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.
Hrisoskalitisas , Elafonisi
Find below list of things to do near Sea Lake Holiday House:
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.
This day trip runs to Elafonisi, the pink-sand lagoon in the south-western corner of the Chania regional unit, with free hotel pick-up and a multilingual guide on the coach. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected site where a shallow channel separates the mainland beach from an islet, and the sand takes its colour from crushed red and pink shells along the waterline. SEALAND TRAVEL runs the trip from €50, listed at 13 hours door to door, with a 4.07 rating across 33 reviews.
The day is a long coach journey to the south-west corner and back, with free time in the middle. Three parts make it up.
First is the drive, which crosses the island through mountain villages and road tunnels, with commentary along the way. Second is the free time at Elafonisi, enough to swim, wade the shallow channel to the islet, walk to the small chapel and the lighthouse, or simply sit. Third is the return leg on the same road.
The water at Elafonisi is shallow and calm over a wide area, which is why it suits children better than almost any other famous beach in Crete. The site protects 110 plant species, the juniper trees among them.
The route crosses the island to one destination in the far south-west.
The fare covers getting there and back with a guide, and nothing on the beach itself.
Included:
Not included:
Snack bars, toilets and souvenir shops operate at the beach, so bring cash.
We recommend this trip for people without a car who want Elafonisi anyway, and the honest framing is that you are buying somebody else to drive the hardest road in western Crete. The route to Elafonisi is long mountain switchbacks, and doing it yourself in a hire car at the end of a beach day is not a relaxing prospect.
What reviewers praise most consistently is the guiding. Guides are named, Theodora, Michaela, and described as friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely informative about the villages the coach passes through. One reviewer singled out the driver for the cave and tunnel section of the road. On a trip whose product is largely a coach seat, that matters more than it sounds.
The beach delivers on its own terms too. Reviewers describe good facilities on site, room for both families and people wanting quiet, and enough time to relax properly.
Three things we would want a friend to know first.
The journey is longer than advertised. Value for money scores 3.9 out of 5, its weakest dimension, and the reason shows up in the reviews: one guest reported 5 hours each way against the 3.5 hours in the itinerary, and another described four and a half hours of driving for four and a half hours on the sand. This is a full day, most of it on a coach.
The pink is oversold. One reviewer said plainly that the beach is not like the advertising photos and that anyone expecting that intensity of pink should not come. The colour is real but it concentrates in patches at the waterline and varies with light, season and tide.
There is a walk at the end. Getting from the coach park to the sand takes about 15 minutes each way, which several reviewers found a drag after a long drive.
Sit on the right going out, carry cash for shade, and treat the pink sand as a detail rather than the point.
Pick-up is free from your hotel, early in the morning, and the day is listed at 13 hours in total. Reviewers report the driving portion running longer than the published itinerary, so plan nothing for the evening.
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a change of clothes, a camera, sunscreen, beachwear and cash. Pets are not allowed on the coach. Elafonisi is a protected Natura 2000 site, so leave the shells and sand where they are.
The trip is listed at 13 hours door to door, and reviewers report the driving alone taking up to 5 hours each way.
The pink is real but patchy. It comes from crushed red and pink shells at the waterline, and one reviewer warned it does not match the intensity shown in advertising photos.
Sunbeds are not included and must be paid for on the beach, so bring cash.
The lagoon is shallow and calm over a wide area, which makes it one of the safest famous beaches in Crete for young children.
The beach is about a 15-minute walk each way from the coach parking area.
Free pick-up and drop-off at your hotel are included, along with the coach transfer and a multilingual guide.
Check dates and prices for the day trip to Elafonisi beach.
On this day tour from Souda and Chania, discover the gem that is Elafonisi Beach. Soak up the sights of the remarkable pink sand and crystal-clear waters on Crete’s southwestern coastline. Enjoy pickup and a scenic drive to this protected nature reserve.
Begin your tour to Elafonisi when you meet your driver in Souda or Chania. Then, set out for a drive along the winding road through Crete’s stunning countryside. If you wish, your driver will pause for you to stock up on local snacks and drinks while you learn about the island.
Once you’ve reached Elafonisi, make your way to the beach. As you wander down to the water’s edge, notice how the sand turns pink beneath your toes. Delight in the green waves lapping at the shore as you explore, swim, and lounge in this unique place.
After relaxing on Elafonisi Beach and exploring all its delights, return to Souda and Chania with your driver to conclude your tour.
Find below list of beaches near Sea Lake Holiday House:
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.
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.
Stomio, situated 74km to the south of Chania and 1km to the north of the Chrisoskalitissa monastery, forms part of the broader Elafonissi area. It’s not a favorite spot for tourists due to its rocky and often wavy appearance. The beach features large pebbles and patches of sand, making it a suitable choice for those seeking seclusion, though not ideal for families. The water here is rather cold and the sea deep.
