Hidden away on the japanese coast of Crete, Elounda is a fairly fishing village which is the right vacation spot for a calming seaside getaway.
You’ll love Elounda if you happen to’re searching for a conventional Greek resort which isn’t too crowded or commercialized. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply there’s nothing to do right here. If you happen to’re planning on travelling to Greece, then think about including this hidden gem to your itinerary.
Spend your days stress-free on the seaside or bathing in crystal clear water. Discover fairly streets and admire the gorgeous surroundings. The coastal paths are good for strolling, and you may discover the encompassing space and get to know this a part of Crete a bit higher.
I liked the genuine Greek really feel of Elounda, the friendliness of the locals we met, and the widely relaxed environment of the village. Furthermore, the view throughout the bay is spectacular. I might have spent my whole week simply gazing out to sea — this is without doubt one of the most stress-free locations to go to in Greece.
On this journey information to Elounda Crete, I’ll listing the very best issues to do, the place to eat, the place to remain, the very best seashores, and how you can get round.
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Finest Issues To Do in Elounda Crete
We stayed in Elounda for 7 nights and though it’s a low-key place, we discovered loads of issues to do. We prefer to get out and about exploring however if you happen to like to spend so much of time on the seaside then you may keep longer.
Elounda is the right base for leisurely walks, and regardless of the place you’re within the village, you’re just about assured a stunning view of the bay. If you happen to love the water, you’ll be delighted with the crystal clear sea right here on the Jap Cretan coast.
Listed below are a number of the greatest issues to do in Elounda, Crete:
1. Discover the Harbour
In all probability the very first thing you’ll wish to do whenever you arrive in Elounda is to take a stroll across the central city. Right here, you’ll discover the picturesque harbour with every part from conventional fishing boats to rowing boats.
Stroll alongside the harbour to the east and also you’ll move a few of Elounda’s standard tavernas earlier than you come to the primary seaside. If you happen to stroll south alongside the harbourfront, you’ll be rewarded with a number of the city’s extra unique eating places overlooking the bay.
2. Stroll to The Sunken Metropolis of Olous
Proceed additional south of the resort and also you’ll come to the Sunken Metropolis of Olous. Olous was an historical Greek metropolis from the Minoan age. Don’t anticipate to see apparent ruins beneath the ocean, though if you happen to look rigorously you may make out a number of the historical partitions.
Some reviews counsel that Olous sunk on account of volcanic exercise however others say it’s extra probably that it simply sunk slowly over a few years.
For vacationers as we speak, it makes for an attention-grabbing place to go to for a delicate coastal stroll exterior the primary resort. If you happen to’re eager on discovering the ruins beneath the water, you may be part of this enjoyable snorkel journey.
3. Take a Boat Journey to Spinalonga
One of many highlights of our journey to Crete was a go to to Spinalonga. The island is a former leper colony. Victims from Crete (and generally mainland Greece) had been forcibly relocated to the island in an try and cease the unfold of the illness.
Though fairly notorious domestically, Spinalonga was made well-known by the publication of Victoria Hislop’s novel, The Island. The e book tells the story of the Fielding household which is caught up within the drama of leprosy and Spinalonga island.
It’s truly a terrific learn so if you happen to’re searching for some vacation studying throughout your keep in Crete, I extremely suggest it. The leper colony on Spinalonga was closed in 1957, some years after a remedy was discovered for the horrible illness.
How To Get To Spinalonga Island
For a very long time, Greek officers most popular to neglect about Spinalonga, however that every one modified when vacationers, impressed by Hislop’s novel, began asking to go to.
Now you can go to Spinalonga for your self by taking a ship throughout from the primary island. This boat journey is very rated and is a superb choice to benefit from the island.
If you happen to choose to go independently, it prices round 10 Euros per particular person or 5 Euros for youngsters. It’s a pleasing journey and also you’ll get to see extra of the coast as you cruise throughout.
For a shorter crossing to the island, head to the close by village of Plaka. There’s loads of free parking in Plaka close to the boat docks which makes it a straightforward choice when you’ve got a automotive.
Boats depart at common intervals from two boat docks so if you happen to’ve simply missed the primary one then stroll a bit additional alongside the harbour and take a look at the opposite one.
It’s a brief 10-minute crossing from Plaka and prices 8 Euros per particular person. Boats from each areas begin from round 10 am and run at common intervals all day till round 4 – 4:40 pm.
