Elafonissi Beach

Beach

Elafonissi Beach

Beach

Kissamos 730 01, Greece

Highlights

Pink sand, clear turquoise waters, and unique wild vibe

Kissamos 730 01, Greece Get directions

@travelleisure

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

View Postcard for Elafonissi Beach

@cntraveler

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

View Postcard for Elafonissi Beach

@travelleisure

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

View Postcard for Elafonissi Beach

@travelleisure

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

View Postcard for Elafonissi Beach

@afar

"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

View Postcard for 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.

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.

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.

Hristo Lazarov

Google

One of the most beautiful beaches in the world! You should be there before 11am as it gets very crowded. There is a lot of space that you can stay without paying. The parking lots are a lot and the closest one (mega park) is 5€ for a day.

Caroline Findlay

Google

I’m not really a beach person as I’m not a sunbather and I tend to get bored quite easily, but having said that Elafonissi Beach is a stunning beach - even with 3 million people strewn across it! Okay, this might be a slight exaggeration, but prepare yourself for a LOT of people vying for a spot to cremate themselves. Most people tend to congregate around the area where the beds and umbrellas are rented out, but if you wander away from the masses you’ll be rewarded with tranquility and beautiful views. The beach isn’t really a swathe of pinkness either - it’s more a teasing glimpse of pink sand here and there along the coastline. I think it’s a fair assumption to say that quite a few pics are photoshopped or enhanced with filters. It’s still worth visiting, but rein in your expectations!

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!)

Denis Matitsin

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!

Janne Hänninen

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.