Elafonisi beach and lagoon

What it is

Elafonisi is a small island, of 1.5 km², attached to the south-western corner of Crete, and the beach and lagoon that separate it from the coast. In good weather you cross it on foot through the water, which is very shallow in the lagoon: children walk with the water at their knees to the islet. The sand has pinkish tones at the water's edge, from the remains of pigmented microorganisms that live among the algae on the seabed and that the waves deposit on the beach.

It is a protected natural area, with dunes, sea lilies and junipers. That is why you can't take away sand or shells, or tread on the dunes and their vegetation.

What to see

The main beach and the lagoon are what you are looking for. If you cross to the island, climb to the top: there is a plaque there commemorating the Easter Sunday massacre of 1824, when Ottoman soldiers killed several hundred Greeks who had taken refuge on the island. Nearby there is also a large wooden cross for the 38 people who died in 1907 in the wreck of the Austrian steamer Imperatrix, whose wreck still lies off the cliffs.

On the other side of the island there are smaller, quieter coves that fewer people reach.

How to get there

It is about 75 km from Chania, between an hour and a half and two hours by car: along the national road towards Kissamos and then south through the mountains, with a narrow, winding final stretch. There is parking next to the beach, which fills up in July and August by mid-morning: arrive before ten. If you hire a car, see the car hire page.

Without a car, KTEL has one bus a day from Chania station: in the autumn 2026 timetable it left at 9:00 and returned from Elafonisi at 16:00. There is also a departure from Kissamos (Kasteli). Check the season's timetable before going.

When to go

From June to September the water is good and the lagoon warm. In July and August it is one of the busiest beaches in Crete: first thing and last thing it is fine, at midday it is hard to find a spot. In May and October there are far fewer people, although the water is cooler. In strong wind the crossing to the island gets difficult: cross only when the water is calm.

Facilities and swimming

In season there are sun loungers and parasols for hire on part of the main beach. Outside that area there is no shade: bring your own. Swimming in the lagoon is safe for small children because of the shallow depth; outside the lagoon, on the face open to the sea, the water gets deep sooner and there can be swell.

With children

With small children it works very well: shallow warm water, fine sand and the walk through the water to the island, which they treat as an adventure. Bring water shoes for the rocks on the island, sun cream and plenty of water, because you spend the day in the sun.

It combines with the monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, on the road in, a few kilometres away, perched on a rock above the sea.