Elafonisi Beach Tours and Activities
1 Review

With shallow waters, pale pink-tinted sands, and sweeping dunes, Elafonisi is frequently and deservedly listed among Europe’s best beaches. The beach is connected to a protected island nature reserve, which is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, including loggerhead sea turtles.
The Basics
Elafonisi Beach is a little pocket of paradise and a must-see for visitors to Crete. Many day tours from Chania visit the beach and also stop at the 17th-century Chrisoskalitissa Monastery en route. Most day tours include several hours of free time at Elafonisi, so travelers can sunbathe, swim, and head out across to the island nature reserve to explore the trails. At low tide, visitors can walk across to the island via the exposed sandbar. At high tide, the sandbar is covered by wadable-depth water.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Elafonisi Beach is a must for families, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts.
- The shallow waters of the beach are ideal for bathing, so be sure to bring a swimsuit.
- Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the main beach.
- There are no facilities on the island, so carry water with you if you go exploring.
- The beach is not suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Elafonisi Beach is situated in the west of Crete, around 46 miles (74 kilometers) southwest of Chania. Local KTEL buses connect Chania to Elafonisi. It's easiest to arrive as part of a tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
Get there before 11am—earlier, if possible—to find a favorable spot on the sand. While the beach gets busier later in the day, there is usually enough space on the sand that you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with your fellow sunbathers.
What to See on the Island
Elafonisi island offers the chance to escape the beach crowds and enjoy some quiet time amid nature. Follow trails leading to a lighthouse on the western tip, where you can gaze out across the Mediterranean, and look out for the sea daffodils and juniper trees that grow here in abundance. For those who want to sunbathe away from the busy mainland beach, it’s possible to find small and quiet hideaway coves on the island.
Address: Elafonisi, Crete, Greece
29 Tours and Activities to Experience Elafonisi Beach
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Elafonisi ( The pink sand beach)
17
Our bus will pick you up early in the morning! We will have a short stop to see a cave. Our second stop will be at Elafonisi beach (4 hours) where you will have the chance to swim! On the way back we will have an 1 hour stop at Elos village for lunch! We will be back around 18:00.
…More
From
$47.08
From
$47.08

Elafonisi Beach Trip from Rethymno
10
Relax on the paradise-like island of Elafonisi on this family-friendly day trip. Admire western Crete’s hills and traditional villages on a drive to the southwest coast, and stop for coffee at the Cave of Agia Sofia. Then, spend the afternoon on the idyllic protected islet of Elafonisi, enjoying its pink sands and clear seas. Includes round-trip transport plus select hotel pickup and drop-off.
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From
$48.29
From
$48.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Elafonisi Beach: Welcome to paradise, From Rethymnon
1
Do you want to swim to one of the most beautiful beaches of Europe?
Welcome to paradise, to the beach with the exotic beauty, the pink sand and he clear water. The Elafonisi (“deer island”) is characterized by many visitors as an exotic scenery and light blue paradise, whereas it’s a little island 200 meters from the coast and between them there is a shallow lagoon. Now, you have the chance thanks to CHECKINCRETA’s bus to make a comfortable and safe itinerary (3 hours duration) enjoying most of the time on the beach and not on the road. During that trip we will have a 40 minutes stop in a wonderful location with natural beauty. Enjoy it!
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From
$40.89
From
$40.89
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape from Elounda
5
Somewhere between heaven & earth, there is a Cretan beach paradise sculpted by nature over ancient times. On some days, this geological masterpiece is connected to the coastline of South-West Crete, and on others, it is an island you can easily wade to through a shallow sea corridor.
Imagine yourself basking in crystal blue waters of the intermingled Cretan & Libyan Seas. With your toes sinking in the fine white sand that is blissfully blended with flecks of pink from millions of crushed shells as the fresh sea-breeze touches your cheeks leaving salt crystals in its wake.
There are many ways to appreciate Elafonisi, but none quite as rewarding as a tailored & stress-free escape for the discerning travelers who pursue experiences at their own pace.
On the road trip across West Crete rely on our top local insider to immerse in a true adventure by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle.
This is your relaxation rhythm. Take things slower, breathe deep & luxuriate in your freedom
…More
From
$1,026.12
per group
From
$1,026.12
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Elafonisi Beach Private Tour
Elafonisi is located 76km west of Chania and 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, in the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area. The pinkish sand has taken this particular color from millions of crushed shells. Near the peninsula, the seawater does not exceed 1m in-depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite side of the peninsula because the water is very shallow there.
On the return we will visit a restaurant. There is an option to visit an oil factory, winery or Chrisoskalitisa monastery.
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From
$398.38
per group
From
$398.38
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Elafonisi Beach from Chania in Crete
In the south-western part of the island of Crete, one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Greece is to be found.
Elafonissi is a small island so close to the beach that one can actually walk there from the beach… The crystal clear turquoise shallow waters in combination with the thin white and coral-red sand create a landscape of unparalleled beauty! The route to Elafonissi won’t leave you disappointed. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and junipers. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells and sand from the area.
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From
$43.34
From
$43.34

