Elafonissi Beach

The place in a few words

On the southwestern coast of Crete, Elafonissi is famous for its subtly pink sand, coloured by tiny shell fragments. A shallow lagoon separates the shore from a small islet you can reach on foot. Sandbanks, turquoise water and little stretches of beach create a varied landscape that changes with the water level.

What we loved

We were curious to see this famous pink beach, even though the colour is much subtler than some photos suggest! What we actually enjoyed most was the variety of the landscape. We took our time exploring the different sandy stretches and wandering a little further away. Despite Elafonissi’s popularity, we ended up almost alone in our own spot, with plenty of room to enjoy the beach in peace.

Our tip

Don’t stop at the main beach, which is usually the busiest area. Walk towards the islet to find quieter spots. You can drive there, then expect roughly a 5–10-minute walk, or longer depending on where you settle. There are a few snack stands near the entrance. Please leave the pink sand where it is: Elafonissi is a protected natural area.