Youll get to see some traditional villages and there are many opportunities to get some fabulous photographs from high in the hills. 5. As well as traditional Greek dishes such as gyros and moussaka, Ellis also serves everything from sandwiches and ice cream to full English breakfasts. Find out more about this highly rated experience here. Theres also a car park near the main harbour area. Boats from both locations start from around 10 am and run at regular intervals all day until around 4 4:40 pm. Its about an hours drive to Elounda so if you prefer not to drive yourself you can take a taxi. 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. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here. 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. However, if the budget is tight it is a very cheap alternative at 9 Euros. If you like walking, then head south from Elounda harbour and youll come to the saltpans on your right. We suggest booking in advance.Select from 2 top choices. 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. The area surrounding Elounda has some interesting geographical features, as well. Oenology is a great part of Cretan culture and it all starts from the vineyard! 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. Simply click here to return to. The studio has been totally renovated and has a gorgous outdoor area with gazebo, table and chairs for lounging on. Walk through the archway and youll emerge into a world of narrow lanes and coloured houses. The holiday season is complete, the winter has settled in, and the new year is upon us! Many of the buildings have already been restored but more work is currently underway. After booking your dream vacation in Elounda, you get to daydream about all the amazing things to do in Elounda Crete. Agios Nicolaos is just a fifteen minute taxi ride away from Elounda and the evening scene becomes a nightlife scene. As you cross the bridge, youll see the first windmill. Come join us on our adventures. Explore pretty streets and admire the stunning scenery. 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. I recommend a guide for sure, otherwise you wont really know what youre looking at. Youll find at least a couple of car hire agencies in the centre of Elounda who can help you out. If youd like to go further there are a number of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded beaches. 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. However, settlements have existed on this site since the Neolithic period, around 7000-9000 BC, so its an exceptionally interesting place. Required fields are marked *. Inspiring Adventurous Women Since 2010! British Airways and Easyjet have daily non-stop scheduled flights from the UK and TUI offers charter flights. Each room has a kitchenette with a dining area and a patio or balcony. 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! Keep walking and cross the small stone bridge and youll come to the Kolokytha Peninsula. We like to get out and about exploring but if you like to spend a lot of time on the beach then you could stay longer. Everyone on the same page.
You may also like:Athens Day Trip to Aegina Island. This was one of our favourites while we were in Elounda village. How? The area stands out as a home to a handful of centuries-old monasteries some dating back to the 1500s. Olous was an ancient Greek city from the Minoan age. Find Cypriana on Google Maps here. 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. Where Can I Take the Best Sunset Photos in Santorini. Enjoy!You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram: @lxurenwhite. Dive into Voulisma BeachA Cretan beach thats reminiscent of an exotic paradise, Voulisma Beach is a cove of golden sands and blue-green waters thats family friendly and located about 20 minutes away from the hotel. Of course, theres always the option to hire a car for the day. If youre looking for a place to rent with incredible views of the sea and Spinalonga island. The Happy Train tours are a great option. We stayed in Elounda for 7 nights and although its a low-key place, we found plenty of things to do. If you love the water, youll be delighted with the crystal clear sea here on the Eastern Cretan coast. If you dont want to drive then the little blue train also goes this way, or its a short hop by taxi. If you ask locals where to eat in Elounda this is where theyll send you. by Ezgi
I could have spent my entire week just gazing out to sea this is one of the most relaxingplaces to visit in Greece. Up to 50% off. A quick walk into Plaka will being you to lots of authentic tavernas. Here, youll find the picturesque harbour with everything from traditional fishing boats to rowing boats. Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Elounda?
When you book your journey with Travelocity, youre never far from Elounda attractions. Youll not be wanting for things to do in Elounda. 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. One of the best dishes to try when eating in Elounda is ntakos, a Greek bruschetta topped with tomato, feta cheese and olives. Elounda itself isnt very big and you can easily walk everywhere if you base yourself near the main beach or harbour. Find Okeanis on Google Maps here. 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. Now, the island is a top residence for tourists, who love exploring the pebbled beaches and old fortress that once housed Greeces lepers.
