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, May 28, 2026
Today is a decent day for a beach visit, though you should expect some breezy conditions throughout your stay. While the air temperature will reach 23.3 °C, the wind will be quite noticeable, so find a sheltered spot if you can. The water is just at the threshold for a refreshing swim at 21.0 °C. With a UV Index of 8.45, the sun remains strong even when clouds drift by, so remember to reapply sunscreen frequently to protect your skin. The sea is calm and inviting, making it a pleasant day to relax by the shore. Just keep an eye on your belongings as the wind picks up, but overall, it is a lovely time to enjoy the coast.
🌬️

Air

Low / High20.2°C/23.3°C
Feels Like (High)24.9°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature21.0 °C
Wave Height0.3 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:13/20:32
Sunshine Hours13.2 hrs
UV Index8.45
Cloud Cover27%
💨

Wind

Speed20.4 km/h
Gusts32.8 km/h
DirectionNW

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