Platanias : Elafonissi Beach and Elos Village Day Tour

Travelers visiting Crete often seek out its most iconic sights—crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, and charming villages. This day tour from Platanias promises just that, taking you to the renowned Elafonissi Beach with its blush-hued sands and on to the quiet, traditional village of Elos. While the trip offers many scenic highlights and opportunities for relaxation, it’s also worth noting some practical aspects before booking.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to walk on sand that boasts a mesmerizing pink hue, courtesy of seashell fragments—an Instagram-worthy moment. Second, the free time at Elafonissi Beach means you can really soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, or explore the sand dunes, away from the hustle of crowded tours. Third, the visit to Elos offers a taste of authentic rural Crete, with its stone houses and lush surroundings.

A possible consideration is that the tour is quite structured, with specific pickup times and a set itinerary, which might limit flexibility for some travelers. Also, the trip involves a 76-kilometer drive, so those sensitive to long bus rides should be prepared for a bit of a journey.

Overall, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a balance of relaxed beach time, scenic countryside, and cultural insight, especially if you’re visiting Platanias and looking for a well-organized day-trip option.

Key Points

• Stunning pink sands: Unique and photo-worthy, perfect for beach lovers.
• Flexible free time: Ample opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring.
• Scenic countryside: A scenic drive with views of villages, gorges, and caves.
• Authentic Elos experience: Charm of a traditional Cretan village with local life.
• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned coach with a guide providing insights.
• Limited flexibility: Pre-set schedule may not suit travelers seeking spontaneous plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Look at the Elafonissi and Elos Day Tour

If you’re exploring Crete from Platanias, the Elafonissi Beach and Elos Village tour offers a well-rounded day out with plenty of highlights. From the moment you’re picked up in a spacious, air-conditioned coach, you’ll notice the smooth ride and the professional guide ready to share a wealth of information. The drive itself, spanning roughly 76 kilometers, is a visual treat—passing villages, lush gorges, and caves that hint at the island’s diverse landscape.

Convenient Pickup and Comfortable Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from several centrally located hotels or spots in Platanias, including Santa Helena Beach Resort, Minoa Palace Resort, and Porto Platanias, among others. The early start, around 8:50 am, ensures you avoid the midday crowds and get the most out of your day. The coach is praised for being clean and comfortable, making the long haul more enjoyable.

Your guide, whose name might not always be specified but is often Dimitris or Maria, provides a rundown of what’s ahead. This includes some insights into Crete’s geography and culture, which adds depth to the journey. If you’re a fan of scenic drives, the route itself is a highlight, with views of green fields, traditional villages, and dramatic landscapes.

Elafonissi Beach: A Fairy-tale Beach Experience

Arriving at Elafonissi feels like stepping into a postcard. Here, the famous pink sands shimmer under the sun, thanks to tiny seashell fragments that give the beach its signature hue. As one reviewer notes, “We loved the way the sand turned pink and felt like we were walking on a different planet.” The water is famously clear, and the shallow waters—rarely more than a meter deep—make it ideal for all ages.

You’ll have about four hours of free time, enough to swim, sunbathe, or explore the dunes adorned with sand lilies and junipers. Keep an eye out for caretta-caretta sea turtles, which sometimes nest near the dunes, adding an element of wildlife spotting to the trip.

Facilities at the beach are well-organized: umbrellas, showers, snack bars, and changing areas are available, making it easy to relax without worrying about logistics. However, some reviews mention that the beach can get quite busy during peak season, so arriving early helps secure a good spot.

The Scenic Drive and the Village of Elos

After plenty of beach time, the tour heads inland to the village of Elos, about an hour’s drive away. This part of the trip is a favorite for its authentic, rural charm. The stone houses, surrounded by olive groves and towering plane trees, evoke a sense of stepping back in time.

Here, you’re free to stroll, buy a snack, and observe how locals go about their daily lives—mainly agriculture and traditional crafts. Visiting Elos offers a refreshing contrast to the busy beach and provides insight into Cretan village life. One traveler appreciated the stop, noting, “It was lovely to see how simple yet beautiful life is in this part of Crete.”

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Returning and Practical Details

The tour concludes with a return journey, dropping guests off at their hotel or designated spots. The timing allows for a relaxed yet satisfying day, typically wrapping up after about 10 hours in total.

Pricing is reasonable considering the transportation, guided insights, and the included stopover. While lunch isn’t included, there are plenty of options to purchase delicious Cretan dishes along the way, from fresh salads to grilled meats, which can be enjoyed at the beach or in Elos.

What Could Be Improved?

One review pointed out some hiccups: “The guide scolded us for standing at the ‘wrong hotel’ when we were picked up, even though we hadn’t done so, and didn’t apologize after I proved otherwise.” While such moments are rare, they remind travelers to clearly confirm their pickup points.

Plus, because the schedule is fixed, spontaneous travelers who prefer to linger longer or customize their day might find it limiting. Still, for most, the convenience and scenic highlights outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those wanting a balanced outdoor experience—relaxing beach time combined with a taste of traditional rural Crete. It suits families, couples, or solo travelers eager to see a unique part of the island without the hassle of planning transfers or navigating on their own. Those who value comfort, guided insights, and scenic drives will find this tour particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up

The Platanias: Elafonissi Beach and Elos Village Day Tour offers an excellent way to experience some of Crete’s highlight sights comfortably and efficiently. With its stunning pink sands, scenic countryside, and charming village, it provides a well-rounded day that captures the island’s natural beauty and cultural essence.

While it may not be ideal for spontaneous travelers or those seeking complete flexibility, it offers great value for those who want a guided, scenic, and relaxing day out. The combination of natural wonder, local authenticity, and comfortable transportation makes it a worthwhile addition to any Crete itinerary.

Whether you’re in Crete for a week or just passing through Platanias, this tour can serve as a highlight, especially for first-time visitors eager to see its most photogenic spots.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately 10 hours, including pickup, travel time, and free periods at the beach and village.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup begins around 8:50 am, with the exact start time depending on your hotel or pickup location.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll ride in a clean, air-conditioned coach with a professional guide, making the long drive more pleasant.

What is included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off at select hotels in Platanias, guided commentary, transportation, and free time at Elafonissi Beach and Elos.

Are meals provided?
No, meals are not included, but you can purchase a Cretan lunch along the way or at the beach.

Can I swim at Elafonissi?
Absolutely. The waters are shallow and clear, ideal for swimming and relaxing in the sun.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Also, a camera to capture the pink sands and scenic views.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the shallow waters and relaxed pace make it family-friendly, but always consider your child’s comfort with bus rides and long schedules.

You can check availability for your dates here: