Elafonisi: The small island in the turquoise waters and white and pink beaches

Elafonissi is located 76 km west of Chania and 5 km. Chrisoskalitissas south of the monastery, in the southwest of Kritis. Is an oblong peninsula, which often "breaks" into two parts with water to give the impression of being a separate island.

Elafonisi is a protected area of Natura 2000 island is full of dunes with sand lilies and cedars.

Disappearing careta-careta turtles and many rare animals that nest on the island have resulted in strict prohibition to remove any plants, animals, and sand from the area.

Exotic beach with white sand and turquoise water, reminiscent of the Caribbean, are formed on both sides of the peninsula.

The sand is pink in many places, passing the color from the thousands of broken shells.

Near the "breaking" of the peninsula, the water is no more than 1 meter, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children.

You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the "island" because the water is very shallow there.

The east side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is well organized and has most bathers There are umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bar and changing rooms.

Instead, the beaches on both sides of the island are less crowded and more beautiful, with amazing blue colors.

If you want to stay completely isolated, you can walk along the peninsula until you find a quiet cove you like! There are always many bays available for nudists.

Walking on the island definitely worth it. You can make a small trek 20 minutes up to the lighthouse at the tip of the island. The area called St. Irene, the picturesque church with endless views of the sea.

To get there, you walk through beautiful landscapes with sand dunes and beautiful beaches. The lighthouse in Agia Irini was built before the German occupation (1939) and is visible from 30 miles. There was a smaller lighthouse before, built after 1907.

Finally, 5 km north of Elafonissi, there is the Monastery Chrisoskalitissas. The monastery is built on a high rock, which resembles a fortress.

According to legend, the last rung of the ladder leading to the monastery is golden, but they can only see those who really believe in God.