Exploring Spinalonga Island
As soon as on the island of Spinalonga, that you must purchase an entrance ticket on the small kiosk for 8 Euros. Stroll via the archway and also you’ll emerge right into a world of slim lanes and colored homes.
Inside a few of them, you’ll discover shows with data on their former inhabitants. It’s each fascinating and slightly unhappy, particularly if you happen to’ve learn Hislop’s e book.
Most of the buildings have already been restored however extra work is presently underway. As you allow the primary settlement you stroll across the base of the hill and if you happen to search for you’ll see that there are ruins stretching proper as much as the highest.
Though most guests appear to stay to the primary pathway on the backside, the higher ranges are accessible if you happen to don’t thoughts scrambling up a couple of slopes and rocky steps.
I’d suggest making the journey up for some fabulous views again throughout the bay to Plaka and Elounda. You additionally get a birds-eye view of the settlement of Spinalonga.
If you happen to’re staying in Agios Nikolaos or wish to mix your journey to Spinalonga with swimming and lunch, then there’s a half-day tour accessible domestically. Count on to pay round 25-30 Euros for a half-day cruise with stops for swimming and snorkelling, together with lunch.
4. Go to the Windmills
If you happen to like strolling, then head south from Elounda harbour and also you’ll come to the saltpans in your proper. Look rigorously into the water and also you’ll see stone squares. Typically individuals confuse these with the sunken ruins of Oleus however they’re truly salt pans.
The saltwater collects within the squares and when the water evaporates, salt is left within the backside. Employees steadiness on the low stone partitions to scrape the salt from the underside of the squares. An ingenious system.
Hold strolling and cross the small stone bridge and also you’ll come to the Kolokytha Peninsula. As you cross the bridge, you’ll see the primary windmill.
Because of the form of the panorama, the peninsula varieties a breakwater which makes Elounda Bay so tranquil. There are three stone windmills right here, constructed to reap the benefits of the wind on this a part of the peninsula.
It is a beautiful space for strolling. If you happen to’d prefer to go additional there are a selection of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded seashores.
Finest Day Journeys from Elounda Village
Listed below are a couple of of the day journeys I like to recommend from Elounda.
Go to Close by Plaka
Plaka is a picturesque small village about 5km north of Elounda and it’s nicely price making the journey to take a look round. If you happen to’ve acquired a automotive then it’s a straightforward drive alongside the coastal street and there’s loads of parking accessible in Plaka simply off the primary street.
For these with out transport, there’s a small vacationer practice which makes the journey a number of instances a day and there’s a public bus though it solely runs a couple of instances a day.
You’ll discover loads of eating places to select from alongside the harbour and Plaka’s fish eating places are notably standard. Plaka can also be a great place to begin for a go to to Spinalonga Island because the boat journey is just 10 minutes from right here.
Make a day of it and take a look at the attractive seashores round Plaka and browse the memento outlets across the harbour.
Regardless of its rising reputation, Plaka nonetheless feels historically Greek. Plaka is a vacationer vacation spot but it surely’s a lot smaller and quieter than Elounda. Though it’s busier in July after they maintain a music competition in honour of a neighborhood musician, Mikalis Papadakis.
Journey the Little Blue Prepare
In addition to offering a enjoyable transport choice between Elounda and Plaka, the little blue practice additionally offers sightseeing excursions.
You possibly can take a four-hour journey from Elounda into the Cretan countryside. You’ll get to see some conventional villages and there are numerous alternatives to get some fabulous pictures from excessive within the hills.
The practice makes plenty of stops the place you may wander via the picturesque villages, pattern a number of the native delicacies, store for souvenirs and discover attention-grabbing church buildings.
If you happen to don’t have a automotive then it’s a superb option to get out and about and see extra of the gorgeous Cretan panorama.
The tour prices 18 Euros per particular person. The practice departs from Elounda at 12 pm and returns at 6 pm. Lunch will not be included however the practice does make a cease at a neighborhood taverna the place you should buy foods and drinks.
Discover Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is roughly 10km south of Elounda and is an efficient selection if you happen to’re searching for someplace a bit extra full of life for a time out.
Right here, you’ll discover a bustling coastal city with loads of outlets, eating places and bars. The harbour space is especially good for strolling and if you happen to observe it round, you’ll come to the marina.
You possibly can attain Agios Nikolaos in only a few minutes by automotive and we had no drawback discovering on-street parking. There’s additionally a parking lot close to the primary harbour space.
