Hidden away on the japanese coast of Crete, Elounda is a fairly fishing village which is the proper vacation spot for a soothing seaside getaway.
You’ll love Elounda for those who’re in search of a standard Greek resort which isn’t too crowded or commercialized. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply there’s nothing to do right here. Should you’re planning on travelling to Greece, then contemplate including this hidden gem to your itinerary.
Spend your days stress-free on the seashore or bathing in crystal clear water. Discover fairly streets and admire the beautiful surroundings. The coastal paths are good for strolling, and you’ll discover the encompassing space and get to know this a part of Crete a bit higher.
I beloved the genuine Greek really feel of Elounda, the friendliness of the locals we met, and the commonly relaxed ambiance 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 among the most relaxing places to visit in Greece.
On this journey information to Elounda Crete, I’ll checklist the most effective issues to do, the place to eat, the place to remain, the most effective seashores, and methods to get round.
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Greatest 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 wish to get out and about exploring however for those who like to spend so much of time on the seashore then you could possibly keep longer.
Elounda is the proper base for leisurely walks, and irrespective of the place you’re within the village, you’re just about assured a stunning view of the bay. Should you love the water, you’ll be delighted with the crystal clear sea right here on the Jap Cretan coast.
Listed below are a few of the greatest issues to do in Elounda, Crete:
1. Discover the Harbour
In all probability the very first thing you’ll need to do while you arrive in Elounda is to take a stroll across the central city. Right here, you’ll discover the picturesque harbour with all the pieces from conventional fishing boats to rowing boats.
Stroll alongside the harbour to the east and also you’ll go a few of Elounda’s well-liked tavernas earlier than you come to the primary seashore. Should you stroll south alongside the harbourfront, you’ll be rewarded with a few 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 historic Greek metropolis from the Minoan age. Don’t count on to see apparent ruins beneath the ocean, though for those who look rigorously you can also make out a few of the historic partitions.
Some experiences counsel that Olous sunk as a consequence of volcanic exercise however others say it’s extra seemingly that it simply sunk slowly over a few years.
For vacationers immediately, it makes for an attention-grabbing place to go to for a delicate coastal stroll outdoors the primary resort. Should you’re eager on discovering the ruins beneath the water, you may join this fun snorkel trip.
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 to cease the unfold of the illness.
Though fairly notorious regionally, Spinalonga was made well-known by the publication of Victoria Hislop’s novel, The Island. The guide 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 for those who’re in search of 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 each 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 trip is very rated and is a superb choice to benefit from the island.
Should you desire to go independently, it prices round 10 Euros per individual or 5 Euros for youngsters. It’s a nice 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 simple choice if in case you have a automobile.
Boats depart at common intervals from two boat docks so for those who’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 individual. 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, you could purchase an entrance ticket on the small kiosk for 8 Euros. Stroll by way of 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 info on their former inhabitants. It’s each fascinating and somewhat unhappy, particularly for those who’ve learn Hislop’s guide.
Lots of the buildings have already been restored however extra work is at the moment underway. As you permit the primary settlement you stroll across the base of the hill and for those who 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 for those who 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.
Should you’re staying in Agios Nikolaos or need to mix your journey to Spinalonga with swimming and lunch, then there is a half-day excursion available regionally. 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
Should you 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. Generally 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 kinds 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 pretty space for strolling. Should you’d wish to go additional there are a variety of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded seashores.
Greatest 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 effectively value making the journey to take a look round. Should you’ve acquired a automobile then it’s a simple drive alongside the coastal highway and there’s loads of parking obtainable in Plaka simply off the primary highway.
For these with out transport, there’s a small vacationer prepare 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 well-liked. Plaka can be a great place to begin for a go to to Spinalonga Island because the boat journey is simply 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 recognition, Plaka nonetheless feels historically Greek. Plaka is a vacationer vacation spot nevertheless it’s a lot smaller and quieter than Elounda. Though it’s busier in July once they maintain a music competition in honour of a neighborhood musician, Mikalis Papadakis.
Experience the Little Blue Prepare
In addition to offering a enjoyable transport choice between Elounda and Plaka, the little blue prepare additionally offers sightseeing excursions.
You may take a four-hour journey from Elounda into the Cretan countryside. You’ll get to see some conventional villages and there are various alternatives to get some fabulous images from excessive within the hills.
The prepare makes quite a few stops the place you may wander by way of the picturesque villages, pattern a few of the native delicacies, store for souvenirs and discover attention-grabbing church buildings.
Should you don’t have a automobile then it’s a wonderful option to get out and about and see extra of the beautiful Cretan panorama.
The tour prices 18 Euros per individual. The prepare departs from Elounda at 12 pm and returns at 6 pm. Lunch is just not included however the prepare does make a cease at a neighborhood taverna the place you should purchase food and drinks.
Discover Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is roughly 10km south of Elounda and is an efficient selection for those who’re in search of someplace a bit extra vigorous 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 for those who observe it round, you’ll come to the marina.
You may attain Agios Nikolaos in only a few minutes by automobile and we had no drawback discovering on-street parking. There’s additionally a parking lot close to the primary harbour space.
