Elafonisi Crete
Ελαφονήσι Κρήτης

Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece: Where pink sands meet turquoise waters.
Explore the natural wonders, rich mythology, and unforgettable beauty of Elafonisi Crete.

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Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece

Explore Elafonisi Crete Hidden Gems

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Elafonisi Crete:
Where Poseidon's Playground Meets Earthly Paradise

Ahoy, fellow sailors! Welcome to Elafonisi in Crete Greece, where the azure waters would make even Poseidon jealous. As you navigate the crystal-clear seas surrounding this Greek paradise, you’ll feel like a modern-day Odysseus – minus the decade-long journey and angry Cyclops, of course. Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece is the crown jewel of this nautical playground, offering a pink-tinged shoreline that looks like Aphrodite spilled her blush. From your vessel, you’ll witness breathtaking landscapes, hidden coves, and enough natural beauty to make the gods themselves do a double-take.

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Elafonisi Anchorages Overview

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Kedrodasos Beach

  • 35°15'56.8"N 23°33'44.0"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: The beach was a vision of beauty, boasting a vast expanse of pristine sand and crystal-clear water. The scenery was breathtaking. We anchored at a depth of 12m, where the anchor rested firmly on the sandy bottom, providing a good hold. However, the bay was dotted with numerous rocks, both above and below the waterline, demanding caution when navigating.

Paralia Stomio

  • 35°19'42.9"N 23°32'48.7"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: The sandy beach offered a surprisingly shallow depth of only 3-5m, proving our charts inaccurate. This shallowness, while initially disappointing, provided a safe haven for snorkeling and swimming. In contrast, the pebble beach further down the coast offered a starkly different experience, with deeper waters and a more rugged feel.

Sfinari Beach

  • 35°25'04.4"N 23°33'38.4"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: The sandy beach was a gem, with a protected cove that shielded it from the relentless swell. Despite occasional strong gusts of wind, the anchor found secure purchase in the 3m of sandy bottom, providing a reassuringly stable base.

Paralia Kokkina Gkremna

  • 35°26'44.9"N 23°34'05.2"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This hidden gem is a true paradise, but reaching it requires a serious adventure. A 4×4 or a sailboat are your only options, as you’ll need to navigate a 1.5km dirt road winding down a mountain before embarking on a 10-minute trek along a winding path. The reward? An immaculate beach, untouched by crowds, even in the heart of August. While the lack of crowds is a boon, the large pebbles might make it challenging for younger children to comfortably explore, play, or easily access the water.

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Falasarna Beach

  • 35°29'48.0"N 23°34'39.0"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: We found a secure anchorage at 6m, enjoying a peaceful night as the wind calmed down. The surrounding land offered excellent protection, ensuring a tranquil slumber.

Pachia Ammos

  • 35°13'50.2"N 23°40'32.1"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage proved ideal, offering a secure hold on 5-6m of sand. The added convenience of a nearby supermarket and gas station made it even more appealing. Although a few gusts of wind stirred the air in the afternoon, they posed no real threat.

Palaiochóras Marina

  • 35°13'26.0"N 23°40'36.1"E
  • Draught: About 1.8-3m
Marina
This is what sailors experienced: A €20 ticket, valid at multiple ports, is required for access to the water. It can be purchased at the small kiosk located at the end of the crossroad leading from the town center towards the beach.

Chalikia Beach

  • 35°13'56.3"N 23°41'12.9"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage offers secure holding on a sandy bottom, making it a safe and reliable spot. We anchored at a depth of 6m, deploying 30m of chain for added security.

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Paralia Gialiskari

  • 35°14'15.3"N 23°43'21.6"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: The anchorage offered sandy patches at 7m, interspersed with rocks. Despite the rocky bottom, the crystal-clear water made navigation easy, especially when a northwest wind blew, allowing for clear visibility. While occasional gusts might make for a slightly uncomfortable stay, it’s still a delightful spot for a refreshing swim.

Lissos Beach

  • 35°14'22.0"N 23°47'21.3"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage provides excellent protection from westerly and northerly winds, offering secure holding in a sandy bottom. However, the depth chart appears a bit optimistic in places, indicating 9m when it’s actually closer to 15m.

Agia Roumeli

  • 35°13'42.3"N 23°57'27.4"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: This anchorage offers a great sandy bottom for anchoring, situated directly in front of the beach at depths ranging from 7-8m. The area closer to the shore features denser rock formations.

