Crete pink beach: how to get there, hotels, attractions, reviews. Overnight at Elafonisi beach in Crete

Washed by three seas, the island of Crete is considered the tourist "Mecca" of Greece. Archaeological excavations ancient ruins, pirate islands, ancient temples, monasteries, cities and castles - all this attracts tourists from all over the world. Favorable to the Cretan island and nature: pleasant mediterranean climate, warm sea ​​waters and sandy coasts have turned the island into spa gem. Among the popular attractions, Crete highlights pink beach, whose features we will consider in more detail.

There are several factors why the beaches of Crete are for family vacation with children are recognized as the best in the world. This is facilitated by:

• convenient geographical location;
• favorable and healthy climate;
• an abundance of well-groomed sandy beaches;
• rich cultural heritage;
• developed tourism infrastructure(transport, hotels, services, entertainment).

For children, the beaches of Crete are considered the best because of the shallow water, safe sandy coast, healthy air and crystal clear sea water.

Comfortable and "wild" beaches are located along the entire coast of Crete, and the island itself is administratively divided into 4 regions: Chania, Heraklion, Lassithi, Rethymnon. These are the largest cities on the resort island, which are the focus of entertainment and attractions. There are many hotels with comfortable living conditions here, however, some beaches are located at a great distance from these cities.

Each region has its best beaches in Crete for families with children, and it is impossible to describe them all in one article. The pink beach we are considering belongs to west coast Crete and is administratively subordinate to the district of Chania.

Pink sand beach in Crete

The unique beach with pink sand grains in Crete is very popular with lovers beach holiday.

The resort area is called Elafonisi (gr. deer island) and represents sand bar connecting the mainland with a small island. At low tide, the strait becomes very shallow and it is easy to overcome it by making little trip to the islet. But once again, we note that the well-maintained part of the beach is located directly in front of the island.

Elafonisi is one of the the best beaches for holidays with children in Crete for its crystal clear and shallow waters. Kids will be able to have fun in plenty of sea water, without giving parents a reason to worry.

A special highlight that distinguishes these places from other resorts that Crete is rich in is a beach with pink sand. A pearlescent pinkish hue is transferred to the sand from thousands of crushed shells and corals that the waves throw onto the coast. This effect is especially noticeable at the end of jerky strong winds coming to western part islands from the neighboring African mainland. These hurricanes usually pass quickly and do not cause much trouble for those who intend to visit popular beach with pink sand.

When is the best time to visit Elafonisi?

Favorable climate, warm sea waters, lagoons less than a meter deep and wide expanses of sandy coast - Elafonisi has everything you need for a holiday with children on the beach.

Tourists come to this resort even before the start velvet season. Swimmers can already be seen in April, as thanks to geographic location pink beach, the water temperature off the coast is a couple of degrees higher than in other areas. Active bathing season on Elafonisi until the end of October.

Well, lovers just admire beautiful views, can do unique photos and a video of a pink sand beach at any time of the year.

Pink beach on the map of Crete - how to get to Elafonisi

Elefonisi ranks first among the most beautiful pink beaches in the world. Coast with crystal clean water and sand from pale pink to white attracts thousands of tourists, despite the strong remoteness of the territory from the resort centers.

Closest to Elafonisi Big City- this is Chania, located 76 km to the north. From the bus station of Chania to the pink beach at 9 am, a KTEL shuttle bus leaves. The price of a one-way ticket will be 11 euros, and the travel time is almost 2 hours. You can return to the city by the same flight, departing from the beach area at 16.00.

Also regular bus service established between the beach and the town of Kissamos. But this way to get to the pink beach in practice is not very convenient.

The easiest way is to book an excursion to the area at the agency. In this case, in addition to the beach, you will visit the village of Typolia and the Orthodox monastery of Panagia Chrysoskalitissa. In the middle of the day the bus will take you to sea ​​coast. The price of such a tour depends on the starting location. A trip from Chania will cost 20 euros, and from Rethymno and Heraklion under 50 euros.

