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

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Hidden away on the jap coast of Crete, Elounda is a reasonably 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. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply there’s nothing to do right here. Should you’re planning on travelling to Greece, then take into account including this hidden gem to your itinerary.

Spend your days enjoyable 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 commonly relaxed ambiance 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 without doubt one of the most enjoyable locations to go to in Greece

On this journey information to Elounda Crete, I’ll checklist the perfect issues to do, the place to eat, the place to remain, the perfect seashores, and how one can 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 prefer to get out and about exploring however when you like to spend so much of time on the seaside then you would keep longer.

Elounda is the proper base for leisurely walks, and regardless of the place you might be 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 here are a number of the finest issues to do in Elounda, Crete:

1. Discover the Harbour

Most likely 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 little thing from conventional fishing boats to rowing boats.

elounda crete town harbour

Stroll alongside the harbour to the east and also you’ll cross a few of Elounda’s widespread tavernas earlier than you come to the principle seaside. Should you 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 under the ocean, though when you look fastidiously you can also make out a number of the historical partitions.

Some studies counsel 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 this time, it makes for an fascinating place to go to for a mild coastal stroll exterior the principle resort. Should you’re eager on discovering the ruins under 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 regionally, 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 really a terrific learn so when you’re searching for some vacation studying throughout your keep in Crete, I extremely advocate 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 overlook 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 principle island. This boat journey is extremely rated and is a superb choice to benefit from the island.

Should you favor to go independently, it prices round 10 Euros per particular person or 5 Euros for kids. 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 simple possibility if in case 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 check out 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.

spinalonga island crete

Exploring Spinalonga Island

As soon as on the island of Spinalonga, it is advisable purchase an entrance ticket on the small kiosk for 8 Euros. Stroll by means of the archway and also you’ll emerge right into a world of slender lanes and colored homes.

Inside a few of them, you’ll discover shows with info on their former inhabitants. It’s each fascinating and slightly unhappy, particularly when you’ve learn Hislop’s e-book.

Most of the buildings have already been restored however extra work is at the moment underway. As you allow the principle 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 principle pathway on the backside, the higher ranges are accessible when you don’t thoughts scrambling up just a few slopes and rocky steps.

I’d advocate 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 regionally. 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 fastidiously into the water and also you’ll see stone squares. Typically folks confuse these with the sunken ruins of Oleus however they’re really 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.

elounda windmill on crete

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 types 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 pretty space for strolling. Should you’d prefer 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 here are just a few of the day journeys I like to recommend from Elounda.

Go to Close by Plaka

day trip to plaka from elounda

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 received a automotive then it’s a simple drive alongside the coastal street and there’s loads of parking accessible in Plaka simply off the principle 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 just a few instances a day.

You’ll discover loads of eating places to select from alongside the harbour and Plaka’s fish eating places are significantly widespread. Plaka can be a very good 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 retailers 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 once they maintain a music pageant in honour of an area musician, Mikalis Papadakis. 

Trip the Little Blue Practice

In addition to offering a enjoyable transport possibility between Elounda and Plaka, the little blue practice additionally gives 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 lots of alternatives to get some fabulous images from excessive within the hills.

The practice makes quite a lot of stops the place you may wander by means of the picturesque villages, pattern a number of the native delicacies, store for souvenirs and discover fascinating church buildings.

Should you don’t have a automotive then it’s a wonderful approach 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 is just not included however the practice does make a cease at an area taverna the place you should buy foods and drinks.

Discover Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaus crete greece

Agios Nikolaos is roughly 10km south of Elounda and is an effective selection 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 retailers, eating places and bars. The harbour space is especially good for strolling and when you comply with it round, you’ll come to the marina.

You may 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 principle harbour space.

Should you don’t need to drive then the little blue practice additionally goes this fashion, or it’s a brief hop by taxi. We did see fairly just a few folks strolling as properly.

Go to Knossos Palace

knossos on crete island greece

No go to to Crete could be full with out 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 web site for the reason that Neolithic interval, round 7000-9000 BC, so it’s an exceptionally fascinating place.

You’ll actually need 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 positioning opens at 8 am and in summer time is open as late as 8 pm. You’ll take pleasure in it extra when you go to early or late because the ruins aren’t 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 smart footwear for strolling and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. Anticipate to spend at the very least 2 hours exploring, extra when you’re significantly 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 principle village space. Elounda itself isn’t very large and you may simply stroll in all places when you base your self close to the principle seaside or harbour.

For wonderful views throughout the bay, I’d advocate staying on the hill overlooking the city. Should you’re searching for 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 inns on the street to Plaka.

