FAQs

Restaurant and Food Services

• What about breakfast? Are there room and board packages?
  • We do not offer board, only rooms. We have an on-site taverna (Greek restaurant) offering a variety of breakfast items, ranging from €7-15 (continental breakfast with everything is €15, for example).
• What food is available?
  • Eat Fresh! Our taverna serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the property and everything is ‘a la carte’. We have daily specials, a variety of fresh seafood, fresh meat, traditional Cretan dishes and vegetarian meals. The food is freshly prepared and cooked in our kitchen. The prices are reasonable and *not included* in the price of the room.
  • Breakfast is *not included* with the room and costs approximately 15 euro per person.
  • You can get snacks and beverages from the Mini Market next to the property.
• Can we reserve lunch at the taverna?
  • Please phone the taverna directly at +302822061587 between 8:30 – 21:00.
• Is it necessary to make reservations for breakfast?
  • Not necessary – you will easily find a nice table. However, groups of six persons or more should contact us for a reservation.
• Is it necessary to make reservations for dinner?
  • Not necessary – you will easily find a nice table. However, groups of six persons or more should contact us for a reservation.
• Can your taverna accommodate guests with a gluten-free or vegan diet?
  • In case of avoiding gluten, yes, the taverna can offer many basic side-dish alternatives to breads/pasta. However, they do not generally provide any gluten-free bread, hamburger buns or pastas.
  • In the case of a celiac or gluten allergy, there is no guarantee of gluten contamination-free food preparation. In this situation, may we recommend you to bring your own gluten-free foods with you and reserve an accommodation with a kitchenette so you may prepare your own foods safely.
  • The same is true for vegans: while the taverna has vegan plates, and may substitute some items for vegan food as most other Greek restaurants do, it is on the most basic level. Luckily, Greek cuisine features many delicious recipes which are vegan.
  • There is no separate/strictly vegan food preparation area in our taverna. Strict vegans might consider reserving a room with a kitchenette to prepare their own meals.

