Private Custom Tour: Explore Elafonisi, the World’s Best Beach

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Recommended by 98% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | Chania, Greece

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6 to 9 hours (approx.)

Hotel pickup offered

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Overview

Escape the crowds and discover western Crete your way with this private, fully customizable tour to Elafonisi — regularly ranked among the best beaches in the world for its pink sand, shallow turquoise waters, and untouched natural beauty. Your main destination is Elafonisi Beach, a protected nature reserve and true bucket-list location. Along the way, enjoy the freedom to choose from a selection of hidden gems and authentic Cretan experiences that most visitors miss.

This is a flexible itinerary: tell us your preferences in advance, or decide with your driver on the day.

Suggested Itinerary (All Optional – You Choose!)

1)Cretan Honey Museum & Tasting

2)Komolithi Clay Hills

3)Elafonisi Beach

4)Optional Second Beach

5)Historic Monastery Visit

6)Lunch in a Village

7)Agia Sofia Cave

Note: This is a 100% private tour, but due to time constraints (6–9 hours total), not all stops can be visited in one day. Choose your favorites, and we’ll tailor the day to suit your style.

What's Included

Flexible Pick-Up Time Based on Your Schedule
Bottled Water Provided for Each Guest
Private Transportation (modern, air-conditioned vehicle)
Child Seats and Boosters Available on Request
Customizable Itinerary – Plan Your Preferred Stops
Vehicle Sanitized Before Each Tour
Tastings of Local Products (honey, olive oil, raki, etc.) where available
Photo Stop Opportunities at Scenic Viewpoints
Audio/Charging Support in Vehicle (USB ports and Bluetooth)
Friendly Local Driver-Guide (knowledgeable and English speaking)

Entrance Fees (if applicable)
Food & Drinks at Tavernas or Restaurants (lunch stop is optional and paid directly by guests)
Beach Amenities (sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports equipment not included)
Souvenirs or Personal Purchases
Tips & Gratuities (optional but appreciated)

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point

Pickup details

Pick-up from Chania region is included for free. Pick-up from Rethymno and Heraklion regions available at an extra cost.

What To Expect

STATHAKISFAMILY CRETAN HONEY EXPERIENCE

(OPTIONAL) Start your day with an authentic taste of Crete’s countryside. This small, family-run honey museum and workshop invites you into the world of traditional Cretan beekeeping. Learn how honey was produced over centuries, see original tools and hives, and understand the importance of bees to local agriculture and culture. You’ll also enjoy tastings of pure local honey, raki infused with herbs, handmade creams and balms from beeswax, and other organic treats like carob syrup and herbal infusions. It's more than just a tasting — it's a cultural immersion into the natural flavors of Crete.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Komolithi

(OPTIONAL) These surreal, moon-like clay mounds rise unexpectedly from the Cretan landscape and make for a quick but unforgettable stop. The Komolithi formations are a natural phenomenon created by erosion over centuries, and they offer a striking visual contrast to the olive groves and hills surrounding them. Perfect for unique photography and a quiet moment in nature that few tourists get to experience.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Elafonissi Beach

(Main Highlight – Must Visit) Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Elafonisi is the crown jewel of Crete’s southwest coast. Known for its dreamlike pink sand, shallow turquoise lagoon, and protected natural environment, it offers something for everyone. You can swim in crystal-clear waters, walk across the sandbar to the islet, explore sand dunes dotted with rare plants, or simply relax in paradise. Whether you're looking to unwind or explore, Elafonisi never disappoints — and yes, the pink sand is real.

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Kedrodasos Beach

(OPTIONAL) If you’d like to escape the crowds and discover a secluded beach paradise, we can head to Kedrodasos Beach, a hidden gem just a short drive from Elafonisi. With its soft white sand, cedar trees, and vivid blue waters, it feels untouched and wild. Alternatively, Aspri Limni (White Lake Beach) offers a quiet stretch of sand with striking rock formations, perfect for those seeking solitude and a moment to connect with nature. Due to their remote locations, these beaches are visited only by a handful of people.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Chrisoskalitissa Monastery

(OPTIONAL) Perched on a cliff overlooking the Libyan Sea, this 15th-century monastery offers stunning views and a rich connection to local legend. "Chrysoskalitissa" means "Golden Step" — and legend says one of its 90 steps is made of gold, visible only to the pure of heart. Inside, you’ll find Byzantine icons, a peaceful chapel, and insight into the deep Orthodox traditions of Crete. The location also provides some of the best panoramic views of the southwest coastline.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Elos

(OPTIONAL) Tucked into the lush mountains, Elos is one of Crete’s greenest and most charming villages. Known for its chestnut trees and serene atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for a slow, soulful meal. Dine at a family-run taverna where food is prepared the old-fashioned way — in a wood-fired oven using local ingredients. Enjoy dishes like slow-roasted lamb, stuffed vegetables, homemade cheese, and seasonal greens, all accompanied by house wine, local beer, or raki. This is the kind of place where the food tastes like a warm embrace.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Agia Sofia Cave

(OPTIONAL) Located along the dramatic Topolia Gorge, this cave offers both natural wonder and spiritual history. A short uphill walk takes you to the entrance, where inside you’ll find massive stalactites and stalagmites, and a small chapel carved into the cave wall, dedicated to Saint Sophia. The views over the gorge are breathtaking, and the peaceful energy of the site makes it a special end (or beginning) to your day. Though modest in size, it offers a unique blend of geology, culture, and scenic beauty.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Custom Tour: Explore Elafonisi, the World’s Best Beach?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EEST). Read more Apr 2025