Elafonisi vs Balos: I’ve Been to Both — Here’s Where I’d Go Back

Elafonisi vs Balos: which beach is more beautiful? I honestly couldn’t choose. Both are absolutely stunning. But if you asked me which one I’d happily return to tomorrow, my answer would be Elafonisi.

Not because Balos disappointed me. Quite the opposite: the view of Balos Lagoon from above is one of the most spectacular things I’ve seen in Crete. The difference is what it takes to get there — and how much energy you have left to enjoy the beach once you arrive.

I spent several hours at both beaches during a July trip to Crete. Here’s my honest Elafonisi vs Balos comparison, based on what the two beach days actually felt like.

Elafonisi vs Balos: Which Beach Is Better in Crete?

Comparison	Elafonisi	Balos
Beauty	Stunning turquoise water	Stunning lagoon and panoramic view
Access	Easier walk	Steep trail and difficult dirt road
Footwear	Comfortable shoes	Sneakers or hiking shoes
Facilities	Toilets and bar on our visit	Wilder experience
Natural shade	Limited shade under trees	Some shade, possibly more
My choice	I’d return without hesitation	I’d return with different transport

Elafonisi vs Balos: Why I’d Return to Elafonisi Beach

We arrived at Elafonisi at around 8 AM in July. Parking was easy, and when we reached the beach, there were perhaps four or five other people. At such a famous place, having the beach almost to ourselves was incredible.

Elafonisi isn’t just somewhere to put down a towel. You can walk through shallow water, wander to quieter stretches of sand and explore the beach beyond the first area you see. We spent several hours doing exactly that. The water and landscape were beautiful, but what I loved most was the freedom to explore at our own pace.

Getting to Elafonisi

Compared with Balos, the walk from the parking area felt straightforward. There is a walk down to the beach, but it is nowhere near as steep or demanding as the Balos trail. Flip-flops might be manageable, although I wore sneakers and appreciated having comfortable shoes.

Facilities and shade at Elafonisi

During our visit, Elafonisi had toilets and a bar, which made a long beach day easier. Natural shade was another priority for us. We found a spot beneath the trees, but there weren’t many shaded places. Arriving early made a real difference. Don’t count on finding shade later in the day; bring proper sun protection.

Elafonisi vs Balos: The Unforgettable Balos Lagoon View

The view from above Balos is breathtaking. The pale sand, turquoise lagoon and surrounding landscape are reason enough to visit. I would never tell someone to skip Balos just because the journey was harder.

Driving to Balos: What I Wouldn’t Repeat

We drove to Balos in a regular passenger car. Would I do it again? No. The dirt road was stressful, and next time I’d look for a different transport arrangement. Even after parking, you still need to descend to the lagoon on foot.

Prefer to reach Balos by land?
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The walk down requires decent footwear and some fitness. The walk back up is the real challenge, especially under the July sun. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes, carry flip-flops in your bag, and take enough water. We loved our hours at Balos, but that climb was exhausting.

If you’re considering driving, read our separate guide to driving to Balos Beach, including the dirt road, parking and what to bring.

Would I go back to Balos?

Absolutely — but I wouldn’t repeat the dirt-road drive in a normal passenger car. I’d consider another suitable transport option. A boat excursion is another possibility, although the experience is different: you won’t get the famous view from the landward viewpoint when arriving by boat.

Rather skip the road completely?
If you’d rather skip the rough road and the uphill walk, Check Balos Lagoon Cruise Prices & Availability →. Check the departure point, time at the lagoon and what’s included before booking. Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Elafonisi vs Balos in July: Arrive Early

At Elafonisi, arriving around 8 AM gave us easy parking, almost no crowds and a chance to find natural shade. That was our experience on one July morning, not a promise that the beach will always be empty at that hour.

At Balos, starting early is also wise because the road, parking and trail become more difficult in the heat. Both beaches deserve several hours. I’d visit them on separate days rather than rush through both.

Can You Find Natural Shade at Either Beach?

We found natural shade at both beaches. At Elafonisi, it was beneath trees and quite limited. From memory, Balos may have had a little more, but I wouldn’t rely on finding a free shady spot at either place. Pack for strong sun, particularly in July.

Elafonisi vs Balos: Which Is Better for Swimming and Exploring?

Both beaches are wonderful places to spend time by the water. Elafonisi felt especially enjoyable for wandering: crossing shallow water and discovering quieter areas made it more than a simple sunbathing stop. Balos made its biggest impression on me with that unforgettable view from above.

If You Can Visit Only One: Elafonisi or Balos?

Choose Elafonisi if you want a relatively easy beach day, enjoy exploring on foot, appreciate basic facilities and would rather save your energy for swimming and relaxing.

Choose Balos if dramatic panoramic scenery is your priority, you enjoy wilder landscapes and you’re prepared for a more demanding journey and walk — or you plan an alternative way to reach the lagoon.

If you have time, visit both. They are equally beautiful, just very different experiences.

Elafonisi vs Balos: My Final Verdict

I’m so glad I saw Balos. The panorama is unforgettable, and I’d happily return with a different transport plan. But if I were packing my beach bag tomorrow, I’d choose Elafonisi: an early start, a little shade if I’m lucky, turquoise water and hours to explore.

Not because Elafonisi is more beautiful. Because for me, it was the more enjoyable beach day. More life, please — preferably with turquoise water and a little shade.

Planning more time in western Crete? My western Crete road trip itinerary covers other stops we visited, including Preveli and Chania. It can help you decide how to fit either beach into a longer trip without rushing from one place to the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elafonisi or Balos more beautiful?

I honestly couldn’t choose. Balos has the more dramatic panoramic viewpoint, while Elafonisi is wonderful for exploring and enjoying the water.

Is Elafonisi easier to reach than Balos?

In our experience, yes. Elafonisi’s walk from the parking area was much easier than the dirt-road drive and steep trail we experienced at Balos.

Can you visit Elafonisi and Balos in one day?

It’s possible to plan a very long day, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a relaxed beach experience. Each deserves several hours, and travel between them takes time.

What shoes should you wear to Balos?

Sneakers or hiking shoes for the trail, with flip-flops in your bag for the beach.

What time should you arrive at Elafonisi?

We arrived around 8 AM in July and found easy parking, few people and a shaded spot. Conditions vary, but an early start worked wonderfully for us.

Is Balos worth visiting despite the difficult access?

Absolutely. That panoramic view is extraordinary. I’d return, but not via the same dirt-road drive in a regular passenger car.