Reservations, checking in and out, accommodations and Elafonisi area

• Early check-in
  • Normal check-in time is 2pm. An early check-in depends on the check-out time of the previous guest. In any case, you can come anytime you want and in case that the room is not ready yet, you can park on our property, leave your luggage at the reception, then enjoy the beach of Elafonisi or have lunch at our restaurant. You will get access to your room as soon as it is cleaned and ready.
• Late check-in
  • Check-in ends at 21:00, when the reception closes. You must contact us in advance to request check-in after the reception closes. In the case of late flights, unexpected delays and extenuating circumstances, we will do our best to accommodate you as long as you are in good communication with us.
  • Arriving at 21:00 you can still order from the full menu at the taverna. After that, they start to shut down the grill and the menu options become limited, and then they close at 22:00.
  • Just a word of caution: the road here is not well lit, it is mountainous and curvy and a single-lane road. Please take your time, look through the curves for oncoming traffic, and drive safely.
• What accommodation is available for guests with mobility issues or disability?
  • The best accommodation (in terms of hotel room reservation) we offer is a Studio, where the guest may park close to the door with a wheelchair ramp (or otherwise without stairs). The bathroom facilities within the Studio are equipped with grab handles and sufficient clearance for a standard wheelchair. Please include in your reservation comment that you require this kind of unit/accommodation. You are welcome to email us with any questions or requests.
  • For accessing the Elafonisi Laguna (beach) there is a mobility service van provided by the Kissamos Municipality. We are happy to help guests with disability or low mobility arrange their visit to the beach from our accommodation once they are on site. Please email us for more information.
• Can I request a Sea View?
  • You are welcome to include a request for a Sea View with your reservation. We will do our best for you.
  • The only rooms with a guaranteed Sea View are the Elafonisi Beach View rooms, Poseidon and Erato Bungalows. While other rooms naturally have sea view, those cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
• Problems with the website reservation booking tool
  • ‘No availability’ or ‘no results’ most commonly returns when there is no continuous stay available in the same room for the entire date range you specified. Please email us so we can provide further assistance.
  • If you are a family of four hoping to book the Studio, simply input three guests then write in the reservation comments the number and ages of the guests. A Studio can sleep up to four persons, with two guests on the bed (configured as double or single, according to your request), plus one single sofa bed, plus one camper (folding) bed added.
  • Should you need further assistance, please email us. We are here to help.
• Is it more advantageous to book directly or to use a third-party booking site?
  • By booking directly with Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family, you will pay (at least) 10% less compared to third-party booking sites like Booking.com.
• We are a couple with a baby. What is the smallest room we can book?
  • The ideal accommodation for guests with a baby is a Studio and the Bungalows, as they have kitchenettes.
  • For those guests with small children who require laundry, please reserve the Erato bungalow, as it’s the only accommodation we offer with a washing machine. Otherwise, we can provide a basin for hand-washing clothes; each accommodation has a rack for sun-drying clothes.
• Are laundry services for washing our garments available, whether on-site or nearby?
  • We can provide a basin for hand-washing a few garments; all accommodations have racks for sun-drying.
  • For guests with longer stays and a full load of laundry to wash, we can provide self-service laundry. For more information, please inquire at the Reception once you are on site.
  • For guests with small children who require a washing machine inside their accommodation, please reserve the Erato bungalow.
  • Of course we provide fresh laundered bed linens and bath towels as part of the housekeeping service.
• What does Elafonisi area have to offer?
  • In our experience, Elafonisi is for nature lovers: those who are fine with basic services and accommodations, and are here to enjoy the natural beauty. Whether hiking along the E4 trail, walking Elafonisi island, photographing the natural flora and fauna, or enjoying the special vibration of this place, laying on the beach with the calm waves lapping at the pink shoreline, enjoying time with friends and family in stunning natural beauty – this place is ‘earthy.’
  • That being said, the number of daily visitors is in the thousands during peak season (July-September) and the infrastructure is not developed. Again, those who can enjoy Elafonisi are those who are willing to walk an extra 15 minutes away from the Laguna to find the more secluded shoreline.
  • There is no ‘nightlife’ to speak of, as the tavernas close by 10pm. Again, those who enjoy Elafonisi are here to watch the moon sparkle on the waves and focus on quality time with family, friends, a good book, and commune with the spirit of nature.
  • The area has mini-markets offering a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as most other basic necessities, including wine, liquor and beer. There are souvenir stands/shops, coffee stands and a range of food establishments serving mainly Greek food.
• What does Elafonisi Resort by Kalomirakis Family have to offer?
  • We are the nearest hotel to the beach, situated immediately next to the gated entrance to the Elafonisi area. From there it’s less than a ten-minute walk to the Elafonisi Laguna, down a hill with a mild grade and wide walking path.
  • We are specialized in quality, efficient accommodation (the best in Elafonisi) so that you can take advantage of the natural area of Elafonisi. Our guests say it’s wonderful to stay here at least a couple of nights and enjoy the scenic hours in peace, before and after the thousands of visitors have come and gone; to have a peaceful respite for cooling off for a nap during the peak hours of the day.
  • We are a ‘resort’ in the sense of having sprawling, park-like grounds upon which several different accommodation types are situated. Despite the busy surroundings, our resort is a bubble of calm for simple relaxation. There is a playground for small children while their adults enjoy sitting on the shaded bench.
  • In summary:
    • Athina building has second-story rooms with balconies, some with premium views of the Elafonisi Laguna (“Elafonisi Beach View”).
    • Elafos building has studio apartments on the lower floor, and rooms upstairs.
    • Artemis building has small rooms situated side by side on a ground floor.
    • Erato, Mouses, and Poseidon are bungalows (free-standing, single-story guest houses).
    • Kedros Studios are free-standing, single-story duplex buildings with entrances staggered for privacy.
    • For more information, please see the facilities dedicated page of our website.
  • Beach service – Umbrella, sun bed and towel.
    • The service of beach chairs and umbrellas is provided by the Municipality for a fee, and on a first come, first serve basis. Unfortunately it’s not possible to make an advance reservation.
    • We do not provide beach towel service. You may buy a towel and umbrella with a discount from our mini-market.
  • Is there a swimming pool or hot tub on site?
    • We do not have a pool on site because we believe the best pool is the sea, a short ten-minute walk away in the Elafonisi laguna.
  • Is there a gym or exercise area, or yoga studio?
    • We do not have a gym or exercise area on site because we believe the best exercise is outside, enjoying the Elafonisi area below our resort. We are glad to recommend some hikes and swimming areas.
  • Do you provide any water sports equipment or activities?
    • While we don’t lend any equipment or lead activities, there are independent wind-surfing and paddleboard rentals and lessons operating in the Elafonisi Laguna. You can find them using Google Maps, for example.
    • There is wonderful snorkeling to be had around Elafonisi; you may bring your own gear or buy basics from the souvenir shop. We are glad to recommend some snorkeling spots.
    • Other water sports: There is not a surfboard break around Elafonisi (that we know of…). As the Elafonisi-Kedrodasos area is a Natura2000 zone (for environmental conservation), it is prohibited to operate motorized sea-doos here.
  • Do you offer any connecting rooms (with an inner door)?
    • While we do not have any connecting rooms, we do have side-by-side rooms available. Please be sure to include in your reservation comment/request that you need side-by-side rooms. If you have more than one reservation, please reference the other reservation number and name.
  • Is there free parking on site?
    • Yes, each reservation gets free parking for at least one vehicle near their accommodation.
  • Can we park on site before/after we check in/out?
    • Yes, you are welcome to park in our reception parking lot and enjoy extra time at the beach. Kindly just notify the hotel receptionist about your car and approximate return time.
  • Is there an external shower for cleaning up after the beach?
    • Yes, there is an external shower, foot wash, and changing cabin near the reception area.
  • Is the Elafonisi Laguna suitable for small children?
    • The water is shallow, clean, and it’s possible to avoid risks to small children. It’s best for them to stay in the lifeguard-supervised swim area, away from hazards such as wind-surfers and strong tides. All services in the Laguna are courtesy of the Kissamos Municipality: umbrellas and sunbeds, snack cantina, showers and toilets, and mobility shuttle van service.
  • Can Elafonisi Resort accommodate our wedding party or yoga or meditation retreat?
    • We do not have an appropriate gathering area for such groups (there’s no reception hall or outdoor clearing with flat ground). Due to noise ordinances it’s not possible to host a party in the late night hours. Elafonisi in general is in a remote location with the most basic infrastructure, and is best suited toward couples and very small groups of travelers. We emphasize honestly, this place is for those looking to spend quality time with friends, family and commune with the spirit of nature.
  • Can Elafonisi Resort offer all-inclusive or VIP service?
    • We are a three-star, self-catering hotel establishment with an on-site restaurant, with a premium location relative to the Elafonisi Laguna.
    • We are a ‘resort’ in the sense of having sprawling, park-like grounds upon which several different accommodation types are situated; NOT in the sense of being all-inclusive or providing luxury catering or services.
    • We are specialized in quality, efficient accommodation. We offer a top location for guests to best take advantage of the natural area of Elafonisi. Within this definition of hospitality, we will certainly do our best for you.
  • Do you offer any special Honeymoon or other add-ons for our stay?
    • We don’t have a fixed menu of add-ons per se. Our focus is to provide efficient accommodation so you can easily enjoy the exquisite natural area. We are in a remote position away from bakers and florists, for example so everything needs to be brought in special. You are welcome to email us with a request and we’ll do our best for you.

