Elafonissi Beach is a pink-and-white sand beach at the southwesternmost tip of Crete, 72 km (44.7 miles) west of Chania. The beach is a shallow, wade-across lagoon backed by protected dunes, so it swims warm and calm and suits families, but it sits in a remote corner that takes at least 1.5 hours to reach from Chania. Elafonissi Beach ranks among the beaches most often named the best in the world, and this guide covers what it is like, how to get there, where to park, the facilities on site, and the Natura 2000 rules you have to follow.

What Elafonissi Beach is like

Elafonissi Beach forms an oblong peninsula split by a strip of shallow water, so from the shore it reads as two separate islands joined by sand. Elafonissi Beach carries white sand and turquoise water on both sides of that peninsula, and the calm, low water makes the crossing between the two parts easy on foot. The northern and southern beaches sit farther from the entrance, draw fewer people, and show a more intense azure colour. The western tip holds small naturist coves for secluded or nude bathing.

Why the sand looks pink

The sand at Elafonissi looks pink because it is threaded with crushed shells. Millions of shell fragments mix into the pale grains, and the colour reads strongest where waves have just washed the beach and along the tideline. Rain, wind, and foot traffic redistribute the shell fragments daily, so the pink is patchy rather than uniform and shifts from one visit to the next. The same crushed-shell effect explains the beach’s pink and white sand, which is the single feature most visitors come to see.

The lagoon and the islet you can wade to

The lagoon between the mainland and the islet is less than 1 meter deep, so you can wade straight across rather than swim. The shallow, sheltered water warms quickly and stays free of large waves even during storms, which is why the crossing works for small children. Families use the lagoon side as a natural paddling pool and keep the deeper, open water of the outer beaches for stronger swimmers. Water shoes help on the crossing, because the shell-and-sand bed can feel coarse underfoot.

How to get to Elafonissi Beach

To reach Elafonissi Beach, drive or take a bus toward Kissamos in far-western Crete, or arrive by boat from Paleochora. Elafonissi Beach sits in an isolated southwest corner, so every land route funnels through the Chania region first. The options below are ordered by how most visitors travel, starting with the fastest and most flexible.

From Chania by car

Driving from Chania to Elafonissi takes at least 1.5 hours to cover the 72 km (44.7 miles). A car gives you the most control over the trip, because it lets you leave early, stop for views, and skip the fixed bus timetable. Two paved, well-signed routes lead to the beach, and every sign along the way points to Elafonisi:

West-coast route on the E65: this road runs past Kissamos along coastal serpentines, delivers wonderful sea views, and is longer but less stressful to drive.
Inland mountain route past the Topoli Gorge: this road takes the National Highway to Kissamos, then turns left off the E65 to cut through the interior; it is shorter in distance but slower on narrow mountain roads.

Because the western corner has little public transport and no rail, a hire car is the practical way to combine Elafonissi with nearby stops. Travellers who plan to explore the west coast often rent a car in Crete for the flexibility to arrive before the crowds and move on to quieter beaches afterwards.

From Chania by bus or guided tour

The KTEL bus connects Chania with Elafonissi on a daily summer service. The bus departs the city bus station at 9:00 and returns at 16:00, the one-way trip takes about 2 hours, and the ticket costs approximately 11 euros. This route is more complicated than driving, because the timetable fixes both your arrival and your departure. A guided day trip from Chania is the alternative, since it adds hotel transfers and removes the road logistics; you can book the Elafonisi guided tour from Chania if you would rather not drive.

From Rethymno

Driving from Rethymno to Elafonissi is a 3.5 to 4 hour one-way trip over roughly 130 km (80.7 miles). Leave by car at 5 to 6 in the morning to reach the beach as early as possible, then head through Chania toward Kissamos and either turn inland or stay on the coastal serpentines. No direct bus runs from Rethymno, so the bus alternative means travelling to Chania, staying overnight, and catching the morning Chania-Elafonisi service. A guided day trip from Rethymno is the simplest option, because it starts with a hotel pick-up, gives you 4 hours on the beach, and includes time for lunch at a local tavern before the return.