Those who like to travel on their own can drive to Elafonisi in a rented car. This can be done in two ways.

1) On the E65 highway, before entering Kissamos, turn left, where the Elafonisi sign directs. Then follow straight along the Topolisky Gorge. Be extremely careful when turning on a wagging serpentine, because. the final part of the path is too narrow. If you are driving towards the beach, then the edge of the gorge will be on opposite side. IN reverse side it is better to follow the second route.

2) In this case, it is necessary to drive along the sea: past the port of Kissamos, the villages of Platanos, Sfinari and Kefali. This path is also laid along a rocky cliff, but when returning from Elafonisi, you will not drive along the extreme lane. In any case, on hazardous areas roads should be especially careful.

You can leave your car in a large free parking lot located in few steps from the entrance to the beach area.

Pink beach infrastructure

If possible, it is best to arrive at the beach in the early morning. So you will have a chance to admire the pinkish color of the sand from the fragments of sea shells, the azure expanse of water and the endless sandy expanses. By noon, thousands of tourists and locals are already gathering on the island, which can interfere with enjoying the beauty of nature.

Elafonisi is nature reserve where more than 100 species grow rare plants, as well as the endangered species of turtles Carriage Carriage. In order to preserve nature, large-scale construction is prohibited here, so the tourist infrastructure is not rich in diversity.

On the coast there are several stalls with souvenirs and a couple of cafe-taverns with quite high prices. There are a large number of changing rooms, showers, toilets, beach umbrellas and sunbeds. Unlike some resorts where sunbeds are provided free of charge, here a set of sunbed and umbrella costs 9 euros for the whole day.

Keep in mind that the pink beach is very popular, and by 12 o'clock thousands of sunbathers and swimmers gather on its coast. Therefore, beach comfort items are not enough for everyone. But no one forbids you to bring your sunbed, mattress, umbrellas and towels. With your own belongings, you can stay in any corner of the island that you like. Be sure to bring hats with you, because. there is nowhere to hide from the scorching sun on the island.

Of the water activities, tourists are offered surfing and wakeboarding. Renting a kitesurf will cost 50 euros per hour. On a wakeboard for that kind of money you will ride for only 15 minutes. Sup-surf boards are also available for rent, at a price of 15 euros per hour.

What to see in Elafonisi

As such, there are two attractions on the island, and those are small.

At the highest point of Elafonisi, a modest monument was erected, telling about the tragic events that took place in 1824. At this place, dozens of Cretan soldiers were killed by Turkish invaders, and 6 hundred women and children who were looking for shelter here. In connection with this story, there is a legend about the shed blood that sprinkled the local coast in pink.

The second attraction of the beach, unfortunately, is also connected with the tragedy, but this time the sea. In 1907, a shipwreck occurred off the coast of the island, killing dozens of people. Some passengers were rescued by the monks who came to the scene of the tragedy. To prevent a recurrence of the disaster, a lighthouse was erected on the beach, which still functions today. Next to it is a chapel where you can pay tribute to the memory of the dead.

Hotels near Elafonisi beach

Construction is prohibited on the island, so you will find the nearest housing only in neighboring villages. Of course, these are not luxury hotels in Corfu and not 4-star hotels in Crete, but decent and comfortable accommodation.

Located 5 km from the beach cheap hotels Glykeria and Innahorion. A double room for a day will cost 35-40 euros.

Glykeria has a swimming pool, and overall the establishment has a higher rating (9 out of 10) than the modest Innahorion. However, both places should be booked as early as possible, because the demand for housing near Elafonisi never falls.

Crete pink beach reviews

A review of a trip to Elafonisi is different for each tourist. Some believe that the pink beach is a place where you should definitely visit, while others believe that it is more rational to find a beach closer to the city, offering more fun and developed infrastructure.

