Kedrodasos Beach Crete: Hidden Cedar Forest Paradise

Kedrodasos Beach is one of Crete's most extraordinary natural treasures—a true paradise that combines pristine white sand, crystal-clear azure waters, and an ancient forest of juniper trees (often called cedars locally, hence the name). Unlike many of Crete's famous beaches, Kedrodasos remains largely untouched by tourism development, offering a rare glimpse of the Mediterranean coastline in its natural state.

The beach stretches for approximately 1 kilometer along Crete's southwestern coast, featuring multiple small coves and inlets surrounded by sand dunes where the juniper trees have taken root. These gnarled, ancient trees create a unique landscape unlike anywhere else on the island—their twisted trunks and umbrella-like canopies provide natural shade and an almost mystical atmosphere.

While the beach has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly among those seeking alternatives to the often-crowded Elafonisi, Kedrodasos remains relatively uncrowded even during peak season. The complete absence of facilities ensures that only more adventurous travelers make the effort to visit, helping preserve its natural beauty.

Kedrodasos is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas due to its ecological significance. The beach and surrounding dune system host several rare plant species adapted to this harsh environment, and the entire area is considered a fragile ecosystem that requires conservation efforts.

The waters at Kedrodasos are exceptionally clear and typically calmer than at Elafonisi, making them perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The seabed slopes more gradually than at many Cretan beaches, allowing for comfortable swimming for all experience levels. On days with perfect clarity, visibility can extend to 20+ meters, revealing colorful fish and underwater rock formations.

By Car (Recommended)

The only practical way to reach Kedrodasos is by car, followed by a short hike. There is no public transportation that will take you directly to this secluded beach.

From Chania to Kedrodasos:

1. Follow the same route as you would to Elafonisi Beach (via Topolia Gorge)
2. After passing through Elafonisi village, continue on the main road for approximately 500 meters
3. Look for a dirt road on your right (there may be a small sign for "Kedrodasos" but often it's unmarked)
4. Follow this dirt road for about 2km until you reach a small parking area near a radio antenna station

The Walking Trail from Parking to Beach

From the parking area, you'll need to continue on foot:

1. Follow the path that leads southwest from the parking area
2. The trail is marked occasionally with small stone cairns (stacked stones)
3. The hike takes approximately 15-20 minutes at a moderate pace
4. The path is mostly flat but crosses sandy and rocky terrain
5. Proper footwear is recommended (not flip-flops)

As you near the beach, the path will lead you through the first cedar trees and over small sand dunes before opening up to reveal the stunning coastline.

Alternative Route: Walking from Elafonisi

It's also possible to reach Kedrodasos by walking from Elafonisi Beach:

• From the eastern end of Elafonisi, follow the coastline heading east
• This coastal path is approximately 3km long and takes about 45-60 minutes
• The route offers beautiful views but involves walking on uneven terrain
• Bring plenty of water as there's no shade for most of this walk

While this coastal walk is scenic, we recommend the car route for most visitors, especially in hot summer months or if carrying beach supplies.

Seasonal Considerations

Kedrodasos is most enjoyable during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these periods, you'll benefit from:

• Comfortable temperatures (warm enough for swimming but not scorching hot)
• Very few visitors, sometimes having entire sections of beach to yourself
• Better visibility for underwater activities like snorkeling
• More pleasant hiking conditions for the walk to the beach

Even during peak summer months (July and August), Kedrodasos remains significantly less crowded than neighboring Elafonisi due to its lack of facilities and the effort required to reach it. However, these months bring intense heat that can make the exposed hike to the beach challenging.

Weather and Wind Considerations

The southwestern coast of Crete can experience strong winds, particularly in the afternoon. Kedrodasos is slightly more sheltered than Elafonisi thanks to its small coves and the protection offered by the cedar trees, but it's still affected by strong winds when they occur.

Check the wind forecast before planning your visit. On particularly windy days (common in July and August), the blowing sand can make the beach experience less pleasant. Conversely, on calm days, the water clarity at Kedrodasos is absolutely stunning, with visibility extending 20+ meters in some areas.

Naturist Considerations

Kedrodasos has traditionally been popular with naturists, particularly in its more secluded coves. If this aspect concerns you (especially when visiting with children), mornings tend to have fewer naturists present compared to afternoons and evenings. Naturism is most common in the eastern sections of the beach, while the western areas closer to Elafonisi typically see more conventional beachwear.

Unlike developed beaches, Kedrodasos has absolutely no facilities—no water, no food, no restrooms, no shade structures. Proper preparation is essential for an enjoyable visit:

Water Requirements

The most critical consideration for Kedrodasos is bringing sufficient water. Dehydration is a real risk, especially in summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 30°C (86°F). We recommend:

• Minimum 2 liters per person for a half-day visit
• 3-4 liters per person for a full-day visit
• Additional water in your car for your return

Freezing water bottles the night before your visit helps keep them cold throughout the day and provides refreshing cold water even hours later.

Sun Protection

The sun in Crete is intense, particularly in summer. While the cedar trees provide some shade, it's limited and moves throughout the day.

• Bring a beach umbrella or sun shelter
• Apply waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30+) before arriving and reapply regularly
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses
• Consider a UV-protective shirt for extended swimming sessions

Toilet Considerations

With no facilities whatsoever, toilet arrangements require planning:

• Use restroom facilities at Elafonisi Beach before heading to Kedrodasos
• For emergencies, bring a small trowel to dig a hole (20cm/8in deep) well away from the beach and water
• Always pack out toilet paper and sanitary items in sealed bags

Kedrodasos isn't a single beach but rather a series of small coves and inlets spread across approximately 1km of coastline. Understanding the different areas helps you find your perfect spot:

Main Beach (Western Section)

The first area you'll encounter when arriving from the parking lot is the main beach section:

• Wider stretch of white sand with scattered cedar trees
• Generally more popular and likely to have other visitors
• Good swimming conditions with gradual depth increase
• Some rocky areas excellent for snorkeling
• More suitable for families and less experienced swimmers

Eastern Coves

Continuing eastward along the coast, you'll find several smaller, more intimate coves:

• Secluded inlets separated by rocky outcrops
• More privacy - often you can find a cove all to yourself
• Popular with naturists
• Beautiful rock formations for photography
• Excellent snorkeling around the rocks

Cedar Grove Areas

Throughout Kedrodasos, you'll find areas where the juniper trees create small groves:

• Natural shade under ancient trees
• Beautiful dappled light effect on the sand
• Cooler spots to set up for the day
• Perfect for photography, especially in late afternoon light
• Please avoid hanging items from trees or damaging branches

Swimming Conditions

Kedrodasos offers excellent swimming in crystal-clear waters:

• Water clarity is typically exceptional with visibility of 15-20+ meters on calm days
• The seabed slopes gradually, making it suitable for all swimming abilities
• Water temperature ranges from 20°C (68°F) in May to 26°C (79°F) in August
• Western sections have sandy bottoms ideal for children and less confident swimmers
• Eastern coves feature more rocks and small underwater caves perfect for snorkeling
• No lifeguards or safety equipment - swim according to your ability

The defining feature of Kedrodasos is its ancient juniper trees (Juniperus oxycedrus macrocarpa), locally called "cedars" (kedros in Greek). These remarkable trees create a unique ecosystem that gives the beach its name and special character.

About the Juniper Trees

• Despite the name "cedars," these are actually juniper trees, a type of cypress
• Some specimens at Kedrodasos are estimated to be 200-300 years old
• These slow-growing trees have adapted to harsh coastal conditions
• Their root systems help stabilize the sand dunes
• The gnarled, twisted trunks and umbrella-like canopies create natural sculptures
• They provide essential habitat for birds and small wildlife

The Dune Ecosystem

Beyond the juniper trees, Kedrodasos features a remarkable coastal dune ecosystem:

• The white sand dunes are constantly shaped by wind and water
• Sea daffodils (Pancratium maritimum) bloom in late summer with striking white flowers
• Sea lilies and other rare coastal plants thrive in this harsh environment
• The entire area is designated as part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas
• Walking through established paths helps prevent erosion

Marine Environment

The waters at Kedrodasos host a diverse marine ecosystem worth exploring:

• Crystal-clear waters allow for excellent visibility (up to 20+ meters on calm days)
• Rocky areas host colorful fish, sea anemones, and small octopuses
• Seagrass meadows provide critical habitat and can be seen in deeper areas
• Occasional sea turtle sightings (mainly loggerhead turtles) occur in summer months

The extraordinary clarity of the water at Kedrodasos is partly due to the lack of development and human impact. The absence of motorized water activities helps preserve this pristine marine environment.

