Issues To Do in Elounda in 2023 (Full Information for Vacationers)

Hidden away on the jap coast of Crete, Elounda is a fairly fishing village which is the proper vacation spot for a soothing seaside getaway.

You’ll love Elounda when you’re searching for a conventional Greek resort which isn’t too crowded or commercialized. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply there’s nothing to do right here. Should you’re planning on travelling to Greece, then think about 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 environment of the village. Furthermore, the view throughout the bay is spectacular. I may have spent my complete week simply gazing out to sea — this is among the most stress-free locations to go to in Greece. 

On this journey information to Elounda Crete, I’ll listing one of the best issues to do, the place to eat, the place to remain, one of the best seashores, and learn how to 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 when you like to spend so much of time on the seashore then you possibly can keep longer.

Elounda is the proper base for leisurely walks, and irrespective of the place you might be within the village, you’re just about assured a beautiful 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 here are a few of the finest issues to do in Elounda, Crete:

1. Discover the Harbour

In all probability the very first thing you’ll need 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 thing from conventional fishing boats to rowing boats.

Stroll alongside the harbour to the east and also you’ll move a few of Elounda’s widespread 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 anticipate to see apparent ruins under the ocean, though when you look rigorously you may make out a few of the historic partitions.

Some reviews recommend that Olous sunk attributable to volcanic exercise however others say it’s extra seemingly that it simply sunk slowly over a few years.

For vacationers at the moment, it makes for an fascinating place to go to for a delicate coastal stroll exterior the primary resort. Should you’re eager on discovering the ruins under the water, you possibly can be a 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 typically mainland Greece) have been forcibly relocated to the island in an try to 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 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 when you’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 treatment 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 journey is very rated and is a good 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 straightforward choice when you have a automotive.

Boats depart at common intervals from two boat docks so when you’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 places 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 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 relatively unhappy, particularly when you’ve learn Hislop’s guide.

Most of the buildings have already been restored however extra work is at the moment underway. As you allow the primary settlement you stroll across the base of the hill and when you 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 when you don’t thoughts scrambling up a number 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’s a half-day tour accessible domestically. Anticipate 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. Staff 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.

As a result of form of the panorama, the peninsula varieties a breakwater which makes Elounda Bay so tranquil. There are three stone windmills right here, constructed to make the most of the wind on this a part of the peninsula.

It is a beautiful space for strolling. Should you’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 here are a number 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 properly value making the journey to take a look round. Should you’ve bought 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 prepare which makes the journey a number of instances a day and there’s a public bus though it solely runs a number 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 widespread. Plaka can also be place to begin for a go to to Spinalonga Island because the boat journey is barely 10 minutes from right here.

Make a day of it and take a look at the gorgeous 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 nevertheless it’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 prepare additionally gives sightseeing excursions.

You’ll be able to take a four-hour journey from Elounda into the Cretan countryside. You’ll get to see some conventional villages and there are lots of alternatives to get some fabulous pictures from excessive within the hills.

The prepare makes a variety of stops the place you possibly can wander via the picturesque villages, pattern a few of the native delicacies, store for souvenirs and discover fascinating church buildings.

Should you don’t have a automotive then it’s a wonderful strategy 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 just isn’t included however the prepare 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 alternative when you’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 when you observe it round, you’ll come to the marina.

You’ll be able to attain Agios Nikolaos in just some minutes by automotive and we had no drawback discovering on-street parking. There’s additionally a carpark 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 number of individuals strolling as properly.

Go to Knossos Palace

No go to to Crete could be full with no 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. Nevertheless, settlements have existed on this website for the reason that Neolithic interval, round 7000-9000 BC, so it’s an exceptionally fascinating place.

You’ll really want a automotive to get right here from Elounda and I counsel that you simply arrive early as (free) parking is restricted and it will get very busy. 

The location opens at 8 am and in summer season is open as late as 8 pm. You’ll get pleasure from it extra when you go to early or late because the ruins should not coated and are thus absolutely uncovered to the solar.

Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket right here. I like to recommend a information for positive, in any other case you received’t actually know what you’re taking a look at. A information brings Knossos to life!

Put on wise sneakers for strolling and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. Anticipate to spend no less than 2 hours exploring, extra when you’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 all over the place when you 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 searching for someplace a bit particular, an alternative choice for many who need 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 fantastic family-run residence complicated. 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 dealing with throughout the bay. The views are completely spectacular.

You’ll want a automotive when you’re going to remain right here because it’s simply exterior the primary resort space of Elounda however there may be free parking accessible.

Adrakos has a well-liked restaurant and bar on website they usually even have a big pool, so that you don’t have to drive day-after-day when you don’t need to. Click on right here for the newest costs and opinions.

Studio with a View

Should you’re searching for a spot to hire with unbelievable views of the ocean and Spinalonga island. Plus, you might have entry to the water as properly, take a look at this residence 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 a number of genuine tavernas. Be taught extra right here.