 

Transportation

• Transfer/Taxi
  • We have a relationship with drivers, and we are happy to help arrange transfers. Please email us with the date(s) and time(s), pick-up and/or drop-off locations, airport and flight number (if applicable), and number of passengers, including the age of any child passengers.
• Our flight is arriving late at night, to Heraklion (HER). Can we check-in the night we land?
  • We strongly caution guests with such an itinerary: we’re in a remote location on Crete in relation to Heraklion. The road is long (at least three hours’ drive), mountainous and difficult, especially at night as it’s not well lit. Therefore if there is an option for you to avoid driving yourself here at night – to change the time of the flight arrival, to stay overnight near the airport and come to Elafonisi the next morning, or at least to hire a professional driver who knows the way – we would strongly advise it for your safety and comfort.
  • Also, our check in time is until 21:00 and you must request advance permission or otherwise be in advance communication in order to check in after that. We cannot guarantee late check-in.
  • The closest airport to us is Chania (CHQ).
• What is the best way to go to your hotel from Chania airport (for 2 people)?
  • ​Indeed, we are in a remote location on Crete. In our opinion, the best way to the hotel is to rent/hire a car, especially if you plan to stay more than a few days, because the main activity in Elafonisi is walking around the Laguna and Island area. If you wish to discover different villages and restaurants, a car will give you that flexibility. From CHQ it is 1h 50m drive.
  • A taxi costs 110,00 euro from the airport of Chania and we can reserve that for you if you wish. We don’t have any regular shared shuttle service, but it may be possible depending on the other rides booked with the Taxi driver, to share.
  • Visit Elafonisi by bus: please see the website e-ktel.com or tel no 00302821093052).
  • The bus departs every day from the center of the Chania city (square 1866) 09:00 and remains in Elafonisi till 16:00 and departs from Elafonisi to Chania 16:00 (2h 10m travel).
• I am arriving by bus in Elafonisi at 11 in the morning, can I check in to my room early?
  • Check in time is 2pm, but if your room is ready we’ll be glad to check you in when you arrive. Otherwise, you are welcome to leave your luggage in the reception area, change into your beach wear in the changing cabin near the reception, and/or enjoy some food and drink in the taverna.