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The Xotikospilio, translating to “the cave of elves”, is situated 70km southwest of Chania, 30km south of Kissamos, and approximately 1.5 km northwest of the village Keramoti. The name is derived from a local legend that suggests that elves inhabit the small cave adjacent to it. Visitors can explore the cave and observe the petite chapel built within it. The cave of Xotikospilios was the site of a tragic massacre on Good Friday of 1824, where Turkish forces murdered women and children taking refuge there post the Elafonissi slaughter.
Nestled within a small rugged cove, this secluded beach is encapsulated by the untamed Cretan landscape. The beachfront is composed of large, round pebbles and lacks any nearby facilities. Its secluded nature makes it ideal for snorkelling and quiet moments, though the western Crete coastline’s waves can pose a challenge for swimmers. Access to Xotikospilio is possible via a dirt track, but it’s advisable to park your vehicle on the plateau before the beach instead of driving it all the way down.
Get directions to Xotikospilio beach
Xotikospilio beach means “exotic cave” beach in Greek.
Yes, there is a small cave on the Xotikospilio beach that visitors can explore.
Visitors can swim, sunbathe, explore the cave, and go snorkeling or scuba diving.
No, there are no restaurants or cafes on the Xotikospilio beach. Visitors should bring their own food and drinks.
Yes, the Xotikospilio beach is suitable for families with children. The water is calm and shallow, and there is a small playground nearby.
The best time to visit Xotikospilio beach is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Yes, the Xotikospilio beach is accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take a bus or taxi from nearby towns and cities.
The water colour of the Xotikospilio beach is blue.
Rocks can be found in places on the Xotikospilio beach.
The water depth of the Xotikospilio beach is normal.
The Xotikospilio beach surface is usually wavy.
The Xotikospilio beach crowds are quiet.
There are no facilities available at the Xotikospilio beach.
The Xotikospilio beach access is a dirt track.
Yes, the Xotikospilio beach is nudism friendly.
The Xotikospilio beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing.
Find below list of things to do near Xotikospilio beach:
This evening trip pairs a 110-minute horse ride near Falasarna with drone photography and a tavern dinner on the sand. Falasarna faces west, which makes it the best sunset on the north coast of Crete, and the ride is timed so you are in the saddle as the light goes. HappyTravellersTours runs it over 6 hours from €250 including hotel pick-up, and it holds a 4.9 rating across 17 reviews.
The evening moves from stable to saddle to table across about 6 hours. Three parts make it up.
First you choose a trail, and the choice is made on riding ability rather than preference. Beginners take the countryside route through green trails, local herbs and mountain views as the sun starts to drop. Experienced riders take the coastal route along the shoreline with an unobstructed view of the sunset, beach rides are restricted to experienced riders for safety. Second, a drone follows the ride, producing photos and video you keep. Third, the evening ends at a beachfront tavern with a tasting of local dishes, eaten with your feet in the sand.
The ride itself lasts 1 hour 50 minutes, which is long for a holiday trek.
The evening happens on the far west coast of the Chania regional unit.
The €250 covers transport, the ride, the photography and dinner.
Included:
Not included:
A liability waiver is required, and the tour runs for a minimum of 2 people.
We recommend this for the timing more than the horses. Falasarna is the sunset on this side of Crete, west-facing, unobstructed, and far enough from Chania that most visitors never get there for the evening. Being on the beach at that hour, on a horse, with somebody else driving you home, is a well-designed evening.
The reviews are unusually consistent about why it works, and the answer is one person. The guide, Yannis, is named in almost every review we read, by guests from the United States, Canada, France, Finland, Japan and the UK. What they describe is not horsemanship but hosting: tailoring the evening to what people wanted, taking the drone footage himself, showing people around, and being, in one American reviewer’s words, an extremely passionate and genuine local. Every dimension, guiding, transport, value, scores a flat 5.0 out of 5.
Beginners are well handled. One American guest rode for the first time and rated the day five stars, which is the split the operator’s own trail system is designed around.
Two things to be straight about.
The review base is small. Seventeen ratings is not many, and a 4.9 across 17 tells you far less than a 4.5 across 500 would. Nothing negative recurs in what is published, but there is not much published to go on.
