Elafonissi Beach

Beach ·

Elafonissi Beach

Beach ·

Pink sand, turquoise waters, hiking trails, and sunbathing

Information

Kissamos 730 01, Greece Get directions

@travelleisure

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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

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 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 · 5,542 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 · 5,542 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 · 3,702 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

kent

Google

There's a free parking lot in front of the minimarket, and the road is closed there. The beach is about a 10-minute walk downhill. Since it's winter, I checked the low tide times in advance and arrived at the lowest sea level time. The water was very shallow and clear. If I didn't mind getting a little wet, I could have walked to the island, but I wasn't sure what the tide would be like on the way back, so I just looked at it from the mainland. In any case, the island seemed rather empty. It was a wide, fine-sand beach. It wasn't the red sand beach described in tourist guides; upon closer inspection, I could see only a slight reddish tint. It was a 1.5-hour drive from Chania, but honestly, there wasn't as much to see as I'd expected.

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.

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.

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.

Ruth M.

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.

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!

Dániel L.

Google

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island but also very crowded. If you are OK with crowds, go very early in the morning to secure your place. But if you don't like the many people, visit the beach after 4pm. Most people start to leave the beach around that time. Absolute worth at least once a lifetime