Adrakos Residences

We stayed right here for 7 nights and it’s an exquisite family-run residence advanced. Nice for {couples} because it’s an adults-only facility. Every room has a small kitchen space however the actual attraction is the balcony or terrace going through 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 principle 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 daily when you don’t need to. Click on right here for the most recent costs and evaluations.

Studio with a View

Should you’re searching for a spot to hire with unbelievable views of the ocean and Spinalonga island. Plus, you’ve entry to the water as properly, try 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 Resorts group, Sentido Elounda Blu is the selection for you when you want pure luxurious and rest. It’s positioned 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 may take pleasure in a personal seaside with watersports accessible or make the most of a number 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 e-book all-inclusive from $215 an evening. My sister stayed right here for 10 nights and completely raves about it. In relation to Elounda inns, this can be a nice possibility. 

Elounda Krini Lodge

Should you’re searching for a resort inside just a few hundred metres of Elounda seaside and which will get constantly nice evaluations then take into account 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. Anticipate to pay from round $80 an evening. Click on right here to be taught extra.

Emilia Residences

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

Rooms are fashionable 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 inns and flats, 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 the case 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 might 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 overlook to stroll alongside the harbourfront in the direction of the windmills as there are some wonderful fish eating places overlooking the bay.

Listed here are just a few of my favourites.

Rakomelo Cretan Delicacies

Situated proper on the water with gorgeous 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 contemporary seafood dishes, or salads. This restaurant is a superb place to eat in Elounda for teams in addition to {couples}.

Tackle: 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 ambiance and nice meals then that is the place for you.

Kanali specialises in seafood and the lobster pasta will get rave evaluations. Nonetheless, 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 may name them on +30 2841 042075 to examine particular hours and make reservations. Discover Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps right here.

Okeanis

Okeanis is positioned 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 take pleasure in 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 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. Discover Okeanis on Google Maps right here.

Cypriana Taverna

This was certainly one of 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 finest, 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 must e-book. Discover Cypriana on Google Maps right here.

Greatest Seashores in Elounda 

Should you’re a seaside lover then you definately’ve come to the appropriate 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 widespread it’s additionally potential to search 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

swimming at elounda beach crete island

Proper within the centre of the resort is the Blue Flag-rated Elounda Seashore. Right here you may spend the day enjoyable beneath a straw umbrella or floating within the blue water.

Should you’re feeling a bit extra energetic, join a number of the watersport actions. For the children, there’s a playground and organised actions can be found in the summertime.

Though plenty of the smaller seashores on this space are pebbly, Elounda Seashore is gorgeous and sandy so a superb selection 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 the direction of Plaka and also you’ll cross a number of small, pebbly seashores. These quiet coves provide a wonderful various 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 seaside street.

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 individual stretch of the bay.

Kolokitha Seashore

kolokitha beach crete greece

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 variety of smaller inlets close by as properly. Though the locals know the place to search out it, you received’t discover many vacationers this fashion. It’s a simple stroll, uphill in elements however not strenuous when you’re moderately 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 snug underfoot. 

Discover Kolokitha Seashore on Google Maps right here.

How To Get To Elounda

By Air

You will 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 positioned on the north coast of the island.

There may be 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 large selection of airways flying into Heraklion airport. British Airways and Easyjet have day by 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 would 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 desire a cabin to loosen up in, however reclining seats are additionally accessible. Through the day you may take pleasure in some contemporary sea air on the deck or loosen up in one of many bars or lounges. Seek for ferry routes, instances and costs for Elounda right here.

elounda greece boats in the harbour

Getting To Elounda From The Airport / Port 

When you arrive in Heraklion you’ll must make your manner east to Elounda. The best manner is to rent a automotive and drive your self. A very good tip is to pre-arrange automotive rent with one of many native companies in Elounda.

They may organize to fulfill you on the airport together with your rent automotive. Typically, on-line evaluations are significantly better for these corporations. Should you favor, the standard European automotive rent corporations are additionally positioned at Heraklion airport.

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

One other various is the shuttle bus. You may e-book this through the Easyjet web site even when you’re not flying with them. At 25 Euros per particular person, it’s a less expensive various 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 simple. Sadly, there isn’t any direct bus so you could 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 remember that the bus service from Agios Nikolaus is just not that common so examine the timetable earlier than you set off.

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

How To Get Round Elounda

I’d advocate hiring a automotive when you’re staying in Elounda. It makes it a lot simpler to get round. Nonetheless, when you’re simply planning every week of rest within the resort and on the seaside then you definately’ll be capable to stroll in all places.

You actually don’t want to go away Elounda village, however it could 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 at the very least a few automotive rent companies within the centre of Elounda who may 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, when you’re searching for one thing extra energetic, you’ll discover loads of alternatives as properly.

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 positive 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 simply received’t need to miss!

Pictures on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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