Elafonissi beach a popular wedding location in Crete
Let me start by saying that the Elafonissi beach in Crete is thé most popular beach in the Western part of Crete. Not only by wedding couples but also to the thousands of tourists who visit this beach yearly
What time of the year to go?
It goes without saying that we have more room to play within the early- and late season. Whatever the time of the season, it’s always best to plan your wedding ceremony at the end of the day. One or two hours before sunset are perfect for your wedding ceremony. It’s not so hot anymore, better colour for your photos and the tourists start leaving the beaches.
A word of caution. In the early spring, Elafonissi can be exposed to strong winds. So if you plan your wedding in April or early May, you might be in for a lot of wind and windblown sand.
It may sound strange…but you could consider your wedding date well after the season. There are some advantages in October and early November; almost no tourists, very little wind, still pleasant temperatures, and you can negotiate for better prices. The last charter flights from Crete are at the end of October. Please read my blog article ”wedding and weather in Crete” for more information.
What about the tourists on Elafonisi beach
Having your wedding on this beach requires some information and planning. One thing is for sure, during the high season the Elafonissi beach is packed with tourists. We love tourists, but not too close to our wedding location.
The majority of the tourists stay in hotels in the Northern part of Crete. They come and go by coaches as part of their day excursion. Once the coaches are leaving we have time to set up your wedding location and prepare for the ceremony.
Parking availability
Because Elafonissi is so popular, there’s more than enough parking space available for you and your guests. It’s just a couple of minutes walk to the beach. Depending on the direction the wind is coming from, we can choose from three locations. But a word of caution, sometimes the wind can be pretty strong on this beach.
The route to and from Elafonissi
The distance from Elafonissi to Chania is about 75 km. The trip to Elafonissi will take you right across the mountains and takes about an hour and a half by car. Travelling by a large coach with your family can take a little longer. Should you still have daylight on the way back, I would advise taking the West route back home. This route provides for spectacular views and photo opportunities during the sunset in the West. There are some restaurants along this route as well.
Hire a wedding planner
Although I wrote a blog of “can I organize my own wedding in Crete?” I highly recommend hiring a wedding planner who is familiar with organizing weddings in the Western part of Crete. The logistics and possible approvals definitely require an experienced person. I suggest contacting the Gamos Crete organisation that has experience with organizing your wedding at the Elafonissi beach.
Beach facilities at the Elafonissi beach
The beach bars are small and offer the basics for a day at the beach. At the end of the day most are sold out, so don’t count on them. Take enough food and drinks with you. The WC’s are limited as well and by the end of the day a challenge to use. Just that you know!
The first restaurant at the end of the dirt road is Panorama. Although the food is of average quality, the panorama view on the Elafonissi beach is spectacular.
You’re looking for a better restaurant with cleaner WC’s then I suggest the Kalomirakis Taverna. From the beach, it takes about a 10 minutes walk. This restaurant also received a certificate of excellence from Tripadvisor.
To summarize
Elafonissi is a wonderful wedding location. But its geographic location requires you to plan way ahead. For all this wedding planning I definitely advise you to hire a wedding planner. This wedding location can be over your head when planning yourself. Most wedding couples stay in the Northern part of Crete, so you have to take into account that there will be travelling costs for the wedding party.
An alternative to staying in the Northern part of Crete could be; that you book a room in the Kalomirakis resort just prior to your wedding day. This facility is located a 10 minutes’ walk from your wedding location. No stress in the morning, but perhaps an easy day on the beach and your wedding in the afternoon.