From Heraklion

The drive from Heraklion to Elafonissi is long, because the city sits about 210 km from the beach, far beyond Chania and Rethymno. Plan a two-day trip rather than a single-day return. By car, follow the National Road west to Chania and then take the same route as a Chania departure. By bus, ride from Heraklion to Chania, spend the night there, and board the morning bus to Elafonisi; a guided trip from Heraklion covers the same ground without the driving.

By boat from Paleochora

Boats reach Elafonissi from the south-coast village of Paleochora in summer. The boats leave Paleochora at approximately 10:00 and return at 16:00, and both excursion companies and independent operators run the crossing, some without a fixed schedule. Reaching Paleochora itself takes about as long as reaching Elafonissi directly, so the sea route makes sense mainly for travellers already staying nearby.

Parking at Elafonissi

Parking at Elafonissi Beach costs €5 in the area beside the eastern entrance. The car park fills quickly in high season, which is one more reason to arrive early. A few rental rooms sit near the same access point for anyone who wants to stay close and walk down to the sand at first light.

Facilities at Elafonissi Beach

The eastern side of Elafonissi Beach, next to the lagoon, holds the main facilities. The organised strip keeps the essentials within a short walk of the water:

Sun loungers and umbrellas rent for a fixed price along the eastern beach.
Showers and changing rooms stand near the lagoon entrance.
Lifeguards watch the main swimming area in season.
Snack bars and kiosks sell drinks and light food.

Many visitors who arrive by car bring their own umbrella to escape the busy central strip and set up on the quieter outer beaches. Elafonissi has no natural shade, so sun protection matters for both adults and children through the middle of the day. You can compare on-the-ground amenities such as the sun loungers and umbrellas before you decide whether to rent or pack your own.

Natura 2000 rules: what you can and cannot do

Elafonissi Beach falls under Natura 2000 protection as a specially protected natural site. The protected status safeguards the sand dunes, the sea daffodils, and the junipers, and it shelters rare wildlife including endangered loggerhead sea turtles. These rules apply to every visitor:

Leave nature in place: do not remove plants, animals, shells, or sand from the beach.
Skip motorised water activities: the protected status prohibits water sports and similar activities.
Stay off the dunes: keep to the marked paths so the fragile dune plants survive foot traffic.

Removing the pink shell fragments is both against the rules and self-defeating, because those shells are exactly what gives Elafonissi its colour. Respecting the boundaries keeps the dunes, the daffodils, and the turtle habitat intact for the beaches that share this coast, including neighbouring Kedrodasos beach.

Best time to visit and practical tips

Arrive early in the day for the calmest, least crowded experience at Elafonissi. Elafonissi receives heavy tourist traffic through the summer months, and the central lagoon strip fills fast once the buses and tour groups arrive. A few habits make the long trip pay off:

Come before mid-morning to claim space and beat the crowds and the parking crush.
Bring water, shade, and sunscreen, because the beach has no natural cover and limited on-site supplies.
Walk to the north or south beaches for deeper colour and far fewer people than the main entrance.
Pack water shoes for the shell-strewn lagoon crossing.

The gentle entry and shallow, wave-free water make Elafonissi a strong choice for families with small children. Pairing an early arrival with a hire car lets you enjoy the beach at its quietest and still reach it comfortably from Chania, Rethymno, or a west-coast base.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Elafonissi Beach?

Elafonissi Beach lies at the southwesternmost point of Crete, 72 km (44.7 miles) west of Chania.

Why is the sand pink at Elafonissi?

The sand looks pink because crushed shells mix into the white grains, and the colour shows strongest along the freshly washed tideline.

Can you walk to the islet at Elafonissi?

Yes, you can wade across, because the lagoon separating the two sides is less than 1 meter deep.

How long does it take to get to Elafonissi from Chania?

Driving from Chania takes at least 1.5 hours, while the KTEL bus takes about 2 hours each way.

How much is parking at Elafonissi?

Parking at Elafonissi Beach costs €5.

Is Elafonissi good for children?

Yes, the shallow, wave-free lagoon and gentle water entry make Elafonissi well suited to families with small children.

