One of the most popular beaches in Crete, Elafonisi Beach is renowned for its glistening lagoon and dramatic cliffs contrasting with soft rosy-pink sand. The beach is easily accessible from Chania and offers a wide range of amenities and facilities for travellers to enjoy.
To reach the beach, travellers can opt for organised day trips and tours that include transportation and a professional guide. Alternatively, they can rent a car to experience the region at their own pace.
1. Elafonisi Resort
The Elafonisi Resort is a family-friendly hotel that features a private beach, and rooms equipped with satellite TV. Guests will also find kitchens, and private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers.
The hotel is located a short walk from the beach, and it is surrounded by greenery. Guests can enjoy the sun and sea, while also relaxing in the hotel’s pool or in one of the many bars. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options, including the restaurant and taverna.
Rooms at the Elafonisi Resort are spacious and feature air conditioning. They are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Each room has a balcony with stunning views of the sea. Guests can also book a spa package, which includes a massage and a facial.
Guests can stay at the Elafonisi Resort in a number of different types of accommodation, including villas and apartments. The hotel has a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a children’s club, and a gym. Guests can also relax in the spa, which features a sauna and a hot tub. Guests can also dine at the hotel’s restaurant, which serves delicious local cuisine. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the bar or in the lounge.
2. Elafonisi Village
Tucked into Crete’s southwestern corner, Elafonisi is a stunning symphony of pink-white sand, turquoise water, and gentle rose dunes. It’s also a nature reserve and home to the rare juniper tree. Tough to reach, this beach is worth the journey. Head 1km east for similarly gorgeous Kedrodasos, whose name means cedar forest (the trees here are actually junipers).
At Lafo Rooms, a few minutes’ walk from Elafonisi Beach, guests have access to a buffet-style restaurant, bar, and entertainment activities. This property has rooms with private balconies and air conditioning, as well as flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are equipped with showers and free toiletries, while guests have a choice of breakfast options at the onsite taverna.
Located in Kantanos-Selino, this hotel is within a short walk of Elafonissi Beach and Pink Beach. Chrysoskalitissa Monastery is a seven-minute drive away. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant, which serves seafood dishes and is well-reviewed by travelers. The on-site bar is also a great option for a drink. Those staying at this hotel can take advantage of a seasonal outdoor pool. Free private parking is available on site.
3. Lafo Rooms
Lafo Rooms offers a comfortable stay within walking distance of Kedrodasos Beach. Its rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV. Guests can visit 17th-century Orthodox Christian Chrisoskalitissa Monastery, which is situated around a 10-minute drive from the property.
The aparthotel provides a free car park on site. It is also within a short walk of the center of Elafonisi. Rooms at the accommodation are air conditioned and include a refrigerator and a balcony. They are also fitted with a washing machine and a dryer.
Guests staying at this aparthotel can enjoy an all-inclusive package that includes meals, snacks and selected beverages. There is also a buffet-style restaurant on site, providing guests with a convenient dining option.
The staff are available to assist with booking tours and excursions. There is a grocery store nearby, as well as a cafeteria with an assortment of international drinks and snacks. There are a number of dining and entertainment options in close proximity to the hotel, including a pizza restaurant and a bar. The hotel also features a garden and an outdoor pool. The guest rooms are non-smoking. The accommodation does not accommodate hen or stag parties.
4. Xasteria
Located in Velika Village of Larissa, Xasteria is a short walk from Aspri Limni Beach and offers self-catering accommodations with views of the garden or the Aegean Sea. The property is within a short stroll of local taverns and mini markets.
Offering free WiFi access, Xasteria features apartments with a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower. A refrigerator, a microwave and an electric kettle are also available. The property has a terrace.
Graciously rising on its hill above the glorious beaches of southeastern Antiparos, Xasteria is an object lesson in style, quality and laid-back luxury living. Inside, the rooms are flexible and beautifully appointed – with banks of sliding doors opening onto gorgeous terraces, both private and communal.
Outside, the 15m-long pool is spectacular, set against a cobalt sky and the surrounding landscape. The grounds are a delight, with indigenous flora merging seamlessly with the gorgeous terraces.
The restaurant at Xasteria is acclaimed for its classic Cretan and Greek traditional cuisine, with a modern creative touch. It was awarded one of the top 34 restaurants in Greece in 2017.
5. Glykeria Hotel
Set in one of the best places on the southwest coast of Crete, Glykeria Hotel offers a garden and restaurant. Its rooms feature a view of the sea and sunset, while they are equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. The staff at the hotel is multilingual and ready to provide assistance.
The rooms at the hotel are simply decorated and include air conditioning, a fridge and a wardrobe. Each room has a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. They are also fitted with a desk and flat-screen TV.
Glykeria Hotel is near a number of popular landmarks in the area, such as Chrysoskalitissa Monastery and Aspri Limni Beach. It is also located a short drive from Chania Town.
This family-run, 3-star hotel features an outdoor pool and a sun terrace, as well as free parking on site. It is also close to the Libyan Sea and has an on-site bar.
6. Hotel Smaroula
Known as Crete’s Pink Beach, Elafonisi is a breathtaking natural paradise. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft pink sand, the beach is a must-see for visitors to the island. It’s also home to a variety of restaurants and tavernas where guests can enjoy delicious Cretan cuisine. In addition to the beach, Elafonisi is surrounded by many hiking trails and offers a range of water sports, such as diving, snorkelling and kayaking.
If you’re looking for a place to stay near Elafonisi Beach, Hotel Smaroula is an excellent choice. This affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms with essential amenities, including air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. It also features a garden and terrace, making it the perfect place to relax after a long day at the beach.
The spacious rooms at this hotel include a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette and a private bathroom. They are also equipped with a refrigerator, an electric kettle and a microwave. Each room has a furnished balcony where you can enjoy the views of the surrounding area. Moreover, the hotel offers free on-site parking for your convenience. It is located a short car ride from Kedrodasos Beach and a 10-minute drive from Stomio.
7. Panorama
The Panorama is a luxury hotel that offers the opportunity to sleep with an amazing view of the city. It’s situated in the ultra-modern IJburg, a complex of islands in East Amsterdam that was reclaimed from the water. Its location makes it the perfect spot for ocean activities and unforgettable nature experiences like visiting a lighthouse on a remote island.
The rooms are simple, with clean lines and solid-color decor. They have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. Each bathroom features an environmentally friendly hand and rain shower.
If you want to enjoy the great sea view, you can choose to book a room with a balcony. There are also several dining options on site, so you don’t need to leave the hotel to get a bite to eat.
You can also check out the rooftop pool for some stunning views of the surrounding area, or spend some time in the wellness centre with a hot tub and sauna. There are also various other facilities to make use of, such as a sports room and cocktail lounge. The staff at the Panorama are known for their excellent service and attention to detail.