Be honest about your riding level, because the operator asks you to and the reason is safety. Beach rides are restricted to experienced riders; declaring yourself experienced when you are not puts you on a beach at speed on an unfamiliar horse.
Wear long trousers, declare your real riding level, and expect a late finish.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, and the whole evening runs about 6 hours. A liability waiver is required, and rides are at your own responsibility.
Bring comfortable clothes, long trousers and closed-toe shoes, plus a hat and sunscreen.
The ride itself lasts 1 hour 50 minutes, inside an evening that runs about 6 hours including transfers and dinner.
Beach rides are for experienced riders only. Beginners take the countryside trail, which the operator restricts for safety reasons.
Dinner at a beachfront tavern is included, served as a tasting of local dishes with your feet in the sand.
Drone photos and video are included, shot during the ride and given to you afterwards.
Wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes, which the operator requires, plus a hat and sunscreen.
The tour requires a minimum of 2 people to go ahead.
Check dates and prices for the Falasarna sunset horse riding with dinner.
Start your day of adventure from Falasarna Big Beach. From here you will set-off on a jet ski ride to Balos Lagoon that will last an exhilarating 25-minutes. Feel comfortable in the presence of a guided boat that will follow you throughout your tour.
Stay at Balos Lagoon for 1-hour to swim, take photos, and relax on the turquise shallow watrers. On our way back we will also have a quick pass from the island of Gramvousa, to take some nice photos of the shipwreck. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing one of the three time slots. Morning one for the calmness that area offers as you wil be reaching Balos Lgoon before the crowds,in between at 14.00, or join the 17.00 group as the temperature is ideal that time of the day.
This bus trip runs 8 hours from Chania to Elafonisi, giving you 4 full hours at the pink sand beach and a return stop in the mountain village of Elos with a Cretan wine tasting. Quality Travel operates it with an air-conditioned coach, a multilingual guide and pick-up from set points across the Chania area, from €26.52. The trip carries a 4.66 rating across 2,468 reviews and ranks 31st among all GetYourGuide experiences in Greece.
The coach crosses the mountains of western Crete to the south-west corner, parks above Elafonisi, and returns inland through the chestnut villages. Three parts make up the day.
First is the drive, climbing through the mountain passes past Kissamos and Elos on roads that are narrow enough that most visitors are glad not to be driving them. Second is Elafonisi itself, a Natura 2000 protected area where you get 4 hours free, long enough to wade the shallow channel to the islet, walk the dune paths and still swim. Third is Elos on the way back, a village known for its chestnut groves, where a Cretan wine tasting and an optional lunch at a local tavern fill the late afternoon.
The pink sand is real but conditional. It comes from crushed seashells, and how much of it shows depends on season, light, weather and tide.
The route crosses the Chania regional unit from the north coast to the south-west tip, and three of its points have their own page here.
The fare covers the coach, the guide and the free time, and it leaves out everything you eat, drink or sit under.
Included:
Not included:
Budget around €15 for shade if you want it, and bring cash, the beach rentals are not set up for cards.
We recommend this trip mainly because of what it saves you from. The road to Elafonisi is 75 kilometres of mountain switchbacks from Chania, and it is the one drive on this island we routinely tell visitors to skip if they are not confident behind the wheel. Letting somebody else take it turns a tense two hours each way into the part of the day where you look out of the window.
The reviews point at a second reason, and it is a person. The guide, Daniel, is named in review after review from Denmark, the UK, Poland, Sweden and Italy across two full seasons, described as funny, easy to talk to and genuinely informative. On a trip whose product is a coach seat and four hours of free time, the guiding is most of what separates one operator from another, and this one clearly has it.
Reviewers also single out the operator’s habit of arriving early to beat the peak-hour crowd, and of pointing people towards the quieter stretches of the beach rather than dropping them at the busiest point.
Three caveats we would give a friend.
Elafonisi gets crowded, and no early start fully fixes that in August. Reviewers who rated the day five stars still describe the beach as busy. Go in knowing it is a famous place in high season, not a secret one.
The Elos stop divides opinion. GetYourGuide’s own review summary says travellers would prefer more beach time and a shorter or optional lunch and wine stop, and one reviewer who otherwise enjoyed the day pointed out that lunch at 16:30 is awkward when most of the group has already eaten at Elafonisi. Treat Elos as a wine stop with food attached rather than as your main meal.
