The beach is less than 200 meters from the island and you can walk comfortably in the warm, shallow waters. Arriving on the island you will find several small beaches on the south coast. The waters are crystal clear and the blue-green color will remind you of exotic paradise. The sand in many places has a pink hue from the thousands of broken shells in it.

 

Elafonissi is ideal for those who prefer a few days in a quite natural environment, with great views and a sunset worth a photograph. An idyllic location and a fairly isolated area, located 82 kilometers southwest of Chania, with fantastic beaches, dunes, a forest of cedars and clear blue-green waters that make it an exotic place. It receives thousands of visitors each summer and it is advisable to avoid visiting Elafonissos on weekends, if you want to enjoy a quiet place with few people. In the area there are a few hotels/rooms to stay and some restaurants.

Elafonissi means island of deer, but will not see any deer walking around the island or nearby. In the old Venetian maps  is referred to as Scoglio Lafonisi and it is moreover said that here was a place of worship of  Mythology's God Apollo.

You can get to Elafonissi by car heading towards Kissamos from Chania city and follow the signs to Chrisoskalitissa. (82 km southwest of Chania -will take about 1.5 hours to get there). On the road you will find the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa distinguished by being whitewashed away and built up/situated on a  rocky peak with a panoramc view. (The tradition says that there is a golden step in the staircase ascending to the Monastery but the sinners can’t see it).  Elafonissi is located 5 km after Chrisoskalitissa, and once arriving there  you will see a large bare area that is configured as a parking area, a few dusty cedars and the wonderful colors of the lagoon. In summer season you can  also get there by boat from Paleochora.