Can you take pink sand or shells home?

No, Elafonissi is a Natura 2000 protected site, so removing plants, animals, shells, or sand is prohibited.

Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There Map

Get directions to Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There

Google maps
Waze

Beach details

White Sand
Food and water
Lifeguard
Showers
Umbrellas and beds
Water Sports
Turquoise
Bus services
Paved road
Family friendly
Ideal for snorkeling

Most frequent asked questions

Things to do near Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There

Find below list of things to do near Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There:

Crete: Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi

Experience a very special Tour that leads you to Crete’s most southwestern part on the small island of Elafonisi.

Drive from the north coast to the southwest and enjoy a scenic ride through beautiful nature and picturesque mountain villages to one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches.

Enjoy pure relaxation on exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water. Jump into the refreshingly cool water and admire the pink shimmering sand in some locations, which has arisen from broken shells.

The small lagoon provides an ideal place for paddling and bathing for children as well. Cross the shallow lagoon and reach the small idyllic island, where you can admire beautiful dunes and the local nature.

Towards the sea, Elafonisi shows a steep rocky ridge, which is the real core of the island. Between the ridge and the coast, the island arose from alluvial deposition over thousands of years. That’s why the island looks like a big sandy desert.

Elafonisi is the nesting site of the sea turtle Caretta Caretta and the last resting place for migratory birds on their flight from Europe to Africa.

Heraklion Area: Direct Day Trip Elafonisi Island

Elafonisi

Start your day of discovery with a pick-up service. Right after you board your comfortable, air-conditioned bus, you will journey to the southwest corner of Crete to spend a relaxing day on the pink sand beaches on the small island of Elafonisi.

Take in the lush green landscape on the way to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass This is an excursion you do not want to miss!

Up to the south-westernmost point of the island, in one of the most spectacular and unexpected locations on the
island, is where we will spend the day.

Elafonisi is a place of exceptional natural beauty, something between an island and a peninsula, as you have to
walk through the sea to reach it.
Once occupied by pirates, today it is a very popular destination for day-trippers who flood there to faraway lagoon,
whilst having a Mediterranean holiday.

Elafonisi is a paradise on earth – a heaven of unparalleled beauty. It is covered with sand dunes, low trees, bushes,
sand lilies and junipers. You can get there on foot from the beach by passing through shallow aquamarine and turquoise
waters. The white and pink sand made of thousands of broken seashells, the limpid blue-green waters, the little coves
and the secluded tiny beaches remind the travelers of a paradise lost.
Take a swim in the warm tropical waters and relax under the hot summer sun!

11:00 Arrival Elafonisi
15:30 Departure from Elafonisi
19:30 Arrival Heraklion

Route: 540 km

Duration: app. 15 hours

Stay Elafonisi: app. 4 ½ hours

Elafonisi Island Day Tour by Bus From Rethymno

Elafonisi

Ride in a comfortable coach through small traditional villages and typical Mediterranean scenery. See the rugged landscape around the Topolia Gorge and have a stop for coffee and refreshments.

Arrive at Elafonissi beach. Here, you have four hours of free time to marvel at the different colors from the soft pink and white sand to the turquoise waters.

As well as exploring the wonders of the beach, discover the small island. This lies just off the shore and you can reach it by strolling through the water. Both the beach and the island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty and included in the Natura 2000 Protection Programme.

From Heraklion: Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach

Elafonisi

A trip to this famous lagoon which is located in the south- west corner of crete , with its crystal clear water and pink coral sands is unforgettable. We start with pick up service near the hotel, at 06:30 in the morning.

Repeatedly this beach has been chosen to be among the worlds most beautiful. Elafonisi is an exotic place, a flat piece of land with sporadic vegetation and a great contrast to the stark bareness of the Cretan mountains. The pink sand is produced by the large amount of pink shells that gets ground up by the sea.

After 4 hours we arrived at Elafonissi Beach, the famous lagoon with its pink coral sands and the crystal clear water. There you will have 4,5 hours of free time to swim, have lunch and take some photos. You can have a sunbed or wade across to the island. In peak season it can be a very busy beach. There are canteens for drinks and snacks.