Many visitors to southwestern Crete wonder whether to visit Elafonisi, Kedrodasos, or both. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Kedrodasos offers extraordinary photography opportunities with its unique combination of ancient trees, white sand, and turquoise waters. Here are the best spots and tips for capturing this natural paradise:

Top Photo Locations

• Cedar Silhouettes - The gnarled juniper trees make striking silhouettes, especially during golden hour
• Tree Roots in Sand - Look for trees where the roots are partially exposed in the white sand for dramatic compositions
• Eastern Coves - The small, secluded coves with rock formations create perfect framing for seascape photos
• Underwater Clarity - The exceptional water clarity makes for stunning split-level shots (half above, half below water)
• Dune Landscapes - The rolling white sand dunes with scattered vegetation create minimalist compositions
• High Vantage Point - Climb the small hill near the eastern end for panoramic views of the entire coast

Best Lighting Conditions

Kedrodasos looks beautiful throughout the day, but certain times offer optimal lighting:

• Early Morning (7:00-9:00 AM) - Soft, golden light filtering through the trees, calm water
• Late Afternoon (5:00-7:00 PM) - Warm light accentuating the textures of tree trunks and creating long shadows
• Blue Hour - The 20-30 minutes after sunset create a magical blue ambiance (bring a flashlight for the return hike!)

Photography Tips

• Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on water and enhance the turquoise colors
• For dramatic tree photos, shoot from a low angle looking up at the twisted branches
• Create depth by including foreground elements (a juniper branch, rock formation, or sand patterns)
• Capture the contrast between the dark green junipers and the pure white sand
• For underwater photography, clear protective cases are essential
• Consider bringing a small tripod for low-light conditions

Drone Photography

While aerial views of Kedrodasos are breathtaking, drone operation in this protected Natura 2000 area may be subject to restrictions. If planning drone photography:

• Check current regulations before flying
• Maintain sufficient distance from other beach visitors
• Avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly birds that nest in the juniper trees
• Fly during early morning hours when fewer people are present

Make the most of your journey to this remote corner of Crete by combining your Kedrodasos visit with these nearby attractions:

Elafonisi Beach

The famous pink sand beach is just 7km from Kedrodasos and makes for a perfect combined day trip.

• Distance from Kedrodasos: 7km (15 minutes by car)
• Highlights: Pink sand, shallow lagoon, facilities for convenient dining
• Suggestion: Visit Elafonisi first thing in the morning before crowds arrive, then head to Kedrodasos for a more secluded afternoon

Chryssoskalitissa Monastery

An impressive 17th-century white monastery perched on a 35-meter rock overlooking the Libyan Sea. According to legend, one of the 90 steps leading to the monastery is made of gold, but only those pure of heart can see it.

• Distance from Kedrodasos: 10km (20 minutes by car)
• Entrance fee: €2 donation suggested
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily (shorter hours in winter)
• Dress code: Modest clothing required (shoulders and knees covered)

Aspri Limni (White Lake)

A small, seasonal lake with white sand that forms behind Elafonisi beach. When filled with water, it creates a unique landscape that resembles a white-rimmed lake.

• Distance from Kedrodasos: 5km (10 minutes by car)
• Best time to visit: Spring, when water levels are highest
• Access: Short walk from Elafonisi parking area

Topolia Gorge

On your way to or from Kedrodasos, you'll pass through this impressive gorge with vertical rock faces and lush vegetation.

• Highlights: Agia Sofia Cave with its small church inside
• Viewpoints: Several stops along the road offer dramatic perspectives
• Dining: Traditional tavernas in Elos village serve excellent local cuisine