Elafonisi is located 76km southwest of the city of Chania and 5km south of the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, at the southwestern tip of Crete.
Elafonissi is an elongated peninsula, which often “breaks” at the beginning, giving the feeling of a separate island.
Amazing Mother Nature
It has joined the network with the Natura protected areas, as it is an ecosystem of exceptional ecological importance that unfortunately due to the huge number of visitors has deteriorated considerably.
Several endemic species of flora grow in the sand dunes of Elafonissi, while the white sand lilies that bloom in autumn and the endangered sea cedars make an impression.
This is where the loggerhead turtles and several sand dunes animals’ nest. It is strictly forbidden to cut plants or even take a bottle of sand with you.
On either side of the peninsula are several beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise waters, reminiscent of an exotic landscape from an exotic part of the Caribbean.
The sand in many places gets pink colors from the thousands of broken shells.
At the point where the peninsula breaks, the water does not exceed half a meter, and a small lagoon with warm waters is created, ideal for children. You can cross with a little care, even having your things with you.
The east side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is organized and gathers most people.
There are umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, refreshments, and changing rooms.
Also, behind the organized beach there is a huge area for parking and even further some rooms for rent.
Next time you are in Crete don’t miss to visit Elafonisi and you won’t regret it!