Around 20:30 we will have returned to Heraklion.

There will be a short stop on the way to Elafonissi and on the way back for restroom and snack – 20 minutes

From Chania Area: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island by Bus

Elafonisi

Travel to the foothills of the wild mountain landscape of Crete’s White Mountains, and discover a relaxing beach in the extreme southwest of the island. Drive through the village of Topolia, and stop in the village of Elos.

Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and junipers. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several more rare animals and plants find shelter on the island. It is strickly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells, and sand from the area.

Before it’s overgrown by pine and juniper dunes, there is a flat and fine sandy beach that shimmers with pink in places due to the coral. On the opposite island of Kastelli, you can wade through the shallow turquoise lagoon where the water is no more than waist-high.

On our way back to Chania we will stop at Elos village, one of the most attractive old villages of the Kissamos prefecture, with green surroundings and natural water sources.

From Chania: Elafonisi Guided Tour

Elafonisi

After we pick you up in the morning from various designated locations around Chania, we will follow the green north coast just before Kastelli and finally reach the village of Topolia.
Topolia Gorge is one of the most breathtaking road trips in Chania, with plenty of opportunities for photos of
the Cretan mountains.The canyon of Topolia starts near the village of Strovles and it ends in the
village of Topolia, where the rock walls are very high and steep.
A large number of birds find shelter in the crannies, cracks and caves of the
otherwise bare walls of the gorge.

After a short visit for breakfast , we will proceed to the main attraction of the tour!

Elafonisi is located on the southwestern most point of Crete and is an oblong, which often seems to be divided into two parts by water, giving the impression of it being a separate island. The protected area of Elafonisi features magnificent natural formations with arguably the most beautiful being the pinkish sand which exists in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken sea shells and corals. The endangered turtles Caretta-Caretta and several rare animals nest on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove any flora or fauna from the area. The exotic beach with its white and pink sand and turquoise waters is reminiscent of the Caribbean. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the water does not exceed 1m (3 feet), creating a small lagoon, which can easily be crossed.

The eastern side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is organized, having umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms. In Elafonisi, you will have plenty of time to explore the area, swim in the crystal clear waters and even grab a bite to eat! Depending on conditions we may have time to visit a local village as well, before hopping back on the bus that we will take us back to Chania!

Elafonisi is considered to be one of the most famous beaches worldwide (rated each year within the 10 best beaches in Europe and one of the best all over the world). With its amazing pink coral sand and its calm crystal clear waters, Elafonissi is one of the “must do” while visiting Chania.

Solo, couple or family, Elafonissi gets you amazed from the very first moment with the unique landscape that is formed and provides you with a lifetime experience that will make you indulge in the world of relaxation and joy.

Enjoy this tour with our professional, service-minded guides and bus drivers that will waive around all the narrow streets of the cretan road network and will driver you in safety and comfort to this amazing area.

Our team will be here to accept your booking and drive you through the whole procedure with happiness and joy in order to ensure a smooth, untroubled and professional experience in such an amazing area, that is certainly worth visiting.

See all Experiences

Stays near Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There

Find below the list of hotels near Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There:

Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family

9.1 / 10

Elafonisi

Featuring an a la carte restaurant, Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family is set amidst a garden with olive trees. It offers air-conditioned accommodation, some self-catering, and free Wi-Fi in public areas. The popular Elafonisi Beach is 650 metres away.

Simply decorated, all units at Elafonisi Resort open to a furnished balcony. Each comes with a fridge and a desk, while some units have a kitchenette. Offering free toiletries, the private bathroom also includes a hairdryer and shower. Some units enjoy views over the Libyan Sea.

Guests can enjoy Cretan specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant, or have a refreshing drink from the bar. A mini market is also available in the premises.

Kedrodasos Beach lies within 2 km and the scenic town of Chania is 74 km away. Chania International Airport can be reached within 90 km. Free private parking is available in the premises.

from

€72

/night

Check availability

770 m

Elafonisi Villa above the Beach

8.9 / 10

Elafonisi #1

Featuring garden views, Elafonisi Villa above the Beach features accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 1.5 km from Elafonissi Beach. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.

