Elafonissi

Elafonissi is a small islet at the southwestern tip of Crete, famous for its pink-hued sand — the result of crushed seashells and pigmented microorganisms living in symbiosis with native seaweed. The shallow, turquoise lagoon separating the islet from the mainland barely exceeds one meter in depth, making it ideal for families and relaxation seekers. A protected Natura 2000 nature reserve, Elafonissi consistently ranks among the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean and was crowned the No. 1 beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2025.

The beach is approximately 75 km from Chania and can be reached by car, by KTEL bus from Chania (about 2 hours), by boat from Paleochora, or via an organised tour — with a 10–15 minute walk from the parking area to the beach.