Departing from Chania, this road will take you to Elafonisi in a little bit more than an hour. Once arrived at the beach, it is inevitably very crowded in season, however walking to the island we quickly found a place with far fewer people and were able to land in a place where there were only two other couple in sight for 30m of beach. There is an extra charge for every extra piece of luggage. The Tiny Book is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees linking to Amazon.com. The lagoon between the mainland and the island is knee-deep, so it is nice to just walk around and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Please, help us protect the beaches in Crete. Please remember to bring this with you on the day. Best Hotels in ChaniaAffordable:Aelia ApartmentsorPolixenys Suitesin the old town.Mid-range:Elia Estiain the old town andCivitel Akali Hotelin the new town.Luxury:Casa Delfinoin the old town orDomes Noruzby the sea.Check alsoChania Accommodation GuideandBoutique Hotels in Chania. Our bus and escort will pick you up from your hotel or a location in its vicinity. Checkprices here. Travel to the southwest corner of Crete on a guided day trip from Chania to Elafonisi Island, with hotel transfers included. Its also a good idea to check the prices with several boatmen before buying your ticket. Its rather bendy too, and its the common way to go to Elafonisi if you are staying inFalasarna. 11 Tips to Stay Safe. Best Hotels in Hersonissos For Your Fun Crete Holiday. Elafonisi Beach, in the region of Chania, Crete, is probably the hottest and most visited spot on the island. Finally, we arrived at the parking, and it turned out that to get to the beach we still need to walk for 2 kilometers. Our company "Elafonissos Travel" is certified with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Managements Systems with No. If youre doubtful about driving in Crete, check this helpful guide about car rental and driving in Crete. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ac19579cd9ba11c79a7f57f3b3acd2cc" );document.getElementById("a31670a0aa").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Actually, the best gift you could have given her is a lifetime of adventures. You can also call to learn about the timetable by calling this number 2810-245020 with an answering machine 24 hours a day. Beautiful beach !!! Especially if I return during sunset, the views are fantastic. Spend a relaxing day on the small island of Elafonisi and soak up the sun on a pink sand beach. Wandernity.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Promise. You must be precautious because parts of the roads might not have safety barriers or signposts indicating danger. Chania old townand are kept there for 72 hours before being destroyed or given to charity. I only recommend things I use myself or that I believe will deliver value to you. It leaves from Chania Bus Station at 9 am (summer service). The beach is famous for its pink-colored sand. Shortly after we receive your payment we will send you your initial documents. 35% Deposit on booking time and final payment7 days before the tour date. 5 days before the tour starts > 50% refund, no refunds after that. So this is an authentic guide by a local. On our way back, we can stop in Loutro for a last coffee (can be arranged) before ending our trip in Sfakia at approx 18h00. What discount can you offer to us if we book more than two tours with your company? Price for 1-9 persons:850,00(all year), - boat rental-captain and fuel for the above route and duration-soft drinks/water on board, - Duration: approx. It is a result of millions of crushed shells. Bring the sunshine of Crete, our latest news and offers to you. For me, it seemed that the Balos beach is more rugged and wild, as it is hard to access by tourist buses. The exact pick up time depends on hotel location or meeting point. Further to the Governments announcements, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to keep our guests safe and healthy, our staff will be intensely and detailed trained to meet all the requirements. The route to Elafonisi wont disappoint you. Elafonisi can also be reached byboatfromPaleochora,certainly more relaxing than driving, but a bit more expensive. Spend a relaxing day swimming in the clear blue waters, relaxing on the pink sand beach, and soaking in the unique landscape of Elafonisi. Private transfer can be a good alternative to reach Elafonisi when traveling from other parts of the island, especially from Rethymnon and Heraklion if you want to save some money but still prefer the comfort of a car over the public bus. The ticket is 10 and here is the timetable. Although now there is little pink, it seemed to me to be in a small earthly paradise .. Too bad that the day's program was not written in the reservation, but only that it lasted 12 hours. The canyon of Topolia starts near the village ofStroules, about 450 meters a.s.l. So forget about bus schedules, and discover the island by car!Bus travel is really easy on the north coast of the island while getting to popular places in the south,including Elafonisi, can be more difficult. - If weather conditions are too severe, our partner will judge if it is not possible to provide you with the boat trip.