Elafonisi beach: Full day trip
Our bus wll pick you up early in the morning! We will have a short stop to see a cave. Our second stop will be at Elafonisi beach (4 hours) where you will have the chance to swim! On the way back we will have an 1 hour stop at Elos village for lunch! W will be back around 18:00.
…More
From
$87.11
From
$87.11
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Day Trip to Elafonisi Island From Heraklion
2
Spend a relaxing day on the small island of Elafonisi and soak up the sun on a paradise beach in Crete. Get back to nature on a day trip from Heraklion .Get at least 4 hours to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. Laze in the sun, or go for a stroll along the pink sand beach. Benefit from beach kiosks where you can purchase food and water to rehydrate and re-energize.
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From
$59.15
From
$59.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Elafonisi beach (From Rethymno)
2
Our bus wll pick you up early in the morning! We will have a short stop to see a cave. Our second stop will be at Elafonisi beach (4 hours) where you will have the chance to swim! On the way back we will have an 1 hour stop at Elos village for lunch! W will be back around 18:00.
…More
From
$90.42
From
$90.42
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Elafonisi Beach and Cretan Mainland
Elafonisi one of the best beaches in the world. It's an island connected with Crete with a narrow and shallow strip of sand, forming a 10km long beach. The road to get there goes through gorges, picturesque villages and other points of interest.
The aim of this tour is not only to visit a beach, but the trip to get there is an experience itself. On the way we will visit various locations of historical, geological and natural interest. We will stop for lunch in a restaurant at the end.
We could make an optional stop to a winery or monastery. In this case I have to make a custom tour. Please contact me for further details.
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From
$408.60
per group
From
$408.60
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Elafonissi Beach Crete Day Trip
3
Bask on Elafonisi Beach on this day trip in Crete. Venture southwest through the White Mountains to Chrissoskalitissa, and climb the ‘Golden Step’ to this medieval religious retreat, perched high above the sea. Afterward, continue to Elafonisi to laze on its pink-white sands, swim, and wade through the shallows to nearby Elafonis Island, sometimes known as ‘Deer Island.' Transport and pickup and drop-off at selected hotels included.
…More
From
$45.87
From
$45.87
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

Your Tailored Elafonisi Escape: Cretan Dream Where Time Doesn’t Exist
11
Somewhere between heaven & earth, there is a Cretan beach paradise sculpted by nature over ancient times. On some days, this geological masterpiece is connected to the coastline of South-West Crete, and on others, it is an island you can easily wade to through a shallow sea corridor.
Imagine yourself basking in crystal blue waters of the intermingled Cretan & Libyan Seas. With your toes sinking in the fine white sand that is blissfully blended with flecks of pink from millions of crushed shells as the fresh sea-breeze touches your cheeks leaving salt crystals in its wake.
There are many ways to appreciate Elafonisi, but none quite as rewarding as a tailored & stress-free escape for the discerning travelers who pursue experiences at their own pace.
On the road trip across West Crete rely on our top local insider to immerse in a true adventure by the comfort of a luxury chauffeured vehicle.
This is your relaxation rhythm. Take things slower, breathe deep & luxuriate in your freedom
…More
From
$663.96
per group
From
$663.96
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

PRIVATE TOUR to Elafonisi beach with Spanish speaking local guide
Elafonisi beach is definitely one of the highlights of the region of Chania. Enjoy a full day, tailor made on your needs, acompanied and assisted by your local guide who will share with you his knowledge about the island.
…More
From
$198.11
Price varies by group size
From
$198.11
Price varies by group size

