Elafonissi Beach Crete

And our blog could not miss the Elafonissi beach considered the most beautiful on the Crete island, the undisputed queen also called "The Caribbean of the Mediterranean".

It is located in the most southwestern tip of the coast about 75 kilometers from Chania just to give you an idea and five kilometers from the Chrysoskalitisa monastery which masters from a high rock where according to legend the last step would be in solid gold and that only true believers in God can see.

In the past Elafonissi was called Mousagores. Right here the ancient Greeks built a temple dedicated to the god Apollo Mousagetis, the lord of the Musses, the Greek gods who with the sweet sound of their music calmed the marine deities and the troubled waters, while in front of the islets the temple of Ino the daughter of Kadmos the founder of the city of Thebes. The Elafonissi Peninsula was for a long time occupied by pirates in fact its name in Greek means “treasure island” is said for the treasures buried here by marauders. Arriving until 1824 and precisely in the Easter period, Elfonissi was the scene of a bloody massacre by the Turks who, led by Ibrahem Pasha, the first Ottoman Grand Vizier, massacred more than 850 people who had taken refuge on the islet opposite the beach, hoping that the Turks could not find the passage to get there but, unfortunately a frightened donkey in the desperate search for his master revealed the way. In 1866 another unfortunate event linked to Elafonissi, the Arkadi ship used by the rebels to fight the Turks was destroyed and sunk.

Elafonissi is an elongated peninsula of an almost disarming beauty and is part of the Natura 2000 project, therefore it is strictly forbidden to take away sand, flowers or stones. Sometimes according to the tide it seems to divide into two parts and more than a stretch of sea it looks like a natural pool.

The coastline is breathtaking, fine white sand that at times becomes coral pink due to the effect of the crushed shells, all bathed by a crystalline, limpid and extremely calm turquoise sea. The seabed is very shallow so that, where the peninsula divides, the depth is only one meter, thus becoming the natural playground for families with children.

Surrounded by soft sand dunes where daffodils, sea lilies and wild junipers grow with bizarre shapes shaped by the wind, it is the ideal habitat for many species of plants, there are about 110 different ones, some of which are very rare and animals such as the loggerhead turtle who finds refuge in this little corner of paradise.

Following the sandy path you find yourself in the rear part of the peninsula where you can discover delightful coves one more beautiful than the other where you can stay in absolute peace. Obviously they are not equipped, here 'Nature reigns supreme so' if you decide to spend the day here remember to bring everything you need also because the shaded areas are very few.

The west side of the beach just in front of the lagoon is instead equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and snack bars where you can find something to drink and quick to eat. Let's say that this part is the most chaotic, especially in summer. Our advice as always if you want to enjoy this absolute wonder in absolute relaxation, better get there early in the morning, so at least for a couple of hours you can only hear the sound of the sea.

Near the beach there is a large area to park your vehicle and some accommodation facilities. If you love naturism,, in the most extreme west of the peninsula, you can find secluded beaches where you can relax and enjoy the landscape.

For the more daring who venture up to the islet, on its western end a small promontory with a lighthouse and a chapel. The area is called Agia Irini. The lighthouse was built in 1939 before the German occupation after the tragic accident in which an Austrian ship sank and, it could be seen up to 30 miles away, the previous lighthouse was dated 1907 and was much smaller and less visible. From here 'being slightly higher' you have a crazy view of the whole area.

Obviously better through a vehicle if your own, so as not to be bound by timetables. There are two ways to get to Elafonissi. We keep Kissamos village as a reference just to have a starting position. The first is the "longest" one that runs along the entire west coast. Let's say it takes longer 'also because it is full of curves but at least you have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views.The second is an internal road that practically cuts the coast.

Here is another stop to put on the list of things to do in Crete that you cannot give up, you would miss a fairytale scenario that is worth seeing.