Located 70km southwest of Chania, 30km south of Kissamos and 1.5km northwest of Keramoti, Xotikospilio (also known as the Cave of Elves) is a wild, remote beach surrounded by a rugged, wild Cretan landscape. This secluded spot is home to a small cave, the site of local legends about elves, and a chapel built inside the cave. In 1824, the Turks massacred the women and children who had taken refuge here following the Elafonissi massacre. The beach here is composed of large, rounded pebbles, and there are no facilities nearby; it’s a great spot for snorkeling and a peaceful, solitary retreat. Unfortunately, the strong waves here make it difficult to swim in the west coast of Crete. To get to Xotikospilio, you can drive through a dirt track, but it’s best to leave your car on the plateau before the beach.
