Elafonisi
Kissamos, Greece
Shallow turquoise water and pinkish sand around a small island you can wade to. It is a protected area, so keep to marked zones and leave the shells.
Elafonisi is a beach with a small islet off the south-western tip of Crete, about 75 kilometres from Chania airport. The islet is connected to the mainland by a shallow lagoon. The sand gets its pink tint from crushed shells, most visible in morning and evening light. The lagoon is about one metre deep and rarely above knee height, which makes it good for children.
The area belongs to the Natura 2000 protected-area network. Do not take sand or plants away. In July and August tour buses arrive daily and the beach is full by about 11 a.m.; before 10 a.m. it is much quieter, as it is in spring and after mid-September.
The last 10 kilometres of the approach are a narrow, winding mountain road. Out of season public transport is thin (roughly one bus in the morning and one back in the afternoon), and many accommodations close. Food options are limited and pricey, so bring water and snacks.
- Nearest town
- Kissamos, Greece
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 35.2717, 23.5400
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Many spot for campCampsite2 km from Elafonisi
- Some places for tents around the beach, good off seasonCampsite6 km from Elafonisi
- Grammeno CampingCampsite10 km from Elafonisi · 300 pitchesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping PaleochoraCampsite14 km from Elafonisi
- SunsetCampsite16 km from ElafonisiTentsCaravansShowers
- Place for tentsCampsite19 km from Elafonisi
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Elafonisi?
Elafonisi is in Kissamos, Greece, at GPS 35.2717, 23.5400. It is about 13 km from Palaiochora.
Can you camp near Elafonisi?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Many spot for camp, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Elafonisi?
Elafonisi is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Crete: Chania to Knossos and Palm beaches, Minoan palaces and windmills – across Crete by camper from Chania to Vai.
What is there to see near Elafonisi?
Places worth a stop nearby: Balos Lagoon (35 km), Samaria Gorge (35 km), Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour (51 km) and Preveli Beach (85 km).
When is the best time to visit Elafonisi?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)