A villa holiday in Elounda, Crete, is a fabulous choice. Elounda is known for its luxury and stunning scenery. The villas here are spacious and provide ultimate privacy. They are surrounded by lush gardens, creating a serene atmosphere. These villas come with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Elounda is a small, charming town with a lot to offer. It is located near the sea, providing breathtaking views. The town has a variety of shops and restaurants. You can explore local crafts and taste Cretan cuisine.

The harbor in Elounda is a beautiful spot. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls. The calm waters and scenic surroundings are captivating. You will find plenty of cafes and tavernas here. They are great spots to relax and enjoy the view.

Elounda’s beaches are simply stunning. There are options for everyone, from lively beaches to quiet, secluded spots. The water is crystal clear, inviting you to swim and enjoy other water activities.

Places of interest and activities you can enjoy when going on a villa holiday in Elounda:

Main Attractions & Historical Sites:

Spinalonga Island: This is arguably the most famous attraction in the area. A short boat trip from Elounda (or nearby Plaka) takes you to this small island, once a Venetian fortress and later (until the mid-20th century) a leper colony. Its rich and poignant history, along with the well-preserved Venetian fortifications, make it a fascinating visit. Victoria Hislop’s novel “The Island” brought even more fame to the site.

The Sunken City of Olous: Located beneath the shallow waters connecting Elounda to the Kolokitha peninsula, the ancient city of Olous was a significant Minoan and Roman settlement. You can see remnants of buildings and walls just below the surface, especially on calm days, from a glass-bottom boat or by snorkeling. There are also visible salt pans from the ancient city.

Kolokitha Peninsula: This peninsula forms a natural barrier protecting Elounda’s bay. It’s a beautiful area for walking and exploring, leading to:

Elounda Village Square & Harbour: Enjoy the charming atmosphere of Elounda’s fishing village roots. Stroll around the square, along the harbor, and explore the quaint shops, cafes, and tavernas. It retains a more traditional feel compared to the exclusive resorts.

Hiking: The area around Elounda offers some scenic hiking opportunities, including:

Kolokitha Peninsula Walk: A relatively easy walk around the peninsula, offering fantastic views of Mirabello Bay and passing ancient salt pans and small churches.

Oxa Peak: For a more challenging hike, climb to the highest peak in Elounda (Oxa) for panoramic views of the entire region.

Richtis Gorge: A significant gorge in the wider Lasithi region, known for its lush vegetation, old watermills, and a beautiful waterfall. Day trips are often organized.

Jeep Safaris: Explore the rugged inland areas of eastern Crete, including traditional villages, mountains, and sometimes gorges, with organized jeep tours. Some even offer sunset experiences.

Cycling: Rent bicycles to explore the local roads and trails around Elounda, offering a more active way to see the scenery.

Agios Nikolaos (Approx. 10-15 minutes’ drive): A charming and lively town known for its unique “bottomless” Voulismeni Lake in the centre, which is connected to the sea. Enjoy shopping, dining, strolling around the lake and harbour, and experiencing a more vibrant atmosphere.

Plaka Village: A smaller, picturesque fishing village just a few kilometres north of Elounda, directly opposite Spinalonga. It offers a more tranquil setting with excellent seafood tavernas and stunning views of the island. Many boat trips to Spinalonga depart from here.

Olive Oil Farms: Visit a local olive oil farm (like Spiridi Olive Oil Farm) to learn about the production process and sample some of Crete’s famous olive oil.

Knossos Palace (near Heraklion – approx. 1 hour drive): The most important archaeological site in Crete, the centre of Minoan civilization.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum (in Heraklion – approx. 1 hour drive): Houses the vast majority of artifacts found at Knossos and other Minoan sites, essential for understanding the Minoan civilization.

Lasithi Plateau: Explore the unique plateau with its traditional windmills (though fewer than in the past) and charming villages.

Kritsa Village: A traditional village known for its weaving, traditional architecture, and the nearby Panagia Kera church with impressive Byzantine frescoes.

Restaurants in and around Elounda which are worth a visit:

Lotus Eaters:

Specialties: A highly-regarded restaurant right on the seafront. Known for its quality Greek and Mediterranean dishes using locally sourced products. Highlights include slow-roasted organic lamb marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, thyme, and oregano, and fresh grilled fish (sea bream, sea bass) with traditional lemon dressing. Their shrimp saganaki and cheese saganaki are also frequently praised. They emphasize fresh vegetables and fruits sourced from local markets.

Moon-Spinners:

Specialties: A popular choice for good food. Reviewers often rave about their risotto and lamb dishes that “melt in your mouth.” Offers a blend of Greek and Mediterranean flavours.

Kanali (Fish Taverna):

Specialties: Located right by the sea, near the sunken city of Olous. Specializes in fresh fish and seafood. Their seafood platter for two is often highlighted, abundant with calamari, mussels, grilled prawns, fried sardines, whole sea bream, and thick grilled octopus tentacles. They pride themselves on very fresh, simply but perfectly cooked fish.