The journey takes between 5 and 8 hours and nothing quite beats waking up in the morning as you sail into a new port. 7. Look carefully into the water and youll see stone squares. An ingenious system. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area. Could you please recommend us an area for Crete where we can stay in a good hotel and also spend a good time out side of the hotel like tavernas, or pubs?Lastly, is it easy to travel from somewhere to another location? Its amazing. Spinalongais just minutes off the coast of Crete, perfect to be discovered by traditional caique,yacht or sailboat. Here youll find extensive archaeological excavations of the palace which date back to around 2AD. All rights reserved. The harbour area is particularly nice for walking and if you follow it around, youll come to the marina. You may also like:Discovering Zorbas Beach in Greece. Find out about the history of Elounda when you spend time at Elounda Windmills. Written by GreekBoston.com in About Crete Greece, About Elounda, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
Lunch is not included but the train does make a stop at a local taverna where you can purchase food and drink. 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. The tour costs 18 Euros per person. It is also possible to reach Elounda by public bus but its not easy. 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. Your best bet is to hire a guide to help you find all the best spots. Somewhere near the church, this track ends but you can see the other coastline from here so keep walking along the trails towards it.
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. One of the highlights of our trip to Crete was a visit to Spinalonga. You may also like:The Street Food of Athens, Greece. Youll enjoy it more if you visit early or late as the ruins are not covered and are thus fully exposed to the sun. 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. Id recommend making the trip up for some fabulous views back across the bay to Plaka and Elounda. You can reach Agios Nikolaos in just a few minutes by car and we had no problem finding on-street parking. This means that when you visit, youll need to choose your activities wisely! "Start discovering the fascinating destination you have chosen". Workers balance on the low stone walls to scrape the salt from the bottom of the squares. If you dont have a car then its a fabulous way to get out and about and see more of the stunning Cretan landscape. Wear sensible shoes for walking and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. 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. Maria & Vangelis - Unique Handmade Creations, A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences, Choose from the best hotels and activities. Wander the seaside and beautiful beaches in this quaint area. Eat in Eloundas picture perfect harbour, 4. Walk up the small road/track to start with. 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! However, you really should try some of their Greek Cypriot dishes chicken gyros, moussaka or souvlaki. Click here for the latest prices and reviews. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. The island is a former leper colony. 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. It makes it so much easier to get around. While some of the larger beaches are popular its also possible to find small stretches of almost uninhabited coastline. Simply click here to return to Crete Honeymoon.
Make a day of it and check out the beautiful beaches around Plaka and browse the souvenir shops around the harbour. Of course, not everyone wants to relax all day every day and some people like to strike a neat balance between energy and chill. At 25 Euros per person, its a cheaper alternative if there are only 1 or 2 of you in your group. 4. There was a time when Spinalonga actually wasnt a separate island it was attached to Crete. Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. 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.
All rights reserved. Youll rediscover a slower pace of life here and youre sure to be sorry when it comes time to leave. Access exclusive deals, only with the Travelocity app. Sometimes people confuse these with the sunken ruins of Oleus but theyre actually salt pans. Another alternative is the shuttle bus. 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. Ferries depart daily from Piraeus port near Athens. Every couple is different, and we want to help you celebrate love in the perfect way for you! Youll find plenty of restaurants to choose from along the harbour and Plakas fish restaurants are particularly popular. It is not too far a distance from the lagoon ofElounda. Are you looking for a fun way to tour the surrounding area? 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! During the Venetian occupation of Crete, the area was commonly used to harvest salt.
