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, February 12, 2026
Today is not a good day for the beach. Be aware of thunderstorms. The maximum air temperature will be 17.7 °C. Expect very heavy rain. The wind will be strong, with even stronger gusts. The sea temperature is 16.8 °C, and the waves will be very high. The cloud cover will be significant, blocking out the sun. The UV index is only 3.25.
🌬️

Air

Low / High16.2°C/17.7°C
Feels Like (High)15.6°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature16.8 °C
Wave Height2.8 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall46 mm
Rain Duration17 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:15/18:04
Sunshine Hours6.1 hrs
UV Index3.25
Cloud Cover87%
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Wind

Speed38.8 km/h
Gusts73.4 km/h
DirectionW

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