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

📅 Sunday, July 12, 2026
This is a fantastic day for a beach visit, offering plenty of sunshine and warm conditions for everyone. With a high air temperature of 32.1 °C, you will find it very pleasant to lounge by the shore, though you should be mindful of the strong UV index of 8.65 and ensure you have plenty of sun protection. The water is lovely and inviting at 25.9 °C, making it perfect for a refreshing dip as the waves remain gentle and calm. Keep in mind that the breeze is quite lively today, which might make your towel flutter, but it provides a nice relief from the intense midday heat. Overall, it is an excellent time to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery under clear blue skies.
🌬️

Air

Low / High26.9°C/32.1°C
Feels Like (High)31.1°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature25.9 °C
Wave Height0.5 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:20/20:42
Sunshine Hours13.1 hrs
UV Index8.65
Cloud Cover0%
💨

Wind

Speed28.1 km/h
Gusts46.4 km/h
DirectionN

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