Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hours) where the boats stops for 90 minutes before continuing to Loutro (€15, 40
minutes) and Hora Sfakion (€16, one hour). In summer, there's also thrice-weekly ser-
vice to Gavdos Island (€19, 4 hours) and a daily ferry to Elafonisi (return €16, one hour).
BUS
and a thrice-weekly service leaving at 6.15am to Omalos (€6.40, one hour) for the
Samaria Gorge.
TOP OF CHAPTER
ElafonisiΕλαφονήσι
If much of life in Crete is like a beach, remote Elafonisi
is
a beach and a stunning one at
that. Tucked into Crete's southwest corner, this symphony of fine pinkish-white sand,
turquoise water and gentle dunes looks as though it's lifted from the Caribbean. Off the
long, wide strand lies Elafonisi Islet, easily reached by wading through 50m of knee-
deep water. The entire area is part of Natura 2000, the environmental protection program
of the European Union.
Alas, this natural gem is hardly a secret and less than idyllic in summer when hundreds
of umbrellas and lounge chairs (€7) clog the beach. The invasion puts enormous pressure
on this delicate ecosystem and on the minimal infrastructure, especially the toilets. Come
early or late in the day or, better yet, stay overnight to truly sample Elafonisi's magic.
Sleeping & Eating
Elafonisi Resort
HOTEL $
( 28250 61274;
www.elafonisi-resort.com
;
s/d €35/45; )
This grandly named cluster of
five white-washed buildings among the olive trees offers nicely appointed rooms, some
of them with a view of the beach, as well as apartments with kitchens. Don't expect
culinary flights of fancy from the attached taverna.
Innahorion
CRETAN $
( 28250 61111; mains €4-7, r €30-40; )
About 2.5km before reaching Elafonisi beach,
this taverna is considered the best in the area, serving good Cretan food with panoramic
views. Owners also rent basic rooms.