-Weather conditions are determined 1-4 days before the reserved date.- The reservation date can be modified, depending on availability.-Please note that weather conditions in the area of Chora Sfakion can be different than in other areas. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils jupiners, the endangered loggerhead sea turtles, and some more rare animals and plants, Our full day trip starts in the port of Sfakia at approx 10h00 am, we make our first stop in the secluded creek of Lissos. Enjoy an astonishing route through nature & traditional villages. We stop for lunch in a family tavern in Paleochora, where we taste local Cretan delicacies. Start with a hotel pick up and take in the lush green landscape en route to the island as you travel through the impressive Topolia Gorge and pass many traditional villages. Elafonisi is a Natura 2000 protected area, so dont take any plants, animals, shells,and sand from the area. The boat usually returns at about 5 pm. Paleochora is a southern town about 30 minutes from Elafonisi, but the roads are in very bad condition. Learn how your comment data is processed. You may notice many people spending time here just to get the perfect Instagram photo on the beach. Starting from 08:00 am. Infants until 6 years old travel free of charge. You can rent a sunbed & umbrella, walk towards the small island and swim in the beachs crystal waters. Our full day trip starts in the port of Sfakia at approx 10h00 am. I am hoping to visiting again next year, hopefully I will be seeing Crete as well. Our vehicles are filled up according to governmental covid-19 law of their capacity. How are you planning to visit Elafonisi Beach this season?Let me know in the comments below! 2022 Elafonissos Travel. Tip by a Local: I love to combine the first road when going to Elafonisi and this one for the way back. The tour guide (her name was Simona, a very nice person who loves what she does) was very involved, telling a lot of things during the trip about traditions around the place. Disclaimer: Posts include affiliate links to products or services and I might earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This year I visited Crete with a couple of friends, and we went on a beach-roadtrip from Chania. Superb trip! The service is worth considering if youre staying in Paleochora. Renting your car is very convenient for those who want to visit places that are hard to reach. You can easily find restaurants with reasonable prices offering fish and other creatures of the sea caught just a few hours ago. Luggage restrictions: Passenger luggage must be placed in the luggage compartment of the bus. From the small, pebbly beach we can take a short walk to the back of the beach to the ancient temple of Asklepios (the god of medicine), and drink water from the springs said to have magical healing powers, we can stop in Loutro for a last coffee (can be arranged). Guaranteed. If a tour is cancelled due to low participation or bad weather conditions, the company will refund 100% of made payments. It takes a bit more than an hour to get to the beach from Chania by car, and the road is absolutely gorgeous. We like that feeling so much, so that we figured everyone should have it. At the time of writing, there is one direct bus to Elafonisi. I have booked on-line. Every departure is guaranteed to run. It goes up and down the mountains, there are a lot of hairpin turns and an amazing view of the valleys. Is availability guaranteed when I book online? We had to continue driving on a rugged mountain road surrounded by goats from one side and by a cliff bordering the sea from the other side. The crystal clear turquoise shallow waters combined with the thin white and coral-red sand create a landscape of unparalleled beauty! If you inspect the sand closely, you might notice traces of the same pink shade as in Elafonissi, but in smaller amounts. Beware not to take any samples with you, as the sand isnt unlimited. Stop to purchase coffee and breakfast in the village of Elos, known for its chestnut trees. Elafonisi is a magical place that consists of a small islet full of white and pink sandy beaches, which is very close to the main busy beach. Its the most beautiful road to choose when driving at sunset since the sun sets right opposite this path. More info: Information for passengers is available daily from early morning to late at night on the phone at 2810-246530. Full Day Boat Trip To Elafonissi Beach in West Crete, and discover this majestic peninsula and beach of exotic beauty and Natura 2000 protected area. What else do you include in the tour price? DOWNLOAD THE NEW DIGITAL CITY GUIDE OF CHANIA FOR ONLY 0,99! I visited it in May, maybe the boat tours during the summer compensate for the lack of tourist buses.