Elounda (Crete) is a modern resort town located in the eastern part of the island. Only about 2,500 indigenous people live on an area of 24 km2, but this does not prevent thousands of tourists from annually relaxing on this coast of the Aegean Sea.
An ancient Greek port, pirate harbor, Venetian market and fishing village, today Elounda has become one of the most fashionable resorts in Greece. It has everything you need for a great holiday: comfortable hotels, chic restaurants, picturesque beaches and much more.
What are the first attractions to visit in Elounda? Where are the best beaches in the city and how much does it cost to stay in one of the best resorts in Greece? See the answers in this article.
Attractions in and around Elounda
Spinalonga
Formed as a result of an earthquake more than 2000 years ago, the island has an interesting history and unusual architecture, it is so shrouded in mysteries and legends that some tourists are afraid to come here. But what’s the big deal?
In the Middle Ages, Elounda was a strategically important port, which was recognized not only by the Venetians who owned it, but also by the pirates. To protect the city, a huge impregnable fortress was built on Spinalonga in the 16th century, but a little less than a century passed and the island, along with Elounda, was captured by the Ottoman Empire.
Almost 300 years later, after several revolutions, the new government of Crete sought to purge it of the remnants of its past by evicting the Turks. The most effective method, in their opinion, was to create a leprosarium on Spinalonga, where sick people from all over Greece and neighboring countries had to live out their last days.
Interesting fact! Local residents talk about what they heard or saw the souls of lepers who died here.
Even today, traces of that terrible time can be traced on Spinalonga. Dilapidated paths, small houses without special amenities, abandoned stairs and other remnants of the past help you get into the atmosphere and understand that you are living a happy life.
In addition to its historical value, Spinalonga is also photogenic –here you can take beautiful pictures against the sea from the top of the hill. There are also cafes, several souvenir shops, and a sports center on the island.
A tip! To better experience the atmosphere of Spinalonga watch a film dedicated to its history – “Island”.
- You can get to the island by boat from Elounda for 12 € per person.
- Entrance to the island itself is also paid-8 €.
More detailed information about the island-attractions is presented in this article with photos.
The promenade and port of Agios Nikolaos
One of the most beautiful places in a small town near Elounda is the port where ocean liners, warships, speedboats, modern yachts and fishing boats call. There are many cafes and taverns on the seafront of Agios Niklaos, where you can enjoy delicious Greek cuisine while enjoying the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.
Go on a boat trip, take a dip in the warm waves or take a sun bath on the beach-every vacationer will find interesting activities here. In addition, the promenade and port of Agios Niklaos is a great place for a photo shoot in Crete.
Cretan Olive Oil Farm
Do you know how olive oil was produced several centuries ago? How is this process happening now and what role does a live donkey play in it? The owner and part-time guide of the most popular farm in Crete will tell you about these and many other secrets of the production of traditional Greek products.
Cretan Olive Oil Farm-an active farm-museum where olive oil, honey, and cheeses are produced. As part of the tour, you can not only learn a lot about the specialization of this household, but also about life in Crete and in Greece in general. The excursion tour of the farm includes a mandatory tasting of all the products that are made here, with the possibility of their subsequent purchase.
This area will also be interesting for children – two entertaining master classes are held here every day. At the first of them, culinary, travelers of all ages can learn how to cook one of the dishes of traditional Greek cuisine, and at the second – to make a clay pot with their own hands. Also here you can see with your own eyes how milk turns into cheese-3 times a week there is a performance from one of the farm workers. The price of participation in the process is 28 €.
- Where to find: 2nd km Agios Nikolaos-Elounda 72100, Lassithi, Crete, Greece.
- Opening hours: daily from 10 to 18, on Sunday until 14.
- Entrance fee: 5 € per adult, 3 € per child 6-12 years old.
- Website: www.cretanoliveoilfarm.com.
Important! To participate in master classes, you need to book a place in advance. You can do this on the official website of the farm.
Beaches
Elounda Beach (Paralia Schisma Elountas)
The main city beach of the resort is covered with clean sand, there are small stones when entering the sea, but they are safe, slippers are optional. There are no waves, but there are sun beds and umbrellas (8 € per set), showers, changing rooms, toilets and Parking. The safety of tourists is constantly monitored by rescuers.
This Elounda beach is where you get the best photos against the backdrop of the bay. The blue water here is crystal clear. You can go snorkeling, because there is a lot to see — there are different fish and shellfish here.
The beach has a well-developed infrastructure: there are several eateries and restaurants within a 10-minute walk, as well as a small children’s playground. Many tourists and locals often rest here.
Next to the beach is an archaeological area with ancient windmills and a stone bridge. This is a great place to take photos.
Chiona
The sparsely populated small-pebble beach is located on the isthmus connecting Elounda with Spinalonga Island. There is a convenient entrance to the water and there are no waves, although in the autumn period a strong wind often blows. The beach is equipped with showers, sun beds and umbrellas, and free parking is available nearby. In a bar or cafe located a three-minute walk from the beach, you can use the toilet.
Kolokitas
A small wild beach is located 3 km from the center of Elounda, on the island of Spinagolina. There are very beautiful landscapes, turquoise clear water and clean sand, but there are no sun beds or umbrellas on Kolokitas. The entrance to the sea is convenient, but the depth is gained quickly enough – you need to be careful with children. Windy weather provokes the appearance of strong waves, when the sandy shore is flooded with water and you can rest only on high stone slabs.
By lunch, at 11 o’clock, ships with excursions arrive at the beach and Colocitas returns to a quiet mode only by 16.
Please note! The rating of the 12 best beaches of Crete is presented here.
Special features of accommodation
Elounda is one of the most expensive resorts in Crete in Greece, but even here you can find hotels with reasonable prices. So, the minimum cost of staying in a room for two in an economy class hotel is 40 €, in a three-star hotel – 70 € , in a four – and five – star hotel-100 € and 150 €, respectively. The best hotels in Elounda in Greece according to guest reviews are:
- Elounda Garden Suites. Featuring a private beach, this apart-hotel offers luxury rooms with balconies, sea views and all modern amenities. It features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and parking. Price for a 2-bed room in summer – from 126 €.
- Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel. This comfortable five-star hotel is located right on the beach. On the territory of the complex there is a restaurant and bar, an entertainment center, a water equipment rental area. Standard room rates in high season start from €176.
- Blue Palace. A five-star hotel located in the bay will make your holiday in Crete unforgettable. SPA facilities, a sports center, a tennis court, a swimming pool, saunas and hot tubs will not let you get bored, and in the hotel’s restaurant you can always enjoy delicious food while admiring the sea views. A sea-view bungalow at the Blue Palace Hotel can be rented for € 349 per night in summer.
Important! In low season, the price drops by 10-30%.
When to go to Crete
As in all of southern Greece, Elounda enjoys mild and pleasant weather all year round. The air temperature ranges from +18°C in January to +35°C in August, the beach period begins in April and ends in October. This area is characterized by strong winds, but if in summer and spring they are warm and practically not felt, then when going on vacation to Elounda in winter, you should bring a scarf. There is almost no rain in the resort.
Elounda (Crete) is a beautiful city on the Aegean coast. Have a good trip!