The name ‘Stomio’ translates to ‘mouth’ and can be attributed to the river mouth from the village of Vathi that exits at this point. The river’s water is stored in the local reservoir. The beach is not equipped with any amenities, but there is a small tavern close by. The beach is conveniently accessible as it’s adjacent to the main road that links Chania with Chrisoskalitissa and Elafonissi.
Close to Stomio, one can find the old plaster factory, now deserted. There were attempts to revive the factory in 2010, but local residents objected to the financial lobbies and hindered its reestablishment. Also present is the picturesque chapel of Agii Theodori. Across the bay, a lovely pine grove stretches towards the mountain.
Find below list of gorges near Sea Lake Holiday House:
Traveling along the western coast of Crete towards Elafonissi beach, you’ll encounter the picturesque village of Kambos, nestled within the Kissamos province. A brief detour off the main road to the west will bring you to the verdant Kambos canyon, the most westerly gorge on the island, which is fed by the small Koutroulis massif.
A scenic hiking trail winds its way through the canyon, beneath the shade of towering plane trees and alongside a river that flows year-round. The journey is punctuated by striking rock formations and culminates at a natural spring. From there, the path reconnects with the road descending from the village, leading to the subterranean churches of Agia Ekaterini and Agia Marina.
Continuing your trek along the riverbed can occasionally prove challenging due to thick vegetation and water, but the journey is worth it. From Agia Kyriaki, the path follows the riverbed to the secluded yet stunning Platanakia beach, where plane trees stretch their branches out to the sea.
In the overlooked area of Selino, South Chania, you’ll discover the hidden gem that is the Pelekaniotis River. This river, boasting the highest water flow in Selino, holds such significance that it inspired the name of the Paleochora municipality – Pelekanos. It remains a steady water source throughout the year, culminating in a verdant green valley at the Macherota location. The towering cliffs of the canyon serve as a habitat for numerous birds of prey, providing company for hikers along their journey.
The gorge’s exit can be located by following a dirt road that begins at Grameno beach near Paleochora and traces the river’s west bank. Regrettably, this path crosses a small area littered with rubbish and debris. However, beyond this, the scenery transforms into a lush Cretan landscape. Two kilometres in, the Agios Mamas chapel, adorned with well-preserved frescoes, can be found on the western shore. Despite its significance, the existence of Saint Mammes (Agios Mamas) remains largely unknown, even to locals. Across from Agios Mamas, the old whitewashed chapel of Saint George stands, though it lacks frescoes.
A kilometre further, the dirt road ends at a tank filled with drinkable water. From this point, the gorge can be explored on foot, particularly during summer when the water levels are lower. Adventurous hikers might prefer to visit the Pelekanos Gorge in winter, to witness a 25m high waterfall cascading into the river.
Approximately halfway through the gorge, some of Crete’s most impressive plane trees can be found, with some over 1000 years old and featuring remarkable trunk formations. Much of the canyon is narrow, with sunlight rarely reaching the riverbed. This natural masterpiece is adorned with vertical walls dotted with numerous holm oak trees.
The Sirikari gorge, situated 55km west of Chania and 17km south of Kissamos, is nestled in a verdant area filled with canyons and streams. The paved road leading to Sirikari weaves through lush vegetation, offering a glimpse of the area’s beauty from the get-go. The gorge splits into two parallel paths here – Tsichliano to the west and Kioliano or Sirikariano to the east, both culminating at the Polirinia settlement, the site of the ancient town of Polirinia. The town’s ancient walls, still in a decent state of preservation, stand tall in its citadel, atop a hill with a panoramic view of the Kissamos bay.
Close to Sirikari, an enchanting forest unfolds, home to towering chestnut trees, quaint waterfalls, and babbling brooks. Although it isn’t the only chestnut forest in the Chania prefecture, with several others dotting the slopes of the White Mountains, its beauty and vastness set it apart.
Adjacent to Sirikari, in Sineniana, stand two well-preserved old watermills. A visit to the Church of the Assumption is also recommended, particularly on August 15th, when a traditional feast is held. The church, nestled in the chestnut grove, is surrounded by other trees like holm oaks, cypresses, and plane trees. A little further along, you can explore an abandoned village set amidst a stunning oak wood. Additionally, the Sirikari village houses the 15th-century Byzantine church of the Holy Apostles (Agii Apostoli), which is definitely worth a visit.
The relatively small yet stunning Anydri gorge is situated to the east of Paleochora, accumulating water from the Asfendiles and Ancient Hyrtakina regions via the Dichalomata stream. The gorge originates from the Anidri village and meanders for approximately 3km between towering cliffs, eventually ending at the picturesque Gialiskari beach.
Trekking through the canyon is straightforward and follows the stream, which typically dries up during the summer. The gorge is sparsely dotted with trees and the rocky walls are not too high, so it’s recommended to bring a hat and sunscreen for protection.
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