Elafonissi Beach

Beach

Elafonissi Beach

Beach

Kissamos 730 01, Greece

Highlights

Pink sand, clear turquoise waters, and unique wild vibe

Kissamos 730 01, Greece Get directions

@travelleisure

Greece's Elafonissi Beach Named the Best Beach in the World

"Located on the island of Crete in Greece, Elafonissi Beach is famous for its calm, clear turquoise waters and picture-perfect pink sands. It offers hiking trails and abundant sunbathing space, with optimal visit times in May and September." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

https://www.travelandleisure.com/elafonissi-best-beach-in-the-world-11682371

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@cntraveler

63 Gift Ideas for Women Who Travel

"The largest Greek island, known for its varied terrain, ancient ruins, and beautiful beaches."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/travel-gifts-for-women

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@travelleisure

20 Best Beaches in Europe

"Laid-back beachgoers and adrenaline junkies alike love Elafonissi for its array of activities and spectacular scenery. The pink sand and mountainous backdrop will keep shutterbugs happy, while active types can partake in surfing, kiteboarding, or windsurfing." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/best-beaches-europe

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@travelleisure

26 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

"Located in Greece, known for its pinkish sand, warm waters, and wild feel, separated from Crete by shallow water." - Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the

https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/most-beautiful-beaches-in-the-world

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@afar

"Elafonisi Beach, Crete Crete has an abundance of shoreline, and its Elafonisi Beach is one of the best in Greece . This sprawling piece of pink and white sand opens up to the turquoise sea. Lifeguards keep a constant watch, and so the beach is suitable for all ages. You can come here on a day trip from Chania. Also nearby is the Chrysoskalitissa monastery, and the Agia Irini lighthouse."

The Best Beaches in Greece

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Ruth Martus

Google

Absolute stunning beach, we came early morning around 7am and it was completely empty. The pink sand undisturbed and the sea super calm. Was a stunning experience to watch the sun rise. Sand daffodils everywhere and pink sand which doesn't photograph well but some things we can carry in a hearts rather than in a picture on our phones. I highly recommend. There are a few snack bars scattered along the coast. A nice shallow lagoon you can walk through and in some areas a cross current in shallow water with square waves which was fascinating to see.

Denis Matitsin

Google

Amazing beach with breathtaking scenery and turquoise water. You can find spots with pink sand, but don’t expect too much of it. There are plenty of smaller beaches around with crystal-clear water, perfect for kids. In September the sea can feel a bit cool. Best to visit on a calm day without wind. Absolutely worth visiting!

Janne Hänninen

Google

When you arrive at the beach, don’t fall for the scammers at the first parking lot – there are closer ones you can drive to. From the parking area it’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach. There’s also a shop and a couple of beach stalls where you can grab some snacks for the day. The beach itself was absolutely stunning, especially at sunset! You could even see pink shades in the sand. Definitely a place worth visiting.

James

Google

Really is a lovely beach, would advise anyone planning to go there to start the day early because you’ll struggle to find a decent spot otherwise. Water is extremely clear, but if you enjoy snorkelling there really isn’t a lot to look at. Do not be bullied in to going in to the first car park going down the hill, just because someone jumps out in front of your car with a high vis, you don’t have to go where they’re telling you ( you essentially end up paying more to walk further) there is much more parking closer to the beach near the mini market. Either drive round them if safe to do so or politely tell them you’re not interested. Beach is about a 5 minute walk from the closest car park, 3 if you take some slightly sketchy short cuts.

nenad Nenad

Google

beautiful beach, one of the three most beautiful on the island, from the parking place to the beach you need about 15 minutes, the road is good! It is best to bring your own umbrella because there is a possibility that there will not be enough free ones on the beach, so we only rented deckchairs (€10, and €15 with an umbrella). The sun is strong all day long, you have markets at the entrance to the beach for supplies, there is a toilet on the beach (€1), and a small canteen with basic things, the beach is wild and beautiful, don't expect cafes and taverns here, true nature, part of the national park!

Dmytro Savytskyi

Google

Takes 1,5hour to get from Chania by car. The road is a little tough with dozens of narrow mountain turns. Eventually arrived at 9:00 in the morning and left the car on parking lot, many of them, choose any 3-5€. Then we took a walk, 15min and we’re on the beach. No sun beds available already! All sold out. Better you take an umbrella with you. The beach is beautiful with shallow waters, paradise for kids. Pink sand alongside the sea line but not everywhere. You may find more pink sand if you walk further to the little kind of island. Crowd of tourists gets bigger closer to lunch time, will be hard to find a space even for your towel on sand. Gets super busy. There are few cafeterias with “kilometers” queues lining up for snacks and beers. In general - beautiful beach, but we prefer not so busy places.

Lauren Crenshaw

Google

Wonderful and breathtaking beach! We arrived early Sunday afternoon and it wasn’t too crowded. All the sun beds were taken but they really don’t have a lot so this was kind of expected. We just went to one of the shops near the parking lot and bought an umbrella. The cheapest one was €10 the most expensive and largest €18. We set up our own umbrella and enjoyed the day. The sun beds do become more available around 2pm-2:30pm so we could have waited as well but it was a bit too hot the day we went. The beach on the other side of the lagoon was amazing and much less windy than the lagoon area. We moved to the other side later in the afternoon and glad we did.

Alex Pîrcălăboiu

Google

One of the most unique beaches in Europe. A must see when you come to Crete. I recommend bringing an umbrella (you can buy one of under 15 eur near the parking lot, across the big supermarket) and go past the first crowds of tourists. The beach is perfect there and less crowded. Maybe 10 minutes walk from the start (basically to the other small island 🏝️)