The pink sand is the third. It is a genuine natural phenomenon, but one reviewer noted how much of it has gone because visitors take it home. Removing shells, sand or plants from the area is strictly prohibited, and that rule exists for a reason.
Walk away from the car park, bring cash for shade, and keep your afternoon expectations modest at Elos.
Your pick-up point and time are confirmed by email or chat by 20:00 the day before, so check your messages that evening. You choose the nearest pick-up location free of charge, or pay €9 for door-to-door service.
There is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the coach parking area down to the beach, so a basic level of fitness matters here. Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and both cash and a card.
Elafonisi sits inside a Natura 2000 protected area. Removing shells, plants or sand is prohibited.
You get 4 full hours of free time at the beach, out of an 8-hour day including the drive and the Elos stop.
The pink is real but variable. It comes from crushed seashells, and how strongly it shows depends on the season, the light, the weather and the tide.
No food or drink is included. Lunch at the Elos tavern is optional and paid separately, as is anything you buy at the beach.
The beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the coach parking area, on a path that needs a basic level of fitness.
Umbrellas cost €9 plus a €5 deposit, rented on the beach, and straw mats are charged separately as well.
A Cretan wine tasting happens at Elos on the return leg, in the chestnut village inland from the coast.
Check dates and prices for the Chania to Elafonisi bus trip with Elos stop.
This day trip crosses Crete from the Heraklion coast to Elafonisi, the pink sand beach and lagoon in the far south-west. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected site where shallow turquoise water separates the mainland beach from an islet you can wade to, backed by dunes, sand lilies and juniper. ETHERION runs it over 14 hours from €53, with free pick-up from anywhere between Agia Pelagia and Malia.
The coach crosses the island and the day is spent at one beach. Three parts make it up.
First is the drive, early, right across Crete from the north-central coast to the south-western corner, the longest transfer of any beach trip on the island. Second is Elafonisi itself: shallow water in aquamarine and turquoise, a walk through the water to reach the islet, dunes, secluded coves and the rock formations at the far end. Third is the return along the same route.
The site matters beyond the colour of the sand. Elafonisi is a nesting ground for the loggerhead turtle and a resting point for migratory birds crossing to and from Africa, and rare sea cedars and white sand lilies grow in the dunes in autumn.
The route crosses from the Heraklion coast to the south-west corner of the island.
The €53 covers the coach and the guide; everything at the beach is your own.
Included:
Not included:
We recommend this trip only if you have already accepted the arithmetic, and we would rather say that plainly. Elafonisi is 250 kilometres from the Heraklion coast. At 14 hours door to door, this is the longest beach day available on the island, and most of it is a coach seat.
What makes it worth considering anyway is that Elafonisi genuinely has no substitute. No other beach in Crete combines a walk-through lagoon, pink-tinged sand and a protected dune system, and if you are based on the Heraklion side without a car, this trip or nothing is the real choice.
The operator handles the long day competently. A French reviewer described an experienced driver, a comfortable bus and good information from the guide. Pick-up covers thirteen named points along the north coast, and the exact spot is emailed within 24 hours of booking.
Two honest caveats, from a small review base of four.
The journey is long and reviewers say so. One French guest called Elafonisi a paradise worth the trip while noting the journey time is long and there is no getting around that, which is exactly right.
The “luxury bus” billing was questioned. The same reviewer took issue with the word luxury. Expect a comfortable air-conditioned coach and nothing beyond that.
If you are staying further west, a Chania departure reaches the same beach in far less coach time and adds a stop at Elos.
Sleep on the way out, bring everything you need, and walk away from the crowd.
Free pick-up covers Malia, Stalida, Hersonissos, Koutouloufari, Anissaras, Analipsi, Gouves, Kato Gouves, Kokkini Hani, Amnissos, Karteros, Heraklion, Ammoudara and Agia Pelagia. The operator emails your exact pick-up location within 24 hours of booking.
Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, a towel, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes and beachwear. Elafonisi is a protected site, leave the sand and shells where they are.
The day runs 14 hours door to door, which is the longest beach trip available from the Heraklion coast.
Free pick-up and drop-off are included from fourteen named points between Agia Pelagia and Malia.
