ELAFONISSI
If you would like to discover a small island covered with sand dunes and small trees, sandy beaches and tropical waters, then you must visit Elafonissi, one of the most exotic beaches of Crete. It is at the southwest tip of Crete, 76km from the city of Chania. A protected natural reserve by the Natura 2000 European Act, Elafonissi, is a peninsula which breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. A lagoon, shaped at that point, is ideal for children. The sea is so shallow that you can cross over the island by foot. The white sand which in many places gets pink shades of the thousands of crushed shells, gives a different look to the beach. The crystal clear and blue-green waters remind of the Caribbean.
Before you reach Elafonissi, you will visit the very known monastery of Chryssoskalitissa, one of the landmarks of southwest Crete. It is a simple, but impressive building that has kept alive, the atmosphere of the past centuries. Ninety steps lead to the top of the rock and one of them is said to be golden, but visible only to the faithful, according to tradition (hence the name of the monastery, from the words “Chryso” meaning “gold” and “Skalitissa” meaning “stair”). In the way back home, while driving along the road you will reach Elos, a village built in a verdant landscape with chestnut trees. Plane trees and many fruit orchards. There, under the plane trees you will have your dinner.
Days of excursion
Monday, Friday
Type of excursion
Boat-Full day
Should take
Comfortable shoes, Hat, Camera, Sun protection, Bathing suit
Languages
English, Danish, Dutch, French, Russian, Czech, Polish, Italian