This beach is one of the most emblematic of the island, and is featured on countless postcards.
It is to be found just 80 km from the Chania and 43 km from Kastelli, next to the Chrysoskalitissa monastery (of the Golden-Steps).
Elafonisi is basically a small island, connected to the Cretan mainland by a shallow crossing of several hundred meters, which can be made on foot. The whole area, which is part of the EC programme Natura 2000, is characterized by its pale sands, its shallow and crystal-clear waters, turquoise in colour, and the small pink patches made up from crushed sea-shells.
The setting falls a little short of outstanding, marred only by the sun-loungers and canteen-bars set up on the beach-sands themselves.
Ideally one should visit Elafonisi outside of the tourist season, when it is not overwhelmed by their hordes! Camping is not permitted here – and the police conduct frequent ‘raids’.
