On this trip from Malia you will see the entire north coast of Crete and experience following sights:
The story of Elafonissi dates back to ancient times. This place on the southwesternmost part of Crete is not only known for its beautiful coastline with shallow, turquoise waters. Looking at this area from above, you might think that Elafonisi is an island. In reality, the island and the beach are connected, forming a single peninsula with a narrow water channel in between and a beautiful lagoon on the side. Depending on the season and the tides, this creates the illusion that Elafonisi is its own island of white and pink sand.
Stories of the pink sands of Elafonisi have literally spread everywhere! The seashore at this place has a truly unusual colour: in some places sand is white, in some places it is barely pink, and in other places it is almost red.
Do you know the real reason why the sand at Elafonisi beach is pink? Ordinary sand here is mixed with small shells of sea creatures, and this gives it unusual shades of pink and red! So, technically, the pink sand on Elafonisi beach is billions of billions of tiny shells crushed by the sea. But what can we say… Have a look at our photos for a start, but do yourself a favor and see for yourself!
Elafonisi is not just a beach, but a lagoon that covers a large area. At the juncture where the peninsula meets the island, the water remains shallow, typically not exceeding one meter in depth, allowing for easy passage between the two. One section of the area features a well-organized beach with abundant amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas and showers. Meanwhile, the opposite side retains a more rugged, wild, natural character. The area is abundant with sand dunes adorned with juniper trees, different plants and – depending on the season – beautiful white flowers (sea daffodils or sand lilies). Notably, the famous Caretta Caretta sea turtle chooses this location as a nesting site to lay its eggs. By the way, they are all an endangered species, so it’s important to remember that this is a nature reserve and protected area. Enjoy the sea and beach, tread lightly and respect the environment!
Ready to go? On our organized excursion you can take a bus tour from Malia to the pink beach of Elafonisi. Be prepared because it’s a long way to the far west of the island, so you’ll literally see the entire northern coast of Crete. Once there… Relax in comfort, look for placers of pink sand, swim in the shallow, warm and crystal clear waters, walk the sand dunes and explore this unique area. We will spend about four and a half hours on the beach of Elafonisi itself, after which we will return to our hotels in the evening. Sun, sea, sand – a great combination for the whole day!
If you want to go to Elafonisi beach from Malia with an organized bus tour, the price of the trip in 2026 is:
This tour is sometimes included in special promotions and sold cheaper for our followers – keep an eye out for discounts on Facebook!
Are you traveling as a big family or a group? Contact us in advance or visit our offices and we will try to make you the best offer.
You are welcome! We will run this personalised tour in a suitable car or minivan for you on any day. No large groups, long pick-ups or waiting – just you, your family or friends and the guide! You can ask us in advance – and we will organise everything for you.
You can book an excursion to Elafonisi beach from Malia online (see “How to book excursions in Crete”).
In 2026 the excursion to Elafonisi beach from Malia takes place from 16/04 to 29/10. Available tour days – Thursday.
Please note that trip schedules are subject to change, including cancellation. This is extremely rare and may be due to weather conditions. For example, heavy rains at the beginning (April and May) or end of the season (September and October) and other force majeure situations. If there are any changes, we will try to let you know as soon as possible.
Please make sure that you have correctly identified your vacation area in Crete and read the cancellation and refund policy.
If there is less than 24 hours before the trip, please contact the manager to check availability before you make a booking!
Firstly, you can come to one of our offices where booking for all services is available and payment can be made either by cash or card.
Secondly, in case of online booking you can choose cash payment (which is available for some areas only) or you can pay online by card. In the case of cash, we will arrange a meeting with our courier in advance, who will bring the prepared documents to your hotel or villa and collect the cash. Please note that this option is only available for bookings made well in advance (days or weeks before the trip!). In case of online payment, you will receive the tickets by e-mail or WhatsApp – as you prefer.
Please keep all documents and tickets until the end of your trip!
There are three main roads in Malia. Two of these run alongside the sea at different distances: the first is closer to the coast, while the second, which is wider, runs further inland. The third road begins at the beach and runs perpendicular to the other two. Most hotels and apartments are located along this street, closer to the intersection where the town centre is located. There is a small square and a famous church here too, so it’s easy to find. We can pick you up from a number of collection points located on the main streets and roads in Malia, specifically near large and medium-sized hotels, as well as the main church in the town centre.
