Elafonissi is located at the southwest edge of Crete island, opposite the African coast of Tripoli, and is featured by a strange geographical format. A line of rocks and shallow sea allow the connection to Crete, when the weather is good.
The area consists of a law reefs and shoals complex that is extremely dangerous for the sailing ships when there is stormy sea. That’s why the Elafonissi pass is also called "Ships’ grave" by the seamen. After the great shipwreck of Imperetice ocean vessel in 1907, when 300 people were drowned and buried all together on the island, a lighthouse was established on it, which operated by petroleum.
That lighthouse was high enough with inside stone stair of 132 steps and 12 iron steps. Beside were built keepers’ homes, open-air oven and water tank. Unfortunately, then in order to prepare the required amiant, the regional authority gave the permission to be cut all the cedars and trees of the island. The lighthouse was a lamp made from glass with a special glow amiant. An iron plate turned the light machinery, which its speed was regulated by weights. It was a machinery similar to the old wall watch. Its replenishment with petroleum and other requirements was one time in a year and always during the summer.
The current lighthouse is established on a white iron-knitted tower, with height 15 meters and a balcony and is a white flashing one every 40".
