Elafonisi Beach in Chania

Information About Elafonisi

Elafonisi Chania: Elafonisi (or Elafonissos) is a small islet connected to the rest of Crete by a shallow reef that can be crossed when the sea is calm. This islet lies 82 km northwest of Chania town and can be reached by boat from Paleohora or by car from the village of Vathi, until a point and then cross the reef.

Elafonisi (Island of Deer) is like paradise on earth, and has a wonderful beach with pink coral sand and crystalline waters. This magical place was deserted for a long time but now it has become a popular sight and can get pretty crowded during high summer season. Only a couple of cantinas can be found on the beach and no accommodations are available, but camping is allowed.

Things To See And Do In Elafonisi

Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa

Sports (1)

Guest 2010-04

Sparklingly clear waters and pure soft sand make Elafonissi a beach outside Greece, an exotic coast more likely to find in the Caribbean and not in Crete. The beach is actually a long coast with a tiny islet in front. It has been listed as a special environmental region, and "Life" has initiated two programs in the area. One of them is an observatory for the rare Bearded Vulture, which has a single specimen among only 2 existing pairs that inhabit the region. No hotels or villas spoiling the natural beauty of the place, but I was told that with every passing year, the summer crowd seems to be swelling. Camping is allowed in the area, but thankfully the area is under some government decree on restricted development, and it is protected by an environmental program under the EU.