The Olondi:

Specialties: A traditional restaurant established in 1990, located just steps from the sea. Known for its sumptuous fish platters and a blend of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Vritomartes Restaurant Tavern:

Specialties: Situated right at the harbour of Elounda, giving diners the feeling of being on a boat. Offers a rich menu of traditional Greek and Cretan dishes. Known for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere, often with live music.

Marilena Restaurant:

Specialties: A cosy, family-owned spot since 1977, serving delicious Greek and Cypriot cuisine. Don’t miss their signature Psarosoupa Marilena (fish soup), and their Salata Thalassinon (Mediterranean seafood salad) with octopus, squid, mussels, tuna, and prawns. They also offer classic Greek meze and local specialties.

Ōkeanís Bistro:

Specialties: A popular restaurant known for serving traditional Cretan food with a modern twist. Their beef stifado is highly recommended, as are their pasta dishes and tender grilled octopus. Classic moussaka is also a staple.

The Hope / To Rakadiko Tou Kamari:

Specialties: Located a short drive from Elounda in the village of Mavrikiano, offering local delicacies with beautiful views of Mirabello Bay. Excellent for grilled meats, including melt-in-your-mouth lamb chops, and a good selection of traditional Cretan meze.

Paradisos Traditional Taverna:

Specialties: A family-run business since 1965, away from the noise of the centre, next to ancient Olous. Offers a variety of meat, fresh fish, and seafood, with countless traditional starters. They emphasise cooked Cretan food prepared daily using pure, local ingredients from their own garden, including Moussaka, Lamb Kleftiko, Stifado, and Kokkinisto (tomato beef stew).

In Plaka Village (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive from Elounda):

Taverna Spinalonga:

Specialties: Located directly opposite Spinalonga Island, offering breathtaking views. Serves delicious seafood and pasta dishes, as well as Cretan starters like dakos, cheese and spinach kalitsounia pies (deep-fried in olive oil), and kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters). Excellent fresh fish.

Ocean Restaurant:

Specialties: An elegant venue by the sea in Plaka, offering a unique combination of Cretan traditional and innovative flavours. Known for delicious seafood, especially their octopus. Has a great wine list.

Details correct as at 15/03/2025. These restaurants are neither endorsed nor recommended by Villa Select

The best beaches to visit in and around Elounda:

Elounda Main Beach:

Type: Well-organized, sandy beach with shallow, calm, crystal-clear waters. Often awarded Blue Flag status.
Amenities: Sunbeds and parasols for rent, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards (during the summer), numerous beach bars, tavernas, and restaurants directly on or very close to the beach. Easy access to Elounda town’s facilities.
Facilities: Excellent swimming conditions, very family-friendly due to the shallow waters.

Nearby Beaches (Within 20 minutes’ drive):

Plaka Beach (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive):

Type: A smaller, picturesque beach, mostly pebbly, located directly opposite Spinalonga Island. Known for its clear waters and excellent seafood tavernas.
Amenities: Sunbeds and umbrellas are available. Tavernas line the beach.
Facilities: Boat trips to Spinalonga depart from here. Great views of the island. Good for swimming and enjoying a meal with a view.

Almyros Beach (Approx. 5-10 minutes drive):

Type: Sandy beach with shallow waters, located in a sheltered bay.
Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and some beach bars/tavernas.
Facilities: Good for families with children due to the calm waters.

Spinalonga Beach / Kolokitha Beach (Accessed by boat or a walk from Elounda):

Type: A beautiful, secluded sandy beach with turquoise waters, located on the Kolokitha peninsula.
Amenities: Limited amenities. Some boat trips might provide basic facilities. It’s best to bring your own supplies.
Facilities: A more natural setting. Excellent for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.

Pori Beach (Approx. 10-15 minutes drive):

Type: A small, sheltered sandy cove with shallow, calm waters.
Amenities: Limited; a few tavernas nearby.
Facilities: A more tranquil and secluded option. Good for swimming.

Agios Nikolaos Town Beach (Various beaches near Agios Nikolaos, approx. 10-15 minutes drive):

Type: A mix of sandy and pebbly beaches.
Amenities: Varies depending on the specific beach. Organised beaches offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and access to the town’s facilities.
Facilities: Access to the amenities of Agios Nikolaos town, including shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Voulisma Beach / Golden Beach (Near Istron, approx. 15-20 minutes drive):

Type: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete, with fine golden sand and shallow turquoise waters.
Amenities: Well-organised with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and a few tavernas.
Facilities: Excellent for swimming and sunbathing.

Pachia Ammos (Near Agios Nikolaos, approx. 15-20 minutes drive):

Type: A larger sandy beach.
Amenities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, and some tavernas.
Facilities: Good for swimming and water sports.