People go to Elafonisi not for entertainment, but to admire the beauty and uniqueness of the local nature and enjoy a beach holiday on the spacious coast. It is also worth noting that for couples with hyperactive children, this beach will become a "safe bay", where the kids buy plenty without the slightest danger to themselves. And the pink sands will be a pleasant bonus and an unexpected experience for the growing little ones.

In contact with

Classmates

West Crete is known for the most beautiful beaches islands that are among the best in Europe. The most popular of them is Elafonisi. To get to the cleanest coast of this island, tourists cross the whole of Crete. But Elafonisi is famous not only for the beach. Important events of Cretan history developed here and a protected nature reserve is located.

Elafonisi beach on the map of Crete.

How to get to Elafonisi

The island of Elafonisi and the beach of the same name are located 75 km southwest of the city of Chania and 42 km from Kissamos. For a trip to Elafonisi, you will have to allocate a whole day and take into account the peculiarities of the difficult road. Many tour operators offer excursions to the island and its beaches. And at independent tourists there are several options:

First. From the bus station of Chania and Kissamos, buses depart in the morning and return in the evening.

Second. You can rent a car and drive first to Kissamos, then turn left and follow the signs along the Topoli Gorge. Another path lies past Kissamos, through mountain villages and serpentine roads. In both cases, it is better to leave early in the morning, while the roads are not yet busy.

Right next to Elafonisi there are several parking lots, in fact - just trampled glades among rare trees.

"Parking".

On the question of the number of tourists. The photo was taken from September, at about 12.00.

Everything for a beach holiday can be bought on the spot.

Going to Elafonisi on your own, you need to remember: the road will wind in many sections of the path. This is important to consider for those who are going to return from the beach on the same day. You need to leave Elafonisi before dark.

Travel time depends on what stops are planned along the way. From the resorts of Rethymno to Elafonisi you will have to get more than 3 hours, from Chania - about 2 hours.

In season, a small pleasure boat runs to Elafonisi from Paleochora. It leaves at 10am and returns at 4pm

The islet is only 100 m away from the coast and you can wade to it. This ford, depending on the season and currents, can change its depth. The maximum you need to be prepared for is waist-deep.

What is Elafonisi famous for?

The name Elafonisi can be translated as "Deer Island". However, no one knows why and how the place was associated with deer. Perhaps in old times deer actually lived here, but were later exterminated.

Questions about the reasons for the unprecedented popularity of Elafonisi disappear by themselves, one has only to be here. First of all, the beach became famous for its clean white and pink sand. Combined with small transparent sea a picture of a paradise landscape is created. The sand got a pink hue as a result of interspersed with crushed seashells.

Elafonisi is one of the few places in Crete where, due to its shallow depth, there are no storms. Winds intensify here only after the end of the season. The rest of the time, the beach is ideal for a calm and safe rest, including with children. The sea near Elafonisi is great for snorkeling. However, even in the cold season, the tourist flow does not dry out. When the sky over Crete frowns and waves rise on Elafonisi, it's time for kitesurfing.

Now Elafonisi is visited by numerous tourists (2000-3000 people daily), and by noon it is difficult to find a parking place. And once the Deer Island had a sad reputation. In 1824 the future tourist paradise became a place of massacre of the inhabitants of Crete, which was staged by the Turks. More than 800 children and women who tried to hide from the occupiers on Elafonisi became victims. In their memory, a memorial was erected in this place.

A legend about pirates is associated with the island. It is believed that they once hid their priceless treasures on Elafonisi. A locals and some tourists do not give up trying to find the lost caches.

protected area

Elafonisi is considered a protected area. small island- home to 110 plant species, including rare daffodils and endemic juniper species. Flowers bloom on the island in spring amazing beauty. The fauna of Elafonisi includes green toads and rare Cretan lizards. In addition, the island is a breeding ground for turtles. And some managed to see monk seals in the coastal waters.

