Its famous for its chicken gyros and is very popular with beachgoers as its a short hop from the main beach area. 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. The CRETAquarium is a place of interest to explore with your little ones and make aquatic friends along the way! Of course, theres always the option to hire a car for the day. Simply click here to return to Crete Honeymoon. Sufferers from Crete (and sometimes mainland Greece) were forcibly relocated to the island in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. 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. At Elounda Gulf Villas, we can arrange for you tovisit traditional wineries for a tasting, and to get a feel for local wines through each individual variety as you discover the winemaking process from grape to glass. Manyof the adventuring companies in the area have packages for beginners, as well. The Three Best Ways to Spend This Valentines Day. Another alternative is the shuttle bus. Find out more about us Goats and what we're all about. 10. Right in the centre of the resort is the Blue Flag-rated Elounda Beach. You can contact Okeanis on +30 2841 044404. All rights reserved. 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. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. Meet its people. Sometimes people confuse these with the sunken ruins of Oleus but theyre actually salt pans. Due to the shape of the landscape, the peninsula forms a breakwater which makes Elounda Bay so tranquil. 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. For excellent views across the bay, Id recommend staying on the hill overlooking the town. British Airways and Easyjet have daily non-stop scheduled flights from the UK and TUI offers charter flights. It is also possible to reach Elounda by public bus but its not easy. You may also like:The Street Food of Athens, Greece.
Wander the waterfront in this family-friendly area. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers. Thank you, Your email address will not be published. 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. All rights reserved. It is not too far a distance from the lagoon ofElounda. I recommend a guide for sure, otherwise you wont really know what youre looking at. There are three stone windmills here, built to take advantage of the wind on this part of the peninsula. If youre looking for a hotel within a few hundred metres of Elounda beach and which gets consistently great reviews then consider the Elounda Krini Hotel. It is a legitimate challenge to decide where to begin when it comes to the incredible island of Crete. Its about an hours drive to Elounda so if you prefer not to drive yourself you can take a taxi. 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. We did see quite a few people walking as well. Crete is the largest island in Greece and one of the largest in the whole Mediterranean. There was a time when Spinalonga actually wasnt a separate island it was attached to Crete. Despite its growing popularity, Plaka still feels traditionally Greek. 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 Elounda is a small town, youll still find plenty of choices when it comes to dining out. The water is just as clear and warm and the views across to Spinalonga are amazing. Youll get to see some traditional villages and there are many opportunities to get some fabulous photographs from high in the hills. The holiday season is complete, the winter has settled in, and the new year is upon us! Elounda village is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
The harbour area is particularly nice for walking and if you follow it around, youll come to the marina. Wander around Fourni VillageCrete is known for itscharming villagesand Fourni is definitely one of them! Its a casual cafe-style restaurant which serves mainly breakfast and lunch.
It is a historical site and primarily remembered because it was the location of all those with leprosy from Crete were quarantined. Do you know if there will be enough open in and around Elounda or will it be mostly closed at this time? 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. If youre planning on travelling to Greece, then consider adding this hidden gem to your itinerary. A great experience and one of the top things to do in Agios Nikolaos is to join this tasty food tour. Images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.com. Enjoy the rides and games at Star Beach Water Park and see why people love this theme park in Hersonissos Centre. For a shorter crossing to the island, head to the nearby village of Plaka. 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. It was also used as a leper colony. It costs 10 Euros per person or 5 Euros for children. 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. - MHTE GR65465498713.
"Start discovering the fascinating destination you have chosen". You can now visit Spinalonga for yourself by taking a boat across from the main island. Here you can spend the day relaxing under a straw umbrella or floating in the blue water. However, you really should try some of their Greek Cypriot dishes chicken gyros, moussaka or souvlaki. Access exclusive deals, only with the Travelocity app. If youre feeling a bit more energetic,sign up for some of the watersport activities. However, over time, the water levels rose and it became an island 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. The only congestion youll run into here may be an adorable donkey or two trotting through its narrow alleyways lined with souvenir shops and traditional little cafes, in a place that seems to have appeared right out of a postcard. Learn about the local history of Elounda when you take a trip to Alykes of Elounda. Elounda is a perfect place to do things like snorkel, scuba dive, wakeboard, water ski, and more.
