Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
pink
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
100 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Elafonisi Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +21.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Elafonisi Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.4 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Elafonisi Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 100 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Elafonisi Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — pink. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 000 metres.
Elafonisi Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May, June. It ends in September, October. The best month for a holiday is June. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Elafonisi Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Elafonisi Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: . We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Elafonisi Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Elafonisi Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Elafonisi Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Elafonisi Beach Restaurant, Taverna Elafonisi, Kantina Elafonisi. Cuisines available: Cretan, Greek. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Elafonisi Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Food, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Hat, First aid kit.
Elafonisi Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time is May–June or September–October, when there are fewer people and the temperature is comfortable. Arrive before 10:00.
Elafonisi Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Protected area. Do not leave litter, do not touch plants.
Elafonisi Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Elafonisi Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children thanks to the shallow lagoon and calm water. Suitable for lovers of unique natural landscapes. Not suitable for those seeking solitude due to the large number of tourists.
Elafonisi Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Elafonisi Beach is famous for its unique pink sand, which is formed from crushed shells. The lagoon, no deeper than 1 metre, is ideal for children. The beach is part of the Natura 2000 environmental network.
Elafonisi Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique pink sand, Crystal-clear water, Shallow lagoon for children, Blue Flag, Scenic landscapes, Natura 2000 protected area, Lifeguards. Cons: Very crowded, Long drive, Strong wind, Little shade, Limited infrastructure, Paid parking.
Elafonisi Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, Paleochora, Samaria Gorge. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Elafonisi Beach: does the beach have a Blue Flag?
Yes, the beach holds the international "Blue Flag" certification. This means the beach meets high standards of water cleanliness, safety and infrastructure.
Elafonisi Beach: how do I get to the city of Chania?
The beach is located near the city of Chania. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Chania.