If you happen to don’t wish to drive then the little blue practice additionally goes this manner, or it’s a brief hop by taxi. We did see fairly a couple of individuals strolling as nicely.
Go to Knossos Palace
No go to to Crete can be full with out a go to to the well-known Minoan ruins of Knossos. Famend as the placement of the legendary labyrinth, Knossos Palace is simply south of Heraklion.
Right here you’ll discover intensive archaeological excavations of the palace which date again to round 2AD. Nonetheless, settlements have existed on this web site because the Neolithic interval, round 7000-9000 BC, so it’s an exceptionally attention-grabbing place.
You’ll really want a automotive to get right here from Elounda and I counsel that you just arrive early as (free) parking is restricted and it will get very busy.
The positioning opens at 8 am and in summer season is open as late as 8 pm. You’ll get pleasure from it extra if you happen to go to early or late because the ruins aren’t coated and are thus totally uncovered to the solar.
Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket right here. I like to recommend a information for certain, in any other case you gained’t actually know what you’re . A information brings Knossos to life!
Put on wise footwear for strolling and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. Count on to spend a minimum of 2 hours exploring, extra if you happen to’re notably fascinated by historical past.
The place To Keep in Elounda Crete
If you wish to be inside strolling distance of gorgeous seashores, fabulous tavernas, eating places and bars then select to remain in an Elounda resort inside the primary village space. Elounda itself isn’t very large and you may simply stroll all over the place if you happen to base your self close to the primary seaside or harbour.
For wonderful views throughout the bay, I’d suggest staying on the hill overlooking the city. If you happen to’re searching for someplace a bit particular, an alternative choice for individuals who wish to get away from all of it is to remain at one of many luxurious Elounda motels on the street to Plaka.
Adrakos Residences
We stayed right here for 7 nights and it’s a phenomenal family-run house advanced. Nice for {couples} because it’s an adults-only facility. Every room has a small kitchen space however the true attraction is the balcony or terrace going through throughout the bay. The views are completely spectacular.
You’ll want a automotive if you happen to’re going to remain right here because it’s simply exterior the primary resort space of Elounda however there’s free parking accessible.
Adrakos has a well-liked restaurant and bar on web site and so they even have a big pool, so that you don’t must drive day-after-day if you happen to don’t wish to. Click on right here for the newest costs and critiques.
Studio with a View
If you happen to’re searching for a spot to hire with unimaginable views of the ocean and Spinalonga island. Plus, you’ve gotten entry to the water as nicely, take a look at this house in Plaka.
The studio has a balcony with attractive views, mini fridge, a espresso machine and a TV. A fast stroll into Plaka will being you to plenty of genuine tavernas. Be taught extra right here.
Sentido Elounda Blu
A part of the Sentido Accommodations group, Sentido Elounda Blu is the selection for you if you happen to want pure luxurious and leisure. It’s situated on the street between Elounda and Plaka overlooking the magnificent bay and Spinalonga Island.
Indulge your self by reserving a junior suite which has its personal non-public pool. At Elounda Blu, you may get pleasure from a non-public seaside with watersports accessible or reap the benefits of a number of the many actions provided on the resort, for example, wine tasting, cooking lessons and aerobics.
A backyard view room begins from round $155 an evening in September for half board, or e book all-inclusive from $215 an evening. My sister stayed right here for 10 nights and completely raves about it. On the subject of Elounda motels, it is a nice choice.
Elounda Krini Lodge
If you happen to’re searching for a resort inside a couple of hundred metres of Elounda seaside and which will get persistently nice critiques then think about the Elounda Krini Lodge.
All of the rooms have balconies and you may select whether or not yours faces the mountains or the landscaped pool space. Rooms are contemporary and clear with tiled flooring and whitewashed partitions. Count on to pay from round $80 an evening. Click on right here to be taught extra.
Emilia Residences
An excellent finances choice which continues to be near every part is the Emilia Residences. Situated proper within the coronary heart of Elounda, the residences are simply 300m from Elounda Seaside.
Rooms are trendy with contemporary, mild decor. Every room has a kitchenette with a eating space and a patio or balcony. Rooms begin from round $45 an evening. Click on right here to be taught extra.
To seek for extra Elounda motels and residences, click on right here.
