Elafonissi Beach The island and beaches of Elafonissi are at the southeast tip of Crete, The area and its beaches are among the most beautiful in Crete. This natural park is reached from the city of Chania in about one hour and a half (75 km) The journey crosses the island north to south, passing through beautiful villages and the Impressive Topolia Gorge and tunnel, Stop on the way at the cave of Sophia, A grand chamber with stalactite and stalagmite formations, also the little chapel to St Sophia in the cave, and for the superstitious it is said to be lucky to ring the bell when you enter the cave. click here for villas in Crete
To get to Elafonissi follow the road to Vathi, and continue south to the coast, at the Crysoskalitissa Convent, The road from Chrisoskalitissa continues as a dirt track of 5km to Elafonissi beach and islet of Elafonissi.
Organized bus tours run from Kastelli and Chania and boat tours from Paleochora to Elafonissi. The island of Elafonissi is connected to mainland Crete by a shallow reef about 800 metres long, it is quite easy to cross when the weather is calm. The islet was the site of a massacre of 850 women and children by the Turks in 1824. The women and children were hiding on the islet, and as the Turks camped on the beach they found the path to the island under the shallow waters. When The Turks discovered the women and children they slaughtered them. The red sand at the waters edge is said to represent the blood of these poor souls, there is a memorial plaque on the highest point of the islet.
The cluster of small beaches with pinkish coloured sand and warm shallow waters conjure up tropical images, it is easy to see why it’s known as the Caribbean of Crete, The downside of this is everybody loves Elafonissi beach, during the summer it is one of the most popular and crowded beach destinations in Crete. The warm shallow waters of the Elafonissi beach are a beautiful shade of turquoise blue. The beach is a big attraction, but not just for bathers and swimmers, it attracts spear-fishermen, and windsurfers from all over the world.
There are facilities such as sun-loungers and parasols, also cafes snack bars and tavernas on the beach. The area is under the protection of the "Natura 2000" convention as the area is a natural refuge for many different species of sea birds. The cedar trees that grow on the beach are a rare species; they are surrounded by ropes to protect them. The flora growing on the sandy island of Ellafonissi is endemic and must be cared for year round.
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