Beach
Elafonissi Beach
Chania, Crete
About Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi lies at the south-western corner of Crete, about 75 km from Chania. A shallow channel separates the mainland beach from the Elafonissi islet, which can be crossed on foot in calm conditions. The area is a protected Natura 2000 site, so dunes and vegetation must not be disturbed.
Elafonissi Beach on the map
Where to eat near Elafonissi Beach
Reserve your table on Woltaro
More to see around Chania
Thing to doHike the Samaria Gorge
A full-day one-way hike through the Samaria Gorge, ending with a boat transfer from Agia Roumeli.
BeachBalos Lagoon
A shallow lagoon on the Gramvousa peninsula in north-west Crete, reached by boat from Kissamos or on foot from a rough unpaved road.
Thing to doBoat trip to Balos and Gramvousa
A day boat trip from Kissamos port to the Gramvousa islet and the Balos lagoon.
AttractionSamaria Gorge
A 16 km gorge in the White Mountains National Park, walked one way from Omalos to Agia Roumeli.
BeachFalassarna Beach
A wide, west-facing sandy bay in western Chania, next to the ancient city of Falassarna.
VillageLoutro
A small south-coast village with no road access, reached by boat or on foot.
BeachSeitan Limania
A narrow rocky inlet on the Akrotiri peninsula, reached by a steep unmarked footpath.
AttractionChania Old Venetian Harbour
The Venetian-era harbour of Chania, with the Egyptian lighthouse and the old town behind it.
Information source: Region of Crete official tourism portal · last checked 16/09/2026
Good to know
- Is Elafonissi Beach worth visiting?
- Elafonissi Beach is one of the beach highlights we list in Crete. This page covers what to know before you go and which restaurants are nearby.
- Where can I eat near Elafonissi Beach?
- Nearby restaurants are listed on this page. Those already on Woltaro can be booked online; the others are shown for reference with their address and map location.
- When is the best time to visit Elafonissi Beach?
- Shoulder season, late spring and early autumn, is generally quieter and cooler than midsummer, when popular spots in Crete are busiest around midday.
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