day trip to Elafonissi by Jawnuta
Once you are in Chania it is a great idea to take a day trip to Elafonisi.Elafonisi is probably the most beautiful beach on Crete. It is secluded (there is only one hotel and one restaurant that does not look too inviting) and hard to get too, but it is really worth the drive.
The best way to get to Elafonisi is to buy a map (if you rent a car you usually get a free map) and fallow the map. I went to Elafonisi on the National Hway to Kolinvari, then on the route through Kalidonia, Kaloudiana, Sfakopigadi, Topolia, Elos and Stomio. On the end of the road (yes, the road ends there) you will see a white hotel ( the only one) and a rough road to teh large parking lot. The beach is pretty crowded ( it is a price to pay, but hey, keep an open mind) and has great facilities, like showers, changing rooms, bathroms and few beach bars that serve cold drinks and simple food. There is also small island you can get on by walking in the water to above your waiste....The island has a small surprise.....no top required.... and sometimes no bottom too ;-)