Paralia Likos

  • 35°11'54.3"N 24°03'58.1"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage
This is what sailors experienced: Anchoring is possible on sand at approximately 10m, but be mindful of the stone slabs closer to shore, which are easily identifiable. This location offers excellent holding, making it a reliable option even during strong downwinds.

Paralia Loutrou

  • 35°11'58.0"N 24°04'51.5"E
  • Seabed Type: Sand / Rocks
Anchorage

This is what sailors experienced:
While the middle of the bay offers depths between 8-10m, exercise caution when anchoring. The area harbours various obstacles like concrete blocks, chains, and even a sunken boat.

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Unwind after a day of exploring the stunning beaches & crystal-clear waters of Elafonisi Crete.

Marinas & Ports: Where Argo Would've Loved to Dock

While Elafonisi itself doesn’t boast large marinas, nearby ports offer safe havens for your trusty vessel. The closest marina to Elafonisi Crete is in Paleochora, about 75km away. Here, you can moor your boat and pretend you’re Jason, freshly returned with the Golden Fleece (though customs might have a thing or two to say about that). For those seeking a more substantial port, Chania, roughly 75km to the north, offers excellent facilities. Just be careful not to tie your boat to any suspicious wooden horses – we all know how that ended for Troy.

Anchorages & Beaches: Poseidon's Personal Sandboxes

Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece is a sailor's dream come true. The shallow lagoon offers perfect anchorage for smaller boats, allowing you to hop off and explore the famous pink sands. Legend has it that the sand got its hue when Eros accidentally laundered his red cape with Aphrodite's white chiton. For a more secluded experience, sail to nearby Kedrodasos Beach, where cedar trees meet the shore in a scene so idyllic, you'll swear Dionysus himself designed it after a particularly good wine tasting.

Elafonisi Crete: Where Myths Come to Vacation

Elafonisi isn't just a pretty face (or beach) - it's steeped in history and natural wonders. The name "Elafonisi" means "deer island," though you're more likely to spot sunbathing tourists than cervine creatures these days. The island is a protected nature reserve, home to loggerhead sea turtles and rare plants that would make Persephone green with envy. And let's not forget the local cuisine - the tavernas serve up dishes so delicious, they could make Tantalus forget all about his eternal hunger. Just remember, unlike the Lotus-Eaters' island, you might actually want to leave Elafonisi... eventually.

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Elafonissi Beach

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White Lake Beach

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Voulolimni Beach

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Paralia Stomio

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Inachori Natural Pool

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Koutoulou Beach

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Elafonisi Crete Hotels: Olympian Comfort Meets Earthly Paradise

Looking for a place to rest your weary head after a day of channeling your inner Poseidon? Elafonisi Crete offers accommodations that would make even Zeus nod in approval. From charming family-run guesthouses to luxurious resorts, you’ll find a variety of options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer to be lulled to sleep by the gentle lapping of waves or wake up to panoramic views of the Cretan landscape, the hotels near Elafonisi Beach Crete Greece provide the perfect base for your mythical adventures.
Pool House

Indulge in luxury and relaxation at Sia Elafonisi Pool House, a stunning villa nestled near the pristine beaches of Elafonisi, Crete. This exquisite property offers a private sanctuary with breathtaking sea views, a sparkling outdoor pool, and a rejuvenating hot tub and steam room. With two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy fireplace, Sia Elafonisi Pool House provides the perfect blend of comfort and exclusivity for families or groups seeking a truly memorable getaway.

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Resort
Escape to the idyllic paradise of Elafonisi, Crete, and discover the charming Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family. Nestled amidst a lush olive grove, this family-run haven offers a tranquil escape with comfortable accommodations, delicious Cretan cuisine, and easy access to the renowned Elafonisi Beach. Whether you seek a relaxing retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Elafonisi Resort provides the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and natural beauty.
Secure Your Place on Mount Olympus, Book Now!
Apartments
Discover the charm of Elafonisi, Crete, from the comfort of Cove Elafonisi Apartments. This recently renovated property offers a peaceful escape in Agios Padeleimon, just a short distance from the pristine beaches of Aspri Limni and Stómio. Enjoy stunning mountain views, a sun-drenched terrace, and the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout. Each apartment features modern amenities and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay for families and groups alike.
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Villa
Escape to the serene beauty of Elafonisi, Crete, and experience the tranquility of Xasteria. This charming villa offers stunning garden views and a peaceful retreat, complete with free Wi-Fi and private parking. Each air-conditioned unit features modern amenities, including a patio, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom, while the lush garden and terrace provide the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
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