Luxury Elafonisi Beach Escape & Private Picnic by Sunset
Let our travel planners customize for you the iconic beach escape with a tailor-made picnic by the Cretan melting sunset. Enjoy a personalized chauffeur service on your full-day disposal with ultimate comfort and privacy like a true VIP. You’ll find an exotic paradise of fine white sand and generous flecks of pink from crushed shells, shallow turquoise water, and gorgeous little coves. Together with your private local insider guide, you will unveil the perfect cozy cove to set a bespoke picnic to savor selective Cretan wines and local delicacies with breathtaking views. Your Instagram feed won’t stop thanking you!
…More
From
$820.90
per group
From
$820.90
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Day Trip to Elafonisi Island From Chania
11
Escape the hum of bustling Crete and get into nature on this full-day tour of pristine Elafonisi, a small island famed for its beautiful pink sands. Soak up the Grecian sun as you explore this protected wildlife sanctuary, enjoying a walk on the sand, or swim in the clear, azure waters of Elafonisi's paradise-like beach just a stone’s throw from the southwest corner of Crete.
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From
$35.01
From
$35.01
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Elafonisi - Pink Sands. Private Tour.
5
This private tour includes three stops. First, experience the unique pink sand and postcard-worthy views at Elafonissi Beach. Then it’s on to Chrisoskalitissa Monastery, a 17-century structure built atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. Finally, tour the Cave of Agia Sofia with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The tour price includes up to seven people.
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From
$520.42
per group
$36.75 savings
From
$520.42
per group
$36.75 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Day Trip to Elafonisi Island From Rethymno
8
Skip the self-drive hassles and spend a relaxing day at one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Elafonisi Beach, on this convenient day tour. Enjoy pickup and drop-off from hotels in Panormo, Scaleta, Adele, Platanias, Missiria, Rethymno town, Atsipopoulo, Kavros, and Georgioupoli, plus guide assistance throughout. Food and drink are available on the beach, while your driver will break the journey for breakfast (own expense).
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From
$37.06
From
$37.06
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Elafonissi - Paradise Beach
Elafonissi is a paradise on earth – a heaven of unparalleled beauty. It is covered with sand dunes, low trees, bushes, sand lilies and junipers. You can get there on foot from the beach, by passing through shallow aquamarine and turquoise waters. The white and pink sand made of thousands of broken seashells, the limpid, blue-green waters, the little coves and the secluded tiny beaches remind the travelers of a paradise lost. Take a swim in the warm tropical waters and relax under the hot summer sun.
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From
$66.87
From
$66.87
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Elafonisi,Chrisoskalitissa,Elos Group Tour up 15 persons- Wheelchair Accessible
We are a company with a privately-owned mini bus. Daily we are doing transfers and we are organize excursions , legally, having authorization of GREEK TOURISTIC ORGANISATION.
We love our work and this it appears from the service that we provide in our bus, which is completely equipped , with refrigerator , TV monitor, individual lighting , air conditioning, internet Wi-Fi , multimedia sound system, Bluetooth.
We love to discover the nature, history and traditions of Crete, and we will be happy to show to visitors the beauties , the history , the flavors and the smells of our place .
The benefits in our bus, are for us a philosophy of politeness and service.
It would be for us a big joy to present you our excursions , excursions for all visitors , including visitors on wheelchair or scooter , their friends and their family.
We can accommodate 2 wheelchairs or 1 mobility scooter users; inform us at time of booking
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From
$464.77
per group
From
$464.77
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Elafonissi small Group tour
5
A full-day trip to Elafonissi island in the southwest of Crete. You will travel on an air-conditioned mini bus, with a stop off at the beautiful Aghia Sophia Cave on the way.
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From
$60.36
From
$60.36
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

All inclusive full day trip to Elafonisi-Falasarna-Vouves from Chania-Group
1
Private tour for groups up to 6 or up to 12 travellers!!!
Enjoy nearly 5 hours of leisure time swimming and sunbathing by the sea. Visit the 2 most popular beaches of Greece, Falasarna and Elafonisi, in one day. Our trip starts from Vouves, where we will visit the oldest olive tree in the world and the Olive Tree Museum. The tour goes on west to Falasarna, a white sandy beach famous for the clear turquoise blue sea. Our next stop, Elafonisi, is the most breathtaking destination of the day. Swim in shallow turquoise waters, explore the fine pink sand and the exotic small lagoons, ideal for children.
…More
From
$603.60
per group
From
$603.60
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

SeaByBus cruise to Paleochora-Vienna Lake-Kedrodasos-Elafonisi-Group up to 7
Are you ready to experience the world famous Elafonisi from the water? For the first time in Crete, SeaByBus travelers have the opportunity of exploring the turquoise waters of Elafonisi and the wild beauty of the White Mountains in one day! This perfectly planned day tour allows you to combine sea and mountain. Driving through the White Mountains we reach Paleochora, a small town in Southern Crete, where we board a luxurious high speed RIB boat. Cruising by the amazing beach of Viena Lake and the untouched paradise of Kedrodasos, we choose the most private area for some great beach time and snorkeling. Our next stop is Elafonisi, one of the most popular beaches in the world. Pink sand, wild flowers, strange rock formations, warm shallow waters… a little piece of heaven on earth.
…More
From
$1,514.93
per group
From
$1,514.93
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

SeaByBus - All inclusive full day trip to Elafonisi-Falasarna-Vouves from Chania
Enjoy nearly 5 hours of leisure time swimming and sunbathing by the sea. Visit the 2 most popular beaches of Greece, Falasarna and Elafonisi, in one day. Our trip starts from Vouves, where we will visit the oldest olive tree in the world and the Olive Tree Museum. The tour goes on west to Falasarna, a white sandy beach famous for the clear turquoise blue sea. Our next stop, Elafonisi, is the most breathtaking destination of the day. Swim in shallow turquoise waters, explore the fine pink sand and the exotic small lagoons, ideal for children.
…More
From
$94.16
From
$94.16
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania
6
By far one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Elafonissi is situated on the south west coast. A tropical effect is created by its white and pink coral sands. Head to the right for shallow water in a small enclosed lagoon ideal for the children. A walk through the lagoon to the islet is most worthwhile as you will discover this unique coastline.
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From
$36.22
From
$36.22
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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