Tucked away on Crete’s eastern coast, Elounda is a charming fishing village perfect for a relaxing seaside break. If you’re after a traditional Greek spot that’s not too crowded or commercialized, you’ll love Elounda. Despite its laid-back vibe, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you’re planning a trip to Greece. Consider making Elounda a part of your itinerary.
Spend your days unwinding on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, or strolling through picturesque streets while appreciating the beautiful scenery. The area is great for walking, offering coastal paths that let you explore and get to know this part of Crete better.
One of my favorite things about Elounda is its authentic Greek atmosphere, friendly locals, and the overall relaxed vibe. Plus, the view of the bay is absolutely breathtaking; you could easily spend a whole week just taking it all in. It’s one of the most soothing places to visit in Greece.
During our 7-night stay in Elounda, we found plenty to do despite its low-key charm. If you enjoy exploring, you might find yourself wishing you had more time. Whether you’re keen on long beach days or leisurely walks, Elounda offers stunning bay views everywhere you look and crystal-clear waters along the Eastern Cretan coast.
When you arrive in Elounda, you’ll probably start by exploring the central town. Here, you’ll find a quaint harbor with a mix of traditional and rowing boats. Walking east along the harbor brings you to Elounda’s popular tavernas and the main beach. Heading south, you’ll discover exclusive restaurants with bay views.
South of the resort lies the Sunken City of Olous, an ancient Greek city from the Minoan age. Although you won’t find prominent ruins, careful observation reveals the remnants of ancient walls. While theories differ on whether Olous sunk due to volcanic activity or slowly over the years, it’s a fascinating spot for a coastal walk. For enthusiasts, there’s also a fun snorkel trip to explore the underwater ruins.
A trip highlight was visiting Spinalonga island, once a leper colony. Made famous by Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island,” the colony closed in 1957 after a cure for leprosy was found. Today, you can visit by boat from the main island. Independent trips cost about 10 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children, with boats leaving regularly from Plaka, where parking is available.
On Spinalonga, entrance tickets are 8 Euros, allowing you to explore narrow streets and restored buildings with historical displays. For great views, consider climbing to the upper levels of the ruins. If you’re in Agios Nikolaos or want a combined swimming and lunch trip, half-day excursions are available for around 25-30 Euros.
South of Elounda harbor, you’ll find the salt pans and Kolokytha Peninsula, home to three stone windmills. This tranquil area offers numerous trails and uncrowded beaches. Plaka, a small village 5km north of Elounda, is worth visiting for its picturesque charm and is a good starting point for trips to Spinalonga. Explore Plaka’s beaches, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and even take a sightseeing tour on the little blue train.
For a more lively day out, Agios Nikolaos, about 10km south of Elounda, provides plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars with a bustling harbor area. You can reach it by car, taxi, or even the little blue train.
Don’t miss the famous Minoan ruins of Knossos, located near Heraklion, which date back to around 2000 BC. Arrive early to avoid crowds, and consider hiring a guide for a more enriching experience.
When choosing accommodations, staying within the main village area of Elounda gives you easy access to beaches, tavernas, and bars. For excellent views, options on the hill overlooking the town are ideal. Another great choice is luxury hotels on the road to Plaka, like Sentido Elounda Blu, where you can enjoy private pools, beaches, and various activities.
Dining in Elounda offers a range of options from traditional Greek meze to seafood. Popular spots include Rakomelo, Kanali, Okeanis, and Cypriana, each offering unique settings and delicious menus.
Elounda boasts beautiful sandy and pebble beaches, many of them Blue Flag rated. Elounda Beach is centrally located, offering amenities like watersports and a playground. For secluded coves, drive or walk towards Plaka, where you can often find a quiet spot to yourself.
Getting to Elounda is easiest via Heraklion Airport, with numerous flights available from European cities. You can also travel by ferry from Piraeus near Athens. Within Crete, driving from Heraklion to Elounda is about an hour, with car hire options available. Alternatively, fixed-price taxis or shuttle buses provide convenient travel, while public buses are a budget-friendly but time-consuming option.
Having a car in Elounda is beneficial for exploring more of the island, though the village itself is walkable. For short trips, car rentals are available in the village.
Elounda offers a perfect blend of relaxation, traditional charm, and opportunities for exploration. Whether you’re sampling local foods, enjoying a slower pace of life, or venturing out to see more of Crete, Elounda is a memorable destination.