2 Days in CRETE: Elafonisi Pink Beach & Chania Guide
Crete is Greece’s largest island. There are so many things to do and so many places to visit to experience the authentic Greek culture, but if you have just 2 days in Crete, here’s how to make the most of it. This itinerary focuses on the beautiful Chania old town and a day trip to the most famous Elafonisi pink beach.
Contents
Day 1 : ELAFONISI BEACH Adventure
The first day begins with visiting Elafonisi beach, famous for its soft pink sand and pristine turquoise water.
How to get there
- By car : You can rent a car and drive to Elafonisi enjoying scenic mountain roads and dramatic landscapes along the way. The distance is 75km from Chania.
- By tour : You can book day tours here.
- By public transport : Public buses run from central KTEL bus station in Chania directly to Elafonisi during the high season (usually May-October). We simply bought our tickets at the ticket counter there. Be prepare for a long journey. Our trip took about 5 hours, but the journey itself was a part of the Crete experience. Olive groves, steep hills, winding roads and small quiet villages, every turn reveals a new scenic view of the island’s wild beauty. The bus stops near the main beach area. You can walk down from there to the sand and sea.
Pro tips - Leave early : Elafonisi gets crowded midday. If you prefer to experience the tranquil beauty of the beach, try to catch the first bus out of Chania.
- Bring water & snacks : Pack light but bring water and some snacks for the bus ride.
- Check the KTEL timetable : Schedules can change daily, so check timetables at the KTEL bus station or online.
- Be flexible with time : Return buses are limited. Ask the driver or ticket agent for the return schedule before you go so you are not stranded.
- Cretan lunch : After soaking in the sun at beautiful pink beach, enjoy a traditional Cretan meal at a nearby Taverna. Fresh local cheeses, wood-fired bread, lamb or goat stew are very popular meals.
Day 2 : CHANIA Old Town & Cretan Cuisine
Morning : Explore the Chania Old Town
Begin your day wandering through the old cobbled streets of Chania. After breakfast start early in the morning to experience the quiet little corners of narrow stone alleyways, colourful houses with beautiful pink bougainvillea flowers and little shops selling souvenirs, handmade crafts etc. This is the kind of place where you do not need a strict plan or perfect itinerary – just walk around and enjoy the charm of an old Greek town.
Afternoon : Food & Local Markets
Stop by the Municipal Market of Chania where you will find
- Fresh olives and olive oil
- Local cheeses
- Dakos (a rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, olive oil)
- Grilled fish
After lunch walk towards the harbour, relax at a seaside café with a view of iconic lighthouse. This was our favourite place to experience the local life.
Evening : Sunset at the Venetian Harbour
As the sun begins to set, the harbour glows in soft golden light. The lighthouse silhouette standing against the sky, the street musicians playing soft music, restaurants lighting their candles – the whole area feels magical and romantic. Watching the sunset at the harbour is one of our little travel moments that quietly becomes unforgettable.
Find a restaurant here and enjoy dinner while watching the dramatic sunset.
How to get to Crete Island
Flying to Crete
The island has two major airports – Heraklion International Airport and Chania International Airport. Many travellers fly into Athens International Airport first and then take a domestic flight to Crete.
Ferry to Crete
Another popular option is taking a ferry from Port of Piraeus, Athens. Overnight ferries can be a fun travel experience. Usually, it takes 8-9 hours to reach Heraklion / Chania port in Crete.
Island Hopping
If you are planning to explore multiple Greek islands, island hopping is the best thing to do. We booked a Blue Star ferry to Chania from Santorini. Travel time was more than 2 hours.
Pro tips
During our trip with Blue Star ferry, we experienced a significant delay of several hours. By the time we arrived at the port near Chania, it was after 10 pm, the last bus from the port to the town had already left. The good part is Blue Star ferry stuff members arranged one taxi for us to reach to our hotel. So it is a good idea to keep some buffer time when planning ferry hopping.
Where to stay
- Old Town and Harbour – Best for walkability, atmosphere and proximity to cafes, restaurants and public transports
- Nea Chora – Best for beach lovers and calm, relaxing ambience
Final thoughts on visiting Crete for a short trip
In just 2 days Crete gives you a taste of everything – beautiful old town, historic lighthouse, stunning beaches and flavourful local food. Maybe it’s the magical sunset at harbour, the peaceful water and pink sand at Elafonisi or the feeling of experiencing a place that still feels authentic – whatever it is, Crete has a way of staying with you long after you leave.
Until the next destination, keep your travel spirit high and heart open for new adventures. Bon voyage, always.