Should you don’t need to drive then the little blue prepare additionally goes this manner, or it’s a brief hop by taxi. We did see fairly a couple of individuals strolling as effectively.
Go to Knossos Palace
No go to to Crete could be full and not using a go to to the well-known Minoan ruins of Knossos. Famend as the situation of the legendary labyrinth, Knossos Palace is simply south of Heraklion.
Right here you’ll discover in depth archaeological excavations of the palace which date again to round 2AD. Nonetheless, settlements have existed on this website for the reason that Neolithic interval, round 7000-9000 BC, so it’s an exceptionally attention-grabbing place.
You’ll really want a automobile 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 time is open as late as 8 pm. You’ll get pleasure from it extra for those who go to early or late because the ruins will not be lined and are thus totally uncovered to the solar.
Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket here. I like to recommend a information for certain, in any other case you received’t actually know what you’re taking a look at. A information brings Knossos to life!
Put on smart footwear for strolling and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. Count on to spend at the very least 2 hours exploring, extra for those who’re notably fascinated by historical past.
The place To Keep in Elounda Crete
If you wish to be inside strolling distance of beautiful 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 huge and you’ll simply stroll in every single place for those who base your self close to the primary seashore or harbour.
For wonderful views throughout the bay, I’d suggest staying on the hill overlooking the city. Should you’re in search of someplace a bit particular, another choice for many who need to get away from all of it is to remain at one of many luxurious Elounda lodges on the highway 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 enchantment is the balcony or terrace going through throughout the bay. The views are completely spectacular.
You’ll want a automobile for those who’re going to remain right here because it’s simply outdoors the primary resort space of Elounda however there may be free parking obtainable.
Adrakos has a well-liked restaurant and bar on website and so they even have a big pool, so that you don’t have to drive day by day for those who don’t need to. Click here for the most recent costs and critiques.
Studio with a View
Should you’re in search of a spot to lease with unbelievable views of the ocean and Spinalonga island. Plus, you have got entry to the water as effectively, take a look at this house in Plaka.
The studio has a balcony with beautiful views, mini fridge, a espresso machine and a TV. A fast stroll into Plaka will being you to numerous genuine tavernas. Be taught extra here.
Sentido Elounda Blu
A part of the Sentido Accommodations group, Sentido Elounda Blu is the selection for you for those who want pure luxurious and rest. It’s situated on the highway between Elounda and Plaka overlooking the magnificent bay and Spinalonga Island.
Indulge your self by reserving a junior suite which has its personal personal pool. At Elounda Blu, you may get pleasure from a non-public seashore with watersports obtainable or reap the benefits of a few of the many actions supplied on the resort, as an illustration, wine tasting, cooking lessons and aerobics.
A backyard view room begins from round $155 an evening in September for half board, or guide all-inclusive from $215 an evening. My sister stayed right here for 10 nights and completely raves about it. In terms of Elounda lodges, this can be a nice choice.
Elounda Krini Lodge
Should you’re in search of a resort inside a couple of hundred metres of Elounda seashore and which will get constantly nice critiques then contemplate the Elounda Krini Lodge.
All of the rooms have balconies and you’ll select whether or not yours faces the mountains or the landscaped pool space. Rooms are recent and clear with tiled flooring and whitewashed partitions. Count on to pay from round $80 an evening. Click here to be taught extra.
Emilia Residences
An excellent funds choice which remains to be near all the pieces is the Emilia Residences. Positioned proper within the coronary heart of Elounda, the flats are simply 300m from Elounda Seashore.
Rooms are trendy with recent, mild decor. Every room has a kitchenette with a eating space and a patio or balcony. Rooms begin from round $45 an evening. Click here to be taught extra.
To seek for extra Elounda lodges and flats, click here.
The place To Eat in Elounda Crete
Though Elounda is a small city, you’ll nonetheless discover loads of selections in terms of eating out. Whether or not you’re in search of conventional Greek meze, fabulous seafood or only a good steak, you’ll discover a restaurant or cafe in Elounda which might fulfill your starvation.
Most eating places have menu boards outdoors 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
Positioned proper on the water with beautiful views, you received’t need 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 recent 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 here for directions.
Kanali
Kanali restaurant has a novel setting simply throughout the peninsula close to the sunken metropolis of Olous and the windmills. Should you’re in search of someplace particular with a tranquil ambiance and nice meals then that is the place for you.
Kanali specialises in seafood and the lobster pasta will get rave critiques. Nonetheless, in addition they have a number of vegetarian selections and a number of gluten-free choices as effectively.
Kanali is open for lunch and dinner. You may name them on +30 2841 042075 to verify particular hours and make reservations. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here.
Okeanis
Okeanis is situated simply previous Elounda Seashore. Should you 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 in depth menu. Don’t miss their conventional Greek salad. It’s wonderful.
You may 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. Find Okeanis on Google Maps here.
Cypriana Taverna
This was considered one of our favourites whereas we had been in Elounda village. Located proper within the centre of Elounda, overlooking the beachfront, Cypriana presents a large menu together with breakfast, omelettes, pasta, pizza and sandwiches.