The place To Eat in Elounda Crete
Though Elounda is a small city, you’ll nonetheless discover loads of decisions in terms of eating out. Whether or not you’re searching for conventional Greek meze, fabulous seafood or only a good steak, you’ll discover a restaurant or cafe in Elounda which may fulfill your starvation.
Most eating places have menu boards exterior the restaurant, so take a wander alongside the streets close to the harbour and centre of city and see what appeals most. Don’t neglect to stroll alongside the harbourfront in the direction of the windmills as there are some wonderful fish eating places overlooking the bay.
Listed below are a couple of of my favourites.
Rakomelo Cretan Delicacies
Situated proper on the water with gorgeous views, you gained’t wish to miss Rakomelo for native Cretan meals. The service is pleasant and the dishes right here don’t disappoint.
Order a desk of mezes (king prawns, calamari, tzatziki, mussels, meatballs and extra), or one of many contemporary seafood dishes, or salads. This restaurant is a superb place to eat in Elounda for teams in addition to {couples}.
Deal with: Akti Olountos, Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece. Click on right here for instructions.
Kanali
Kanali restaurant has a singular setting simply throughout the peninsula close to the sunken metropolis of Olous and the windmills. If you happen to’re searching for someplace particular with a tranquil environment and nice meals then that is the place for you.
Kanali specialises in seafood and the lobster pasta will get rave critiques. Nonetheless, additionally they have a number of vegetarian decisions and a choice of gluten-free choices as nicely.
Kanali is open for lunch and dinner. You possibly can name them on +30 2841 042075 to verify particular hours and make reservations. Discover Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps right here.
Okeanis
Okeanis is situated simply previous Elounda Seaside. If you happen to ask locals the place to eat in Elounda that is the place they’ll ship you. It’s informal eating at its greatest and also you’ll get pleasure from top-class service in addition to scrumptious meals.
Okeanis specialises in native Greek and Mediterranean dishes and so they have fairly an intensive menu. Don’t miss their conventional Greek salad. It’s wonderful.
You possibly can contact Okeanis on +30 2841 044404. It’s open for lunch from 11.30 am to 4.30 pm and for dinner from 6 pm to 11 pm. Discover Okeanis on Google Maps right here.
Cypriana Taverna
This was one among our favourites whereas we had been in Elounda village. Located proper within the centre of Elounda, overlooking the beachfront, Cypriana provides a large menu together with breakfast, omelettes, pasta, pizza and sandwiches.
Nonetheless, you actually ought to strive a few of their Greek Cypriot dishes — hen gyros, moussaka or souvlaki. It’s good worth, informal eating at its greatest, and so they’re justifiably well-known for his or her pleasant service.
Everytime you’re hungry, they appear to be open – from 9 am to midnight. You possibly can contact them on +30 2841 041752 however simply flip up, no must e book. Discover Cypriana on Google Maps right here.
Finest Seashores in Elounda
If you happen to’re a seaside lover then you definately’ve come to the suitable place. The Jap Coast of Crete boasts miles of very good sand and pebble seashores, lots of them Blue Flag rated.
Whereas a number of the bigger seashores are standard it’s additionally potential to seek out small stretches of virtually uninhabited shoreline. Wherever you select, you may bathe in heat, crystal clear water as you gaze on some completely spectacular surroundings.
Elounda Seaside
Proper within the centre of the resort is the Blue Flag-rated Elounda Seaside. Right here you may spend the day stress-free below a straw umbrella or floating within the blue water.
If you happen to’re feeling a bit extra energetic, join a number of the watersport actions. For the youngsters, there’s a playground and organised actions can be found in the summertime.
Though quite a lot of the smaller seashores on this space are pebbly, Elounda Seaside is gorgeous and sandy so a superb selection if you happen to’re staying close by.
Discover Elounda Seaside on Google Maps right here.
Seashores On The Street To Plaka
Drive or stroll from Elounda in the direction of Plaka and also you’ll move a number of small, pebbly seashores. These quiet coves provide a superb different to the extra crowded central seashores. You’ll usually have the cove to your self.
The water is simply as clear and heat and the views throughout to Spinalonga are wonderful. If you happen to’re driving, there are small parking areas at intervals alongside the seaside street.
Take your water footwear although, there’s no sand right here and the pebbles are small and uncomfortable underfoot. It’s price it although for the luxurious of sunbathing and swimming in your personal stretch of the bay.
Kolokitha Seaside
We discovered this wonderful little seaside whereas strolling on the Elounda peninsula. After viewing the windmills, we saved on strolling. Stroll up the small street/observe to begin with.
