Remote Elafonisi Beach in Greece is the Best in the World (& You’ve Never Heard of It)
With sparkling pink sands and a dazzling turquoise lagoon, Tripadvisor readers voted this spectacular beach in Crete the best in the world.
Located on the southwest coast of Crete, Elafonisi Beach (also spelled Elafonissi Beach), is a paradise of sparkling shallow waters, soft white sand tinged with pink, and an unspoiled natural backdrop.
Long considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, brilliant Elafonisi was recently named the most beautiful beach in the entire world by Tripadvisor.
I spent some time at dazzling Elafonisi Beach when I visited Crete, and I’d have to say, I agree. Tripadvisor definitely got this one right.
Elafonisi draws visitors from all over the world so I suppose it’s time this Cretan beauty got its due. If you’re visiting the island of Crete this summer, this is one beach you don’t want to miss.
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Why Elafonisi Beach Is Famous
The island of Crete has always been known for terrific beaches, but Elafonisi is not just a beach—it’s a natural wonder.
Read More: The 7 Best Greek Islands for Beaches (You’ve Never Heard of #4)
What makes it so special?
Two words: Pink. Sand.
The pink hue comes from crushed shells and coral, creating a unique and beautiful shoreline. The pink sand isn’t always vivid, but in the right lighting and conditions, it’s a mesmerizing sight.
Especially set against the brilliantly clear, shallow turquoise lagoon.
It’s also a Protected Nature Reserve. Elafonisi is part of a Natura 2000 conservation area, home to rare plants and wildlife. To preserve its beauty, visitors are warned not to take sand or disturb the ecosystem.
In fact, taking the sand is illegal according to posted signs. So just don’t do it.
How to Get From Chania to Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi is a bit remote, but the journey is worth it. Here’s how to get there:
By Car
- From Chania: The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through the dramatic mountain landscapes of western Crete. Be prepared for winding, narrow roads and stunning scenery.
- From Rethymno: The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
- From Heraklion: This is a longer trip—with a travel time of about 4 hours each way – and a LONG day trip, but it’s possible (there is one good tour option below if you don’t want to drive yourself!).
Driving Tip: The roads to Elafonissi can be challenging, with hairpin turns and steep drops. If you’re not comfortable driving, consider taking a tour.
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By Tour
If you want to visit this beautiful beach but you’re not up for the white-knuckle drive (I hear you!), there are excellent day tour options to Elafonisi from Chania, Rythmno, and even Heraklion. A guided tour typically includes hotel pickup, scenic stops, and time to relax at the beach.
Here are the best Elafonisi Beach Day Trips from Chania:
- Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks (this one is my top pick)
- Crete: Elafonisi – 4 hours in the beach (from Reythmno)
- Day Tour to Elafonisi Beach from Heraklion with Pickup Included
By Bus
A public bus from Chania to Elafonissi operates seasonally with one departure daily. The bus departs Chania promptly at 9:00am and returns at 4:00pm. The ride takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Check the KTEL Crete website for updated schedules and to book tickets.
Are there hotels at Elafonisi Beach?
After you see a few pictures of Elafonisi, you will likely start wondering if you can stick around for a while. And you can, sort of.
There are a few small guesthouses near Elafonisi. However, it’s a pretty remote location with few restaurants and amenities. That’s why I highly recommend staying in charming Chania instead.
Read More: Heraklion or Chania? It’s an Easy Choice (PLUS: the Perfect 5 Day Crete Itinerary)
But if you want to maximize your time at Elafonisi with an overnight stay, the best options in the area are Lafo Rooms and the Glykeria Hotel.
Our Day Trip Experience to Elafonisi
When my friend Shannon and I visited Crete, a day trip to Elafonisi Beach was #1 on our must-do list.
We decided to rent a car and drive ourselves (and there were definitely pros and cons to that decision). We picked up our rental car at a respectable 9:00am to begin our day of island adventure.
Once on the road, the drive from Chania to Crete’s southwestern corner involves several white-knuckle, winding roads through the mountains. It takes nearly two hours to get to Elafonisi, instead of the estimated 90 minutes.
On the plus side, one of the best things about the decision to drive is that we were able to beat the tour group and bus crowds and have a little time with the beach almost to ourselves.
When we arrive, we realize the ambitious drive was definitely worth it, Elafonisi is absolutely stunning.
More than just a simple beach, Elafonisi is actually a peninsula of several beaches.
Depending on the tide, part of Elafonisi Beach even becomes “Elafonisi Island” when high tide separates a portion of the beach from the mainland creating a shallow channel. At low tide, the knee-deep water seems to extend for miles.
The shallow, sparkling turquoise sea extends at knee-high depth for what seems like miles. It brings to mind some of my favorite endless lagoons in the South Pacific, like Aitutaki and Moorea. It is just fantastic.
And hands-down, one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen (and obviously Tripadvisor readers agree!).
Though it isn’t a bold shade of pink, the pink crystals of sand in the shoreline are easy to spot. I’ve never seen a pink beach before, so I thought Elafonisi was amazing.
We spent hours exploring the coves, wading through the warm shallows, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Even in the afternoon crowds, it never felt overly packed, as the beach’s wide expanse allows for plenty of space.
Best Time to Visit
- Off-Season (May, September, October): Enjoy warm weather with fewer tourists. During peak season, this little slice of paradise gets huge crowds which often means full parking lots.
- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Avoid the biggest crowds by arriving before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Know before you go
While Elafonisi remains largely unspoiled, there are a few essential amenities for visitors:
- Sunbeds & Umbrellas: Beach umbrellas are available for rent in the main beach area.
- Cafés & Snack Bars: A few small kiosks sell refreshments, snacks, and light meals. There aren’t really any great food options here, but you won’t starve.
- Restrooms & Showers: Basic facilities like restrooms and changing rooms are available but have a small one euro fee.
- Parking: Free parking is available near the beach, but it fills up quickly in the high season summer months.
So plan your trip to the world’s best beach!
There’s no doubt Elafonisi Beach is a must-see when you visit Crete.
It’s truly an exotic paradise and a great place to spend an afternoon. I’ve been fortunate enough to see exotic beaches all over the world and Elafonisi is definitely one of the world’s top beaches.
Whether you’re coming for the pink sand, the shallow lagoon, or simply to relax in one of the world’s most beautiful beach settings, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Looking for more fabulous Greek beaches? Start here:
Stunning Koufonisia Island is Where Greeks Vacation (& You’ve Never Heard of It)
5 Best Things to Do on Marvelous Milos Greece
The 5 Best Naxos Beaches for Pure Greece Perfection
A Visit to This Picture-Perfect Greek Island Inspired a Lifetime of Wanderlust
5 Reasons to Fall in Love with the Greek Island of Paros