As well as this, there are lots of different taverns to eat in along the coastline if youre spending the day there. A garden view room starts from around $155 a night in September for half board, or book all-inclusive from $215 a night. Learn more here. All the rooms have balconies and you can choose whether yours faces the mountains or the landscaped pool area. Rent a car and take it out beyond city limits and into the wild blue yonder. Travelocity, the Stars Design, and The Roaming Gnome Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Travelscape LLC. The earlier you book, the more you save with our Book With Confidence Rates! Sufferers from Crete (and sometimes mainland Greece) were forcibly relocated to the island in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. Walk along the harbour to the east and youll pass some of Eloundas popular tavernas before you come to the main beach. Wander the beautiful beaches in this quaint area. Its actually a terrific read so if youre looking for some holiday reading during your stay in Crete, I highly recommend it. Much of it is difficult to see on land, though, but this is considered to be an excellent location for snorkeling. Travelbelles.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Learn how to make money on the road, so you can travel forever. Are you tired of sitting at the beach and lounging in the sun? Its a casual cafe-style restaurant which serves mainly breakfast and lunch. 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! Expect to pay from around $80 a night. Click here to learn more. The saltwater collects in the squares and when the water evaporates, salt is left in the bottom. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your choices are endlessand so are the adventures to come. Right in the centre of the resort is the Blue Flag-rated Elounda Beach. Wander the waterfront in this family-friendly area. Click here to learn more. Spinalonga Island - Ag Nikolaus - Elounda Bay - Private Tour. We found this amazing little beach while walking on the Elounda peninsula.
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. 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. 8. 3. For a shorter crossing to the island, head to the nearby village of Plaka. Each room has a small kitchen area but the real appeal is the balcony or terrace facing across the bay. At Elounda Blu, you can enjoy a private beach with watersports available or take advantage of some of the many activities offered at the hotel, for instance, wine tasting, cooking classes and aerobics. Youll often have the cove to yourself. Choose to travel during the day or overnight from Piraeus to Heraklion Port. Spend time exploring this traditional Greek village, sample the local foods and chill with a beer or a glass of the local Raki. 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. Okeanis specialises in local Greek and Mediterranean dishes and they have quite an extensive menu. At Travel Belles, we believe travel has the power to transform by discovering the world we broaden our hearts, minds and consciousness. Youll find Ellis Place on the main beach road in Elounda. Its a mix of pebbles and sand here but enough sand to make it comfortable underfoot. 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. Welcome, traveler, to Elounda. No visit to Crete would be complete without a visit to the famous Minoan ruins of Knossos. If youre with a young family or are just about living the quiet life, the night time scene in Elounda is perfect for you. You can call them on +30 2841 042075 to check specific hours and make reservations. 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. 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. Renowned as the location of the mythical labyrinth, Knossos Palace is just south of Heraklion. Learn its streets. Kanali is open for lunch and dinner. Youll be travelling for over 3 hours so its not an option Id recommend. However, they also have several vegetarian choices and a selection of gluten-free options as well. Update, sadly, this place has now closed. 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. The Vikos Gorge is one of the most spectacular sights on earth. Take a stroll among these ruins before enjoying a picnic on its isolated beach. You also get a birds-eye view of the settlement of Spinalonga. Elounda really is the perfect holiday destination for those who love a bit of history, natural beauty and complete freedom. If you want a change of pace, consider engaging in some water sports! However, that doesnt mean theres nothing to do here.
Get your skip-the-line and guided tour ticket here. Your email address will not be published. So, without further ado, here is our list of the best things to do in Elounda, Crete. Plaka is also a good starting point for a visit to Spinalonga Island as the boat trip is only 10 minutes from here. 6. Its both fascinating and rather sad, especially if youve read Hislops book. You have several options for getting to Elounda. Kanali specialises in seafood and the lobster pasta gets rave reviews. Do you know if there will be enough open in and around Elounda or will it be mostly closed at this time? Wander around Fourni VillageCrete is known for itscharming villagesand Fourni is definitely one of them! Enjoy flexibility with your travel dates and modify your booking, up to 14 days before arrival, without an extra charge. Its a pleasant trip and youll get to see more of the coast as you cruise across. Learn about the local history of Elounda when you take a trip to Alykes of Elounda. 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. Simply take in the luxuriant joys of your Villa or Suite! Although quite infamous locally, Spinalonga was made famous by the publication of Victoria Hislops novel, The Island. Comments Off on Top Things to Do When Visiting Elounda on Crete. Id recommend hiring a car if youre staying in Elounda.
