Greek island + youngsters at all times = seaside – however if you’re on Crete, you don’t simply have the standard golden sands to tempt you, and I knew a go to to Elafonisi seaside in Crete with youngsters could be unmissable.
Crete’s pink sand seaside is without doubt one of the most well-known locations on the island, and never only for households. With snorkelling, the small lagoon to paddle and swim in, and a few pretty surroundings, it’s properly value preserving on the listing.
Round 90 minutes from Chania on the north coast, the place we had been staying for a part of our vacation in Crete, it pays to plan forward if you’re heading to Elafonisi seaside with youngsters – listed here are my prime suggestions.
Plan your drive
There are guided excursions which can take you to Elafonisi – or Elafonissi – seaside however should you’re glad driving on slim mountain roads, it’s a lot better to rent a automobile and head down there your self.
Firstly, as a result of you have to get there early. Once we arrived simply earlier than 9.30, I might nonetheless discover a parking house within the shade and we just about had our decide of loungers on the seaside itself.
Many of the coach excursions arrive later so it’ll already be busier (though clearly you don’t want to fret about parking).
The drive additionally takes you thru some wonderful mountain surroundings in direction of the top – though I had my eyes firmly mounted on the street, navigating some tight and twisty bends.
However with your individual automobile, you’ll be able to cease en route should you fancy taking images. When you have journey sick youngsters, you too can pause for a breather, plus they’re much less more likely to be affected in a automobile than in a coach.
For those who undoubtedly don’t wish to drive your self, there’s a wide selection of excursions to Elafonisi Seashore, with pick-up choices across the island together with Chania and Rethymno but additionally Heraklion – keep in mind you’ll have an extended journey from the island’s capital although
Go to the correct automobile park
As you drive nearer to the seaside, you’ll spot numerous indicators for parking on the street down – don’t be tempted to cease right here although (until you’ve arrived late and there’s no different possibility).
You’ll get charged to park and it’s a good distance right down to the seaside itself – plus a steeper climb again up after your day by the ocean.
As an alternative, simply proceed following the street till it stops, as that leads you straight into the free automobile park at Elafonisi seaside itself. In all probability, you’ll be following a string of different automobiles down there as properly, as anybody heading right here is more likely to be making their approach to the seaside.
Convey money
Whereas an increasing number of locations are transferring to contactless fee, you’ll wish to deliver money to hire the loungers and seaside umbrellas.
In summer time 2022, these price 15 Euros per pair with a parasol and 5 euros further per lounger. Contactless gave the impression to be an possibility however there wasn’t any information for the transaction, so fortunately we had sufficient to cowl it.
For those who don’t, be sure you deliver your individual seaside umbrella and towels – there’s barely any shade in any other case. Elafonisi Island is without doubt one of the greatest spots to discover a extra shaded spot, however we determined it was properly value paying for these.
The bathrooms by the automobile park additionally want money: it’s 50 cents to make use of these, though youngsters are free.
Not all of the sand is pink
The sand on the principle seaside, the place all of the loungers line the water, is extra golden than pink – the pink color comes from tiny ground-up shells so it varies relying on the tides and the time of 12 months.
However this space isn’t the place the place you’ll discover the rosiest shades anyway.
Wade over to Elafonisi Island and you could find extra pink stretches, plus heat tidal swimming pools – as ever, it’s value heading there early on if you wish to snap images and benefit from the views with out too many crowds.
It’s not at all times apparent to see the place the shallowest sections are, however regulate the opposite individuals crossing to identify the sandbanks, and be ready to go in as much as your waist at the least.
The sandbar which connects Elafonisi Island to Crete itself hardly ever has greater than round a metre of water over it – youthful youngsters might have to swim or be carried quite than wade, however older ones ought to nonetheless be capable to hold their heads above water.
A dry bag will certainly turn out to be useful, in any other case you’ll most likely want to hold your belongings above your head sooner or later. It’s properly well worth the effort as the color actually is unbelievable.
Discover Elafonisi island
The island is definitely a nature reserve, and feels very unspoiled – particularly by comparability to the string of loungers alongside the remainder of the seaside!
Do save slightly time to discover right here as properly, though keep in mind it’s greatest to do that early too as there’s restricted shade.
Bringing waterproof sneakers (or carrying your flip flops over your head) can also be plan because the sand on the island itself will get highly regarded in consequence.
Residence to 110 plant species, together with some that are uncommon or distinctive to the reserve, you must stick with the paths to keep away from damaging the crops.
For those who’re very fortunate, you could even see turtles as they nest on the island, though they have a tendency to steer very clear of individuals so don’t rely on it.
Convey a snorkel
For those who’re travelling with youthful youngsters, the shallow water is ideal to splash round in – in addition to the little tide swimming pools, which warmth up properly underneath the Greek solar, there’s a really gradual slope in the principle lagoon.
The ocean right here is an incredible turquoise color and extremely clear, so should you’re visiting Crete with barely older youngsters, do pack a snorkel as properly.
The sheltered lagoon may be very calm so it’s preferrred for novices and there are tiny fish swimming round. You may spot different sea creatures as properly, relying which space you swim in.
You’ll discover kayaks to hire too should you’re visiting with teenagers or extra adventurous youngsters who wish to enterprise additional out.
There are even lifeguards throughout the summer time months as an added precaution.
Services are restricted
In addition to parking and some bathrooms by the automobile park, there are stalls promoting costly seaside toys and a few snack bars serving meals.
The selection is restricted and it’s unsurprisingly pricy, plus with lots of people lounging on the seaside, you’ll be able to anticipate queues. Finest to deliver your individual meals and drinks should you can.
Alternatively, should you’re not planning to spend the entire day at Elafonisi seaside with youngsters, you’ll be able to head off earlier than lunch because the temperatures rise, and enterprise over to a taverna elsewhere. One other bonus of getting your individual rent automobile!
As an alternative of retracing our route via the guts of the island, we drove over to the west coast in direction of Sfinari the place there are some pretty tavernas on this quiet seaside serving contemporary fish. There are extra loungers right here if you wish to end the day on a much less pink stretch of sand too.
For extra issues to do in Crete with youngsters, try my prime picks
Disclosure: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions on visiting Elafonisi seaside with youngsters are my very own
Photographs copyright MummyTravels