Learn how to make money on the road, so you can travel forever. If you want a change of pace, consider engaging in some water sports! Of course, not everyone wants to relax all day every day and some people like to strike a neat balance between energy and chill. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its lively bars. Its a mix of pebbles and sand here but enough sand to make it comfortable underfoot. Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. 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. This is a lovely area for walking. Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. Welcome, traveler, to Elounda. For example, if we stay in Elounda, can we easily go somewhere to spend our evening and return to the hotel? 9.
Kanali specialises in seafood and the lobster pasta gets rave reviews. Make a day of it and check out the beautiful beaches around Plaka and browse the souvenir shops around the harbour. During the day you can enjoy some fresh sea air on the deck or relax in one of the bars or lounges. Here are some things you can do in or near Elounda, Crete during your visit: Spinalonga, or Kalydon,is a small island off the coast of Crete by Elounda that has an interesting past. Explore thousands of activities, attractions and tours with free cancellation and no added fees. 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. Written by GreekBoston.com in About Crete Greece, About Elounda, Greece, Greek Travel Guide Although most visitors seem to stick to the main pathway at the bottom, the upper levels are accessible if you dont mind scrambling up a few slopes and rocky steps. No visit to Crete would be complete without a visit to the famous Minoan ruins of Knossos. This was one of our favourites while we were in Elounda village. 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! The views are absolutely spectacular. Wander the beautiful beaches in this quaint area. From Elounda, the boat ride is around 20 minutes, but if you wish to go from Plaka, it should only take seven minutes. Find out more about this highly rated experience here. As well as Kolokitha beach theres a number of smaller inlets nearby as well. For those without transport, there is a small tourist train which makes the trip several times a day and there is a public bus although it only runs a few times a day. Kanali restaurant has a unique setting just across the peninsula near the sunken city of Olous and the windmills. Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Elounda? Olous was an ancient Greek city from the Minoan age. 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. Its a gorgeous vegetarian starter and a local delicacy.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'travelbelles_com-box-4','ezslot_2',141,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-travelbelles_com-box-4-0')}; In terms of main courses, you are in for a treat. 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. Theres also a car park near the main harbour area. The tour costs 18 Euros per person. Choose to travel during the day or overnight from Piraeus to Heraklion Port. If youre looking for somewhere special with a tranquil atmosphere and great food then this is the place for you. Boats from both locations start from around 10 am and run at regular intervals all day until around 4 4:40 pm. We stayed here for 7 nights and its a beautiful family-run apartment complex. 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.
Its both fascinating and rather sad, especially if youve read Hislops book. Youll find Ellis Place on the main beach road in Elounda. Although its busier in July when they hold a music festival in honour of a local musician, Mikalis Papadakis. The leper colony on Spinalonga was closed in 1957, some years after a cure was found for the terrible disease. What tickles your fancy? Youll often have the cove to yourself. The island is a former leper colony. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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! However, settlements have existed on this site since the Neolithic period, around 7000-9000 BC, so its an exceptionally interesting place. Its casual dining at its best and youll enjoy top-class service as well as delicious food. At Travel Belles, we believe travel has the power to transform by discovering the world we broaden our hearts, minds and consciousness. I could have spent my entire week just gazing out to sea this is one of the most relaxingplaces to visit in Greece. We suggest booking in advance.Select from 2 top choices. Keep walking and cross the small stone bridge and youll come to the Kolokytha Peninsula. The journey takes between 5 and 8 hours and nothing quite beats waking up in the morning as you sail into a new port. Oenology is a great part of Cretan culture and it all starts from the vineyard! Comments Off on Top Things to Do When Visiting Elounda on Crete. 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! Enjoy flexibility with your travel dates and modify your booking, up to 14 days before arrival, without an extra charge. You may also like:Discovering Zorbas Beach in Greece. This means that when you visit, youll need to choose your activities wisely! The book tells the story of the Fielding family which is caught up in the drama of leprosy and Spinalonga island. The earlier you book, the more you save with our Book With Confidence Rates! Wherever you choose, you can bathe in warm, crystal clear water as you gaze on some absolutely spectacular scenery. A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about?
