Elafonisi Beach – Monastery Chrisoskalitissa - Agia Sofia

Private Tour – Chania 1

Elafonisi, the marvelous sandy beach, with crystal clear water at the remote south-west corner of Crete is your main destination today. A true paradise! Enjoy the beautiful tour along the Topolia gorge and combining the green nature wealth of Western Crete with a touch of culture visiting the Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa built at a sheer rock and the little Church-cave of Agia Sofia on the return way.

Elafonisi Beach
Definitely one of the highlights of Cete is the idyllic site of Elafonissi, the perfect beach and the small lovely islet just off the coast. Elafonisi is ranked highly as one of the best beaches of Greece and let us take you there at this special time of the day before big groups will arrive! The soft sand is made up of millions of tiny crushed shells giving it a slight pink shade at some spots along the shore whilst the turquoise seawater completes the setting for some perfect hours of sunbathing.

Monastery Chrisoskalitissa
The Monastery of Chrisoskalitissa is a 17th-century Orthodox Christian monastery. It is beautifully located, built at a sheer rock, 35 meters above the water, offering a splendid view out to the Libyan Sea. The monastery is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the Dormition of Virgin Mary. According to the legend, the name of the monastery is derived from the last of the 98 steps leading up to the main church, which is said to be golden (Chrisos=golden in Greek), however this is only visible to true believers.

Agia Sofia Church – Cave
Don’t miss the opportunity to walk up the stairs and visit the tiny church-cave dedicated to Agia Sofia and spot the impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Enjoy the great panoramic view offered from above to the surrounding mountains and gorge. Before you move on there will be an opportunity to visit the tavern/cafeteria halfway the stairs and enjoy a simple, nice lunch or the best Cretan Kalitsounia from the hands of Mrs. Vasso!