Elafonissi

Elafonissi (meaning "Deer Island" in Greek) is a magnificent, rare beach - essentially a tropical beach - in the southwest of Chania region. The beach is in a distance of about 75 km from Chania city. In the area there is the beach of Elafonissi, the Elafonissi islet, and the picturesque lagoon in between, the three of them creating an amazing natural landscape, known all over Europe. The beach has shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water, and its fine sand is white and pink, the pink color coming from the abundance of seashells in the area. The whole surrounding area of Elafonissi is environmentally protected by the Natura 2000 Environmental Program. The area hosts, among many other unique species, rare species of cedar trees that grow on the sand, and many migratory birds. For many visitors to Crete, Elafonissi is the most iconic, must-visit beach on the island, which also provides spectacular photo opportunities. Although it is relatively far from Chania city, the good condition of the road leading there makes a visit to Elafonissi easy for any traveler.