The lagoon is located 5km south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery, at the southwesternmost tip of Crete. Lafonisi is a narrow peninsula, which often "breaks off" at the beginning, giving the feeling of a separate island. It is famous for its waters and its pink sand beach. It is included in the Natura network of protected areas, as it is an ecosystem of exceptional ecological importance.
To get here you have to drive for about 2 km east of Elafonisi on a passable dirt road. You will reach a parking area from where you will descend for about 500 meters on a clear path to the sea. On arrival you will find a beautiful cedar forest stretching along the coast. The beach is mostly rocky, but there are several sandy spots to lay out your towel and enter the sea safely.
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Chrysoskalitissa in Crete is one of the most famous pilgrimages and attractions in the region of Chania. An impressive, whitewashed building, built high on a large rock overlooking the Libyan Sea. The name "Chrysoskalitissa" essentially means the Virgin Mary of the Golden Step. According to tradition, the last of the 98 steps the monastery had when it was built was all gold. But it was sold during the Turkish occupation.
Retzakas waterfall is located near the village of Tzitzifia and is the highest waterfall in the province of Kissamos, with a height of about 15m. In the same stream are formed the Little Retzakas and the Big Retzakas, which have water during the winter months and until the beginning of spring.
Monastery of the Ascension at Kamatera Inachorio.
History says that it was a monastery in the late years of the Venetian rule. Unfortunately the church is locked. At the entrance of the church there is a built oven with many layers. The graves in the church existed from the years of its construction.
Mount Agios Dikaios or Ai Dikios rises south of the village of Elos and with an altitude of 1180m is the highest peak in the province of Kissamos. The church of Agios Dikaios is built on its top. The church was erected in 1870 in honour of Dikaios Iov (feast day 6 May). At this point, which has a panoramic view of the whole of Selino and Kissamos, the Germans had installed an outpost.
Voulolimni is located 500m northwest of the Chrysoskalitissa monastery and near the Elafonisi. It is a very a special "crater" in the sea, surrounded by beautiful rocks and well protected from strong winds. Voulolimni is not actually a beach, but the small natural swimming pool of the local inhabitants, which in recent years has been loved by many visitors.
This website was created with the support of the Regional Unit of Chania.