The colour comes from crushed shell fragments mixed into the sand, strongest along the waterline and varying with light and season.
Yes, the channel is shallow enough to wade, which is the feature that makes this beach unlike any other in Crete.
Neither is included. Kiosks operate at the beach and sunbeds are rented separately.
Yes, from the Chania side. A departure from Chania cuts the coach time substantially and adds a village stop at Elos.
Check dates and prices for the Elafonisi beach day trip from Heraklion.
Following pick-up by bus, 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 many old and very typical villages. Stop for a coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees.
Upon arrival at Elafonisi, get at least 4 hours to relax and swim in the crystal clear water. Laze in the sun, or go for a stroll along the pink sand beach. Benefit from beach kiosks where you can purchase food and water to rehydrate and re-energize.
Situated just off the shore of the main island, Elafonisi can be reached by walking through the water. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty. Depart by bus at approximately 16:00 and return to Rethymno for an estimated arrival time and hotel drop off at around 18:30.
Join us for an unforgettable day tour departing from Heraklion Region, bound for the enchanting Elafonisi Beach, with the journey by bus taking approximately 4 hours. Along the scenic route, we’ll pause for a quick breakfast and stretch, offering a 20-minute break to recharge.
As we continue our picturesque drive, be captivated by the breathtaking canyons, valleys, and quaint villages scattered across Crete’s landscape, providing a delightful opportunity to appreciate the region’s natural splendor.
Upon arrival at Elafonisi Beach, you’ll have approximately 4.5 hours to fully immerse yourself in its mesmerizing surroundings. Take a dip in the crystalline waters for a rejuvenating swim, relax on the unique pink sand, indulge in delectable snacks from the beach bar, and capture the awe-inspiring scenery with your camera. Elafonisi Beach radiates tranquility, offering ample space to unwind and reconnect with nature.
After a memorable time at Elafonisi Beach, we’ll commence our return journey to Heraklion, lasting approximately 4 hours. During the ride back, we’ll make a brief stop for restroom breaks and snacks, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip home.
Evening Drop-off:
After the tour, participants will return to their respective points by bus, with the duration varying based on traffic conditions and individual pick-up locations.
Find below the list of hotels near Xotikospilio beach:
Situated in Keramotí on the west coast of Crete, this historical, stone-built house features a garden with a sun terrace. The property is 45 km from Chania Town and boasts views of the sea. Free private parking is available on site.
The property has been restored with respect to traditional architecture and using eco-friendly materials, while modern amenities are now featured. There is a seating area and a kitchen with a dining area as well as a private bathroom with bathrobes and free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are featured in this self-catering accommodation. The holiday home features free WiFi throughout the property.
Free use of bicycles is available at the property and the area is popular for hiking, running, scuba diving, fishing and windsurfing. You can engage in various activities, such as diving, cycling and fishing.
Guests will find beaches of exceptional beauty such as Elafonisi at 12 km, Kedrodasos at 14 km, Falasarna at 25 km and Balos 32 km. Chania international Airport is 57 km from the property.
from
€91
/night
Situated in Áyios Fótios and only 29 km from Ancient Falassarna, VILLA ASTERAKI private pool, magic sunsets, near Elafonisi features accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. This villa offers air-conditioned accommodation with a patio.
The villa features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Guests can swim in the pool with a view, relax in the garden, or go snorkelling.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 30 km from the villa. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 81 km from VILLA ASTERAKI private pool, magic sunsets, near Elafonisi.
Situated in Kissamos and only 31 km from Ancient Falassarna, VILLA DEMETRA features accommodation with sea views, free WiFi and free private parking. With mountain views, this accommodation offers a terrace and a swimming pool.
This villa has 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and 3 bathrooms fitted with a bidet. Towels and bed linen are offered in the villa.
Guests can also relax in the garden.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 31 km from the villa. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 82 km from VILLA DEMETRA.
Boasting mountain views, Villa Kore Elafonissi features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 31 km from Ancient Falassarna. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
The villa offers a picnic area.
Kissamos / Kasteli Port is 32 km from Villa Kore Elafonissi. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 83 km from the accommodation.
