Plus, you have access to the water as well, check out this apartment in Plaka. It is a legitimate challenge to decide where to begin when it comes to the incredible island of Crete. Oenology is a great part of Cretan culture and it all starts from the vineyard! A great budget option which is still close to everything is the Emilia Apartments. Youll also have plenty of opportunities to take photos and some of the tours even stop so that you can eat some traditional Cretan cuisine. Renowned as the location of the mythical labyrinth, Knossos Palace is just south of Heraklion. Explore thousands of activities, attractions and tours with free cancellation and no added fees. Walk through the archway and youll emerge into a world of narrow lanes and coloured houses. Make a day of it and check out the beautiful beaches around Plaka and browse the souvenir shops around the harbour. Plaka is also a good starting point for a visit to Spinalonga Island as the boat trip is only 10 minutes from here. Its a pleasant trip and youll get to see more of the coast as you cruise across. The leper colony on Spinalonga was closed in 1957, some years after a cure was found for the terrible disease. The restaurants in Eloundas pretty harbour are extremely endearing and set out in an L shape. All the rooms have balconies and you can choose whether yours faces the mountains or the landscaped pool area. Its a casual cafe-style restaurant which serves mainly breakfast and lunch. With us, memorable hospitality aligns with all the hygiene protocols for your health and safety. We suggest booking in advance.Select from 3 top choices. Eat in Eloundas picture perfect harbour, 4. The easiest way is to hire a car and drive yourself. 6. Should you require more information, please contact us at reservations@eloundavillas.com, Mesa Pigadakia,Schisma Eloundas,Elounda, Crete,72053 Greece, 2022 ELOUNDA GULF VILLAS. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars. Whether its the roar of the city you crave, or the quiet solitude that comes with a simpler getaway, everything you need to get started is right here. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Its about an hours drive to Elounda so if you prefer not to drive yourself you can take a taxi. If youre looking for a place to rent with incredible views of the sea and Spinalonga island. Maria & Vangelis - Unique Handmade Creations, A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences, Choose from the best hotels and activities. Boats leave regularly from Elounda harbour and take approximately 30 minutes to reach the boat dock at Spinalonga. Generally, online reviews are much better for these companies. The coastal paths are perfect for walking, and you can explore the surrounding area and get to know this part of Crete a bit better. A small fishing village, Elounda has lots to offer for holidaymakers from a relaxed nightlife scene to some gorgeous day trips in the sun. One of the best dishes to try when eating in Elounda is ntakos, a Greek bruschetta topped with tomato, feta cheese and olives. We did see quite a few people walking as well. Youll be travelling for over 3 hours so its not an option Id recommend. Due to the shape of the landscape, the peninsula forms a breakwater which makes Elounda Bay so tranquil. Youll not be wanting for things to do in Elounda. During the day you can enjoy some fresh sea air on the deck or relax in one of the bars or lounges. The Vikos Gorge is one of the most spectacular sights on earth. We also participate in other affiliate programs. Authentic Things to do in the Dominican Republic, 6 Reasons You Should Visit Batanes, Philippines (The Home of the Winds), 9 Most Instagram-Worthy Locations in Bacolod City, Things to Do in Siargao Island The Philippines Surfing Capital. For a long time, Greek officials preferred to forget about Spinalonga, but that all changed when tourists, inspired by Hislops novel, started asking to visit. The views are absolutely spectacular. Sufferers from Crete (and sometimes mainland Greece) were forcibly relocated to the island in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. Dont forget to walk along the harbour front towards the windmills as there are some amazing fish restaurants overlooking the bay. Comments Off on Top Things to Do When Visiting Elounda on Crete. Olous was an ancient Greek city from the Minoan age. The train makes a number of stops where you can wander through the picturesque villages, sample some of the local delicacies, shop for souvenirs and explore interesting churches. Although a lot of the smaller beaches in this area are pebbly, Elounda Beach is beautiful and sandy so an excellent choice if youre staying nearby. Youll find Ellis Place on the main beach road in Elounda. Once you arrive in Heraklion youll need to make your way east to Elounda. Expect to pay around 25-30 Euros for a half-day cruise with stops for swimming and snorkelling, including lunch. Your email address will not be published. Take a stroll in Kritsa A haven of car-free delight, Kritsa is only a 25-minute drive from Elounda Gulf Villas but be sure to leave your car in the designated parking area as this is a village youll want to tour on foot! Be inspired at the El Greco MuseumThe famed Renaissance painter El Greco is admired all over the world, and his birthplace is located just outside of Heraklion in the village of Fodele! Many of the buildings have already been restored but more work is currently underway. Explore the smaller cities and towns past the border, and get to know the stories behind them. For excellent views across the bay, Id recommend staying on the hill overlooking the town. going to elounda next year any mobility scooter hire and prices, Thank you for your article, Elounda sounds amazing. For a shorter crossing to the island, head to the nearby village of Plaka. Learn its history. Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket here. Youll find at least a couple of car hire agencies in the centre of Elounda who can help you out. Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. I recommend a guide for sure, otherwise you wont really know what youre looking at. 2006 - 2022 We-Love-Crete.com All Rights Reserved. We would like to stay in Blue Palace Resort & Spa but we are not sure if there are places where we can go outside of the resort. Despite its growing popularity, Plaka still feels traditionally Greek. The infamous archaeological site of Spinalonga also stands tall on Kalydon. Its surrounded by rolling cliffs covered in Mediterranean greenery, the perfect place to lay ones blanket and take in the brilliant sunlight and lulling sound of the waves. Rooms start from around $45 a night. Images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.com. Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island, Spinalonga Regular Trip -daily At 12:30 From Agios Nikolaos, Jeep Safari 4x4 Crete real off road mountain tracks with Lunch from Hersonissos, PRIVATE Spinalonga, Ag Nikolaos, olive oil factory incl Boat. Relax in the evenings after a hard day at the beach, New York: Best Things To Do And Places To See, Best Things To Do In Borneo - And Places To See, The 7 Ultimate Marathons For Any Keen Runner. A great experience and one of the top things to do in Agios Nikolaos is to join this tasty food tour. You can book this via the Easyjet website even if youre not flying with them. Find out more about this highly rated experience here. Click here for the latest prices and reviews. The area surrounding Elounda has some interesting geographical features, as well. Simply click here to return to. A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? You also get a birds-eye view of the settlement of Spinalonga. It's easy to do. Somewhere near the church, this track ends but you can see the other coastline from here so keep walking along the trails towards it. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in this quaint area. A good tip is to pre-arrange car hire with one of the local firms in Elounda. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here. Of course, Crete is an island and you could choose to arrive by boat instead. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hidden away on the eastern coast of Crete, Elounda is a pretty fishing village which is the perfect destination for a re Crete is a destination thats bound to steal your heart. Inside some of them, youll find displays with information on their former inhabitants. It costs 10 Euros per person or 5 Euros for children. You have several options for getting to Elounda. The island is a former leper colony. Learn its streets. Succulent slow-cooked lamb and skewered chicken are popular in most of the restaurants along the harbour and they pass the taste test with flying colours. The tour costs 18 Euros per person. 10. When you book your journey with Travelocity, youre never far from Elounda attractions. Each room has a kitchenette with a dining area and a patio or balcony. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); The Westin Beaver Creek Skier Resort for Non-Skier https://www.travelbelles.com/author/lauren-white/. Find Cypriana on Google Maps here. Learn about Crete and Greece in general as you dine on many traditional snacks and a high-end 3 course meal with drinks you will be full and satisfied by the end! For the kids, theres a playground and organised activities are available in the summer. Travelocity, the Stars Design, and The Roaming Gnome Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Travelscape LLC. Okeanis specialises in local Greek and Mediterranean dishes and they have quite an extensive menu. All rights reserved. Plaka beach is definitely one of the best places to visit while staying in Elounda simply for its stunning views alone.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'travelbelles_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',119,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-travelbelles_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Kalydon, sometimes known as Spinalonga or Leper Island, is perfect for a historical day trip when in Elounda. As well as Kolokitha beach theres a number of smaller inlets nearby as well. Christian Basilica Poros Elounda Vacations, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. Kalydon is really worth a visit as when travelling, getting to know the history and culture of a destination always feels like the least you can do. Spinalonga Island - Ag Nikolaus - Elounda Bay - Private Tour. Lounging by your priv pool in view of the Aegean Sea, enjoyingin-villa mealsprepared by your private chef or indulging in a massage below the shade of olive trees All these wonderful experiences are just part of the pampering in store for you here at Elounda Gulf Villas! Elounda Beach, Plaka Beach, and Kolakitha Beach are all worthwhile choices because they each have their own, unique scenery. Welcome, traveler, to Elounda. Most restaurants have menu boards outside the restaurant, so take a wander along the streets near the harbour and centre of town and see what appeals most. Goats on the Road Posts Travel Blogs Elounda Crete: A Complete Guide For Travellers. Rooms are modern with fresh, light decor. 