Elafonisi Beach

In the southwest of Crete there is a small island of Elafonisi, from Chania it is 75 km. Between the island and the coastal part of the 100-meter strait, it is easy to wade. The place is suitable for family holidays with children. The sea is always calm and warm, the depth is small. Pink sand is found in different parts of the beach. According to legend, the sand turned pink from the blood that 800 locals shed during the Turkish occupation. But in fact, the color of the sand was due to small particles of corals and shells. On most of the beach the sand is fine white. There are umbrellas and sun loungers, bars and shops, showers and changing rooms.

At the height of the tourist season is quite crowded. This area is considered protected, so you can see rare plants, lizards, birds, rare species of turtles and frogs.

You can get from Chania by bus (trip about two hours) or by rented car.