Kedrodasos

About

Wild coves backed by an ancient juniper forest, a short way from Elafonisi.

Kedrodasos means "cedar forest", and the name comes from the old juniper trees (locally called cedars) that grow right behind the sand. It lies a short distance east of Elafonisi, but feels like another world: there's no road to the beach itself, no sunbeds and no canteen, just a series of small sandy coves, rocks and turquoise water.

You reach it either on foot along the E4 coastal path from Elafonisi, which takes about an hour, or by a rough dirt road that ends near a greenhouse area, followed by a short walk. Bring everything you need, including plenty of water and shade, and please take your rubbish back with you.

The junipers are protected and very slow growing, so don't camp under them or light fires. Kedrodasos is at its best on a calm day, when the shallow coves are as clear as a swimming pool. In the evening, the light on the sand and the old trees is truly special.

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free
Beste Zeit: May–Oct, mornings
Zeitbedarf: Half day
Gut zu wissen: No facilities; bring shade and water

Organised

Nicht organisiert

Atmosphere

Abgelegen

Characteristics

Facilities

Keine Einrichtungen

Access

Around Kissamos

The west of Crete is the island at its most dramatic. Chania has the most beautiful Venetian old town on Crete, wrapped around a harbour with a lighthouse and a domed mosque. In the evening the narrow lanes of Splantzia and the old Jewish quarter fill up with tavernas and small bars. More about Chania