Elounda Beach

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Crete, Greece

Elounda Beach is one of the prettiest, cleanest beaches in Crete.

Elounda is a well protected bay, sitting behind the Kolokytha Peninsula and Spinalonga Island, 10 km from Agios Nikolaos on the north coast of eastern Crete. Protected by Cape Agios Ioannis and Kalydon Island, the waters are tranquil and calm.

This bay has become famous for the many luxury resorts dotted along the water's edge, and some high value properties. As a result, the beach facilities, although public, are very well maintained and the shopping, tavernas and boutiques are very stylish. There are buses every hour from Agios Nikolaos to this beach.

This is one of our favourite beaches in Crete, it is relaxed and idyllic, yet located in one of the most cosmopolitan and interesting villages of Crete - see more about Elounda Village here.

The beach is kept clean and environmentally sound, so that it has been awarded a Blue Flag. Floating like a mermaid is easy in these crisp waters!

It is not hard to imagine the Goddesses and sea nymphs swimming playfully here.

Wildlife abounds in the islets off the coast, and nearby cliff edges, where birds including Eleanora's Falcon, an endangered raptor, hunts and nests. Other birds found nearby are martins, swifts and eagles. The mountains hide ancient sites and turbulent histories of Kriti.

This bay reminds us that life is full of unexpected treasures.

Elounda Beach - Looking Around

Spinalonga Island, opposite Elounda

Looking around Elounda

Exploring around you will find:

Elounda Beach
Schisma Beach
Hiona Beach
Plaka Beach
Kolokitha Beach
Kalydon Island
Elounda isthmus and canal
The ancient underwater town of Olous
Spinalonga Island
Boating, diving, snorkelling and sailing
Agios Nikolaos town
Olive oil farm

Spinalonga Island intrigues visitors with its mixture of macabre, history and natural beauty. The island shares the turbulent history of Crete, and ruins are the only ones left to whisper the stories - a former leper colony now unused, this was previously a fort and was contested by many sea-faring powers including pirates, across the years.

Experience the region visit the island or inland gorges, take a long local lunch in the mountains, visit natural forests or sail on Mirabello Bay, tours may be taken from Elounda, Plaka or Agios Nikolaos.

Ancient Olous (above) lies under the sea in ruins. The city dates from Minoan times and thrived throughout the Dorian period with as many as 30,000 people living here on the low isthmus between Elounda Beach and the island of Kalydon.

Exposed above the water are beautiful mosaic floors showing details of goddesses and dolphins. The treasures from this site can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos and in the Louvre in Paris.

Today above the ground can also be seen the remains of windmills. To get to the ruins, walk to the east from the village centre for about 2 km.

Blue Door Restaurant at Blue Palace Resort overlooking Spinalonga Island

Where to Stay

Of the various accommodation options, we have a chosen options below in this up-market, cosmopolitan spot.

We include luxury, boutique, traditional and affordable accommodation options in Elounda for your choice.

We also suggest some very beautiful luxury villas nearby - including the Almond Tree Villa, which sleeps four comfortably, with two bathrooms, luxury styling, private pool and spa, this is a perfect lure to escape and relaxation.

Villa Venus - perched above the bay with magnificent views to the island of Spinalonga, this modern villa welcomes 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. Enjoy free parking and your own pool. Just 17 km from Agios Nikolaos and 6 km from Elounda.

Relax in tavernas and cafes just 600 metres from this villa in the charming hamlet of Plaka, which became famous in the novel 'The Island'.

Elounda Palm Hotel & Suites - a charming small hotel. 1.6 km to the beach, the village and restaurants and bars, this lovely hotel has a salt water pool, many different types of rooms, suites and bungalows to choose from, a wellness centre, and fresh Cretan cuisine served at the restaurant.

The Akti Olous Hotel is located directly on Elounda Beach. This adults only hotel is only 300m from the centre of the village.

Enjoy strolling along the seafront or dining at the Blue Sea restaurant over the water. Take in the views in comfort from the large rooftop pool, with a cool drink at the end of the day at the rooftop garden bar.

Dine with ambience tasting fresh seafood and Cretan cuisine over the twinkling waves.

You will receive a warm welcome at this family-run hotel.

The Blue Palace Elounda is a luxurious resort and spa located on Elounda Bay with views over to Spinalonga Island and Kalydon Peninsula. With extensive beaches, gardens, 7 restaurants, tennis courts, bars and spa featuring features indoor pools, 24 treatment rooms, 2 hammams, saunas and hot tubs, as well as a fitness centre.

The ultimate in romantic couples getaway, this location also lends itself to explorations of the island, being only 15 km to Agios Nikolaos, the capital of eastern Crete.

Experiences

Visit the Island of Spinalonga by boat from Agios Nikolaos. Enjoy a swim and a BBQ as well as a visit to this island full of stories. This is an 5.5 hour half day experience.

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Boat Trip to Spinalonga from Plaka - boats leave the harbour of Plaka every 30 minutes in summer and very often in other seasons. Take a trip to Spinalonga or choose a boat trip to:

Chomatistra Bay
Fanari Light-Island
Spinalonga Island
Skirtra Bay
St. Fokas
Kolokitha Beach
Dianiskari Bay

Elounda Bay with her fishing boats and ferry boats

Boat Trip from Elounda to Spinalonga - choose to travel from Elounda with Elounda Boat Cooperative from the harbour in the centre of Elounda Village.

Trips to the historical island of Spinalonga with the Venetian Castle. Every 30 minutes from 9am to 5pm.
Fishing Trips including fishing from the boat with time for swimming. Soft drinks provided.
Mini Cruises from 10am to 2pm which include a visit to the island of Spinalonga, swimming at the sandy beach of Kolokitha and a visit to the sunken city of Olous.