How to Organize a Day Trip to Elafonisi from Chania
No matter how many beaches you’ve seen in your life, Elafonisi is in a league of its own. What’s more, going on a day trip to Elafonisi from Chania is easy and fun. We’ve been two times and loved it!
Elafonisi is on the southern shore of the island. The place is basically two beaches, one on each side with a lovely island in front. Fortunately, there are no buildings, just a couple of bars and lounges. The sand is pink, the sea crystal blue, and the wind always blows!
How to Get to Elafonisi
By Car
The first time we went to Elafonisi is with my father, who drove us. The area is 50 miles (72 km) from Chania, on the south western shore of Crete. Therefore, the trip takes you west along the northern shore, and then across the island to the southern coast.
It’s an amazing journey, so don’t rush. The road is safe and there are signs everywhere. You won’t get lost. Elafonisi parking lot is a 10 minute walk from the beach. You pay 5 eur regardless of the time you park.
We strongly recommend stopping around Topolia. The incredible Topolia Gorge is there. We love mountains and trekking, so we spent the night at the wonderful Milia Mountain Retreat. No noise, epic views, and countless stars from this traditional but fancy stone house.
You can rent a car online here.
By Bus
The second time we went to Elafonisi we took the bus. The bus leaves from Chania Bus Station, on the corner of Zimvrakakidon and Kidonias Street. You can walk there from Chania’s Old Town in 15 minutes.
From April to October, the bus departs at 9 AM and takes around two hours to reach Elafonisi. The journey is an attraction in itself so be sure to grab a window seat. Buses return from Elafonisi to Chania at 4 PM. Therefore, you’ll have 5 hours on the beach.
There are no public buses during off season. Now, if you don’t spend the night in Elafonisi, you will regret it for the rest of your life.
By Organized Tour
If you are short of time or don’t want to travel on your own, take this organized tour to Elafonisi from Chania. A friend of us took it, and she raved about it. You leave on a modern AC bus with a professional driver and tour guide.
The entire tour lasts between 9 and 12 hours, depending on where you’re staying. Thus, you have enough time to enjoy the beach. You stop once for breakfast (not included) and once for lunch (also not included) on your way back.
You can also take a similar organized tour from Rethymno.
What to Do in Elafonisi
Chill on the Beach
The best thing to do in Elafonisi is to chill. That simple. Once we got there we couldn’t stop taking pictures and walking about the beaches. We soon realized we didn’t have to do a thing but relax.
There are many lounges with umbrellas on the beach. The bar offers all types of cold drinks. Now, Elafonisi gets windy, especially in the afternoons. We believe the north eastern section of the beach is less windy.
If you don’t want to pay for a lounge and an umbrella, bring your own. There’s a big enough public section on the beach where you can open yours. Besides, if the wind changes, all you have to do is move.
Hike on Elafonisi Island
Once done with taking countless pictures of Elafonisi, walk to Elafonisi Island, to the west of the beach. There are no lounges nor bars here: it’s absolutely empty. You do walk on sand, but there are rocks, so don’t go bare footed.
It takes 20 minutes walking to reach the tip of the island. You will see Saint Irini Holy Chapel. This tiny temple on the rock overlooking the sea is straight out of a movie.
On our two trips to Elafonisi, we spent late afternoons on the island. When the sun sets, you get some natural shade in the tiny coves and there are hardly any people around.
Visit Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
Chrysoskalitissa Monastery is a 15 minute drive north from Elafonisi. If you are in good shape and like trekking, you can walk there in a bit over an hour. We advise you to go in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
The 17th Century monastery is perched on a rocky hill overlooking the sea. Tall old trees surround it. Pay your 3 euro fee and prepare to be dazzled. The views from the temple will take your breath away.
If you are a beach bunny, walk 15 minutes to the tiny lagoon-beach north of the monastery. We spent one night at the incredible Xasteria Hotel, a 10 minute walk from the beach and the monastery. Voulolimni is rocky but once inside we were able to swim for hours, almost alone.
Eat Delicious Cretan Food
We ate and drank like kings in Elafonisi. All we had to do is to avoid the canteen on the beach, Kukurakis. Our friends from Chania warned us of the expensive prices and poor quality. They were right.
The best place to eat in Elafonisi is Kalomirakis Tavern. It’s on the slope, some 12 minutes walking from the beach. You’ll see it when walking from the parking lot or bus stop. Their food is delicious and reasonably priced. It’s got a shade and perfect service.
Panorama opens till 11 PM, so we ate and had drinks there at night. The place has awesome views. You can catch a killer sunset.
Spend the Night or Two close to the Beach
Though a day trip to Elafonisis is doable, you should at least spend a night. Once you see the beach, you’ll regret not staying.
The second time we went to Elafonisi we stayed at the Elafonisi Resort, 10 minutes from the beach. Without a doubt, the best hotel in the area. Our super comfy room had a balcony with views of olive trees and the sea. Their studio comes with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for families.
The first time we went we stayed at Elafonisi Rooms, 12 minutes from the beach. Our room was simple but had everything we needed, including a fridge and a kettle. There’s a shop were we bought provisions. We had a good time, but we are convinced Elafonisi Resort is better.
Useful Tips
The first and most important tip we have for you is to spend the night. Even in peak season, you’ll be able to enjoy the beach with no people early in the morning and in the afternoon. Plus the nights are magical in Elafonisi.
It does get super-hot during the summer. Therefore, bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Always carry a recycled bottle of water. You dehydrate super-fast when it’s that hot. Wear shoes if you plan to walk on the stones.
If you want to save, bring your own umbrella. You can also buy provisions nearby (there are two small shops) and use a cooler for your drinks.