Situated 31 km from Ancient Falassarna and 32 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port in Chania Town, PefkoPetro Loft offers accommodation with a kitchen. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
This 1-bedroom holiday home will provide you with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a living room. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 79 km from the holiday home.
from
€85
/night
Set 32 km from Ancient Falassarna and 32 km from Kissamos / Kasteli Port, Villa Mediterranea offers accommodation situated in Livadia. This property offers access to a terrace, free private parking and free WiFi.
The air-conditioned villa is composed of 3 separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a kitchenware, and 2 bathrooms. A flat-screen TV is featured.
Guests can swim in the infinity pool, relax in the garden, or go cycling.
The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 84 km from the villa.
Find below list of beaches near Xotikospilio beach:
The Keramoti beach, positioned adjacent to a village of the same name, is situated 75km southwest of Chania and 36km south of Kissamos. This medium-sized, pebbly beach is notable for its rocky areas and is well-known among the local populace. However, its rugged terrain may not be suitable for families. Despite the lack of beach amenities, its seclusion makes it an attractive getaway. Accommodation is available in the nearby villages of Keramoti and Livadia.
A stream, fed by mountain springs, runs alongside the beach, providing fresh water. The stream and underwater springs contribute to the cooling of the seawater.
Access to the beach is via a somewhat rough dirt track from Keramoti. The surrounding area is largely rocky, but the rock formations are truly spectacular.
Gylisma, also known as Kambos or Afratolaki, is a stony beach nestled 69km southwest of Chania city and 29km south of Kissamos, in proximity to the village of Kambos. The beach, characterized by its coarse pebbles, is not particularly suited for swimming, especially for families on windy days due to the high waves. The locals of Kambos mainly frequent it on calm days.
Afratolakki is an excellent option for those seeking solitude. Although the beach has basic amenities for accommodation and food, it lacks facilities like umbrellas and sunbeds. The rocky seabed of Afratolakki makes it an ideal spot for snorkelling.
To access the beach, one must traverse a 4.5km poorly-maintained dirt track leading from Kambos village to the beach.
The Livadia coves, nestled near the Livadia village, are situated 72km southwest of Chania and 31km south of Kissamos. These coves don’t usually feature on a visitor’s itinerary due to their rocky and wavy terrain, a characteristic of most beaches on the western side of Crete. However, these coves are a favorite among the locals and visitors of Livadia village and those who prefer solitude. The village offers limited tourist amenities. On calm days, the Livadia coastline is a dream destination for snorkelling enthusiasts.
The Livadia village is situated along the E4 European hiking path – a coastal trail renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty. The trail commences at the Sfinari village and passes through Livadia and Chrissoskalitisa villages before culminating at the Elafonisi beach. The trail embodies the rugged charm of Crete, with the landscape alternating between olive and locust trees and weather-beaten rocks of black and red volcanic lava.
To reach the beaches, one can stroll along the Livadia village shoreline, pass the port, and arrive at the large black rock formations, recognized as a natural monument. Behind these rocks lie clusters of small ponds filled with greenish water. The sandy and pebbly coves make for a perfect spot for a rejuvenating swim. Alternatively, one can also swim at the pebbly beach within the small harbour of Livadia.
Platanakia beach, situated 61km southwest of Chania city, 31km south of Kissamos, 5km northwest of Kambos village, and in close proximity to Sfinari bay, is nestled at the mouth of the scenic Kambos gorge that originates from the namesake village.
Platanakia is a secluded cove, often deserted, and guarded by towering cliffs. The beach is a mix of sandy and stony patches, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude, even in the height of summer. Nearby trees provide natural shade to beachgoers.
To reach the beach from Kambos village on foot, one must traverse the lush, two-hour path through the gorge, which is adorned with plane trees and has a river flowing throughout the year.
Adventurous travelers equipped with a 4×4 vehicle can opt for an offroad journey to the beach via a dirt track starting from Kambos. This route involves crossing fences installed by goat and sheep herders; please ensure they remain closed to prevent livestock from straying. The journey concludes at the picturesque, unexplored surroundings of Platanakia. Park your vehicle at the final plateau, near the visually striking cave chapel of Agia Ekaterini and Agia Marina, and descend the path directly to the beach below. Chances are, you’ll have the place to yourself!
The attractive Sfinari beach is tucked behind the northern rocky side of Platanakia beach (Cape Korakas) and is a 20-minute walk to the north of the beach.
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