Elafonisi, Protected island reserve near Chania, Greece
The shallow lagoon separates this small Mediterranean island from Crete's southwestern coast, creating a natural passage between white sand beaches.
In 1824, Ottoman forces killed 600 Greek women and children who had sought refuge on this island during the Greek War of Independence.
Local fishermen maintain traditions of navigating the waters around Elafonisi, respecting marine protection zones while sustaining their way of life.
Visitors reach the island through a 76-kilometer drive from Chania city, with parking facilities available near the main beach entrance.
The sand contains crushed seashells that create natural pink hues, while rare Androcymbium rechingeri plants grow exclusively on this land.
Location: Chania Regional Unit
Part of: Crete
Address: Elafonisi, Inachori, Greece
GPS coordinates: 35.26917,23.53250
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:56
These beaches in Europe are located away from main routes. The locations include coves with cliff walls, sand beaches in nature reserves, and coastal sections with specific geological formations.
These Greek beaches are located away from main routes. The coasts feature white sand, black pebbles of volcanic origin, and turquoise water. Some are accessible only by boat, others hide behind cliffs or in bays.
Olive tree of Vouves
33.5 km
Elafonisi Beach
800 m
Balos Lagoon
35.2 km
Trachilos footprints
28.6 km
Falasarna beach
25.2 km
Lissos
23.3 km
Agia Eirini Gorge
27.7 km
Chrysoskalitissa Monastery
4.7 km
Kisamos ancient city
27.3 km
Elafonisi lagoon
818 m
Kedrodasos Beach
2.7 km
Castle of Paleochora
14.3 km
Church of Archangel Michael
32.4 km
Archaeological museum of Kissamos
27.5 km
Kastro Gramvousas
38.1 km
Tripiti Canyon
31.8 km
Topolia Gorge
21.9 km
Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου στα Δελιανά Κισάμου
27.1 km
Church of Panagia
34.7 km
Sotiros Christou church
20.2 km
Gorja de Tripití
31.4 km
Church in Pano Kamisiana
37.9 km
Cemetery church in Pano Kamisiana
38.2 km
Elafonisi Lighthouse
762 m
Cave of Agia Sophia Topolia
20.5 km
Tripiti
31.2 km
Building of Archaeological Museum of Kisamos
27.5 km
Nisos Elafonisos Kai Paraktia Thalassia Zoni
200 mReviews
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