Hotels near Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi is a protected Natura 2000 lagoon at the south-western tip of Crete, famous for pink-tinted sand created by crushed shells of Foraminifera microorganisms. The shallow channel between the mainland and the small offshore islet rarely exceeds knee depth, making it a top family beach. Sunbeds cost around 10 EUR for a pair with umbrella, and a single canteen sells frappes and toasties. Cedar trees and dunes are roped off as nature reserve, so stay on marked paths. The drive from Chania takes 1 hour 45 minutes via the Topolia gorge road, with hairpin turns - go slow and stop in Topolia village for spinach pies.

Pro Tip: The pink colour shows best between 11:00 and 14:00 on calm days, and walking 300 m west along the islet usually finds an empty stretch even in August.