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Elafonisi Day Tour (Chania)

Spend a day in the small island of Elafonisi, featuring one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!

A Natura 2000 protected area, Elafonisi is one of the most unique places in Greece. Full of dunes with sand lilies and junipers, sand alternating between white and pink, and crystal clear turquoise waters, this is a Caribbean paradise in the Mediterranean!

Highlights: Elafonisi, Pink Coral Beach, Cave of Saint Sophia(subject to conditions), Visit to a local village (subject to conditions)

Starting point: Pickup is only conducted in designated locations around Chania Starting time: 08:00am

Itinerary

After we pick you up in the morning from various designated locations around Chania, we will follow the green north coast just before Kastelli and finally reach the rock chapel of Agia Sophia through the village of Topolia. This small church is hidden in a dripstone cave, accessible by a small uphill climb. It dates back to the battles of the Cretans against the Venetians and Turks and was named after a religious icon found wedged
in a rock inside the cave. Magnificent stalactites, stalagmites and pillars cover the largest part of its surface. Neolithic shells and a previously unknown species of insect that
was named Spermophora Topolia were discovered inside the cave. After a short visit to this incredibly interesting site, we will proceed to the main attraction of the tour!

Elafonisi is located on the southwestern most point of Crete and is an oblong, which often seems to be divided into two parts by water, giving the impression of it being a separate island. The protected area of Elafonisi features magnificent natural formations with arguably the most beautiful being the pinkish sand which exists in many places, taking its color from thousands of broken sea shells and corals. The endangered turtles Caretta-Caretta and several rare animals nest on the island and it is strictly forbidden to remove any flora or fauna from the area. The exotic beach with its white and pink sand and turquoise waters is reminiscent of the Caribbean. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the water does not exceed 1m (3 feet), creating a small lagoon, which can easily be crossed.

The eastern side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is organized, having umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms. In Elafonisi, you will have plenty of time to explore the area, swim in the crystal clear waters and even grab a bite to eat! Depending on conditions we may have time to visit a local village as well, before hopping back on the bus that we will take us back to Chania!

What's Included

  • Pick up/Drop off with air-conditioned luxury bus from select spots in Chania
  • Visit to the cave of Saint Sophia
  • Visit to Elafonisi
  • Visit to local village (subject to conditions)
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Swedish speaking guide available every Wednesday

Not included:

  • Personal expenses, extra beverages or meals
  • Customary tips to your driver and escort

Important notes
  • Duration: 8-10 hours
  • Pick up/Drop off is conducted only in select spots in Chania. Depending on your location, you will be advised on the time and place after booking.
  • Remember to bring the following items: sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, swimsuit and beach towel
  • Rubbish disposal as well as removing seashells from the beach is prohibited
  • The visit to a local village is dependent on various conditions regarding availabilty and number of total participants.
  • All passengers are required to wear protective masks during transportation
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