Kedrodasos Beach
Best for. Anyone who loves the colour of Elafonissi but wants it wild, quiet and free of sunbed rows.
Best spot. The shallow flats at the northern end, where the water glows turquoise over pale sand and juniper roots reach the shore.
Know this. There is nothing here at all, so this is a bring everything beach, and shade comes only from the low trees.
Kedrodasos is what Elafonissi looked like before the world found it. The two beaches sit side by side on the far southwest corner of Crete, and where Elafonissi has car parks, sunbeds and crowds, Kedrodasos has a grove of ancient junipers, pale sand and water that runs the same dreamlike turquoise without a single umbrella to break it up. The name means cedar forest, and the gnarled low trees that lean over the sand are the heart of the place.
The swimming is gentle and beautiful at the northern end, where shallow flats glow over light sand, then turns rockier and deeper as you move south, which suits snorkelling. Because there is no road right to the sand you reach it on a short walk over rock and through the trees, and that small effort keeps the numbers down. It has long been loved by free campers and by people who prefer their nature undressed, so expect a relaxed, low key scene rather than a polished resort beach.
The honesty here is simple. Kedrodasos gives you the colour and the calm of one of the most famous beaches in Greece with almost none of the comfort. There is no shade beyond the junipers, no water, no food and no toilet, and the trees are protected, so you tread lightly and take everything home. Come for the wildness and you will love it. Come expecting a lounger and a cocktail and you should walk the few minutes to Elafonissi instead.
No club on the sand
Kedrodasos is a protected wild beach with no development, so there is no club, no bar and no sunbed line. The organised sunbeds and seasonal canteens sit next door at Elafonissi. For daybeds and table service anywhere on the island, use the Crete beach clubs guide.
No club on the beach
A protected wild beach with no buildings. There are no sunbeds, no bar and no operator on the sand.
West coast, Crete
Kedrodasos lies on the far southwest tip of Crete, just east of Elafonissi. From Chania it is a drive of around two hours over the mountains, the last part on a narrow but paved road, with rough parking near the end where a track and a footpath lead down to the sand. Many people park at Elafonissi and walk across.
Summer buses run to Elafonissi from Chania and Kissamos, and from there it is a walk of about fifteen minutes to Kedrodasos, which is the easiest way without a car. Once you arrive the beach spreads south through the junipers, so wander until you find a patch of shade and sand that suits you.
Photo: Danilo Francioni via GoogleBook a beach club
Kedrodasos has no club of its own. Tell us your dates and we can suggest a daybed at an organised Crete beach nearby. We reply by email.
We are an independent editorial resource. Booking requests are passed to clubs and operators, and some may earn us a commission at no cost to you. Prices, availability and opening status are set by the venue and are to be confirmed at the time of booking.
Common questions about Kedrodasos
How is Kedrodasos different from Elafonissi?
They share the same turquoise water and pale sand, but Kedrodasos is wild and undeveloped while Elafonissi has car parks, sunbeds and big crowds. Kedrodasos has only junipers, rock and quiet, reached on foot, which is exactly why people who find Elafonissi too busy come here instead.
Are there sunbeds or tavernas at Kedrodasos?
No. There are no sunbeds, bars, tavernas or toilets, and nothing is sold on the sand. Bring your own water, food and shade. If you want facilities, Elafonissi and its seasonal canteens are a short walk to the west.
How do you get to Kedrodasos beach?
Drive to the southwest corner of Crete near Elafonissi, around two hours from Chania, and park at the rough lot where a path leads down. In summer you can also take the bus to Elafonissi and walk about fifteen minutes across to Kedrodasos.
Is the water at Kedrodasos good for swimming?
Yes. The northern end has gentle shallow flats over pale sand that glow turquoise in calm weather, while the south is rockier and deeper and good for snorkelling. There is no lifeguard, so judge the conditions yourself, especially if a west wind picks up.
Is camping allowed at Kedrodasos?
The beach has a long history with free campers, but the junipers are protected and rules can change, so this is best confirmed locally before you plan to stay. Whatever you do, light no fires, damage no trees and carry out everything you bring in.
