Plan your trip
to Elafonisi

Just off the southwestern tip of Crete, about 75 kilometers from Chania, lies Elafonisi, a spectacular beach and small island known for its exotic beauty and unique natural setting. The island is so close to the mainland that visitors can usually walk across the shallow waters to reach it—sometimes without even getting their feet wet.
Elafonisi's name is said to come from the word “lafyra”, meaning loot, as the area was once used by pirates to hide their treasures. Today, however, its greatest treasure is its pristine nature. Stretching about 1.3 km long and 400 meters wide, the island is a protected nature reserve, and home to some of the most stunning beaches in Greece.
The beach is famous for its white-pink sand, colored by millions of crushed shells, and shallow turquoise waters that shimmer under the sunlight. Its lagoon-like shallows, coupled with the wild, bare backdrop of the Cretan mountains, create a contrast that is truly mesmerizing. It's no surprise that Elafonisi was the only Greek beach listed in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in the World (2014).
On the island, you can explore secluded coves, sandy stretches, and interesting rock formations, or simply relax in this protected haven. Nature lovers will be impressed to find over 110 plant species, including the incredibly rare Androcymbium rechingeri, which is found only in this region.
Elafonisi is not just a beach—it's a place of pure natural wonder, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, exploring, or simply standing still and soaking up the beauty.