They will arrange to meet you at the airport with your hire car.
The area surrounding Elounda has some interesting geographical features, as well. 3. Under a half-hour drive from the hotel, its nestled amongst verdant hills covered in olive trees; once you arrive youll quickly realise that its comprised of not one, but three settlements of quaint Venetian-style homes surrounded by acres of orchards and vineyards. Click here for the latest prices and reviews. For more on travelling Crete, see our complete travel guide to Crete, and the top things to do in Crete that you wont want to miss!
If you prefer, the usual European car hire companies are also located at Heraklion airport. Each room has a small kitchen area but the real appeal is the balcony or terrace facing across the bay. Taste Crete through its winesOne of the most quintessential things to do in Elounda and in all of Crete, is to taste the famed Cretan wines. 2. It makes it so much easier to get around. Much of it is difficult to see on land, though, but this is considered to be an excellent location for snorkeling. If you want to fly into Crete then the most convenient airport is Heraklion which is located on the north coast of the island. 6. You may also like:Athens Day Trip to Aegina Island. Walk up the small road/track to start with. You can take a fixed-price airport taxi for 75 Euros from the stand outside arrivals. Eat in Eloundas picture perfect harbour, 4. The site opens at 8 am and in summer is open as late as 8 pm. Elounda has some of Cretes most beautiful beaches, which means that when you visit here, youll want to find time to enjoy at least one. Its interesting to view some of the historical buildings in the city, such as the fortress walls, which currently stand only a few inches above the sea. So, without further ado, here is our list of the best things to do in Elounda, Crete. You can take a four-hour trip from Elounda into the Cretan countryside. If you love the water, youll be delighted with the crystal clear sea here on the Eastern Cretan coast.
Thank you so muchEzgi. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. 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. Youll be travelling for over 3 hours so its not an option Id recommend. We stayed in Elounda for 7 nights and although its a low-key place, we found plenty of things to do. If you ask locals where to eat in Elounda this is where theyll send you. Expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring, more if youre particularly fascinated by history. However, if youre looking for something more active, youll find plenty of opportunities as well. Required fields are marked *. From Agios Nikolaus, its a further 30-minute bus ride to Elounda.
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. A guide brings Knossos to life! Take a stroll among these ruins before enjoying a picnic on its isolated beach. Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket 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! 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. Youll love Elounda if youre looking for a traditional Greek resort which isnt too crowded or commercialized. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in this quaint area. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to earn money and travel in a financially sustainable way. We found this amazing little beach while walking on the Elounda peninsula. Its an easy walk, uphill in parts but not strenuous if youre reasonably fit.
Plaka beach was originally a nudist beach, but is now one of the most popular in Crete.
