Elafonissi, Greece - Beach Guide, Info, Photos

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.

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.

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What to do at Elafonissi? Elafonissi Photos Visitor Reviews Where to Stay near Elafonissi? Where is Elafonissi? Elafonissi: Weather Today Beaches near Elafonissi

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

📅 Monday, April 13, 2026

Summary
Full Forecast

Today is a mixed day at the beach that is better suited for a scenic walk than a traditional sunbathing session. While the air temperature reaches 19.8 °C, the conditions are quite breezy with strong winds that might make lounging on the sand uncomfortable. The sky will feature a blend of sun and clouds, and with a UV Index of 7.65, you should still be mindful of sun protection if you are spending time outdoors. The sea temperature is 17.3 °C, which is far too cold for comfortable swimming, and the waters are moderately choppy. Overall, it is an average day to enjoy the coastal views, but you might want to bring a windbreaker and keep your beach towel tucked away.

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Air

Low / High	16.4°C/19.8°C
Feels Like (High)	19°C

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Sea

Sea Temperature	17.3 °C
Wave Height	0.9 m

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Rain

Rain Chance	3%
Rainfall	0 mm
Rain Duration	0 h

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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset	06:56/19:56
Sunshine Hours	11.2 hrs
UV Index	7.65
Cloud Cover	38%

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Wind

Speed	26.8 km/h
Gusts	49.3 km/h
Direction	SE

Elafonissi