Featuring sea and mountain views, this villa offers 2 bedrooms and opens to a terrace. The air-conditioned villa also provides a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a seating area, a washing machine and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath.

The villa offers a picnic area. If you would like to discover the area, diving, fishing and hiking are possible in the surroundings.

Kedrodasos Beach is 3 km from Elafonisi Villa above the Beach, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 44 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from the accommodation.

from

€349

/night

Check availability

1.2 km

White Lake Holiday House

9.6 / 10

Chrisoskalitissas

Featuring a garden, White Lake Holiday House is a holiday home located in Agios Padeleimon in the Crete Region, just 750 metres from White Lake beach. Guests can enjoy the heated pool. The property is a 5-min drive from the protected and awarded Elafonissi Beach and boasts views of the sea.

The house features a living room and a kitchen with a toaster. Two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hairdryer are available. A flat-screen TV with European satellite channels is also available. Free private parking is available.

Guests can enjoy Cretan specialties in nearby traditional restaurants.

Kedrodasos beach is at 4.9 km. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 61 km from the property while Souda Port is at 80km.

Check availability

4.1 km

Sea Lake Holiday House

9.2 / 10

Hrisoskalitisas , Elafonisi

Located in Elafonisi, 1.4 km from Aspri Limni Beach and 2.6 km from Stómio Beach, Sea Lake Holiday House provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The property features inner courtyard and quiet street views, and is 40 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port.

The holiday home is equipped with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.

Ancient Falassarna is 41 km from the holiday home. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 80 km from Sea Lake Holiday House.

from

€119

/night

Check availability

4.1 km

Pink Sand Villas

9.3 / 10

Επαρχιακή Οδός Καλουδιανών-Χρυσοσκαλίτισσας

Pink Sand Villas has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Agios Padeleimon, 1.7 km from Aspri Limni Beach. The accommodation is air conditioned and features a hot tub.

The villa provides guests with a terrace, sea views, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a toaster, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and a hair dryer. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.

Guests can also relax in the garden.

Stómio Beach is 2.1 km from Pink Sand Villas, while Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 39 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 80 km from the accommodation.

from

€178

/night

Check availability

4.5 km

Iliovasilema Apartments

9.6 / 10

Elafonisi, Inachori Chrisoskalitissa

Iliovasilema Apartments offers accommodation in Agios Padeleimon, 4.2 km from Elafonissi Beach. Guests staying at this apartment have access to free WiFi.

Opening onto a terrace, the air-conditioned apartments consist of one sleeping area and a well equipped kitchenette in one space area and one private seperate bathroom. A flat-screen TV is offered.

The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 60 km from the property

Check availability

4.6 km

See all Stays

Beaches near Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There

Find below list of beaches near Elafonissi Beach, Crete: Pink Sand, the Lagoon Crossing, and How to Get There:

1.9 km

Kedrodasos beach

Kedrodasos beach is located 1.9 km away.

Kedrodasos beach, named for its distinct juniper forest, is a stunning beach located 76km southwest of Chania and just 1km east of the famous Elafonissi lagoon. This beach is dotted with enchanting juniper trees, often confused for cedars, that are beautifully tucked in between sandy dunes. Included species are the twisted Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa and Juniperus phoenicea. Visitors are encouraged to treat these delicate trees with kindness and care.

Covering an impressive area of around 11 hectares, the juniper forest offers a magnificent view. The beach is an ideal spot for swimming and is a favorite among naturists. It features a diverse landscape of white sand and occasional flat, smooth rocks. A lack of nearby amenities emphasizes the secluded allure of Kedrodasos, maintaining it as one of the last untouched havens in Europe. Visitors are encouraged to leave nothing behind, ensuring the beach stays clean and untouched.

Kedrodasos Beach is recognized as a nudist-friendly location, attracting naturists who appreciate the freedom of clothing-optional sunbathing. Its remote and pristine surroundings create an ideal environment for those seeking a more unrestrained and natural beach experience. Visitors will find sections of the beach where they can comfortably embrace nudism in a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere.