Youll enjoy it more if you visit early or late as the ruins are not covered and are thus fully exposed to the sun. 5. If youre keen on finding the ruins below the water, take your snorkel gear. Dont miss their traditional Greek salad. Are you looking for a fun way to tour the surrounding area? They fit right in with the fishing village heritage and culture and arent in one bit overstated or obviously touristy. You can reach Agios Nikolaos in just a few minutes by car and we had no problem finding on-street parking. Youll really need a car to get here from Elounda and I advise that you arrive early as (free) parking is limited and it gets very busy. Its actually a terrific read so if youre looking for some holiday reading during your stay in Crete, I highly recommend it. Update, sadly, this place has now closed. You have several options for getting to Elounda. Should you require more information, please contact us at reservations@eloundavillas.com, Mesa Pigadakia,Schisma Eloundas,Elounda, Crete,72053 Greece, 2022 ELOUNDA GULF VILLAS. CST# 2056372-50. However, if youre just planning a week of relaxation in the resort and on the beach then youll be able to walk everywhere. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here. The Happy Train tours are a great option. In summer there may be up to 4 journeys per day. With us, memorable hospitality aligns with all the hygiene protocols for your health and safety. 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. If youd like to go further there are a number of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded beaches. (Istanbul ), Hi, My fianc and I plan to spend time in Crete for our honeymoon in August but we cannot decide which area to stay in. Continue further south of the resort and youll come to the Sunken City of Olous. Find Ellis Place on google maps. How? 1. You also get a birds-eye view of the settlement of Spinalonga. Youll rediscover a slower pace of life here and youre sure to be sorry when it comes time to leave. The El Greco Museum is the ideal introduction to his life and work, with a collection of true copies of his most astonishing pieces on display here, just under an hour and a half from Elounda Gulf Villas by car. Wear sensible shoes for walking and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you.
Lunch is not included but the train does make a stop at a local taverna where you can purchase food and drink. Great for couples as its an adults-only facility. Of course, Crete is an island and you could choose to arrive by boat instead. 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. Join in and write your own page! If youre with a young family or are just about living the quiet life, the night time scene in Elounda is perfect for you. How? 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.
Inspiring Adventurous Women Since 2010! At 25 Euros per person, its a cheaper alternative if there are only 1 or 2 of you in your group. Here are some of the best things to do in Elounda, Crete: Probably the first thing youll want to do when you arrive in Elounda is to take a walk around the central town. Moreover, the view across the bay is spectacular. The saltwater collects in the squares and when the water evaporates, salt is left in the bottom. During the Venetian occupation of Crete, the area was commonly used to harvest salt. 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. You can book this via the Easyjet website even if youre not flying with them.
Indulge yourself by booking a junior suite which has its own private pool. The infamous archaeological site of Spinalonga also stands tall on Kalydon. 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. Visit a county fair and let childhood memories wash over you as cotton candy melts in your mouth. From the caretta caretta turtle to stingrays and sharks, all manner of creatures of the deep reside here, in this peaceful haven of marine life thats housed at a distance of under an hour from Elounda Gulf Villas. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery. The train departs from Elounda at 12 pm and returns at 6 pm. Travelocity, the Stars Design, and The Roaming Gnome Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Travelscape LLC. Its past is connected with leprosy too as the fortress was a leper hospital for the first half of the 21st Century. 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. Walk along the harbour to the east and youll pass some of Eloundas popular tavernas before you come to the main beach. 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. For the kids, theres a playground and organised activities are available in the summer. Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more. Dont expect to see obvious ruins below the sea, although if you look carefully you can make out some of the ancient walls. Many of the buildings have already been restored but more work is currently underway. If you dont want to drive then the little blue train also goes this way, or its a short hop by taxi. 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! If you walk south along the harbour front, youll be rewarded with some of the towns more exclusive restaurants overlooking the bay. While in Elounda, Crete you wont want to miss these activities! I loved the authentic Greek feel of Elounda, the friendliness of the locals we met, and the generally relaxed atmosphere of the village. If youre looking for somewhere a bit special, another option for those who want to get away from it all is to stay at one of the luxury Elounda hotels on the road to Plaka. Is the wind whispering suggestions in your mind? Some of the most magical moments await in the sublime comforts of our villas and suites, and its our greatest privilege to make your stay with us totally one of a kind. Explore pretty streets and admire the stunning scenery. Travel Belles is a global community of women who share travel tips, stories and recommendations to inspire women to travel and explore the world. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here. The studio has been totally renovated and has a gorgous outdoor area with gazebo, table and chairs for lounging on.