Elafonissi Beach, Crete, Greece

4.5 (15.2k reviews) Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #1 in Crete Beaches

A long drive… but worth it

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
Crete review images

Address

, Elafonissi, Greece.

Website

http://www.cretetravel.com/activity/elafonisi-beach-in-west-crete

Current local date and time now

Sunday, May 05, 2024, 21:47

User Ratings

4.5 based on (15.2k reviews)

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68%

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20%

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Reviews

4Erika’s Corner 5:00 PM May 5, 2022
Lovely day in the beach?
First, we got on a bus at the Chania Bus Station at 9am. The tickets were 20€ round trip. The bus was comfortable but you can’t eat in the bus so you have to plan ahead because it is a 2 hour trip. About half way down the road, the road becomes very narrow and with a lot of turns. If you get carsick easily you should take something beforehand. After 2 hours you finally arrive at 11am at the beach. In the beach you can rent 2 sunbeds and an umbrella for 15€. We were able to get 2 umbrellas before all of the people arrived. The sand isn’t really that pink anymore but it is still an amazing beach. It has beautiful water and landscape. We loved it. I went in May and it was very windy and the water was relatively cold. Only a couple of people were completely swimming because it was so cold. You should check with a local about the wind. Eventually throughout the day, the wind calmed down and it was lovely weather. The temperature was nice, it was 22C and my friends and I were able to tan nicely and get in the water just at knees high. We have a lovely day. We would definitely go back but maybe when it is hotter so the water can be warmer. I would recommend this beach even in May. :) There is only one restaurant in the area and it sells Sandwiches, Pizza, Gyros, Ice cream and drinks. There is also a bathroom available for 1€ which was really clean. There is also place for you to change. Our drive back was shorter, about 1 hour and a half.
4Ergin K 5:00 PM Aug 11, 2022
People, people, people!
Really pretty, clear water, white/pink sand... or rather would be pretty if you could get through A MILLION PEOPLE on it! It looked like those chinese beach photos where ypu don't see the beach from all the people. Anywho, avoid in peak season but if you can get there in June/Sept I'm sure it's a wonderful experience. Parking close to the beach is free if your car can handle sharp-stone-gravel and can fly after you're parked in by 4 other cars. Otherwise leave it 500m further up for 5 Eur/day and hope your feet don't melt on the way down/up.