Our Elafonisi private tour takes you to the pink-sand lagoon at the southwestern tip of Crete, with pickup from your hotel and a driver who waits for you.
At the southwestern tip of Crete, 76 km from Chania, the sea turns shallow and almost transparent over sand that is tinted pink in places by countless crushed shells. Elafonisi is a small island joined to the shore by a sandbar, and on most days you can wade across through knee-deep water.
The island and the coast around it are a Natura 2000 protected site. Sea daffodils and junipers grow on the dunes, and loggerhead turtles use the beaches. Taking sand, shells or plants is forbidden.
On the way you pass the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, 5 km before the beach, built on a rock above the Libyan Sea. Its name means “golden step”: legend says one of its steps is made of gold, visible only to the faithful.
Elafonisi private tour by taxi
A private tour means the car is only for you and your group. You choose the pickup time, how long you stay and where you stop on the way, and your driver takes you back to your hotel at the end. There is no fixed timetable and no crowded coach.
We pick you up from your hotel or address in Kolymbari, Chania, Platanias or anywhere in western Crete. A taxi takes 1 to 4 passengers and a mini bus 5 to 8; for bigger groups, up to 20 people, we send more than one vehicle. Every vehicle has air conditioning and satellite GPS tracking, and our drivers are professional, certified taxi drivers who know the roads of Crete well.
Plan your day
Elafonisi is a full beach day. The road crosses the hills of western Crete and the last part runs down to the coast past the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa, worth a short stop. Once there, take your time: wade across to the island, walk over the dunes and swim in the warm, shallow water. In July and August it is worth leaving early, and you should bring shade, water and sun cream.
Good to know
- The water is shallow and calm, which makes it a favourite with families.
- The beach is open to the sun: bring shade, water and sun cream.
- In July and August it is worth leaving early in the morning.
Questions about the Elafonisi tour
Where do you pick us up?
From your hotel or address. Tell us where when you book.
How many people can join?
A taxi takes 1 to 4 passengers and a mini bus 5 to 8. For groups of up to 20 people we send more than one vehicle.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. It is your private tour, so tell the driver where you would like to stop, for a photo, a coffee or a swim.
Can we combine it with another tour?
Yes. Many places in Crete combine well in one day. Tell us what you would like to see and we suggest a route that fits the time you have.
Can you take us to the airport at the end of the day?
Yes. If you fly out the same day, we can end the tour at Chania Airport or Heraklion Airport. Tell us your flight time when you book.
Do you drive at weekends and on holidays?
Yes, we work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Book the Elafonisi tour
Send us a booking request with the date, the pickup point and the number of passengers, and choose this tour in our booking form. We get back to you with the price for the day and confirm the details. You can also call us on +30 28240 84575 or email info@taxi-kolymbari.gr. Prices are per vehicle, not per person: see the indicative transfer prices on our price table.
Find Elafonisi beach on Google Maps, or see all our private tours in Crete.