As for the birds, there are few of them on Elafonisi. However, in autumn, the reserve becomes the last transshipment point for birds that travel from Europe to Africa. This is easily explained by the favorable location of Elafonisi. Therefore, ornithologists and tourists often come here to watch birds.

Since the island and its environs - protected area, it is forbidden to arrange campgrounds, make fires, take plants or sand with you. Such a tasty place would probably have been built up with hotels for a long time, if not for the bans. Near Elafonisi you will not find large hotel complexes. However, there are mini-hotels and rooms nearby, taverns work. If you wish, you can stay here for the night (hotels near Elafonisi).

Nearest attractions

Elafonisi usually becomes final destination for a trip to southwestern Crete. But the road to the island itself is no less interesting. It runs along the Topoli Gorge, which attracts lovers wildlife And hiking. In it is located

The small island of Elafonisi is separated from the coast with the beach of the same name by a shallow lagoon with transparent warm water, the depth of which here is not more than a meter.

Before desert island with white sand you can walk, the distance is just over a hundred meters.

Elafonisi beach in Greece one of the most beautiful. It is famous primarily for its pink sand, consisting of fragments of shells, which gives it such a color.

The name of the island is translated as "deer island", although there are no deer there.

How to get there?

If you decide to go to Elafonisi, then set aside a whole day for this.

The place is located in the southwest, 76 km from the city of Chania.
From Chania bus station to Elafonisi every morning at 9.00 there is a bus that returns at 17.00. You need to drive about 2 hours along a narrow serpentine.

Shuttle Buses to Elafonisi they also go from Kissamos (43 km from Elafonisi - the island belongs to the region of Kissamos).

From Heraklion, you can come here by car along the E75 highway, which, off the west coast, turns into the E65 highway.

If you decide to travel by car, there are two ways to get to Elafonisi.

1) There is a crossroad just before the entrance to where you need to turn left. Continuing to move deeper, through picturesque Topolia Gorge, be prepared for the fact that the road to Elafonisi narrows and winds in the mountains, the traffic slows down. There are signs along the way.

Despite certain difficulties, it is worth doing for the sake of beautiful scenery opening from mountain slopes.
It is better to go early in the morning so that the already narrow road is freer.

2) The second route is several kilometers longer, passing by the port of Kissamos, through the villages of Platanos, Sfinari and Kefali.
This road is laid along the coast, on a high cliff, it is better to go back along it so that the dangerous part is on the opposite side.
The views are amazing.

Elafonisi beach

The beach has a large free parking.
There are always a lot of people, but the territory is large, so there is no crowding.

The descent into the water on Elafonisi beach is gentle, which is great for families with children. There is no depth here, therefore, there are no waves either.

Sunbeds and an umbrella - 7 euros, there are showers and toilets, two small cafes (mostly fast food), but nothing else, since the pink beach of Elafonisi is located in a protected area.

Water entertainment neither, except for kitesurfing.

Those who like to swim, feeling the depth under themselves, can be advised to find such places on the island.

The maximum number of people gather on the beach by 11-12 o'clock, at which time the sun is already mercilessly scorching.

The disadvantages include the fact that there is nowhere to hide on the beach during the wind, and it often happens here.

The water on Elafonisi is warmer than on other beaches of Crete, and swimmers can be found from April to October.

Nothing but a plaque on the very high point islands, does not recall the sad events that erupted here in 1824, on the feast of Easter when the Turks dealt with several dozen Cretan soldiers, 600 women and children ...

What to see in the surroundings?

In the villages in the area, there are several taverns and family cafes. The cuisine in them is more like a home than the usual restaurant, the prices are reasonable.

Civilization has not particularly affected the vicinity of the beach.

The nearest hotels to Elafonisi are 5 km away, Glykeria Rooms And Innahorion.

The hotels are inexpensive, priced at 35-40 euros for a double room, not distinguished by anything special, except for being close to beautiful beaches Elafonisi.

