Elounda Holidays
It may have plenty of life, but fun-packed Elounda is still not a million miles from the small fishing village it once was.
When it comes to 'wow' factor, the location of Elounda's harbour is right at the top of the scale. Set on a bay facing the dramatic Spinalonga Peninsula, joined to the mainland by a stick-thin causeway, it's pretty breathtaking stuff. It's fair to say that Elounda doesn't score the creme de la creme of marks for its beaches, but you'll find a shimmering sandy stretch to kick-back on. And with plenty of watersports facilities and seaside tavernas here, you don't have to move far for activities and eating. The swimming is good, and it perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving fans. If you're into people watching rather than underwater exploration, a good place to while away a couple of hours is Elounda's stylish harbour. Laced with lively bars and cafes, pull up a chair at whichever takes your fancy and enjoy the yin and yang of a sticky 'baklava' cake and Greek coffee. You're in a prime spot here to simply watch the world go by and watch the colourful fishing boats sailing into the marina. After dark, the harbour is a hive of activity, with oodles of places to eat and some pulsating discos where you can bop 'til you drop. Once you've been here, we're sure you'll agree, Elounda is the perfect recipe for the perfect holiday.
Holidays in Elounda are that magical mix of Greek island atmosphere, all mod-cons, plenty to do … and ample space to do nothing. A large and lively Cretan village, its main square is the hub of resort life, lined with shops and tavernas and looking out onto the little harbour. There are boat trips from here to haunting Spinalonga Island - just across the bay, and roads leading out to the fish tavernas of neighbouring Plaka or the bustling streets of Aghios Nicolaos, 12km away. Just beyond the square there's a sandy beach that's purpose built for sunbathing, and along the rocky shoreline are several pebble coves - perfect for crystal clear snorkelling. There are watersports centres at several hotels, so you can make the most of the briny. And everything comes in wrap-around stunning scenery.
With self-catering holiday complexes in and around the village, attractive A class hotels clinging to seafront slopes, and unadulterated luxury in several superb hotels - take a look at the Blue Palace Resort and Spa as a fantastic example - you'll find everything from top of the range to cheap holidays in Elounda. And if you're booking on the spur of the moment, there may well be last minute holiday bargains too.
Family-friendly hotels and tavernas, romantic venues ideal for couples, ample shops for leisurely browsing, and a good range of bars and eateries make Elounda a great all-rounder. It's one of our most popular Cretan resorts. Come on over … you'll soon see why.