Someplace close to the church, this observe ends however you may see the opposite shoreline from right here so maintain strolling alongside the paths in the direction of it.
In addition to Kolokitha seaside there are a selection of smaller inlets close by as nicely. Though the locals know the place to seek out it, you gained’t discover many vacationers this manner. It’s a straightforward stroll, uphill in components however not strenuous if you happen to’re fairly match.
Having the ability to stretch out on the sand and bathe within the crystal clear water on the finish of the stroll is reward sufficient although. It’s a mixture of pebbles and sand right here however sufficient sand to make it comfy underfoot.
Discover Kolokitha Seaside on Google Maps right here.
How To Get To Elounda
By Air
You have got a number of choices for attending to Elounda. If you wish to fly into Crete then essentially the most handy airport is Heraklion which is situated on the north coast of the island.
There’s one other airport on the island, close to Chania within the west however Heraklion is Crete’s fundamental airport and positively the best to get to Elounda from.
You’ll discover a broad selection of airways flying into Heraklion airport. British Airways and Easyjet have each day continuous scheduled flights from the UK and TUI provides constitution flights.
As well as, a number of airways together with, Lufthansa, Air France and Swiss Airways present scheduled flights from mainland Europe.
By Boat
In fact, Crete is an island and you may select to reach by boat as an alternative. Ferries depart each day from Piraeus port close to Athens. In summer season there could also be as much as 4 journeys per day. Select to journey throughout the day or in a single day from Piraeus to Heraklion Port.
The journey takes between 5 and eight hours and nothing fairly beats waking up within the morning as you sail into a brand new port.
If you happen to’re travelling in a single day you’ll in all probability desire a cabin to calm down in, however reclining seats are additionally accessible. In the course of the day you may get pleasure from some contemporary sea air on the deck or calm down in one of many bars or lounges. Seek for ferry routes, instances and costs for Elounda right here.
Getting To Elounda From The Airport / Port
When you arrive in Heraklion you’ll must make your method east to Elounda. The best method is to rent a automotive and drive your self. A great tip is to pre-arrange automotive rent with one of many native companies in Elounda.
They are going to prepare to fulfill you on the airport along with your rent automotive. Usually, on-line critiques are significantly better for these corporations. If you happen to choose, the same old European automotive rent corporations are additionally situated at Heraklion airport.
It’s about an hour’s drive to Elounda so if you happen to choose to not drive your self you may take a taxi. You possibly can take a fixed-price airport taxi for 75 Euros from the stand exterior arrivals.
One other different is the shuttle bus. You possibly can e book this by way of the Easyjet web site even if you happen to’re not flying with them. At 25 Euros per particular person, it’s a less expensive different if there are only one or 2 of you in your group.
Additionally it is potential to succeed in Elounda by public bus but it surely’s not straightforward. Sadly, there isn’t any direct bus so it’s essential to first take the bus to Agios Nikolaus. This takes round 75 minutes.
From Agios Nikolaus, it’s an extra 30-minute bus journey to Elounda. You want to keep in mind that the bus service from Agios Nikolaus will not be that common so verify the timetable earlier than you set off.
You’ll be travelling for over 3 hours so it’s not an choice I’d suggest. Nonetheless, if the finances is tight it’s a very low cost different at 9 Euros.
How To Get Round Elounda
I’d suggest hiring a automotive if you happen to’re staying in Elounda. It makes it a lot simpler to get round. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re simply planning per week of leisure within the resort and on the seaside then you definately’ll have the ability to stroll all over the place.
You actually don’t want to go away Elounda village, however it might be a disgrace to not get out and about and see a bit extra of Jap Crete.
In fact, there’s at all times the choice to rent a automotive for the day. You’ll discover a minimum of a few automotive rent businesses within the centre of Elounda who can assist you out.
Now You Know What to Do in Elounda
Elounda village is the right place to get away from the crowds and revel in a calming vacation. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re searching for one thing extra lively, you’ll discover loads of alternatives as nicely.
Spend time exploring this conventional Greek village, pattern the native meals and chill with a beer or a glass of the native Raki. You’ll rediscover a slower tempo of life right here and also you’re certain to be sorry when it comes time to go away.
For extra on travelling Crete, see our full journey information to Crete, and the highest issues to do in Crete that you just gained’t wish to miss!
Photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