Before reaching 5 km to the island, on the way you can see the monastery of the XVII century Panagia Chrysoskalitis(Theotokos Golden Step), built on a high white rock.

Pilgrims come here hoping to see the golden step in the staircase, which was sold during difficult times for the monastery. According to legend, only those who are able to truly believe see it.

If you return from Elafonisi beach along the second path, along the rocky coast, in 30 minutes you will see Wine Museum, which is also a functioning winery.

You will be shown the process of preparing the drink, and, of course, they will offer a tasting.

Reviews of tourists

Victoria, Tula

“It is easier to get to Elafonisi than to. We traveled with a child, and so it is much more convenient to roll a stroller along Elafonisi beach, the sand is quite dense here. Shallow water leaves a feeling complete security, which contributes to a relaxing holiday with children. It’s better to take a snack with you, since the cafe on the beach sells mostly pizza and sandwiches, we didn’t like the food at the beach restaurant at all.”

Nikolai, St. Petersburg

“I was pleasantly surprised by the free parking, although not paved, but quite spacious. There are many taverns along the road where you can have a delicious lunch, the prices are quite affordable. Take a snorkeling mask, Elafonisi has perfect visibility in the water and curious fish swimming right up to the swimmers.”

Mikhail, Moscow

“We were charged 10 euros for two sun loungers and an umbrella, which, of course, was expensive, but there is simply nowhere else to hide in the shade on Elafonisi. The view of the sea and the island is simply amazing, easy access to the sea, swimmers can also find deep places if they move inland from those large shallows along which people wade to the island of Elafonisi.”

Ekaterina, Astrakhan

“The road to Elafonisi is very picturesque, but the little ones can get sick, stock up on Dramina or other suitable medicine before the trip. The path along the west coast is really dangerous in places. But a car is the best way to get here. It would be nice to stay here for a few days, but it's disappointing that there are no hotels nearby.”

(Elafonisi) is a place of fantastic beauty located in the southwest of Crete, 76 km from the city of Chania and 43 km from the town of Kastelli. This place gained incredible popularity, of course, thanks to the famous pink sand beach. and the sea, stunning with its bright colors! By the way, in some places on the beach, the sea forms very shallow baths, in which the water warms up quickly, so children will be able to appreciate this beach. IN translated from Greek Elafonisi means - "Deer Island". This small island is about 100 meters away from the coast.. In general, this is a place that has its own history and its own energy, which we will talk about below...

Quick article navigation:

Resort Elafonisi

Elafonisi - one most popular places islands of Crete, where hundreds or even thousands of tourists flock every day, dreaming to get acquainted with this unique corner of our planet! Someone dreams of seeing the famous pink sand and this riot of colors, someone comes here for inspiration, and someone just to relax ..

After all the beach here is well equipped, there is everything you need for unforgettable holiday: long beach, sun loungers with umbrellas, beach activities, toilets, and most importantly, completely unique atmosphere and energy! AND Definitely, Elafonisi is one of those places in Crete that everyone should definitely see.

Flora and fauna of Elafonisi

The flora and fauna of Elafonisi is quite diverse. Here you can see a lot various kinds plants and shrubs sea ​​pancrasium, quinoa, milkwort, etc.).

Pancrasium maritime

From the representatives of the fauna on Elafonisi there are: a small green toad (Bufo viridis viridis), peculiar only to this area, several carefully protected species of lizards (Podarcis), snakes (Сoluber gemonensis). According to studies carried out by the Greek Ministry Environment, Elafonisi serves as a breeding ground sea ​​turtle Caretta Caretta. Also, fishermen have reported seeing monk seals (Monachus monachus) on the high seas in the Elafonisi area. native species birds, every autumn this place becomes the last stop for migratory birds moving from Europe to Africa. This is due to the unique geographical location the islands of Crete and Elafonisi in particular. Therefore, every year this area becomes an important place for research by ornithologists.

History and legend of Elafonisi...

