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 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.

• Balos lagoon (by car this is about 9km on an un-tarred road however it is a 2km walk from Balos Beach hotel).
• Visit the well known beach of Falassarna (10 km from Balos Beach, about a 10 minute drive). At this beach you will also find windsurfing, and kite surfing.
• Visit the lagoon like beach of Elafonisos and stop at the Monastery of Chrysoskalitissa along the way (about a 45 minute drive from Balos Beach hotel).
• Gramvousa islet (take the ferry from Kissamos port).
• Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Polyrinia (12 kilometers from Balos Beach Hotel, just 6 kilometers south of Kissamos). Polyrinia is considered to be the oldest city that the Dorians built in Crete (following the Minoan Period).
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Kissamos (6 km from Balos Beach Hotel) housed in a Venetian-Turkish monument.
• Hike the gorge of "Samaria" (busses leave from the bus station of Kissamos with a stop at Chania central bus station).
• Drive through the gorge of "Therisso".