Visiting Elafonisi Beach was one of our favorite days we had on Crete! Perfectly hidden on the western corner of Crete Island, this pink sand beach went relatively unknown until 2015. Around this time, it was listed as one of the best beaches in the world, landing firmly on the international travel radar. Here’s what to know about the famous pink sand beach in Crete, fun tips, and how to get to Elafonisi on a day trip.
More About Elafonisi Beach Crete
Elafonisi is not to be confused with Balos, which is Crete’s other pink sand beach on the northwest tip. One thing many travelers might not know before visiting is that Elafonisi beach isn’t just one long stretch of sand.
Instead, it consists of multiple beaches and coves along the mainland, and out onto Elafonisi island natural park. We hope our hunt for the unique colored sand will help you before your own trip to the pink sand beach in Crete!
Myths of Elafonisi Beach
Pirates once ruled the Mediterranean Sea and Crete Island was a major haven for their devious activities. Elafonisi means “treasure island” in Greek, named after the precious riches the pirates supposedly stockpiled here.
While some believe this is a myth, it certainly doesn’t hurt to bring your snorkels to search for buried treasure. I guess pink sand might not be the only thing you’re searching for at Elafonisi Beach!
Interested in learning more amazing history about Crete? Check out these wild facts about Crete and our guide to Knossos Palace.
How to Get to Elafonisi Beach
Parking: Small Fee
Visit Time: 3-6 Hours
Best Time to Visit: Early in the Morning or Late in the Afternoon
Packing List: Water, Sunblock, Snacks, and Snorkel
Location: Elafonisi Beach
Just over an hour drive from Chania, this area of Crete couldn’t be more different than the island’s small metropolis. We’re warning you now, be prepared for an adventure to the pink sand beach in Crete!
The road cuts along a huge gorge for most of the drive, which hangs above a steep drop off. That mixed with the fact that locals and tourists don’t seem to be bothered by the unusually tight roads, it can be a little frightening at times.
We touched on this in our 10 Day Crete Itinerary, but until you’re really on it you’ll have no idea. Thankfully, Jake was driving and somehow kept his cool. All the while, I’m sitting in the passenger seat holding my breath as trucks and campervans whizzed past!
With all that said, renting a car in Crete is definitely worth it for experienced drivers. This way you can have the freedom to get around all the small towns and pink sand beaches in Crete on your own schedule. Compare rates and companies with DiscoverCars to find the best deals before your trip.
We recommend stopping at the several lookout points along your trip for beautiful views of the gorges. Also, there will be dozens of local stands on the side of the road selling Crete honey and raki liquor.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can Book a day trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania. You can also use the public buses in Crete to get here from Chania in the summertime.
Exploring the Pink Sand Beach in Crete
Once you’ve made it to Elafonisi, it’s time to hit the beautiful pink beaches in Crete! Something to keep in mind about Elafonisi Beach is that it’s not completely pink.
In fact, it’s actually not sand at all. This phenomenon of nature is created by tiny sea creatures called Foraminifera. Their shells break down when they die and then mix with the sand, creating the pink hue you see at Elafonisi.
The lovely color can actually move with the tides and be more pink depending on the time of year. Honestly, you’ll just have to hunt for it! There are two sections of Elafonisi that the beach is broken into.
The Main Beach: When you first step onto the pink sand beach in Crete from the car park you’ll be on the main section. This is where there are chairs and umbrellas for rent, and many tourists choose to spend the day. On the day we visited, pink sand was best seen on the stretch of beach to the left.
Elafonisi Island: Across the water is Elafonisi island. This is where we found the most pink sand during our own trip.
Elafonisi Island National Park on Crete
Once you cross through a small straight of water, you’ll be on Elafonisi island. The water can range from a couple inches up to a few feet deep depending on where you cross.
Our advice is to hang back for a moment and watch others try their luck to see where it’s the most shallow. As soon as we made it across, we found our first patch of the pink sand beach in Crete!
Left Side of the Island at Elafonisi Beach
When first setting foot on the island, walk down the path of sand and head into the dunes to the left for more Crete beaches. Going along the left side will be beautiful stretches of pink and white sand with many fewer tourists than the main area.
It depends on the tides, but this is where we found the most colorful pink beaches in Crete during our visit.
Pink Sand on the Right Side of Elafonisi Island
If you head to the right side of Elafonisi, it is much different. Large sharp rocks fill the water and shrubs take over the landscape. It’s almost like a whole other world!
There is a path made up of wooden planks leading back to the main area if you go this way. However, we found the makeshift wooden bridges often ended without warning, which created a super rough walking surface.
5 Tips For Elafonisi Beach Crete
1. You can drive all the way down to Elafonisi Beach. Don’t be fooled by the cars parked high above along your drive, otherwise you’re in for a long and unnecessary walk. The road will turn into gravel. Yet, you can go all the way to the bottom and parking is free.
2. Head to Panorama restaurant for a view of the beach and the best sunset in town. We recommend ordering the local Boureki and a craft of white house wine.
3. Stay for the night if you have time! Many people make a day trip from Chania to see the pink beaches in Crete and head back.
What they don’t account for is that late in the afternoon (and very early in the morning) is the best time to visit. Not only do you beat the beaming hot sun this way, but also it’s the best time to avoid the crowds at Elafonisi Beach Crete.
4. Stop at a convenience store on your way to the beach. There are only a handful of overpriced stands on Elafonisi selling water, beers, and snacks. Stopping before can save you almost half of what they’re charging on the beach.
5. Try to make it for sunrise which is the most beautiful time of day. The sand glows with the rising sun, and you’ll have the most stunning pink sand beach in Crete almost to yourself.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own tips for visiting Elafonisi Beach Crete? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Please could you make it clear that it is illegal to remove the sand from the beach. There are wardens there and tourists will be prosecuted or even jailed.
Yes Julia we would be happy to add something about this. Honestly, we thought it was common sense not to take sand from the beach!