Acting as a shield from the regular winds of neighboring Elafonissos, Kedrodasos offers a relatively serene sanctuary. The beach also serves as a stopover for the European E4 trail, with yellow and black markers indicating the way.

Kedrodasos beach

Rocks in places, White Sand
Shallow
Turquoise

4.6 km

Aspri Limni beach

Aspri Limni beach is located 4.6 km away.

Aspri Limni, translating to ‘White Lake,’ is one of Crete’s most remarkable and yet little-known beaches. Located a mere 500 meters west of Chrysoskalitissa Monastery and 70 kilometres southwest of Chania city, it’s a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. While many flock to the nearby popular lagoon of Elafonissi, Aspri Limni remains largely unexplored, its beauty preserved in its pristine condition.

The beach, adorned with fine white sand and occasional rocks, is enveloped by jagged cliffs, creating the illusion of a tiny pale lake within the sea. Undisturbed by commercial tourism, Aspri Limni retains its pure and untouched charm, although it lacks natural shade.

To reach Aspri Limni, take a right turn in Chrysoskalitissa village and follow the signs leading to the small Phoenix Theophrasti (Cretan Date Palm) habitat located around the lake. If unsure, any local will be able to guide you to this hidden beach.

Protected under Natura 2000 due to its significance as the westernmost habitat of the endangered Phoenix Theophrasti, Aspri Limni holds environmental importance. This palm species is also found in other groves in Crete such as Vai, Preveli, Agios Nikitas, Souda, and in smaller colonies in South Turkey. Among these, Vai hosts the most extensive palm grove.

Aspri Limni beach

Rocks in places, White Sand
Shallow
Turquoise

5.0 km

Voulolimni beach

Voulolimni beach is located 5.0 km away.

Situated 70km southeast of Chania and just 500m northwest of the Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, you’ll find Voulolimni – a unique ‘sunken lake’. This is not your typical beach, but rather a natural rocky ‘pool’ that has become a hidden gem for the locals of the Chrysoskalitissa village.

Voulolimni is nestled within a small crater, encircled by rocks, creating a beautiful sea lake. This quaint salt lake is shielded from the strong local winds thanks to its geological formation, with only a small opening connecting it to the open sea. As such, it doubles as a natural harbor for small boats.

Its waters remain calm, boasting an enchanting greenish hue that many swimmers find irresistible. While there are no facilities directly adjacent to the lake, you can find accommodation options and taverns in the nearby Chrysoskalitissa village. This makes Voulolimni a perfect spot for those seeking tranquillity amidst Crete’s natural beauty.

Voulolimni beach

Rocks in places
Normal
Green

5.1 km

Viena beach Krios Lake

Viena beach Krios Lake is located 5.1 km away.

The Krios or Viena Lake, situated 10km west of Paleochora and 90km south of Chania, is nestled on the European E4 footpath connecting Paleochora and Elafonissi, approximately 20-30 minutes from Krios beach. The beach is predominantly rocky, interspersed with sandy spots, and shielded by a multitude of rocks, forming a small, enclosed bay that locals refer to as a lake (Limni). The area lacks facilities, and there’s only a solitary tamarisk tree on the beach. The Krios Lake beach is one of the most secluded, undiscovered, yet spectacular beaches in Crete.

You might question why such a rugged beach ranks amongst Crete’s most unique beaches. The true allure of this beach isn’t the beach itself, but its proximity to the ancient city of Viena. Marble columns can be seen scattered on the beach and submerged underwater. The beach and its surroundings are strewn with fragments and sherds of urns and amphorae. It’s believed that Viena was once a Hellenistic/Roman sanctuary, with a temple standing here. The rectangular base is still visible. Rituals involving the pouring of wine to honor a deity might have occurred here before or after extensive sea voyages. Centuries ago, the water was deeper, providing a safe anchorage along the otherwise rocky and unwelcoming coastline.

Viena beach Krios Lake

Rocks in places
Shallow
Blue

See all Beaches