Elounda is a fantastic destination for families or couples
looking for a relaxing seaside holiday.
This small town, on the northern coast of the island of
Crete, has a gorgeous waterfront with sandy beaches and clear seas.
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| A view of Elounda from The Mediterranean Cafe. |
There are lots of cafes and restaurants with peaceful sea views or great spots to enjoy some people watching. We tried The
Mediterranean Cafe which was great for crepes and snacks (see the view above taken from its outdoor seating area).
In the main square there are a few pleasant bars, but Elounda is not the best destination for those looking for a
vibrant nightlife. Rady's Bar was our favourite for cocktails and had friendly staff, music and a chilled-out atmosphere.
For more action, travel through to the town of Agios
Nikolaos which is just seven miles South. The town there has good tavernas and is
slightly livelier and more bustling.
The main attraction for visitors to Elounda is
Spinalonga Island which is easily accessed by boat. From 1913, it was used as a
leper colony for the whole of Greece. Those affected by leprosy were left there, far from friends
and families, yet only separated from the mainland by a narrow strip of water.
It wasn't until July 1957 that the last remaining sufferers
were relocated to a hospital near Athens. There is a small inner network of
run-down streets and houses on the island to explore and a sadness seems to cling to the
ghost-like village they left behind.
Elounda Beach is the prime location for sunbathing - a 200-metre
stretch with plenty of space, shaded areas and several showers. The seawater
appears a beautiful blue, turquoise shade and remains calm as the area is shielded
by peninsulas.
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| A sand and shingle beach further along from Elounda Beach. |
There are also a few pool bars close by – such as at Hotel
Manos - for those who prefer a dip in the pool. We would recommend wrapping up
any daytime activities before dusk and going to dinner in the early evening as
restaurants don’t stay open late.
Eateries in the area offer authentic Greek and Cretan food with fresh
fish and meat dishes being the most sought after. There are less options for vegetarians, but
most serve vegetable moussaka, made with eggplants or potatoes, that when cooked
well can offer a delicious flavour of Greece.
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| A vegetarian starter platter at Olondi Restaurant. |
Some of the restaurants along the waterfront get busy including
the Ferryman Taverna, Olondi Restaurant and Kalidon which has the added
attraction of a floating pontoon deck for diners.
However, our favourite restaurant was The Hope, which was a charming
retreat popular for its mezze tapas and meat dishes. It is in the ancient hamlet
of Mavrikiano above Elounda and a steep climb to reach. There are stunning views from
the terrace where fishermen once gathered to gauge the next day’s weather.
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| A view of a section of Elounda's promenade at night. |
Venues, such as Mam’s House Restaurant, offer Greek nights
where diners can enjoy a meal and entertainment with a friendly host and dancing. Peacocks Bar, an old-fashioned British pub, also offer some evening
entertainment with bingo and quiz nights as well as darts competitions and pool.
The Ariadne Restaurant and Pizzeria serve tasty pizzas and
offers a delivery service should you prefer a night in.
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| A cat cools off in the shade on a path leading to the main square and harbour in Elounda. |
We stayed a 10-minute walk from the main strip at the
Elounda Krini Hotel which is surrounded by mountains and overlooks the Sea of Crete. It was a comfortable stay as the hotel staff were friendly and the hotel was kept immaculate.
The pool was never too busy with enough loungers for everyone and a bar serving serving delicious fresh fruit juice.
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| View from balcony at the Elounda Krini Hotel. |
Due to the town’s beautiful scenery, many expensive, luxury hotels
and resorts have opened there, and many celebrities and politicians choose Elounda
for their vacations.
Getting there… Flights are available from Edinburgh to Heraklion
Airport in Crete. It is an hour’s drive to Elounda from the airport, so airport
transfers are required. There are public transport links to Agios Nikolaos and
then from there to Elounda.
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