Elafonisi Day Tour (Rethymno)
Stunning sunset in Elafonisi
Panoramic View of Elafonisi Beach
Agia Sopfia cave in Crete
Early morning in Elafonisi
Pink coral sands in Elafonisi
The lagoon in Elafonisi Beach
Aerial view of Elafonisi Beach
Aerial view of Elafonisi Beach
The cave of Agia Sofia in Crete
Pink coral sand on Elafonisi Beach
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, Elos Village
Starting point: Pickup is only conducted in designated locations around Rethymno Starting time: 07:10amItinerary
After we pick you up in the morning from various designated locations around Rethymno, 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 stop for coffee 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!
Afterwards, we will make another coffee stop at the local village of Elos, before hopping back on the bus that we will take us back to Rethymno!
Important notes
- Duration: 12 hours
- Pick up/Drop off is conducted only in select spots around Rethymno. 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
- On Tuesdays the guide available also speaks French, while on Thursday Russian is available
