Elafonissi is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Greece and it is located 76 km southwest of the city of Chania and 5 km south of Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, at the south-west end of Crete. Elafonissi is a narrow peninsula, which often breaks at the beginning, giving the feeling of a separate island. It has been included in the network with NATURA protected areas, as it is an ecosystem of exceptional ecological importance. Unfortunately, due to the huge number of visitors, it has been quite downgraded .
Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding the Caribbean, are formed on either side of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells. Near the breaking point of the peninsula, the sea water does not exceed 1m in depth, creating a small lagoon, ideal for children. You can easily cross the lagoon in order to reach the opposite site of the peninsula, while carrying your staff with you, because the water is very shallow there.
The eastern side of the beach, in front of the lagoon, is well organized and has the most people. There are umbrellas, showers, lifeguards, snack bars and changing rooms. Composedly, the beaches on either sides of the island are less crowded and are the most beautiful, with amazing azure colors. If you want to stay completely secluded or nude, you can walk along the peninsula until you find a quiet cove that you like! There are some coves available for naturists near the west end of the peninsula.
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