Sentido Elounda Blu

A part of the Sentido Lodges group, Sentido Elounda Blu is the selection for you when you need pure luxurious and rest. 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 personal pool. At Elounda Blu, you possibly can get pleasure from a non-public seashore with watersports accessible or make the most of a few of the many actions provided on the resort, as an illustration, wine tasting, cooking courses 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 motels, this can be a nice choice. 

Elounda Krini Lodge

Should you’re searching for a resort inside a number of hundred metres of Elounda seashore and which will get constantly nice opinions then think about 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. Anticipate to pay from round $80 an evening. Click on right here to be taught extra.

Emilia Residences

An important funds choice which remains to be near every thing is the Emilia Residences. Positioned proper within the coronary heart of Elounda, the flats are simply 300m from Elounda Seashore.

Rooms are fashionable with recent, gentle 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 flats, click on right here.

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. Should you’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 opinions. Nevertheless, additionally they have a number of vegetarian decisions and a number of gluten-free choices as properly.

Kanali is open for lunch and dinner. You’ll be able to name them on +30 2841 042075 to test particular hours and make reservations. Discover Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps right 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 finest and also you’ll get pleasure from top-class service in addition to scrumptious meals.

Okeanis specialises in native Greek and Mediterranean dishes they usually have fairly an in depth menu. Don’t miss their conventional Greek salad. It’s wonderful.

You’ll be able to 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 certainly one of our favourites whereas we have been in Elounda village. Located proper within the centre of Elounda, overlooking the beachfront, Cypriana gives a large menu together with breakfast, omelettes, pasta, pizza and sandwiches.

Nevertheless, 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 finest, they usually’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’ll be able to contact them on +30 2841 041752 however simply flip up, no have to guide. Discover Cypriana on Google Maps right here.

Should you’re a seashore lover then you definately’ve come to the precise place. The Jap Coast of Crete boasts miles of very good sand and pebble seashores, a lot of them Blue Flag rated.

Whereas a few of the bigger seashores are widespread it’s additionally potential to seek out small stretches of virtually uninhabited shoreline. Wherever you select, you possibly can 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 possibly can spend the day stress-free below 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 lots of the smaller seashores on this space are pebbly, Elounda Seashore is gorgeous and sandy so a wonderful alternative when you’re staying close by.

Discover Elounda Seashore on Google Maps right here.

Seashores On The Highway To Plaka

Drive or stroll from Elounda in direction of Plaka and also you’ll move a number of small, pebbly seashores. These quiet coves supply a wonderful various 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. Should you’re driving, there are small parking areas at intervals alongside the seashore street.

Take your water sneakers although, there’s no sand right here and the pebbles are small and uncomfortable underfoot. It’s value it although for the luxurious of sunbathing and swimming in your individual 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 street/monitor to begin with.

Someplace close to the church, this monitor ends however you possibly can see the opposite shoreline from right here so hold strolling alongside the paths in direction of it.

In addition to Kolokitha seashore there are a selection of smaller inlets close by as properly. Though the locals know the place to seek out it, you received’t discover many vacationers this manner. It’s a straightforward stroll, uphill in components however not strenuous when you’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 comfy underfoot. 

Discover Kolokitha Seashore on Google Maps right here.

You’ll discover a extensive alternative of airways flying into Heraklion airport. British Airways and Easyjet have every day continuous scheduled flights from the UK and TUI gives 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 possibly can select to reach by boat as an alternative. Ferries depart every day from Piraeus port close to Athens. In summer season there could also be as much as 4 journeys per day. Select to journey through 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 most likely desire a cabin to chill out in, however reclining seats are additionally accessible. Through the day you possibly can get pleasure from some recent sea air on the deck or chill out 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 have to make your approach east to Elounda. The best approach is to rent a automotive and drive your self. A superb tip is to pre-arrange automotive rent with one of many native companies in Elounda.

They’ll prepare to satisfy you on the airport together with your rent automotive. Typically, on-line opinions are a lot better for these firms. Should you desire, the same old European automotive rent firms are additionally situated at Heraklion airport.

It’s about an hour’s drive to Elounda so when you desire to not drive your self you possibly can take a taxi. You’ll be able to take a fixed-price airport taxi for 75 Euros from the stand exterior arrivals.

One other various is the shuttle bus. You’ll be able to guide this by way of the Easyjet web site even when you’re not flying with them. At 25 Euros per individual, it’s a less expensive various if there are just one or 2 of you in your group.

It is usually potential to succeed in Elounda by public bus nevertheless it’s not straightforward. Sadly, there isn’t any direct bus so you have to first take the bus to Agios Nikolaus. This takes round 75 minutes.

From Agios Nikolaus, it’s an extra 30-minute bus experience to Elounda. You want to remember that the bus service from Agios Nikolaus just isn’t that common so test the timetable earlier than you set off.

You’ll be travelling for over 3 hours so it’s not an choice I’d suggest. Nevertheless, if the funds is tight it’s a very low cost various at 9 Euros.

For extra on travelling Crete, see our full journey information to Crete, and the highest issues to do in Crete that you simply received’t need to miss!

Pictures on this publish are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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