Elafonissi beach draws large crowds on penultimate weekend of August
Elafonissi beach in southwestern Crete remains busy with domestic and international visitors on the penultimate weekend of August, Cretalive reported, citing photographs from the account @cretaweather.
Although the August 15 holiday period has passed and the calendar points toward the end of summer, the scene at Elafonissi still resembles the height of the season. Umbrellas and sunbeds were full, and hundreds of bathers were seen in the beach’s shallow, turquoise-green waters, according to the photos.
The beach has drawn international recognition in past rankings: it was rated the second-best beach in the world by beach.com, and both Elafonissi and Balos have ranked among the world’s best beaches according to Tripadvisor.
Measures to limit overtourism
Over the past four years, specific measures have been introduced to reduce the impact of overtourism and protect the area, Cretalive reported. These include a barrier at the entrance that blocks vehicle access, requiring visitors to approach the beach on foot, along with a significant reduction in the number of umbrellas and sunbeds permitted.
Management of the site is carried out in cooperation with scientific and state bodies, including the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA), the Technical University of Crete, and the Archaeological Service, with the stated aim of protecting the area’s natural landscape.
Plan for national park status
The next step under consideration involves an institutional upgrade for the area. According to the reported plan, the goal is for Elafonissi to be designated a National Park, replacing its current status as a Natura-protected area.
An environmental study has already been prepared for what would be Greece’s first coastal park, Cretalive reported. The process is now pending a signature from the Ministry of Environment for the proposal to take legal effect.
