Elafonissi Beach

Beach ·

Elafonissi Beach

Beach ·

Pink sand, turquoise waters, hiking trails, and sunbathing

Information

Kissamos 730 01, Greece Get directions

@travelleisure

27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

Greece's Elafonissi Beach Named the Best Beach in the World

"Located on the island of Crete in Greece, Elafonissi Beach is famous for its calm, clear turquoise waters and picture-perfect pink sands. It offers hiking trails and abundant sunbathing space, with optimal visit times in May and September." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

https://www.travelandleisure.com/elafonissi-best-beach-in-the-world-11682371

Elafonissi Beach

@cntraveler

40,925 Postcards · 5,494 Cities

63 Gift Ideas for Women Who Travel

"The largest Greek island, known for its varied terrain, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/travel-gifts-for-women

Elafonissi Beach

@travelleisure

27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

20 Best Beaches in Europe

"Laid-back beachgoers and adrenaline junkies alike love Elafonissi for its array of activities and spectacular scenery. The pink sand and mountainous backdrop will keep shutterbugs happy, while active types can partake in surfing, kiteboarding, or windsurfing." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-europe

Elafonissi Beach

@travelleisure

27,057 Postcards · 5,402 Cities

26 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

"Located in Greece, known for its pinkish sand, warm waters, and wild feel, separated from Crete by shallow water." - Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/most-beautiful-beaches-in-the-world

Elafonissi Beach

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Elafonisi Beach, Crete Crete has an abundance of shoreline, and its Elafonisi Beach is one of the best in Greece . This sprawling piece of pink and white sand opens up to the turquoise sea. Lifeguards keep a constant watch, and so the beach is suitable for all ages. You can come here on a day trip from Chania. Also nearby is the Chrysoskalitissa monastery, and the Agia Irini lighthouse."

The Best Beaches in Greece

Photo by Cezary Kucharski

Elafonissi Beach

James

Google

Really is a lovely beach, would advise anyone planning to go there to start the day early because you’ll struggle to find a decent spot otherwise. Water is extremely clear, but if you enjoy snorkelling there really isn’t a lot to look at. Do not be bullied in to going in to the first car park going down the hill, just because someone jumps out in front of your car with a high vis, you don’t have to go where they’re telling you ( you essentially end up paying more to walk further) there is much more parking closer to the beach near the mini market. Either drive round them if safe to do so or politely tell them you’re not interested. Beach is about a 5 minute walk from the closest car park, 3 if you take some slightly sketchy short cuts.

nenad Nenad

Google

beautiful beach, one of the three most beautiful on the island, from the parking place to the beach you need about 15 minutes, the road is good! It is best to bring your own umbrella because there is a possibility that there will not be enough free ones on the beach, so we only rented deckchairs (€10, and €15 with an umbrella). The sun is strong all day long, you have markets at the entrance to the beach for supplies, there is a toilet on the beach (€1), and a small canteen with basic things, the beach is wild and beautiful, don't expect cafes and taverns here, true nature, part of the national park!

Dmytro Savytskyi

Google

Takes 1,5hour to get from Chania by car. The road is a little tough with dozens of narrow mountain turns. Eventually arrived at 9:00 in the morning and left the car on parking lot, many of them, choose any 3-5€. Then we took a walk, 15min and we’re on the beach. No sun beds available already! All sold out. Better you take an umbrella with you. The beach is beautiful with shallow waters, paradise for kids. Pink sand alongside the sea line but not everywhere. You may find more pink sand if you walk further to the little kind of island. Crowd of tourists gets bigger closer to lunch time, will be hard to find a space even for your towel on sand. Gets super busy. There are few cafeterias with “kilometers” queues lining up for snacks and beers. In general - beautiful beach, but we prefer not so busy places.

Alin Tofan (ToF)

Google

Absolutely one of the island’s most stunning beaches! It’s about a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, but the trail is easy and in good condition. The beach is quiet and untouched, part of nature, so don’t look for cafes or restaurants here. There’s a small kiosk with simple snacks, a toilet for €1, and a few markets at the entrance if you need supplies. Two sun loungers and an umbrella cost €20.

Yerani Nunes

Google

One of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my life. It can be a bit windy, but there are key spots where you can get sheltered. Truly breathtaking: Crystal clear and clean water. The sand isn't as pink as it looks like in certain pictures full of filters, but some areas are indeed quite pink. Beautiful small seashells can be found in the sand, which makes it even more gorgeous. The area is surrounded by thyme bushes. Family friendly and the atmosphere is good! Showers and changing cabinets are available. Great job at putting signs everywhere regarding the preservation of the place. It is such a shame to see places like this destroyed due to the lack of responsibility of people, not only of tourists but of locals as well. Very worth visiting and if you do, please, respect the signs. This place is such a gift from God!!! 🇬🇷💝

Ruth Martus

Google

Absolute stunning beach, we came early morning around 7am and it was completely empty. The pink sand undisturbed and the sea super calm. Was a stunning experience to watch the sun rise. Sand daffodils everywhere and pink sand which doesn't photograph well but some things we can carry in a hearts rather than in a picture on our phones. I highly recommend. There are a few snack bars scattered along the coast. A nice shallow lagoon you can walk through and in some areas a cross current in shallow water with square waves which was fascinating to see.

Laszlo Lanyi

Google

The only beach we visited twice during our 2 weeks stay on Crete. I think that sums it up. Just go. Oh, and do not expect extreme pinkness. There is some pink. But similar to Falasarna and Balos, not more (nor less) special. Looks good. Due to the lagoon, very good with small kids (not getting deep relatively fast, like Falasarna). We recommend to visit Gyleria Restaurant afterwards. Suggest to reserve a table for the best view of the sunset and try the wolrd famous bruscetta! Mind, that the first parking lot has a guy, who thinks he is funny, who will block your way and say other parking lots are full. We did not fall for that, not even once, but many do, though one has to walk more from there. There are places further down for the same price or there is Mega Parking for 2€ more in 2025, but much closer to the beach. (Greetings funny guy, now people will know about you!)

Jamie Turnbull

Google

Not sure what the fuss is all about, but a nice place for a visit. Pink beach? Maybe it seasonal. Shallow waters, lots of tourists, wind was up but warm. The 2 hr windy crazy narrow roads made it hard to feel elated about the visit as well as the unexpected €3 to €5 for parking. The Panorama Restaurant was a good stabiliser after the drive. €70 for lunch for 4.