Pink-tinged sand and a shallow lagoon facing a protected islet in the far south-west.
Elafonisi is about 75 km from Chania. A shallow lagoon links the shore to a small islet, and the sand carries pink coral fragments. Vehicles no longer drive to the beach: the main car park is about 650 m away, roughly a 10-minute walk, and parking costs about EUR 3-5 (approx $3-6) per day. The paid car park fills by mid-morning in July and August. The KTEL bus from Chania runs seasonally.
| Distance | About 75 km south-west of Chania |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Seasonal KTEL Chania bus, leaving about 9:00 and returning about 16:00 (about 2 hours, EUR 6-10 (approx $7-12) one way); or car about 90 minutes |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June to September |
| Address | Elafonisi, 730 01 Chania, Crete, Greece |
Amenities
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Tavernas and snack bars
- Car park about 650 m from the sand
- Limited shade
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, photographers, sunbathers
Location
Elafonisi, 730 01 Chania, Crete, Greece
35.2707, 23.5410 View on map
Highlights
- Shallow lagoon linking the shore to a small islet
- Pink-tinged sand from coral fragments
- Warm, calm, knee-deep water suited to children
- Sunset views over the south-west Cretan coast
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10:00 in July and August, when the paid car park fills
- Allow about 10 minutes to walk the roughly 650 m from the car park to the sand
- Bring a hat and umbrella, as natural shade is limited
- The seasonal KTEL bus from Chania leaves about 9:00 and returns about 16:00
- Walk to the far side of the islet for quieter stretches away from the sunbeds
When to visit
June and September offer warm water with fewer crowds than July and August. Early morning or late afternoon avoids the busiest midday coach arrivals.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Elafonisi from Chania?
Elafonisi is about 75 km south-west of Chania, roughly 90 minutes by car. A seasonal KTEL bus takes about 2 hours.
Is the sand really pink?
The sand carries pink coral fragments that tint the waterline, most visible where the waves wash the shore.
Can visitors drive to the beach?
No. The main car park is about 650 m from the beach, a walk of around 10 minutes, and parking costs about EUR 3-5.