty and excellent places to relax, we also would recommend actually making a point of exploring the area a bit during your visit. There are specific walks laid out around the island in order to help protect the more than 110 rare plants that live in the area and keep them from being trampled. If you visit in summer, keep an eye out for the white, cup-shaped flowering sea daffodils or, if you are visiting in the winter, you might see the very rare winter-flowering bulb, Androcymbium rechingeri that is found nowhere else in the world and doesn’t even have a common name, as a result. There are also lots of other wildflowers that can be spotted growing in the lush greenery around the beaches. In addition to the plant life, the incredible rock formations that have been formed by being whittled away by wind and sea are well worth admiring and exploring. If you are really lucky, you might even spot some of the rare loggerhead sea turtles that are sheltered in the wide lagoon of Elafonisi but, if you do, be sure to stay a good distance away as they are a protected species.
The pink sands of the beaches at Elafonisi are famous and are caused by the presence of the remains of tiny pink shells that line the sea floor. However, the sands may be very pink or not pink at all when you visit as wind, tides, the season, and microbes eaten by the shelled animals will all affect how pink the sands will be so don’t be disappointed if it’s not picture-perfect when you visit. At least you’re guaranteed a much softer, powdery sandy beach rather than the pebble beaches that are more common in this part of the world.
While the beaches of Elafonisi and the main Elafonisi Beach are very pretty and excellent places to relax, we also would recommend actually making a point of exploring the area a bit during your visit. There are specific walks laid out around the island in order to help protect the more than 110 rare plants that live in the area and keep them from being trampled. If you visit in summer, keep an eye out for the white, cup-shaped flowering sea daffodils or, if you are visiting in the winter, you might see the very rare winter-flowering bulb, Androcymbium rechingeri that is found nowhere else in the world and doesn’t even have a common name, as a result. There are also lots of other wildflowers that can be spotted growing in the lush greenery around the beaches. In addition to the plant life, the incredible rock formations that have been formed by being whittled away by wind and sea are well worth admiring and exploring. If you are really lucky, you might even spot some of the rare loggerhead sea turtles that are sheltered in the wide lagoon of Elafonisi but, if you do, be sure to stay a good distance away as they are a protected species.
The pink sands of the beaches at Elafonisi are famous and are caused by the presence of the remains of tiny pink shells that line the sea floor. However, the sands may be very pink or not pink at all when you visit as wind, tides, the season, and microbes eaten by the shelled animals will all affect how pink the sands will be so don’t be disappointed if it’s not picture-perfect when you visit. At least you’re guaranteed a much softer, powdery sandy beach rather than the pebble beaches that are more common in this part of the world.
If you are planning on visiting Elafonisi, there are a few things to keep in mind. The public toilets on the beach are reported to often be very dirty and might need to be avoided in the hottest and busiest months or if you are sensitive to such things. There are two beach bars in the area that are quite small and basic but offer snacks and drinks and a bathroom alternative. However, they really are very small so they struggle when thousands are visiting the beach and, again, may need to be avoided in the high season. Basically, if you are going to visit when it is busy, bring your own snacks and drinks with you and be ready to be self-sufficient. Plus, try and avoid visiting between the busiest times of 11am and 4pm, if possible, during this time of the year. Those visiting at other times of the year will have much less to worry about and shouldn’t encounter too much difficulty! Also, when visiting in hot weather, bring your own umbrellas as well as cover-ups and sun hats, as you might not be guaranteed to snag an umbrella rental. If you plan on going past the main beach, remember that you cannot bring umbrellas and loungers into the protected areas. Located a little over an hour and a half from Chania, there are daily buses to and from the beach and there are also car parks in the area so you can drive there yourself, as well. In addition, you can get a boat to the area. The island of Elafonisi itself is accessible from the mainland by foot as the waters are so shallow.
Utterly beautiful, Elafonisi is worth the compromises you might have to face but be sure to be ready for what you might have to face and plan your trip accordingly to avoid frustration and disappointment. And always be certain to respect this lovely protected area and all of the wildlife and plants that live there. If you have found a vacation rental in Crete and are spending time in this part of Greece, it is a highlight and one of the most incredible beaches that you could ever hope to visit.
Utterly beautiful, Elafonisi is worth the compromises you might have to face but be sure to be ready for what you might have to face and plan your trip accordingly to avoid frustration and disappointment. And always be certain to respect this lovely protected area and all of the wildlife and plants that live there. If you have found a vacation rental in Crete and are spending time in this part of Greece, it is a highlight and one of the most incredible beaches that you could ever hope to visit.