Distance from Heraklion: 213 km
Distance from Chania: 76 km
Activities: Water sports, ideal for fishing and snorkeling
Best time to visit: Summer
Information: Shallow, calm waters, caretta-caretta shelter
Amenities: Food, water, beach umbrellas
Elafonissi is located 76km southwest of the city of Chania and 5km south of the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, at the southwestern tip of Crete. It is a narrow peninsula, which “sinks” and gives the feeling of a special island. The island is a Natura 2000 protected area, as it is an ecosystem of exceptional ecological significance. In Elafonissi, there are several indigenous species of flora, while the white sand lilies that bloom in autumn and the endangered cade junipers are quite striking. Here the Caretta-Caretta turtles and several animals of the sand dunes are used to laying their eggs.
The lower outline of the peninsula form several beautiful beaches with white sand and turquoise waters that create an exotic landscape. The white and pink sand is made of thousands of broken seashells. The beaches are perfect for everyone, especially for children as the waters of the lagoon that connects it to the mainland are shallow (less than half a meter) and warm. So accessing the opposite side is very easy without getting your things wet. From the other side, the beach is organized and attracts a lot of people.
In the surrounding area there are a few rooms to stay and a few taverns where you can enjoy your meals.