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'wandernity_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wandernity_com-banner-1-0')}; After having a relaxing swim in the blue waters, we climbed up the coast to the car parking place. Sometimes tours may not operate due to insufficient numbers, and we may need to contact you to advise you of any such changes. In conclusion, one thing has to be said immediately, the roads to Elafonisi are not easy. The boat will leave you at a nearby docking area, a mole about 10 minutes from the beach. Driving to the Balos was quite an adventure. Boats usually leave at about 9 am or 10 am, but its always better to confirm with the local boatmen. Navigation told us that there are still a few kilometers of the road ahead of us when the asphalted road ended. Its also a common practice to discuss the price if youre traveling in a large group. The bus collected us near the hotel, we stopped for breakfast at a hillside caf which was a quite nice experience especially because you had time to explore de small cave close to the caf. -If youcancel 15 days (incl) or less before the reservation date, NO amount is refunded. Balos beach has a long, shallow, and sandy lagoon leading to the connected island. When you reach Elafonisi by car, its a good idea to either spend the night in the village or to leave at least one hour before the sunset, its always better toavoid these roads at night. Our fleet will be thoroughly cleaned and hygiene after each transfer and trip. You can choose your trip depending on how you like to travel, how comfortable you feel about driving on roads you dont know, and how much money you can spend on transport. Please check before hiring the service since the number of passengers inside a car might vary this season due to Covid-19 restrictions. Some links are affiliate links, this means that if you click on a link and purchase an item, I might receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Made with love in Chania, Crete by Tiny Book Media. It also gives you the flexibility to stop anywhere on the road to rest or to admire the landscape. And if you are walking around and exploring, there wont be much shade available. I find that this road is stunning for photography. From the small, pebbly beach we can take a short walk to the back of the beach to the ancient temple of Asklepios (the god of medicine) and drink water from the springs said to have magical healing powers. LAST-MINUTE PLANS FOR CRETE? UseFerryhopperand Skyscanner for the best ticket rates. Find great accommodation deals onBooking.com. Compare car rental prices withDiscover Cars.Check the best tours with GetYourGuide. VisitElafonisi, discoverBalos Beach, hikeSamaria,or explore Knossos.Pack theLonely Planet Guide to Creteor get mydigital guide to Chania. We reached Balos beach by car, but it is also possible to take a tour from Chania and go to Balos by boat. When it comes to Elafonisi, keep in mind that most buses leave way before you can see the sunset, an experience you dont want to miss! The cave of Agia Sofia. By far one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Elafonissi is situated on the south west coast. We start our trip by picking you up from your hotel or our specific pick up points and we drive you to the south west Of Crete. This allows me to continue writing helpful articles for your travels. A tropical effect is created by its white and pink coral sands. I burned myself both times when I visited this beach because the sun gets reflected from the water, and this multiplies its effect. Will you contact me if there is a problem? When comparing Elafonissi and Balos, I can see a lot of similarities. Items that are not included in the cost of tour price. All sensitive touch areas such as seats, armrests, sidewalls etc., are intensively cleaned and sanitized daily before and after each tour. Check individual trip pages for maximum group sizes. There is free wi-fi access inside the bus stations as well. You can get to Elafonisi Beach by boat. Book Your Appointment for Covid-19 test in Crete, Swim in the turquoise crystal water of Elafonisi, Admire the white and coral-red (pink) sand. If you are staying in Heraklion and want to visit Elafonisi in a day, think it over! Because obviously after the hours of travel by bus we did not know of a stop in a cave which actually turned out to be really beautiful and interesting !!! (Plus Great