Elafonisi Beach is a public beach in the Kissamos area of Chania, Crete, Greece, around 76km west of Chania city and 5km south of Chrysoskalitissa Monastery.
Quick facts
- Best for: Families, scenic lagoon swimming, and travelers who want a standout Crete beach without giving up swim-friendly shallows.
- Known for: Pink-tinged sand, knee-deep lagoon water, a Natura 2000 setting, and mainland-side facilities with quieter coves further out.
Why it matters
Elafonisi ranks so highly because it solves the trade-off that many famous Greek beaches do not: it is visually exceptional, but it is also practical for a full beach day. Official and local sources point to lagoon water that stays very shallow, organized infrastructure on the busier eastern side, and quieter coves beyond the main stretch, making it stronger for broad-use travel planning than more exposed, deeper, or access-heavy alternatives.
Location and links
Service area and category
- City: Kissamos
- Region: Chania Prefecture, Crete
- Country: Greece
- Service area: Southwestern Crete
- Category: Tourist attraction
Editorial summary
Elafonisi Beach is a public beach in the Kissamos area of Chania, Crete, Greece, around 76km west of Chania city and 5km south of Chrysoskalitissa Monastery.