Elafonissi is the most south-western tip of Crete, and it is a spectacular location and well worth a day-trip.
From Paleochora there are two different routes, depending on what kind of vehicle you have. If you're lucky enough to have access to a four-wheel-drive, then you can take the road close to the sea via the mountains. If you have a normal car, you need to drive inland, first towards Kandanos, then towards Elos, and then South again towards Elafonissi. Whichever way you go, it will take you the best part of 90 minutes to get there.
But I guarantee, you are not going to regret it.
Elafonissi has a wide stretch of sandy beach and dunes, protected by a small island that becomes accessible at low tide. In the summer, people wade across to find their own spot on the island, and spend the day. A picnic is all you need - bring a coolbox and a couple of blankets, and you're set for the day.
From Paleochora there are two different routes, depending on what kind of vehicle you have. If you're lucky enough to have access to a four-wheel-drive, then you can take the road close to the sea via the mountains. If you have a normal car, you need to drive inland, first towards Kandanos, then towards Elos, and then South again towards Elafonissi. Whichever way you go, it will take you the best part of 90 minutes to get there.
But I guarantee, you are not going to regret it.
Elafonissi has a wide stretch of sandy beach and dunes, protected by a small island that becomes accessible at low tide. In the summer, people wade across to find their own spot on the island, and spend the day. A picnic is all you need - bring a coolbox and a couple of blankets, and you're set for the day.