The uninhabited island of Elafonisi may be tiny but it's bursting with personality.

This journey to this islet off southwestern Crete is steeped in myths and legends and boasts amazing natural scenery, making it an ideal excursion for all the family.

You can admire the magnificent stalactites and stalagmites in the Agia Sofia cave. That church is built at a height of 80m above the main road that crosses the Topolia Gorge. It is rich in history and traditions, dating back to the battles of Cretans against their conquerors. Cretan soldiers, who had fought at the siege of Constantinople, carried the icon of Saint Sophia on their way back to Crete. This icon was found wedged inside a rock inside the cave.

Elafonissi beach is located 76km west of Chania in the most southwestern part of Crete. Elafonisi is an oblong beach, which often "breaks" in two parts by the sea giving the impression of being a separate island. The island is full of dunes with sand lilies and junipers (cedar-like trees) and is surrounded by pink sands and light blue waters. Also note that the area is “Natura 2000” protected/

You can spend all the afternoon relaxing and swimming in the shallow clear blue waters and make this day unforgettable.