Chania, Crete, Greece

Elafonissi

Elafonissi Beach, located on the westernmost point of the Greek island of Crete, is a sandy beach renowned for its unique attributes. Among them, the beach is child-friendly and easily accessible, with vigilant lifeguards to ensure visitors' safety. Additionally, Elafonissi Beach offers areas that are suitable for nudists.

As part of the Elafonissi Peninsula, the beach separates the island's mainland from the peninsula, thereby creating the impression of two distinct areas when the tide is high.

Experience the unique pink sands of Elafonissi Beach and explore places to stay nearby for a memorable visit.

Elafonissi Beach's pinkish tint is due to the abundant protected wildlife and seashells found in the area, adding to its beauty. Further enhancing its appeal, the beach is well-equipped with tourist infrastructure, including loungers, restrooms, showers, bars, restaurants, and parking.

What to do at Elafonissi?

Amenities

Elafonissi amenities include parking, toilet, shower and loungers.

Bars

You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.

Restaurants

You can enjoy one of the restaurants at the beach while soaking up the sun.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight that this beach in Crete is beautiful, with crystal clear waters and well-organized facilities. Visitors love the shallow water, family-friendly atmosphere, and activities like kayaking and snorkeling. However, visitors should expect crowds, especially during peak months, and prepare for expensive beach umbrella rentals. Some visitors note that the pink sand is only in specific areas and the toilets require payment.

Where to Stay near Elafonissi?

If you’re planning a trip to Elafonissi Beach, consider staying in the nearby town of Kissamos, which offers a variety of accommodation options and is a convenient base for exploring the western part of Crete. For those who prefer to stay closer to the beach, there are a few accommodations within walking distance, allowing easy access to the beach's unique pink sands and clear waters.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Elafonissi?

Latitude: 35.27137554 / Longitude: 23.541255

Elafonissi is located in Chania. The following map of Elafonissi shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Elafonissi: Weather Today

📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026
Today is a fantastic day to head to Elafonissi for those who enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm conditions. With the sky remaining completely clear, you can expect an intense sun throughout the day, so remember to pack high-factor sunscreen as the UV Index is 7.9. The air temperature will peak at 35.2 °C, making it quite hot, but the sea is refreshing at 27.2 °C, which is perfect for swimming. Be aware that the beach will be quite breezy today, with steady winds and strong pulses of air moving across the sand. While the moderate wave activity keeps things dynamic, the combination of high heat and strong winds means you should secure your belongings well. Overall, it is a great day for beach lovers to enjoy the coast, provided you stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
🌬️

Air

Low / High29°C/35.2°C
Feels Like (High)34°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature27.2 °C
Wave Height1.0 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:54/19:59
Sunshine Hours12.9 hrs
UV Index7.9
Cloud Cover0%
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Wind

Speed29.9 km/h
Gusts48.2 km/h
DirectionN

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