Elafonisi sits on Crete’s southwestern coast in the Chania region, where pale sandy shores meet shallow turquoise water. A small island lies just beyond the beach, with sandbanks and a lagoon creating a varied landscape of sheltered coves and broad sea views.

The beach is known for the soft pink tones that appear along sections of its shoreline. Formed by tiny coloured shell fragments mixed into the white sand, these delicate patches add to Elafonisi’s distinctive beauty.

Enjoy a swim and take time to admire the colours and curves of the lagoon. The surrounding dunes and coastal plants form a sensitive habitat, best appreciated from designated paths. Leaving sand and shells where they belong helps protect this beautiful stretch of coast.