Elafonisi lagoon

The lagoon features pink-tinted sand beaches originating from crushed shells, shallow crystalline waters, and interconnected sandbars creating small islets at low tide.

The lagoon's strategic location in the Mediterranean made it a natural shelter for pirates during the medieval period, offering protected anchorage from storms.

The lagoon area preserves traditional Cretan maritime practices, with local fishermen maintaining centuries-old techniques for sustainable fishing in its nutrient-rich waters.

Visitors can reach the lagoon via regular bus service from Chania, with the journey taking approximately two hours through the mountainous Cretan landscape.

The protected Natura 2000 site contains rare species of plants, including sea daffodils and juniper trees that grow directly on the sandy shore.

Address: Greece

Website: http://cretanbeaches.com/Beaches/Chania/elafonissi

GPS coordinates: 35.27124,23.54113

Latest update: March 3, 2025 16:47