Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi is a beach and nature reserve on the southwestern tip of Crete, in the Chania region, about seventy-five kilometres from Chania town. It is known for its pink-tinged sand, made of tiny fragments of coral and shell, and for a shallow lagoon with crystal-clear water separating the mainland from the small island of Elafonisi. At low tide, visitors can wade across the sandbar to the island. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network, and it contains dunes with sea daffodils, juniper trees, and nesting loggerhead turtles. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths in the dune areas, avoid removing sand or shells, and keep off the protected dunes. Loggerhead turtles nest on the island's beaches in summer, and some sections may be roped off. The beach is reached by a winding mountain road from Chania, Kissamos or Paleochora, a drive of about two hours from Chania. Many tours offer day trips with a stop at the nearby monastery of Chrysoskalitissa. Facilities include umbrellas, sunbeds, a small canteen, showers and a car park for a small fee. The water is very shallow, warm and calm, which makes it popular with families. A typical visit takes three to five hours, mostly spent swimming, walking along the sandbar, and exploring the dunes on the island side. The most photographed spots are the pink-tinted shoreline and the contrast between turquoise water and white-pink sand. The sun is strong and shade limited, so sun protection and water are important. Elafonisi is among the busiest beaches in Crete, with the heaviest crowds from late morning to late afternoon in July and August when tour buses arrive. Early morning visits and late afternoons after the buses have left are quieter, and the light is better for photos. In spring and autumn the beach is more peaceful, though cooler water and winds are possible. Strong winds can make the sea rough and stir up sand, so checking the forecast is wise.