We individually arrange a pick-up directly near your place of accommodation after you completed the booking (return included).
Following a scenic bus ride, head southwest across Crete to embark on a relaxing day at Elafonisi, renowned for its stunning pink sand beaches. En route, soak in the verdant landscapes, passing through the impressive Topolia Gorge and quaint, traditional villages. Make a delightful stop at Elos, celebrated for its charming chestnut trees, where you can enjoy a leisurely break with coffee and breakfast.
Upon arriving at Elafonisi, you will have ample time—about 4 hours—to unwind and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Whether you choose to lounge under the sun or take a leisurely stroll along the unique pink sand beach, beach kiosks are available for purchasing food and water to keep you refreshed. Elafonisi, accessible by wading through shallow waters from the mainland, is both a beach and island protected as a wildlife area due to its rare and breathtaking beauty.
After your day of relaxation and exploration, you will board the bus in the mid-afternoon for the return trip to Rethymno. Reflect on your experience as you travel back, with an estimated arrival time in Rethymno for hotel drop-off scheduled in the early evening. The bus is equipped with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and onboard Wi-Fi to ensure a pleasant ride.
• Enjoy a scenic bus ride across Crete to Elafonisi's stunning pink sand beaches
• Pass through Topolia Gorge and quaint traditional villages
• Stop at Elos for a break with coffee and breakfast
• Spend about 4 hours at Elafonisi to swim and relax
Departure from your chosen pick up location
Topolia
Elafonisi
Elos
Return to the prior pick up location
Meeting time: 20 minutes before departure
If you want to use our pick up service from around the area, please let us know after completing the booking. We will pick you up at a designated point at or very near to your accommodation at the scheduled pickup time. Note that the pick up is for free for the area of Rethymno. If you are located outside this area, a surcharge may apply and must be paid on site. At the end of the trip, we will go back to our starting point, and if you used our pick up service, you will be dropped off at the pick up point.
Number of passengers: 50 to 75 (depending on the bus)
Restroom
Guide in English, German, and French
Hotel pick up and drop-off from Rethymno area. If you are located outside this area, a surcharge may be asked to be paid in cash on-site.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Swimwear
Towel
Cash and card
Food and drinks
Not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers
No pets allowed
Please note that your trip duration may vary depending on your starting point, making the journey longer.
It was a great trip. The sandy beach really was pink. We had a good tour guide and bus driver. The stops were good too.
Positive: Travel bus, tour guide, beach, nature
Good beach, long trip but it was with a very good driver.
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off is included for the Rethymno area. You need to request this service after booking. If you are located outside this area, a surcharge may apply, which is to be paid on-site.
The trip includes a guide who speaks English, German, and French, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off from the Rethymno area.
You should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, cash and a card, as well as your own food and drinks.
You will have about 4 hours at Elafonisi to swim and relax.
No, food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own, or purchase them from the beach kiosks at Elafonisi. There is also a stop at the village of Elos for a coffee and breakfast break.
No, the tour is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
No, pets are not allowed on this tour.
Based on customer feedback, sunbeds may be available for rent at the beach, but they are limited and can be difficult to secure, especially during peak times. It is also mentioned that finding shade can be challenging.









The activity Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach from Rethymno by Platanos Tours Crete is available every day, from August 2, 2026 through October 30, 2026. Each day offers 1 start time at 7:30. Sessions last 10 hours and are offered as group activities. Prices start from €15.00 for kids and €30.00 for adults.





