Elafonissi Beach

Beach ·

Elafonissi Beach

Beach ·

Pink sand, turquoise waters, hiking trails, and sunbathing

Information

Kissamos 730 01, Greece Get directions

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,539 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

42,174 Postcards · 5,652 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

28,641 Postcards · 5,539 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

28,641 Postcards · 5,539 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

Paul D.

Google

Another famous gem in the island of Crete. The sea is beautiful yes, the sand pinkish at spots sure, but for me what makes this place really special is the hike you can have towards the little building and memorial at the top of the small hill-island. The way is truly stunning with the sandy dunes the rocky scenery, the shades of green and blue of the sea and the gorgeous flora around. Just follow the designated path and when it stops simply follow the footsteps and the pathway created by them.

Caroline K.

Google

We went from Chania to the beach, is 1:30h driving, such a cool view on the road. Unfortunately was really windy, and not much sunny, and in November is not very common to have the pink sand on it. But is still super beautiful, the water is so clean, definitely nice to see.

Denis M.

Google

Amazing beach with breathtaking scenery and turquoise water. You can find spots with pink sand, but don’t expect too much of it. There are plenty of smaller beaches around with crystal-clear water, perfect for kids. In September the sea can feel a bit cool. Best to visit on a calm day without wind. Absolutely worth visiting!

Tijs van der W.

Google

Lovely beach, though it gets crowded. Arrived at 11:30 AM in October and there were some sunbeds available, not many. Sunbeds & Amenities: 20 EUR for 2 sunbeds + umbrella (reasonable for the area) Parking: Park at Mega Parking (the last parking area), only 5 EUR for the full day, which is excellent value. People complaining about this price clearly aren’t used to other Greek islands where parking costs significantly more. Plenty of space and the lot even has toilets. Highly recommended! Around a 5- 10 min walk to the beach. Food: Beach bar quality is poor, strongly recommend bringing your own food and snacks. Pack a cooler to save money and eat better. Timing tip: Arriving around 11:30 AM worked well, managed to find sunbeds, but arrive earlier if you want more choice, especially during peak season.

Janne H.

Google

When you arrive at the beach, don’t fall for the scammers at the first parking lot – there are closer ones you can drive to. From the parking area it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach. There’s also a shop and a couple of beach stalls where you can grab some snacks for the day. The beach itself was absolutely stunning, especially at sunset! You could even see pink shades in the sand. Definitely a place worth visiting.

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.

Dmytro S.

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.

Alex P.

Google

One of the most unique beaches in Europe. A must see when you come to Crete. I recommend bringing an umbrella (you can buy one of under 15 eur near the parking lot, across the big supermarket) and go past the first crowds of tourists. The beach is perfect there and less crowded. Maybe 10 minutes walk from the start (basically to the other small island 🏝️)