Kedrodasos

# Kedrodasos Beach, West Crete **What makes it special** Kedrodasos is one of the few beaches in Greece where a dense grove of Phoenician cedar trees (Juniperus phoenicea) grows directly onto the shoreline, their roots reaching the sand and their canopies extending over the beach edge. This rare coastal woodland gives the beach its name and its character. The sand itself ranges from pale gold to faintly pinkish in certain light, and the water is clear and shallow close to shore before dropping away more steeply further out. There are no umbrellas for hire, no beach bars, no organised facilities of any kind. What you find here is an undeveloped stretch of coastline that has remained largely unchanged, sitting roughly one kilometre north of the more famous Elafonisi beach but receiving a fraction of the visitors. **Getting there** By car, Kedrodasos is reached via the regional road heading toward Elafonisi in the Kissamos regional unit of Chania prefecture. From Chania town, the drive takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes, following signs toward Elafonisi through the villages of Topolia and Elos. Shortly before the Elafonisi car park, a dirt track branches off to the north. This track is rough and best suited to vehicles with reasonable ground clearance, though ordinary cars with careful driving can usually manage it outside of wet conditions. There is a small informal parking area at the end of the track. From the car park, a short footpath of around 10 minutes leads through the cedar woodland to the beach itself. Alternatively, the beach can be reached on foot from Elafonisi by walking north along the coast for about 15 to 20 minutes over rocky terrain. There is no boat taxi service here. **Activities and water conditions** The water at Kedrodasos is clear with good visibility, making it one of the better snorkeling spots in this part of Crete. The rocky areas at either end of the beach are worth exploring underwater, with sea urchins, small fish, and occasional octopus. The sandy central section has a gradual entry that becomes deeper within a short swim from shore. The beach faces west-southwest, which means afternoon light is strong and direct. Wind is a regular factor: the Meltemi, the prevailing summer north wind in the Aegean, has less force here due to the sheltered geography of the southwest tip of Crete, but local afternoon breezes do pick up, which can make the water choppy at times and also keeps temperatures from becoming oppressive. There are no sunbeds, no shade structures, and no food or drink available at or near the beach. The cedar trees provide natural shade along the back edge of the beach, which is worth using during midday hours. **Practical tips** Arrive before 10am if you are visiting in July or August. By late morning the small beach fills quickly, partly with visitors who have walked over from Elafonisi. Bring everything you need for the day: water, food, sun protection, and snorkeling equipment if you want it. The nearest place to buy anything is back along the road toward Elafonisi, where a small seasonal kiosk sometimes operates, but this cannot be relied upon. Wear shoes you can walk in on rocky ground if you plan to approach from Elafonisi on foot. The path through the cedar grove is uneven. **Best months to visit** May and June offer the best balance of warm water, manageable crowds, and reliable weather. September and early October are also excellent: the sea remains warm from the summer, the light is softer, and the number of visitors drops sharply. July and August are hot, busy, and logistically demanding given the lack of facilities. Winter visits are possible for those who want solitude and don't need to swim, but the access track can become difficult after heavy rain. **Who it is ideal for** Kedrodasos suits couples, solo travellers, and anyone comfortable with a self-sufficient day out. It is not suitable for young children or anyone with limited mobility given the rough vehicle access and the rocky coastal walk. Snorkelers will find enough to hold their interest. People who want facilities, shade on demand, or food nearby should go to Elafonisi instead. For those who specifically want a quiet, scenically distinctive beach with no infrastructure, Kedrodasos is one of the more rewarding options in western Crete.