Things To Do in Elounda in 2023 (Complete Guide for Travelers)

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

You’ll love Elounda for those who’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. For those who’re planning on travelling to Greece, then contemplate 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 beautiful 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 beloved 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 total 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 record one of the best issues to do, the place to eat, the place to remain, one of the best seashores, and the way 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 wish to get out and about exploring however for those who like to spend so much of time on the seaside then you can keep longer.

Elounda is the proper 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. For those who love the water, you’ll be delighted with the crystal clear sea right here on the Japanese Cretan coast.

Listed below are a number of the finest issues to do in Elounda, Crete:

1. Discover the Harbour

In all probability the very first thing you’ll wish 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 every little 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 well-liked tavernas earlier than you come to the principle seaside. For those who 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 historic Greek metropolis from the Minoan age. Don’t anticipate to see apparent ruins under the ocean, though for those who look rigorously you can also make out a number of the historic partitions.

Some reviews recommend that Olous sunk on account of volcanic exercise however others say it’s extra doubtless that it simply sunk slowly over a few years.

For vacationers at present, it makes for an fascinating place to go to for a mild coastal stroll outdoors the principle resort. For those who’re eager on discovering the ruins under the water, you’ll be able to 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 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 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 for those who’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 well-liked 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 trip is extremely rated and is a good choice to benefit from the island.

For those who desire to go independently, it prices round 10 Euros per individual or 5 Euros for kids. 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 possibility you probably 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 check out 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 have to 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 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 reasonably unhappy, particularly for those who’ve learn Hislop’s e book.

Most of the buildings have already been restored however extra work is presently underway. As you allow the principle 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 principle pathway on the backside, the higher ranges are accessible for those who 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.

For those who’re staying in Agios Nikolaos or wish to mix your journey to Spinalonga with swimming and lunch, then there is a half-day excursion available 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

For those who 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 really salt pans.

The saltwater collects within the squares and when the water evaporates, salt is left within the backside. Employees stability 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 make the most of the wind on this a part of the peninsula.

This can be a beautiful space for strolling. For those who’d wish to go additional there are a variety of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded seashores.

Finest Day Journeys from Elounda Village

Listed below are just a few 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 price making the journey to take a look round. For those who’ve acquired a automobile then it’s a straightforward drive alongside the coastal highway and there’s loads of parking obtainable in Plaka simply off the principle highway.

For these with out transport, there’s a small vacationer practice which makes the journey a number of occasions a day and there’s a public bus though it solely runs just a few occasions 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 also be a great start line 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 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 after they maintain a music competition in honour of an area musician, Mikalis Papadakis. 

Journey the Little Blue Practice

In addition to offering a enjoyable transport possibility between Elounda and Plaka, the little blue practice additionally supplies 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 images from excessive within the hills.

The practice makes numerous stops the place you’ll be able to wander by way of the picturesque villages, pattern a number of the native delicacies, store for souvenirs and discover fascinating church buildings.

For those who don’t have a automobile then it’s a superb solution to get out and about and see extra of the beautiful Cretan panorama.

The tour prices 18 Euros per individual. 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 an area taverna the place you should purchase foods and drinks.

Discover Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is roughly 10km south of Elounda and is an effective selection for those who’re searching for someplace a bit extra energetic for a day trip.

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 for those who comply with it round, you’ll come to the marina.

You possibly can 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 principle harbour space.

For those who don’t wish 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 individuals strolling as properly.

Go to Knossos Palace

No go to to Crete could 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 in depth archaeological excavations of the palace which date again to round 2AD. Nonetheless, settlements have existed on this website because the Neolithic interval, round 7000-9000 BC, so it’s an exceptionally fascinating place.

You’ll actually need a automobile to get right here from Elounda and I counsel that you just arrive early as (free) parking is proscribed and it will get very busy. 

The location 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 usually are not lined and are thus absolutely uncovered to the solar.

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

Put on wise sneakers for strolling and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. Count on to spend not less than 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 principle village space. Elounda itself isn’t very huge and you may simply stroll in all places for those who base your self close to the principle seaside or harbour.

For glorious views throughout the bay, I’d advocate staying on the hill overlooking the city. For those who’re searching for someplace a bit particular, an alternative choice for many who wish to get away from all of it is to remain at one of many luxurious Elounda accommodations on the highway to Plaka.