There were not the brightest moments in the history of Elafonisi. So, in 1824, this small island became the site of the mass murder of 850 women and children by the Turks. The women and children hid on the island when the Turkish invaders set up camp on the shore. The Turks discovered them and killed them. At the highest point of Elafonisi, a memorial was erected in memory of the dead.

And the sand, according to legend, turned red from spilled blood. And to this day, as the legend says, the pink color of the sand on the beach is a reminder of those tragic days.

In fact, the sand of Elafonisi is made like this by mixing small fragments of shells and crushed corals → Why is Elafonisi sand pink?

Despite the remoteness of Elafonisi from everyone tourist areas, on complexity mountain road this place is definitely worth a visit. Everyone will find here something unusual for themselves, someone will be struck by the azure sea, someone will be struck by a beach with pink sand. But everyone agrees that Elafonisi is a heavenly place.

reference Information

1. Where is? Elafonisi beach, coordinates of one of the parking lots: DD 35.273032, 23.540391. DMS 35°16"22.9"N 23°32"25.4"E .
2. How to get there? There are several ways to get to Elafonisi: by bus, by rental car, on Taxi or with organized tour.
3. Where to stay? During the season, a huge number of tourists usually come to Elafonisi. And for those who want to fully enjoy this paradise, there is such an opportunity. There are several hotels where you can stay for the night, so that you can take your time to swim and relax on the beach, and then, when most tourists leave for their hotels, spend another wonderful day in peace and quiet summer vacation on Crete.

ADVICE : If you plan to spend the night on Elafonisi, you should book the hotel in advance, as there are a lot of people who want to stay in such a romantic place, especially during the season, and there are only a few hotels here and they are all small.

Elafonissi beach, (Crete, Greece) - location, description, opening hours, entertainment and infrastructure. Helpful Hints And practical information from "The Subtleties of Tourism".

• Tours for May to Greece
• Hot tours to Greece

Previous photo Next photo

If you have always dreamed of meeting a beach from a fairy tale, in which the coast consists of sand of an unusual color, then congratulations, your dream has come true, and you know the address of this beach. This is Elafonissi, a beach that is located on a small island of the same name. If you began to figure out how to get to the island, then you should not think for a long time, but simply wade a distance of a hundred meters. After all, you have to go through them in water only 20 centimeters deep.

The beach has pink sand, which was formed due to the content a large number impurities - the remains of corals, small shells and starfish form a large part of it, the bottom becomes this color even at a depth. The shade of the sand is from delicate pink to purple.

There is one more tragic version about why the sand on the beach is pink. In 1824, the Turks massacred 700 inhabitants here. The memorial on the highest point of the island still reminds of these bloody events. And the waters of the sea, according to legend, have not yet washed off the blood of those killed.

If we talk about holidays with children, you can’t imagine a better beach than this. There is very little depth here. high waves does not happen, so that the guys are not in danger. Getting here in the summer months and enjoying the pink sand in splendid isolation is unlikely to succeed: apart from you, most tourists know about the beach, because it is always crowded here.

Trip to Elafonissi beach

Elafonissi beach is located in the southwestern part of Crete. It is about 76 kilometers from the city of Chania, and 42 from Kastellion. The easiest way to get to Elafonissi is if you rent a car, thanks to which you can travel around the entire coast of Crete in a few days and visit almost all famous beaches.

If you have always dreamed of meeting a beach from a fairy tale, in which the coast consists of sand of an unusual color, then congratulations, your dream has come true, and you know the address of this beach. This is Elafonissi, a beach that is located on a small island of the same name.

If you don’t have a license or don’t want to drive, we are at your service Shuttle Buses from Chania or from other cities, but in order to get to Elafonissi beach, you need to transfer to another bus in Kissamos. In addition, sightseeing buses will take you to the pink sand, the services of which are available from May to October, but, of course, the easiest option would be to rent a car - they are offered on every corner in Crete.