Places to Stay in Elafonisi, Chania, That You Will Love!
Accommodation in Elafonisi and places to stay near Elafonisi, in the Chania region, Crete.
The most popular beach in Crete is Elafonisi, a beautiful pink sand beach that everyone wants to visit. However, Elafonisi is quite off the beaten track. The seaside resort is about 70 kilometers from Chania and over 200 km from Heraklion—a three-hour drive! In this article, we will make things easier for you. But staying in Elafonisi allows you to enjoy wonderful days by the sea, cutting driving time. If you’re wondering where to stay in Elafonisi, you’re at the right spot! Take a look.
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Why to Spend the Night in Elafonisi
Despite its popularity, Elafonisi offers a peaceful and serene environment, ideal for those seeking a relaxing escape from more crowded tourist spots. Even when the beach can be crowded during the day, the village turns into a quiet spot in the late afternoon after all Chania day-trippers have left.
Besides, spending the night in Elafonisi is an excellent idea if you come from Rethymno (132 km) or Heraklion (211 km).
Spending the Night in Elafonisi
Boundless extensions of soft pink sand, a crystal clear sea, and a solitary landscape are three characteristics of Elafonisi, one of Crete’s most popular beaches. However, getting to Elafonisi can be difficult if you’re not an experienced driver or comfortable driving through the mountains.
Many visitors to Elafonisi regret having to leave early to avoid driving those mountain roads after dark. This early departure not only robs them of the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunsets on the beach but also the unique experience of staying in one of the most tranquil villages in Crete.
You can solve this issue by staying there. However, given its isolated nature, there are few hotels in the area.
In this article, I present the best vacation homes and hotels in Elafonisi. A stay in this southern corner of Crete guarantees easy access to one of the best beaches on the island, water sports, and hiking trails.
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Where to Stay in Elafonisi: Hotels
I have stayed in two of the three properties below. They have always guaranteed comfortable rooms and -overall- a great experience.
Elafonisi Resort Kalomirakis
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
The resort is right at the beach’s entrance, opposite the new parking lot, where the paved road ends. Prices are fair, and the bungalows are really cute. They are among olive groves and lemon trees, and the views are super pretty.
The breakfast options are abundant, but that’s usually not included in the room price. It’s a quiet place, with a nice garden for children. Rooms include a comfortable kitchenette and air conditioning.
🤓 My kids love the place because they can walk to the beach! I adore the quiet atmosphere and the olive grove that surrounds the apartments.
Glykeria Hotel
⭐ ⭐
This is another popular place to stay in Elafonisi. It’s on the village’s main road and offers great sea views, and it’s only minutes from the beach (by car). The hotel is on the village’s main road, offering great sea views.
The place features simple rooms with air conditioning, a fridge, and a wardrobe. It also features a pool area with sun loungers and panoramic sea views. Book in advance because this place is often fully booked early in the season. They also have a good restaurant that we visited many times.
>> Staying in Elafonisi? Then don’t miss these other two beaches: Aspri Limni and Kedrodasos Beach.
Xasteria
⭐ ⭐
Located near the Chrisoskalithissa Monastery and a few minutes by car from Elafonisi Beach, this hotel features garden views, free WiFi, and free private parking. All units feature a patio, a fridge, air conditioning, a kettle, and a coffee machine.
This renovated complex features modern furniture and new appliances. Family rooms are also available. Reviews praise the hosts’ hospitality and friendly welcome.
Vacation Homes and Airbnbs in Elafonisi
As you can see, there are not many hotels in the region. However, home rental opportunities come to the rescue! I’ve listed below the most convenient Airbnbs in Elafonisi. Take a look!
Villa Evenos, Chrisoskalithissa, Elafonisi
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
Guests: 1- 7
Location: The villa faces the sea and is close to Chrisoskalithissa Monastery. It’s a short drive (5km) from Elafonisi and Kedrodasos and only steps from Aspri Limni. There are a few tavernas and convenience stores in the area.
Facilities: The house is big and has all the comforts for a family stay or a group of friends. It also features a swimming pool. This is a pet-friendly property.
White Lake Villa Holiday House
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
Guests: 1 to 6
Location: It’s only 4 km from Elafonisi Beach and a few steps from Chrisoskalithissa Monastery.
Facilities: It features a roomy living room with a comfortable kitchen, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. A sofa converts into a bed to host one more traveler. The private pool surrounded by a garden is a nice touch that makes the stay even more enjoyable.
Perfect place for a tranquil holiday, ideal for families with kids, a group of friends, or two couples.
Balcony Rooms
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
Guests: 1-6
Location: It’s about 4 km from Elafonisi and 900 meters from Aspri Limni.
Facilities: The property has a fully equipped kitchen, a master bedroom in a loft with a bathroom, and a single bed in a separate room. On the ground floor, there is another bed and a large bathroom. Having dinner at night on their veranda is nothing short of amazing!
This place lets you enjoy life the local way, surrounded by all the comforts you could imagine.
Lafo Rooms
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
Guests: 1-3
Location: It’s about 800 meters from Elafonisi.
Facilities: The property features double and triple rooms with a patio or a balcony and access to a garden. The units have air conditioning, a fridge, and a kettle are also provided. Snacks are also offered by the host. Past guests enjoyed the proximity to the beach, the cleanliness, and the comfortable mattresses.
The place features a perfect location, close to a convenience store and a few restaurants.
Iliovasilema Apartments
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
Guests: 1-4
Location: The flats face Chrissoskalithisa Monastery, near Aspri Limni, about 10 minutes from Elafonisi and Kedrodasos. There are also several traditional tavernas in the area.
Facilities: This apartment is comfortable, clean, and has all the amenities you could wish for. The fully equipped kitchen even features an espresso machine!
It is one of the best rental homes in Elafonisi, featuring stunning views, comfortable facilities, a top location, and super-friendly hosts.
Sea Lake Holiday House
🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️ 🗝️
Guests: 1-5
Location: The place is 3.8 km from the access to Elafonisi.
Facilities: The place is well equipped with everything you need for a self-catering stay and is not far from the most secluded beaches in the south. The villa features great outdoor living with plenty of space and is perfect for families with kids. Besides, it offers a comfortable outdoor dining area.
It’s one of the best-reviewed properties in Elafonisi.
It doesn’t matter which place you book for your stay in Elafonisi. One thing is certain: They all promise breathtaking sunsets, easy access to the beach, and a serene atmosphere that embodies this destination’s tranquility.
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Where to Stay in Elafonisi, Crete
Gabi, the Crete Insider
Hi, I’m Gabi — your go-to local expert in Crete! I’ve been living in Chania, Crete since 2016, and I’ve turned my love for the island into a full-time passion — guiding travelers, writing for travel media, and curating local experiences.
I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete and other guides. I run the blogs The Tiny Book, Greece Planner, and My Cretan Recipe. Through this platform I help travelers design unforgettable trips to Crete.
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