2022 Travelscape LLC, an Expedia Group Company. Cosmopolitan cocktails are all yours all night as well as some lively nightclubs if you want to have a real party and let loose while on holiday. Elounda really is the perfect holiday destination for those who love a bit of history, natural beauty and complete freedom. This was one of our favourites while we were in Elounda village. Your choices are endlessand so are the adventures to come. Kanali restaurant has a unique setting just across the peninsula near the sunken city of Olous and the windmills. If you want a beach that is on the quieter side, you may want to consider Elounda Beach, which tends to have a quiet, family atmosphere. Walk along these iconic ruins, dating back to the Neolithic period in 1900 BC, and learn about our islands early beginnings; this gorgeous destination can be found just an hours drive from our hotel! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If youre looking for somewhere special with a tranquil atmosphere and great food then this is the place for you. Rest assured. If you happen to decide to spend the majority of your vacation in the Elounda area, you will be treated to amazing views, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of things to do. However, settlements have existed on this site since the Neolithic period, around 7000-9000 BC, so its an exceptionally interesting place. Simply click here to return to Crete Honeymoon. One of the highlights of our trip to Crete was a visit to Spinalonga. However, if youre just planning a week of relaxation in the resort and on the beach then youll be able to walk everywhere. Its nature showing off in all its majesty and the One of the best things we did in Greece was renting a boat and if you want to rent a boat in Zakynthos, its one o 2022 Goats on the Road | Web Design and Development by, Elounda Crete: A Complete Guide For Travellers, Zagori Greece: A Guide To The Vikos Gorge and Pindos National Park, How To Rent a Boat in Zakynthos: The Best Companies & Prices. Drive or walk from Elounda towards Plaka and youll pass several small, pebbly beaches. The site opens at 8 am and in summer is open as late as 8 pm. During the Venetian occupation of Crete, the area was commonly used to harvest salt. How? Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Plaka Beach during your travels in Elounda? We suggest booking in advance.Select from 2 top choices. If you want to be within walking distance of stunning beaches, fabulous tavernas, restaurants and bars then choose to stay in an Elounda hotel within the main village area. Agios Nikolaos is approximately 10km south of Elounda and is a good choice if youre looking for somewhere a bit more lively for a day out. Find out more about us Goats and what we're all about. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. I loved the authentic Greek feel of Elounda, the friendliness of the locals we met, and the generally relaxed atmosphere of the village. Whether youre looking for traditional Greek meze, fabulous seafood or just a good steak, youll find a restaurant or cafe in Elounda which can satisfy your hunger. This means that when you visit, youll need to choose your activities wisely! This takes around 75 minutes. Plaka is a picturesque small village about 5km north of Elounda and its well worth making the trip to have a look around. Explore the great outdoors at Lake Voulismeni, a lovely green space in Agios Nikolaos Town. However, that doesnt mean theres nothing to do here. Id recommend hiring a car if youre staying in Elounda. Required fields are marked *. CST# 2056372-50. Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket here. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or bathing in crystal clear water. Wander around Fourni VillageCrete is known for itscharming villagesand Fourni is definitely one of them! Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. The Happy Train tours are a great option. Each room has a small kitchen area but the real appeal is the balcony or terrace facing across the bay. However, over time, the water levels rose and it became an island of its own. Sometimes people confuse these with the sunken ruins of Oleus but theyre actually salt pans. Elounda is the perfect base for leisurely walks, and no matter where you are in the village, youre pretty much guaranteed a lovely view of the bay. You can now visit Spinalonga for yourself by taking a boat across from the main island. After booking your dream vacation in Elounda, you get to daydream about all the amazing things to do in Elounda Crete. From Elounda, the boat ride is around 20 minutes, but if you wish to go from Plaka, it should only take seven minutes. Inspiring Adventurous Women Since 2010! Youll get to see some traditional villages and there are many opportunities to get some fabulous photographs from high in the hills. You may also like:Athens Day Trip to Aegina Island. 1. Its both fascinating and rather sad, especially if youve read Hislops book. Right in the centre of the resort is the Blue Flag-rated Elounda Beach. Dont miss their traditional Greek salad. Expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring, more if youre particularly fascinated by history. The Eastern Coast of Crete boasts miles of superb sand and pebble beaches, many of them Blue Flag rated. Relaxation is what a holiday is all about, so Elounda is definitely chilled enough all day round for that. If you dont have a car then its a fabulous way to get out and about and see more of the stunning Cretan landscape. Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. 2022 Travel Belles. They will arrange to meet you at the airport with your hire car. Its amazing. There are petite cafes all around the main square which are perfect for a final drop-off point in the evening after a walk along the harbour following your meal. 7. Kanali specialises in seafood and the lobster pasta gets rave reviews. Youll rediscover a slower pace of life here and youre sure to be sorry when it comes time to leave. Take your water shoes though, theres no sand here and the pebbles are small and uncomfortable underfoot. If youre planning on travelling to Greece, then consider adding this hidden gem to your itinerary. Id recommend making the trip up for some fabulous views back across the bay to Plaka and Elounda. Part of the Sentido Hotels group, Sentido Elounda Blu is the choice for you if you desire pure luxury and relaxation. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area. While in Elounda, Crete you wont want to miss these activities! Is the resort isolated? With so many prime locations to explore and a myriad of things to do around Elounda, Crete even an entire summer wouldnt be enough to tour all its unforgettable beaches, villages and activities to assist you, weve put together a list of the top 10 things to experience while you visit us at Elounda Gulf Villas! As well as this, there are lots of different taverns to eat in along the coastline if youre spending the day there. Relax in Nature - Chrissi Island day Cruise, Spinalonga & Agios Nikolaos from Heraklion region, Private Full-Day East Crete Tour from Heraklion, Spinalonga - Agios Nikolaos From Heraklion, Best for: History Museum, Fountain, Room Escape Game, Best for: Historic Site, Religious Site, Beach, Best for: Marina, Scuba / Snorkeling, Beach, Best for: Beach, Gift & Specialty Shop, Cave, Best for: Aquarium, Water Park, Nightlife, Best for: Beach, Hiking Trail, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Best for: Beach, Scuba / Snorkeling, Winery / Vineyard, Best for: Island, Nature / Wildlife Tour, Beach, Best for: Religious Site, Wildlife Area, Beach, Best for: Beach, Scuba / Snorkeling, Wildlife Area, Best for: Winery / Vineyard, Gift & Specialty Shop, Theater, Best for: Beach, Water Sport, Fishing Charter / Tour, Best for: Nightlife, History Museum, Shopping Mall, Best for: Beach, Lighthouse, Fishing Charter / Tour, Best for: Beach, Nightlife, Outdoor Activity, Best for: Beach, Scuba / Snorkeling, Kayaking / Canoeing, Richtis Waterfall, Minoan History, Oldest Tree, North Coast (Luxury Adventure), The Most Romantic Things to Do in Elounda. An ingenious system. Elounda is located in the north of the Greek island Crete. The Three Best Ways to Spend This Valentines Day. Plaka beach was originally a nudist beach, but is now one of the most popular in Crete. 15 Best Things To Do in Guanajuato, Mexico. From Agios Nikolaus, its a further 30-minute bus ride to Elounda. The holiday season is complete, the winter has settled in, and the new year is upon us! What tickles your fancy? Walk along the harbour to the east and youll pass some of Eloundas popular tavernas before you come to the main beach. Some reports suggest that Olous was sunk due to volcanic activity but others say its more likely that it just sunk slowly over many years. It has the most gorgeous white sand and turquoise water, making it perfect for a relaxing day in the hot summer sun.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'travelbelles_com-box-3','ezslot_3',139,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-travelbelles_com-box-3-0')}; One of the best things about Plaka beach is the view of the island of Kalydon, a location rich with history. Visit the picturesque Agios NikolaosA seaside town thats worth exploring, Agios Nikolaos is just a 15-minute drive from Elounda Gulf Villas and has a life of its own! A garden view room starts from around $155 a night in September for half board, or book all-inclusive from $215 a night. Hidden away on the eastern coast of Crete, Elounda is a pretty fishing village which is the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside getaway. However, you really should try some of their Greek Cypriot dishes chicken gyros, moussaka or souvlaki. Meet its people. The harbour area is particularly nice for walking and if you follow it around, youll come to the marina. These quiet coves offer a fabulous alternative to the more crowded central beaches. