Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi, Greece
Elafonisi is an island located close to the south-western corner of the Mediterranean island of
Crete, of which it is administratively a part, in the regional unit of Chania.
When the weather is fine it is possible to walk to the island through the shallow water.
The island is a protected nature reserve.
It is known for its pink sand beaches,
created by tidal and wave-induced deposits of pigmented micro organisms living in a symbiotic
relationship with native seaweed.
Elafonisi beach ...
It lies in the southwestern side of Crete and about 75 kilometers from the town of Chania,
an island that is within walking distance from the mainland,
sometimes without even getting one’s toes wet.
You can get there by daily bus service from Chania city or by car or even by boat.
Elafonisi is a magical place that consists of a small islet full of white and pink sandy
beaches, which is very close to the main busy (during Summer) beach.
You can get to the Elafonissi island on foot because the waters are shallow,
sometimes without even getting one's toes wet,
and therefore is ideal for families with small children.
It is named by the word "Elafi",
which means deer in Greek because people years ago discovered that you can get easily to the
islet on foot like a deer that walked to it.
The island, which note is not to be confused with its namesake Elafonissos in Peloponissus,
is a natura 2000 protected area.
Moreover, Elafonissi is the only Greek appearance on a Tripadvisor list of the world’s 25 best
beaches for 2014.
Quite right, blindingly white sand with pink hues,
turquoise-white lagoon-like waters that ripple as they pick up the breeze,
Elafonissi is an exotic place, a flat morsel of land with sporadic vegetation against the stark
bareness of the Cretan mountains.
If it weren’t for the car park on the mainland, the umbrellas, beach bar and sun beds,
one could mistake it for paradise.
Luckily, the island itself is a protected zone,
so there is none of that once you walk across the shallow water.
Most of the beach action occurs on the strip of sea between the mainland and the island,
not in general a place for a quiet swim or for quality time with one’s significant other,
but the water is shallow, warm and therefore perfect for a family day trip and for kids honing
their swimming skills.
Elafonissi is almost a mile long and there is surprisingly much to explore lengthwise,
including a fair number of small coves (naturists love them),
sandy beaches and interesting rock formations towards the tip as the island stretches out into
the sea and into the sunset.
But tread carefully: the island is home to 110 plant species as well as being a protected area
for Androcymbium rechingeri, which is as rare as it sounds.
Don't miss to visit, 5km north of Elafonissi, the Chrysoskalitisa monastery.
This monastery has been built on a high rock, resembling of a fortress.
According to the legend, the last step of the staircase leading to the monastery is gold,
but can only be seen by those who really believe in god.
Elafonisi Beach – Things To See And Do
Amenities
The sand of Elafonisi beach is white,
but in many places it is pinkish due to the thousands of broken seashells it contains.
It has clear green-blue waters, giving the impression that you are in an exotic paradise.
Elafonisi beach is organized without losing its authenticity.
You will find sunbeds and umbrellas, lifeguard, shower, canteens with seats in the shade,
changing rooms and toilette. That’s why it is one of the most popular beach for family holidays
in Crete.
Your children will love the shallow waters and you will feel confident enough in order to enjoy
your swim. For several meters from the beach, the sea depth is approximately below the knee.
You will notice many people to cross the lagoon.
You can make the same in order to reach the small island.
The deepest point is midway where the sea level reaches the waist of an adult.
After passing the lagoon, you reach Elafonisi.
Water sports
Elafonisi beach is also offered for sports on the beach and water sports also.
Your kids will love playing volleyball and rackets in the shallow waters and,
if you are among the lovers of water sports,
Elafonisi is ideal for wind surfing and kite surfing,
as it combines the strong winds of South West Crete with the calm waters of the lagoon.
However, we would recommend you to try those sports, when the beach is not so crowded,
in order for you to enjoy them at most.
Rich nature
One of the reasons that Elafonisi beach has been included in the protected areas of Natura,
is that here lay the turtles Caretta-Caretta.
You will also find rich plant life and rare flowers in the surrounding area,
as the island of Elafonisi is home to 110 plant species.
Additionally, the entire south side of the island is also a fantastic beach or if you want many
small beaches separated from the scattered rocks.
After walking a few minutes walking to the west, you can easily reach Kedrodasos beach,
a peaceful beach with a beautiful cedar forest around it!
The shipwreck of “Imperatrix”
On the small island, you will is a large wooden cross in commemoration of the sinking of the
Austrian ship “Imperatrix” , which sank in February 1907.
The victims of the shipwreck were buried in the island.
You will have the chance to see remnants of the wreck still on the island.
A lighthouse was built on the island, in order other shipwrecks to be avoided.
However, it was destroyed by German occupation troops in WWII.
Near the ruins of the lighthouse, you will find a chapel, dedicated to Agios Nikolaos.
Like us and Join us at Xtreme Collections for more fun and knowledge.