You can take this tour if you are staying at one of the following hotels or apartment complexes (just to name a few popular options): Aegean Sky Hotel & Suites, Aeolos Beach, Akrogiali Beach Hotel Apartments, Alexander Beach Hotel & Village Resort, Ammos Boutique Beach Hotel, Ariane Hotel, Blue Sea Village, Carolina Mare, Cleopatra Apartments, Cretan Malia Park Hotel, Dedalos Hotel, Dessole Malia Beach, Dionysos Hotel, Drossia Palms Hotel & Studios, Enorme Ammos Beach Hotel, Erodios Apartments, Frixos Hotel, Galini Apartments, Galeana Hotel, Golden Shine Hotel, Hermes Hotel, Hesperides Hotel, High Beach Resort Hotel, Ibiscus Hotel, Ikaros Beach Luxury Resort & Spa, Kastro Beach Apartments, Kernos Beach Hotel & Bungalows, King Village, Kristalli Hotel Apartments, Kyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows, Malia Bay Beach Hotel & Bungalows, Malia Central, Malia Dreams, Malia Holidays, Malia Mare Hotel, Malia Star Apartments, Manos Studios, Meropi Hotel & Apartments, Mistral Hotel, Phaea Cretan Malia, Parthenis Hotel & Suites, Royal Heights Resort & Spa, Scorpis Hotel, Silver Sun Apartments, Sirens Hotels Beach & Village, Socrates Hotel, Solimar Ruby, Solis Apartments, Stelios Gardens, Stella Family Apartments, Meramaglia Hotel, Summer Dreams, Sunlight Hotel, Sunshine Village Hotel, Theoni Apartments, Triton Hotel, Triton Garden Apartments, Windmill Apartments and many others.
Pickup locations vary depending on where you’re staying in Malia. Common meeting points include hotel receptions, neighbouring big hotels, main streets and squares, car parks and so on. We work with accommodation of all types and sizes across the area, so there’s always a nearby option. If you’re unsure about your exact address or accommodation name, get in touch via WhatsApp or email – we’ll recommend the most convenient pickup point and provide you with the precise location and time.
It depends on the location of your hotel or villa. In some cases a tour bus will literally stop at the front door of the hotel and you just have to be there, in others it may be a short walk to the nearest pick-up point. This is usually a large central street, bus stop, square, car park, etc. – somewhere where there is no risk of the tour bus getting stuck on a narrow one-way street or stuck in traffic.
If your hotel, villa or apartment is located outside of the tourist areas, please contact us in advance to arrange a possible meeting point.
You will receive full details of the time and place of the pick-up with your travel documents when you make your booking. Please read it carefully before the trip.
This excursion is also available from various locations across the island of Crete. The tour itself will follow the same itinerary and programme, with only two differences. Firstly, there may be different transfer options available, which may result in a different price in some locations. Secondly, the departure and return times may be different too.
You can join this activity from any of the following towns: Achlada, Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissaras, Bali, Fodele, Gournes, Gouves, Heraklion (city), Heraklion area (other cities), Hersonissos, Karteros, Kokkini Hani, Milatos, Sissi, Stalida.
If you have had a sunburn the day before, take 1-2 days off before this trip. There will be plenty of beach and sun!
You can buy some snacks and refreshments at a cafeteria on the beach or have lunch at a taverna near Elafonisi (from 10-15 euro per person).
This is a trip to the sea! You will need swimwear and everything to protect yourself from the hot Cretan sun: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. It is advisable to bring money for lunch – there are taverns on the beach.
Yes. On the way you will be accompanied by a representative of the tour company. Your guide will introduce you to the program of the trip, explain the organization and give you some information about these places. This trip is considered more of a beach trip, so there will not be a lot of information like on our excursions to archaeological sites or museums.
More like contemplative: the bus trip to the beach of Elafonisi is a trip for beautiful views and great lagoons and beaches. The guide will give you information about the trip and a little bit about the places you will visit that day.
Languages: English, German and French are available on any scheduled day throughout the season. On certain days, we can also organise this tour in Italian, Polish and Russian. These usually run from May onwards.
The weekly language schedule for this trip is as follows:
Please note that this is an approximate tour schedule. Times may vary depending on traffic and pick-up and drop-off locations. Exact times will be sent to you along with other information when you make your reservation and specify your hotel.
| Excursion Program Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 5:30 - 7:30 | Departure from the hotels |
| 11:30 - 16:00 | Arrival on the beach of Elafonisi, free time |
| 20:00 - 21:30 | Return to the hotels |
| Duration and travel time | |
|---|---|
| up to 4.5 hours | From hotels by bus to the beach |
| up to 4.5 hours | Free time on the beach of Elafonisi |
| up to 4.5 hours | Transfer by bus to the hotels |