Adrakos Flats

We stayed right here for 7 nights and it’s a good looking family-run residence advanced. Nice for {couples} because it’s an adults-only facility. Every room has a small kitchen space however the actual 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 principle resort space of Elounda however there may be free parking obtainable.

Adrakos has a well-liked restaurant and bar on website they usually even have a big pool, so that you don’t must drive day by day for those who don’t wish to. Click here for the most recent costs and opinions.

Studio with a View

For those who’re searching for a spot to lease with unbelievable views of the ocean and Spinalonga island. Plus, you have got entry to the water as properly, try this residence 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 a lot of genuine tavernas. Study extra here.

Sentido Elounda Blu

A part of the Sentido Resorts 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’ll be able to get pleasure from a non-public seaside with watersports obtainable 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 accommodations, it is a nice possibility. 

Elounda Krini Resort

For those who’re searching for a resort inside just a few hundred metres of Elounda seaside and which will get persistently nice opinions then contemplate the Elounda Krini Resort.

All of the rooms have balconies and you may 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 Flats

An amazing price range possibility which continues to be near every little thing is the Emilia Flats. Positioned proper within the coronary heart of Elounda, the residences are simply 300m from Elounda Seaside.

Rooms are fashionable 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 accommodations and residences, click here.

Deal with: Akti Olountos, Schisma Elountas 720 53, Greece. Click here for directions.

Kanali

Kanali restaurant has a singular setting simply throughout the peninsula close to the sunken metropolis of Olous and the windmills. For those who’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. Nonetheless, in addition they have a number of vegetarian decisions and a collection of gluten-free choices as properly.

Kanali is open for lunch and dinner. You possibly can name them on +30 2841 042075 to test particular hours and make reservations. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here.

Okeanis

Okeanis is situated simply previous Elounda Seaside. For those who 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 superb.

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. Find Okeanis on Google Maps here.

Cypriana Taverna

This was one in every of our favourites whereas we have 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, 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 possibly can contact them on +30 2841 041752 however simply flip up, no must e book. Find Cypriana on Google Maps here.

For those who’re a seaside lover then you definitely’ve come to the appropriate place. The Japanese Coast of Crete boasts miles of very good sand and pebble beaches, a lot of them Blue Flag rated.

Whereas a number of the bigger seashores are well-liked it’s additionally doable to seek out small stretches of just about uninhabited shoreline. Wherever you select, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to spend the day stress-free beneath a straw umbrella or floating within the blue water.

For those who’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 quite a lot of the smaller seashores on this space are pebbly, Elounda Seaside is gorgeous and sandy so a superb selection for those who’re staying close by.

Find Elounda Beach on Google Maps 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 superb. For those who’re driving, there are small parking areas at intervals alongside the seaside highway.

Take your water sneakers although, there’s no sand right here and the pebbles are small and uncomfortable underfoot. It’s price it although for the posh of sunbathing and swimming in your personal stretch of the bay.

Kolokitha Seaside

We discovered this superb little seaside 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’ll be able to see the opposite shoreline from right here so hold 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 seek out it, you gained’t discover many vacationers this fashion. It’s a straightforward 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.

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 can select to reach by boat as an alternative. Ferries depart each day from Piraeus port close to Athens. In summer time 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.

For those who’re travelling in a single day you’ll in all probability need a cabin to loosen up in, however reclining seats are additionally obtainable. In the course of the day you’ll be able to get pleasure from some recent sea air on the deck or loosen up in one of many bars or lounges. Seek for ferry routes, occasions and costs for Elounda 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 automobile and drive your self. A superb tip is to pre-arrange automobile rent with one of many native corporations in Elounda.

They’ll organize to fulfill you on the airport along with your rent automobile. Usually, on-line opinions are a lot better for these firms. For those who desire, the standard 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’ll be able to take a taxi. You possibly can take a fixed-price airport taxi for 75 Euros from the stand outdoors arrivals.

One other different is the shuttle bus. You possibly can e book this through 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 is usually doable to achieve Elounda by public bus but it surely’s not simple. Sadly, there is no such thing as a 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 journey to Elounda. You want to remember that the bus service from Agios Nikolaus will not be that common so test 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 price range is tight it’s a very low-cost different at 9 Euros.

For extra on travelling Crete, see our complete travel guide to Crete, and the highest things to do in Crete that you just gained’t wish to miss!

Photos on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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