Its worth it though for the luxury of sunbathing and swimming in your own stretch of the bay. You can take a four-hour trip from Elounda into the Cretan countryside. Elounda Gulf Villas is committed to responsible luxury. Expect to pay around 25-30 Euros for a half-day cruise with stops for swimming and snorkelling, including lunch. Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. They will arrange to meet you at the airport with your hire car. For tourists today, it makes for an interesting place to visit for a gentle coastal walk outside the main resort. Tourists in their thousands visit Kalydon each year and do so usually by boat from Elounda, Plaka orAgios Nikolaos. 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. If youre driving, there are small parking spaces at intervals along the beach road.
The easiest way is to hire a car and drive yourself. As well as Kolokitha beach theres a number of smaller inlets nearby as well. 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. Part of the Sentido Hotels group, Sentido Elounda Blu is the choice for you if you desire pure luxury and relaxation. 2022 Travel Belles. From Agios Nikolaus, its a further 30-minute bus ride to Elounda. Rest assured. If you walk south along the harbour front, youll be rewarded with some of the towns more exclusive restaurants overlooking the bay. Is the resort isolated?
During the day you can enjoy some fresh sea air on the deck or relax in one of the bars or lounges. You really dont need to leave Elounda village, but it would be a shame not to get out and about and see a bit more of Eastern Crete. You can contact Okeanis on +30 2841 044404. Moreover, the view across the bay is spectacular. 1. Explore thousands of activities, attractions and tours with free cancellation and no added fees. Although Elounda is a small town, youll still find plenty of choices when it comes to dining out. 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. 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. You can take a fixed-price airport taxi for 75 Euros from the stand outside arrivals. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.
Find out more about us Goats and what we're all about. 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. Its a short 10-minute crossing from Plaka and costs 8 Euros per person. While in Elounda, Crete you wont want to miss these activities! Navigate the CRETquariumOne of the most exciting things to do around Elounda, Crete that is absolutely perfect for families. Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. The water is just as clear and warm and the views across to Spinalonga are amazing. There are three stone windmills here, built to take advantage of the wind on this part of the peninsula. We also participate in other affiliate programs.
One of the most unique is Oulos, which is also referred to as the Sunken City. At one time, the city was well above sea level, but this is no longer the case. 3. Explore the great outdoors at Lake Voulismeni, a lovely green space in Agios Nikolaos Town. Plaka beach was originally a nudist beach, but is now one of the most popular in Crete.
It is a historical site and primarily remembered because it was the location of all those with leprosy from Crete were quarantined. 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/. Its past is connected with leprosy too as the fortress was a leper hospital for the first half of the 21st Century. If youre a beach lover then youve come to the right place. 2006 - 2022 We-Love-Crete.com All Rights Reserved. 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. Find Kanali Restaurant on Google Maps here. Wherever you choose, you can bathe in warm, crystal clear water as you gaze on some absolutely spectacular scenery. 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. Hidden away on the eastern coast of Crete, Elounda is a pretty fishing village which is the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside getaway. Christian Basilica Poros Elounda Vacations, Cancel your hotel or vacation rental booking. Kanali restaurant has a unique setting just across the peninsula near the sunken city of Olous and the windmills.
Sail to the evocative Spinalonga One of the most favoured things to do in Elounda is to visit the nearby islet that has a poignant story to tell. Manyof the adventuring companies in the area have packages for beginners, as well. Once on the island of Spinalonga, you need to buy an entrance ticket at the small kiosk for 8 Euros. This takes around 75 minutes. What tickles your fancy? You can book this via the Easyjet website even if youre not flying with them. A great experience and one of the top things to do in Agios Nikolaos is to join this tasty food tour. 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.
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