Native name: Ελαφονήσι | |
|---|---|
 Southeastern coast of Elafonisi | |
  | |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 35°16′12″N 23°31′55″E / 35.27°N 23.532°E |
| Archipelago | Cretan Islands |
| Area | 1.5 km2 (0.58 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
Greece | |
| Region | Crete |
| Regional unit | Chania |
| Municipality | Kissamos |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 (2001) |
| Additional information | |
| Vehicle registration | ΧΝ |
Elafonisi (Greek: Ελαφονήσι [elafoˈnisi] "deer island") is an island located close to the southwestern corner of the Mediterranean island of Crete, of which it is administratively a part, in the municipality of Kissamos of the regional unit of Chania. When the weather is fine it is possible to walk to the island through the shallow water. The island is a protected nature reserve. It is known for its pink sand beaches, created by tidal and wave-induced deposits of pigmented microorganisms living in a symbiotic relationship with native seaweed.