Elafonissi is located 75 km southwest of the prefecture of Chania and is one of the most popular destinations of travelers arriving either by car or by boat. It is an area of natural beauty and is designated as a protected area of Natura. Its main interest for most tourists is the unique feeling that you are in a lagoon at the southwestern tip of Crete. It is an area of special natural beauty.
The popularity of Elafonissi is due to another attraction factor: the wild beauty of the green countryside. During summer, you will find umbrellas extended along the beach and hundreds of people enjoying the warm waters of the lagoon. Crossing the lagoon, one can reach a small island, a protected area where sun beds are not allowed.
What characterizes the Elafonisi are beautiful sandy beaches with white sand and in some places with coral sand and crystal clear shallow waters of the lagoon. As already mentioned, Elafonissi is a protected area and is of particular interest for flora. The small islet hosts 110 different plant species. The most notable are the Sea daffodils, Androcymbium rechingeri, Marram grass and trees Juniper.
Korali sand: The pink and red sand that occupies a few points along the edge of the beach, is produced by a large amount of red and pink shells, coming out of the sea
Amenities for visitors: Arriving at Elafonissi, driving, you will need to cross a small dirt road to reach a free car park near the beach. The main beach features sun beds and umbrellas, as well as a couple of beach bars. Free toilets, showers, and changing cabins are located a short distance from the beach.
Walk to the area: On the parking lot, you will see a monument, created in honor of the 600 women/children and 40 warriors who have been brutally killed by the Turks as retaliation for the rebellious people. Making a short stroll to the islet, you will meet the chapel of Agia Irini, surrounded by sand dunes and beautiful coves. 5 km north of the beach there is the Monastery of Chryssoskalitissa. This monastery is built on a rock and had a fortress architecture to repel pirate raids
