Elafonisi is an oblong peninsula, which often breaks in two parts by water giving the impression of being a separate island. It is a Natura 2000 protected area. The island is full of sand dunes with sea daffodils and jupiners. The endangered loggerhead sea turtle and several rare animals and plants find shelter on the island; it is strictly forbidden to remove any plants, animals, shells, and sand from the area. Exotic beaches with white sand and turquoise water, reminding of the Caribbean, are formed on either side of the peninsula. The sand is pinkish in many places, taking its color from millions of crushed shells.