Nonetheless, you actually ought to attempt 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 may contact them on +30 2841 041752 however simply flip up, no have to guide. Find Cypriana on Google Maps here.
Greatest Seashores in Elounda
Should you’re a seashore lover then you definately’ve come to the fitting place. The Jap Coast of Crete boasts miles of very good sand and pebble beaches, lots of them Blue Flag rated.
Whereas a few of the bigger seashores are well-liked 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 Seashore
Proper within the centre of the resort is the Blue Flag-rated Elounda Seashore. Right here you may spend the day stress-free beneath a straw umbrella or floating within the blue water.
Should you’re feeling a bit extra energetic, join a few of the watersport actions. For the children, there’s a playground and organised actions can be found in the summertime.
Though a number of the smaller seashores on this space are pebbly, Elounda Seashore is gorgeous and sandy so a wonderful selection for those who’re staying close by.
Find Elounda Beach on Google Maps here.
Seashores On The Highway To Plaka
Drive or stroll from Elounda in the direction of Plaka and also you’ll go a number of small, pebbly seashores. These quiet coves provide a wonderful different to the extra crowded central seashores. You’ll typically have the cove to your self.
The water is simply as clear and heat and the views throughout to Spinalonga are wonderful. Should you’re driving, there are small parking areas at intervals alongside the seashore highway.
Take your water footwear although, there’s no sand right here and the pebbles are small and uncomfortable underfoot. It’s value it although for the posh of sunbathing and swimming in your personal stretch of the bay.
Kolokitha Seashore
We discovered this wonderful little seashore whereas strolling on the Elounda peninsula. After viewing the windmills, we stored on strolling. Stroll up the small highway/observe to begin with.
Someplace close to the church, this observe ends however you may see the opposite shoreline from right here so preserve strolling alongside the paths in the direction of it.
In addition to Kolokitha seashore there are a variety of smaller inlets close by as effectively. Though the locals know the place to seek out it, you received’t discover many vacationers this manner. It’s a simple stroll, uphill in components however not strenuous for those who’re fairly match.
With 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 snug underfoot.
Find Kolokitha Beach on Google Maps here.
How To Get To Elounda
By Air
You might have a number of choices for attending to Elounda. If you wish to fly into Crete then probably 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 essential airport and positively the best to get to Elounda from.
You’ll discover a vast selection of airways flying into Heraklion airport. British Airways and Easyjet have day by day continuous scheduled flights from the UK and TUI presents 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
After all, Crete is an island and you could possibly select to reach by boat as an alternative. Ferries depart day by day from Piraeus port close to Athens. In summer time there could also be as much as 4 journeys per day. Select to journey in the course of 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.
Should you’re travelling in a single day you’ll in all probability need a cabin to loosen up in, however reclining seats are additionally obtainable. Throughout the day you may get pleasure from some recent sea air on the deck or loosen up in one of many bars or lounges. Seek for ferry routes, instances and costs for Elounda here.
Getting To Elounda From The Airport / Port
When you arrive in Heraklion you’ll have to make your approach east to Elounda. The simplest approach is to rent a automobile and drive your self. An excellent tip is to pre-arrange automobile rent with one of many native companies in Elounda.
They’ll prepare to satisfy you on the airport together with your rent automobile. Usually, on-line critiques are a lot better for these firms. Should you desire, the same old European automobile rent firms are additionally situated at Heraklion airport.
It’s about an hour’s drive to Elounda so for those who desire to not drive your self you may take a taxi. You may take a fixed-price airport taxi for 75 Euros from the stand outdoors arrivals.
One other different is the shuttle bus. You may guide this by way of the Easyjet web site even for those who’re not flying with them. At 25 Euros per individual, it’s a less expensive different if there are only one or 2 of you in your group.
It’s also potential to achieve Elounda by public bus nevertheless it’s not simple. Sadly, there isn’t a direct bus so you should first take the bus to Agios Nikolaus. This takes round 75 minutes.
From Agios Nikolaus, it’s an additional 30-minute bus trip to Elounda. You want to keep in mind that the bus service from Agios Nikolaus is just not 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 funds is tight it’s a very low-cost different at 9 Euros.
How To Get Round Elounda
I’d suggest hiring a automobile for those who’re staying in Elounda. It makes it a lot simpler to get round. Nonetheless, for those who’re simply planning every week of rest within the resort and on the seashore then you definately’ll be capable of stroll in every single place.
You actually don’t want to depart Elounda village, however it will be a disgrace to not get out and about and see a bit extra of Jap Crete.
After all, there’s at all times the choice to rent a automobile for the day. You’ll discover at the very least a few automobile rent companies within the centre of Elounda who might help you out.
Now You Know What to Do in Elounda
Elounda village is the proper place to get away from the crowds and revel in a soothing vacation. Nonetheless, for those who’re in search of one thing extra lively, you’ll discover loads of alternatives as effectively.
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 depart.
For extra on travelling Crete, see our complete travel guide to Crete, and the highest things to do in Crete that you just received’t need to miss!
Pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
