Once a secret known only to the locals, Elafonisi is now packed with tourists ever since it was featured in Tripadvisor’s list of the top 25 beaches in the world in 2014. It is hard to decide if the list ruined the charm of this deserted paradise or introduced us to this wonder.
Elafonisi is a natural reserve located in Chania, on the southwestern edge of Crete – Greece’s biggest island. It is a tiny island itself, separated from the main beach by a 200 metre long stretch of water that resembles a lagoon. It is possible to wade or walk to the island during low-tide. You don’t really need to be a swimmer to navigate the waters which also makes Elafonisi safe for kids and a great place for families.
What makes this place special?
Of course you would be wondering why this beach is one of the best in the world. Believe it or not, the fuss is because of its pink sand! Most of the time, the sand here is pink, but not always. The pink color is the result of tidal deposits of broken fragments of corals and pigmented shells.
Elafonisi is a visual feast – its glaring white sand shores toned with pastel pink and a backdrop of a million shades of blue. Looking at this magical place you would feel like you stumbled into a unicorn’s dwelling.
The island
Though the mainland is dotted with beach chairs, umbrellas and bars, they are prohibited on the island to preserve its natural setting.
The island is just a mile long, but it packs enough to keep you intrigued. Once you start exploring the island, you will find several secluded coves and strange rocky outcrops. On the southern part, you will come across several smaller beaches which are separated by rock formations. In addition to this, the region has more than 100 species of plants including sea daffodils, which flowers in summer and an extremely rare winter flower –Androcymbium rechingeri, which is not found anywhere else in the world. The lagoon is a shelter for rare loggerhead turtles and you must be extremely lucky to spot one as they are very shy creatures. The strong winds of Crete and the warm waters are also ideal for water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing.
Note that it is prohibited to take away any plants, flowers or the pink sand from here and doing so will result in hefty fines.
Imperatrix Shipwreck
On the lesser known, western side of the island, there are rocky cliffs which caused the shipwreck of the SS Imperatrix, an Austrian passenger-cargo ship that was bound for Bombay, India in 1907. Around 38 victims who lost their lives were buried here and a large wooden cross was erected on the island in their memory. Following this unfortunate event, a lighthouse was constructed to prevent such accidents but it was destroyed by German troops during WWII.
Kedrodasos Beach
The beach is located a kilometre away from the island and is equally beautiful with its powdery white sand shore filled with juniper trees and sand dunes. It remains completely natural and untouched by humans, adding to its charm.
Why should you visit?
The exotic pink sand and crystal clear blue waters would have already compelled you to visit this enchanting place. Why don’t you take a trip and witness the magic for yourself?
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