CalmBeach Greece
Elafonisi Beach, Chania
See practical info for Elafonisi in Chania, including location, beach type, wind exposure, map and tips to help you decide when to visit.
The pink sand and the lagoon
At the southwest tip of Crete, an islet is joined to the mainland by a shallow lagoon (~20-40 cm) you wade across on foot. The sand takes on a pink tint in places from crushed shells of microorganisms (foraminifera).
It is a protected Natura 2000 zone (no motorised watersports). Very popular and crowded in summer, partly organised, but a long way from the towns (~76 km from Chania).
- Region
- Chania, Greece
- Beach type
- Sandy
- Access
- Easy road access
- Coordinates
- 35.26747, 23.52815
- Organized beach
- Beach bar
- Sunbeds
- Parking
- Family friendly
About this beach
Elafonisi usually stays sheltered when the meltemi blows. That comes from the measured shape of the coastline around it and our curated wind records — a seasonal picture, not a live forecast, so check live wind and waves before you go.
Elafonisi is oriented towards the south, so it usually has natural cover from northerly, north-easterly and north-westerly winds.
Elafonisi has sand underfoot with shallow, gently shelving water — handy for families with young children.
For amenities, Elafonisi has an organised beach, a beach bar, sunbeds and parking nearby.
Good to know
Does Elafonisi beach get windy?
Elafonisi usually stays sheltered when the meltemi blows. That is based on the measured shape of its coastline against the meltemi; check live wind and waves before you go.
How do you get to Elafonisi beach?
Access is easy road access. See the coordinates and map on CalmBeach.
What is Elafonisi beach like?
A sandy beach with shallow water.
What facilities does Elafonisi beach have?
It has an organised beach, a beach bar, sunbeds and parking nearby.
Open the app for live recommendation score, wind exposure, waves, best time of day and nearby alternatives.
View this beach in CalmBeach Greece