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus so you must first take the bus to Agios Nikolaus. Here you can spend the day relaxing under a straw umbrella or floating in the blue water. After all, the money you save when you plan a trip with us is best spent along the way. If you ask locals where to eat in Elounda this is where theyll send you. If youd like to go further there are a number of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded beaches. Enjoy!You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @lxurenwhite. Categorized in: About Crete Greece, About Elounda, Greece, Greek Travel Guide, on Top Things to Do When Visiting Elounda on Crete, Be Sure to Visit the Santorini Wine Museum, See the Face in The Rock While Watching the Santorini Sunset, Lovely Beaches to Enjoy in Karpathos, Greece. Find Ellis Place on google maps. Moreover, the view across the bay is spectacular. Your best bet is to hire a guide to help you find all the best spots. Find Kolokitha Beach on Google Maps here. Although its busier in July when they hold a music festival in honour of a local musician, Mikalis Papadakis. The earlier you book, the more you save with our Book With Confidence Rates! Youll often have the cove to yourself. Join in and write your own page! You may also like:The Street Food of Athens, Greece. If you walk south along the harbour front, youll be rewarded with some of the towns more exclusive restaurants overlooking the bay. If youre staying in Agios Nikolaos or want to combine your trip to Spinalonga with swimming and lunch, then there is a half-day excursion available locally. Dont expect to see obvious ruins below the sea, although if you look carefully you can make out some of the ancient walls. As well as traditional Greek dishes such as gyros and moussaka, Ellis also serves everything from sandwiches and ice cream to full English breakfasts. Much of it is difficult to see on land, though, but this is considered to be an excellent location for snorkeling. Adrakos has a popular restaurant and bar on site and they also have a large pool, so you dont need to drive every day if you dont want to. Here youll find extensive archaeological excavations of the palace which date back to around 2AD. Its actually a terrific read so if youre looking for some holiday reading during your stay in Crete, I highly recommend it. Plaka is a tourist destination but its much smaller and quieter than Elounda. Its good value, casual dining at its best, and theyre justifiably well-known for their friendly service. Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the largest in the whole Mediterranean. Great for couples as its an adults-only facility. Youll find plenty of restaurants to choose from along the harbour and Plakas fish restaurants are particularly popular. Agios Nicolaos is just a fifteen minute taxi ride away from Elounda and the evening scene becomes a nightlife scene. Manyof the adventuring companies in the area have packages for beginners, as well. If youre with a young family or are just about living the quiet life, the night time scene in Elounda is perfect for you. When it comes to Elounda hotels, this is a great option. Search for ferry routes, times and prices for Elounda here. Youll need a car if youre going to stay here as its just outside the main resort area of Elounda but there is free parking available. At Travel Belles, we believe travel has the power to transform by discovering the world we broaden our hearts, minds and consciousness. Spinalongais just minutes off the coast of Crete, perfect to be discovered by traditional caique,yacht or sailboat. Its famous for its chicken gyros and is very popular with beachgoers as its a short hop from the main beach area. We are hoping to go to Crete in April and are limited to school holidays so it will have to be early in the season. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiquesor that next delicious meal. If you dont want to drive then the little blue train also goes this way, or its a short hop by taxi. As well as providing a fun transport option between Elounda and Plaka, the little blue train also provides sightseeing tours. Be part of history at Knossos PalaceCretes antiquity lives on in the ancient city of Knossos, built thousands of years ago by the Minoans surrounding a palace thats still partially standing, hinting at a glorious past. Where Can I Take the Best Sunset Photos in Santorini. You can contact Okeanis on +30 2841 044404. Enjoy the rides and games at Star Beach Water Park and see why people love this theme park in Hersonissos Centre. Learn how to make money on the road, so you can travel forever. Although quite infamous locally, Spinalonga was made famous by the publication of Victoria Hislops novel, The Island. Tripadvisor Certificate Travellers' Choice (2020), Tripadvisor Certificate of excellence (2018), Tripadvisor Certificate of excellence (2017), Tripadvisor Certificate of excellence (2016), Tripadvisor Certificate of excellence (2015), Tripadvisor Certificate of excellence (2014), Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award (2012), Top 10 things to do in Elounda this summer. Everyone on the same page. Is the wind whispering suggestions in your mind? You need to bear in mind that the bus service from Agios Nikolaus is not that regular so check the timetable before you set off. There is another airport on the island, near Chania in the west but Heraklion is Cretes main airport and definitely the easiest to get to Elounda from. Find out about the history of Elounda when you spend time at Elounda Windmills. Dont you just wish you were there?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'travelbelles_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',125,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-travelbelles_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; Writing and travelling are two of my passions both of them together is my paradise. For example, if we stay in Elounda, can we easily go somewhere to spend our evening and return to the hotel? Boats depart at regular intervals from two boat docks so if youve just missed the first one then walk a bit further along the harbour and try the other one. The book tells the story of the Fielding family which is caught up in the drama of leprosy and Spinalonga island.