Insider Tips), Safest Beaches for Children in Crete: Insiders Guide. And getting there can be a memorable adventure, especially if you drive to Elafonisi. Then we had approx. We keep our group sizes low so you have the freedom to move around and get involved with your surroundings, as well as more personal attention from our local guides. Full Day Boat Trip To Elafonissi Beach in West Crete and beach of exotic beauty and Natura 2000 protected area, that consists of a small islet full of white and pink sandy beaches, which is very close to the main busy beach. Yes, all of our Tour Managers and Tour Drivers speak English, some speak additional languages as well, but your tour will be conducted in English. Dont forget to bookmark it before your trip. This is also the road that buses take, so it can be considered the safest (and shortest). Its the same three roads you can choose if youre coming from Rethymnon and Heraklion because its always wiser to reach Chania first.Lets see them now! Copyright 2021. A stunning natural monument with its stalactites, stalagmites and a small chapel at its entrance. There are also goats and sheep blocking the road at times, so you need to be carefuland patient! Discounts: Discounted rates are available for students, families with more than 3 children get a 50% discount on all routes. Ive tried all the possible roads according to Michelin and Google maps. If there is any problem with your booking or payment details, we will contact you on the telephone number or email address stated in your booking. Our tour guides are trained to watch how their group progresses at each landmark and they adjust each tour accordingly. 8 hours- Boatused: Marvel 250hp RIB- Maximum number of people/boat:9 + 1 captain (10 total)- Sunshade available onboard: Yes- Number of beaches visited: 2-3- Suitable for children: Yes- Lunch stop: Yes. The Best Things To Do In Creteif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'wandernity_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wandernity_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; Tags: Balos, beach, Chania, Crete, Elafonissi, roadtrip, travel, TravelBlogger. 2008 If you are interested in stopping in places such asPotamidaorthe Cave of Agia Sophia, this is the way you have to choose. Again, the contrast between the clear blue water and the pure sand offers us unique moments! Along the outward journey the guide also tells interesting anecdotes about the villages crossed and about Cretan traditions. The bus guide was very polite, informed and explained many points about the island on the way. If you wish to explore more options return to the Incredible Beaches page. This intimate size ensures that your group will not crowd your experience. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The beach of Elafonisi is a remarkable sandy beach located on the Southwest coast of the Chania prefecture, about 74 km from Chania town (from 1 to 1,5 hours), 130 km from Rethymnon (a bit more than 2 hours), and 211 km from Heraklion (3 to 4 hours). As you can expect some landmarks take more time to get to on coach tours and some are more time-consuming than others. The best way to learn everything theres to know about Elafonisi Beach is to open this useful guide and then come back to this post. Aspri Limni, Kedrodasos Beach, Elafonisi: Three Beaches in a Day! The Minoan Tour of Knossos Palace & Museum, The Private Tour of Ancient Eleftherna & Rethymno Villages, The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour Explore East Chania Mainland, Apokoronas Unseen Routes Nature, Culture and Religion, Living Like A Monk Tour Of Chanias Monasteries & Sacred Places, Vine Harvest in Crete Wine holidays in Chania, WWII The Battle Of Crete 2 Days Private Tour, Winter Vacation in Crete November March, The Ultimate Food Tour of Chania Villages, Discover the Miracle of Wine and Olive Oil, The Cretan Wine & Cheese Experience Winery & Vineyard Tour, The Cruise of Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island, Cooking Lessons in Chania The Real Cretan Cooking Experience. If I lose something on your tour can I get it back? The sea was calm and there was no waves, you can even walk through the water to reach a nearby island. Driving gives great opportunities to discover the island. Bus schedules are published on this website, Your Insanely Helpful Guide to Balos Beach Crete! What would you suggest for others to see there? Traveling from Heraklion to Elafonisi can be expensive while renting a car can be quite a good idea. All opinions remain my own. The company reserves the right to make minor changes in the program when considered necessary, for example, in unfavourable weather conditions. You must be at the coach at least five minutes before this time. You might also want to read: Aspri Limni, Kedrodasos Beach, Elafonisi: Three Beaches in a Day! When you book online you will receive a follow-up email confirming your arrangements or a timeframe for when they will be confirmed. However, it tends to feel long because bendsdo force you to slow down. Small pieces (hand luggage, backpacks, etc.) This is a beautiful scenery road, that might take a little longer but is worth it for the spectacular landscapes. All entrance fees and costs are included in the tour price except unspecified fees. Crete is the place to visit if you enjoy unbelievably beautiful beaches and really blue water. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. Head to the right for shallow water in a small enclosed lagoon ideal for the children. I do know what crowded roads to Elafonisi look like. Both the beach and island are protected wildlife areas of rare beauty. Are there a lot of people that have already chosen this restaurant (and there is still a free table under the sky)? Any items we find on our coaches are taken to our office at Episkopou Chrysanthou 37 str. Some boats can also take you to Kedrodasos, not far from Elafonisi.Remember that the boat from Paleochora to Elafonisi operates between May and October. You could lose your seat to a walk-up passenger. GNTO (EOT) License Number: 1039E60610137001. How do I get my ticket/voucher? Therefore it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells, and sand from the area of Elafonisi. Please note thatweatherconditionsarenotalwayssuitable for this trip. Extra debits: Entrances, boat fees and meals are not included. Once on the tour, your guide or driver will give you a time that the coach will depart each location. Taxis can be convenient if youre sharing the cost with other travelers. Do not take images or content from this site without previous written permission from the owner. Please enable javascript in your browser to book. In addition,rental cars are small and not made for such roads at all. Bookmark this guide and come back when planning your Crete itinerary or read it now and discover how to get to Elafonisi beach during your vacation in Crete! Final documentation will be sent by email no later than two days prior to the departure. Guide to Driving in Crete: Everything You Need to Know, Travel Tips: How to Plan a Fabulous Road Trip in Crete, Your email address will not be published. US$37.84 In the hot sun. All documentation is sent electronically by email. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. The Tiny Book All rights reserved. They are all mountain roads, narrow, with blind hairpin turns, and distressing ravines. With this in mind, we have no set time for the exploration of each attraction. The security that comes from knowing your trip is locked-in is a feeling that cant be topped. In short, overall it was a revealing experience but definitely appreciated. In the shades of the cars, many goats were chilling, so we got to take a few selfies with them. Then, our next destination is Elafonisi! Prices vary depending on the transfer company and how many people are sharing the ride. You can get tickets close to the jetty in Paleochora or from the local taxi boats. There is so much of Greece to see. In the case of allergies, tolerances or food preferences, please inform the company in advance. It is named by the word "Elafi", which means deer in Greek because people years ago discovered that you can get easily to the islet on foot like a deer that walked to it. At our return we make our stop for lunch at Elos village at a restaurant with, Return time approximately 19:00-19:30 in Chania. Just be sure to put on a lot of sunscreen. Please print your voucher/ticket or keep a picture to your mobile phone which contains your unique reference number. Our driver/escort will be on time to welcome you and show your seat. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted to pay for all tickets. You can get to Elafonisi from anywhere in Crete by public transport, with an organized tour, or by car. If your group consists of 6 or more people, then please contact our friendly staff who will be happy to assist you with your inquiry and see what we can arrange for you at info@gstours.gr. The water and beach are beautiful and this tour is a must! Traveling with a pet: Traveling by bus with your pet, according to the official website of the bus company, the itineraries on which two escort animals are accepted within the passengers area are the ones departing at 5:30, 09:30, 11:30, 14:30, 17:30, and 21:30. -If youcancel a reservation due to personal reasons up to (not incl) 15days before the reservation date, any paid amount is fully refunded. You can read about these nearby places here. Check out these guided tours for more options: Chania is the second-largest city in Crete, and it looks magical in the evenings. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A top day. Living in Chania has given me the possibility to visit Elafonisi manytimes. Copyright 2019. Discover Elos village & taste the local food. How much time do you spend at each attraction? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Visit one of the most beautiful beaches around the world. Yup, all of them. You can expect up to 50 travelers on a trip but the average is 30-35. Each passenger can carry 2 pieces of luggage for free. The ride can cost anything from 80 to 300 depending on your departing point. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travellers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations at a grass-roots level. The road to Elafonisi Beach going through Topolia Gorge is one of the most breathtaking road trips in Chania, with plenty of opportunities for photos of the Cretan mountains. After a day at the beach, it is nice to enjoy the local wine and fish. This guide tells you how to get to Elafonisi from other areas of the island, which are the best roads, and what public transport alternatives you have too. If youre ready to travel by bus, travel light, plan your schedule and always allow extra time for unforeseen situations, like extra traffic. Ive spoken with many visitors with the same condition, and all seem to confirm that driving helps. Are there any cats nearby interested in what the restaurant is offering. Our staff is trained in the latest hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures. We reach the Elafonissi island and we have there about 3,5- 4 hours .You have plenty of time to walk through the shallow water to the island and discover the beauties of the flora and fauna and swim in the crystal clear waters of this place which is called Cretan Maldives. This transfer service is a good way to save money for groups of up to 5 travelers. A word on safety: the roads are fairly safe, however, dont expect,on any of these roads, to speed. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. In general, the roads are doable with due care. Its also possible to reach Elafonisi by taxi from Chania, or from anywhere else on the island. You are free to relax on the beach and enjoy the splendid surrounding environment for three hours. From 2022 Refunds: In case you pay a ticket and you dont travel, the company gives the passenger a 70% refund of the ticket price or a refund of 50% in case of a cancellation within 8 hours before departure time. The reviews for the Full Day Boat Trip To Elafonissi. What happens if I arrive late for a departure? Have you been to Crete, Greece? Families with kids usually target the area in search of shallow waters, but its also popular among young couples looking for a romantic landscape. Respect the environment and dont leave any trash on the beach. Elafonisi is a favorite of backpackers many of which camp in the nearby Kedrodasos Beach. Day Trip from Chania to Beaches of Elafonissi and Balos, Crete, How to Choose a Profitable Blogging Niche (55+ Examples), Twitter Cards: Get More Engagement for Your Blog Post Tweets, Crete Tours from Chania: Best Things to Experience. The Most Delicious Seaside Restaurants That You Should Visit in Crete! At the beach will be some problems with the sunbeds because the beach is crowded. Those governmental laws and regulations against covid-19 infections might change but are strictly followed at all times. 4h on the Elafonisi beach - enough time for relaxing and for swim. Our tours are conducted in English and so they attract many travellers from North America, UK, Australia and Europe. Our trip has come to its end we hope you enjoyed it! Driving times can double in August, so get on the road early if you can to avoid heavy traffic. If you are late and miss the time given, the coach will depart without you in order to not keep the other passengers waiting. All Rights Reserved by Guru host. Bear in mind that there is no port in Elafonisi. If all of the visiting tourists took a handful with them, there would be no more pink parts left. The Tiny Book 2014-2022 TinyBookMedia On the way back, we stopped at a traditional family owned Taverna for delicious food at very low prices. This is, hands down, the best way to get to Elafonisi! The trip can take about 1.5 hours from Chania, 2.5 hours from Rethymnon, and at least 3 hours from Heraklion (always depending on the traffic and the season). If youbook more than 2 tours with us, then please contact our friendly staff who will be happy to assist you with your inquiry and see what we can arrange for you at info@gstours.gr. Made They use personal protective equipment (face masks/shields and optional gloves) to ensure a safe travel experience for you and themselves. *Included bus drive round trip and guiding. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.