Elafonisi Beach Jeep Tour: 8h with Lunch & Loungers

Eight hours, two stops, one reserved stretch of sand

A semi-private jeep tour for up to six guests that combines Elafonisi Beach with lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat, a 17th-century stone settlement recognized by National Geographic. The tour includes pickup within 5km east or 25km west of Chania, reserved sunbeds and umbrellas at the beach, lunch with Cretan flavors and wine or beer, and a local guide who shares the history and culture of the villages you pass through. The early start keeps the beach uncrowded during your 2.5 hours there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jeep tour to Elafonisi and Milia Mountain

• Drive through Topolia gorge and villages
• Visit Elafonisi beach and swim
• Relax on reserved sunbeds
• Off-road drive to Milia Mountain Retreat
• Enjoy lunch with local cuisine and drinks
• Admire wild scenery and wildlife

The experience

The day starts before the crowds arrive. You're picked up from your hotel near Chania in a comfortable 7-seater 4WD with air conditioning, and the drive itself is part of the tour: you cross the Topolia gorge, pass through nine Cretan villages, and watch the landscape shift from the Aegean side with its lemon and olive groves to the wilder southern coast. Your guide talks about village life, tradition and history as you travel. The route takes you across the west part of Crete, which the operator describes as the most beautiful stretch of the island.

At Elafonisi Beach, sunbeds and umbrellas are already reserved for your group: no scrambling for space or negotiating with vendors. The beach sits at the southwest point of Crete and is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot. You have 2.5 hours to swim in the water, sunbathe on your reserved lounger, and take photos. Bottled water, fresh fruit and local energy bars are provided.

Lunch happens at Milia Mountain Retreat, a National Geographic-recognized eco-tourism complex built into a 17th-century mountain settlement with no electricity and stone houses that embody a "back to the basics" philosophy. You eat Cretan cuisine (vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking), and the first round of wine, beer or homemade soft drinks is included, along with dessert. The wild scenery around the retreat, including views of the Topolia gorge, local mountain goats and vultures nesting in the cliffs, gives you plenty to photograph before the drive back.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel near Chania.
• lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat with Cretan flavors, wine or beer, and dessert.
• reserved sunbeds and umbrellas at Elafonisi Beach.
• bottled water, fresh fruit and energy bars.
• liability insurance.
• a local guide in English.
• transport in a 7-seater air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by CHANIA ADVENTURES SINGLE MEMBER P.C

Is this one for you?The early start and reserved sunbeds mean you get the beach during the quieter hours without the setup work. Everything from pickup to lunch to your spot on the sand is arranged, so the day stays unhurried even though it covers two destinations and a full drive across the island.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).

How long is the walk to Elafonisi Beach from the parking lot?

The walk to Elafonisi Beach is 10 to 12 minutes from the parking lot, and it is included in your 2.5 hours of beach time.

What's included in the lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat?

Lunch at Milia Mountain Retreat includes Cretan cuisine, the first round of wine, beer or homemade soft drinks, and dessert. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is canceled only in case of rain and storms, and you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included from hotels within 5 kilometers east or 25 kilometers west of Chania, with the driver arriving in a comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicle.

What is Milia Mountain Retreat?

Milia Mountain Retreat is an authentic 17th-century stone settlement in the mountains with no electricity, recognized as one of the top 50 eco-tourism destinations worldwide by National Geographic magazine, and now operates as a restaurant and eco-complex where your lunch is served.