Things To Do
Elounda
Hidden away on the eastern coast of Crete, Elounda is a pretty fishing village, and the perfect destination for a relaxing seaside getaway that isn't too commercialized or crowded. It's located about an 8 minute drive south of the Blue Palace resort. It's a larger town than the small town of Plaka which is located outside the resort. Probably the first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive in Elounda is to take a walk around the central town. Here, you’ll find the picturesque harbor with everything from traditional fishing boats to rowing boats. Walk along the harbor to the east and you’ll pass some of Elounda’s popular tavernas before you come to the main beach. If you walk south along the harbor front, you’ll be rewarded with some of the town’s more exclusive restaurants overlooking the bay.
Elounda Beach
Elounda has some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. Elounda Beach, Plaka Beach (pictured), and Kolakitha Beach are all worthwhile choices because they each have their own, unique scenery. Elounda Beach tends to have a quiet, family atmosphere. Although a lot of the smaller beaches in this area are pebbly, Elounda Beach is beautiful and sandy. Drive or walk from Elounda towards Plaka and you’ll pass several small, pebbly beaches. These quiet coves offer an alternative to the more crowded central beaches. Take your water shoes though, there’s no sand here and the pebbles are small and uncomfortable underfoot. To find Kolokitha Beach, pass the windmills, and walk up the small road/track. Somewhere near the church, this track ends but you can see the other coastline so keep walking along the trails towards it. It’s an easy walk, uphill in parts but not strenuous. It’s a mix of pebbles and sand but enough sand to make it comfortable underfoot.
Nisida Spinalonga
During the Venetian occupation of Crete, the area was commonly used to harvest salt. The island is a former leper colony. Sufferers from Crete (and sometimes mainland Greece) were forcibly relocated to the island in an attempt to stop the spread of the disease. Now, the island is a top residence for tourists, who love exploring the pebbled beaches and old fortress that once housed Greece’s lepers. You can see Spinalonga from the Blue Palace Resort. You can visit Spinalonga by taking a boat across from the main island. Boats leave regularly from Elounda harbour and take approximately 30 minutes to reach the boat dock at Spinalonga. It costs 10 Euros per person or 5 Euros for children. It’s a pleasant trip and you’ll get to see more of the coast as you cruise across. For a shorter crossing to the island (10 minutes, 8 euros), head to the nearby village of Plaka. There’s plenty of free parking in Plaka near to the boat docks which makes it an easy option if you have a car.
Olous Archaeological Site
The area surrounding Elounda has some interesting geographical features, as well. 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. It’s 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. Much of it is difficult to see on land, though, but this is considered to be an excellent location for snorkeling. This intriguing site can be reached by snorkelling or diving from the narrow strip of land that joins the mainland and Kolokytha peninsula, with access just south of Elounda.
Minos Boats - boat rental service
If you want a change of pace, consider engaging in some water sports! Elounda is a perfect place to do things like snorkel, scuba dive, wakeboard, water ski, and more. Your best bet is to hire a guide to help you find all the best spots. Many of the adventuring companies in the area have packages for beginners, as well.
Cretan Olive Oil Farm
Experience the way they were producing traditional Cretan products such as olive oil, wine, raki, pottery and traditional textiles in a unique environment. Cheese making, cooking, and olive oil making classes offered.
Visit the Windmills
If you like walking, then head south from Elounda harbour and you’ll come to the saltpans on your right. Look carefully into the water and you’ll see stone squares. Sometimes people confuse these with the sunken ruins of Oleus but they’re actually salt pans. The saltwater collects in the squares and when the water evaporates, salt is left in the bottom. Workers balance on the low stone walls to scrape the salt from the bottom of the squares. Keep walking and cross the small stone bridge and you’ll come to the Kolokytha Peninsula. As you cross the bridge, you’ll see the first windmill. Due to the shape of the landscape, the peninsula forms a breakwater which makes Elounda Bay so tranquil. There are three stone windmills here, built to take advantage of the wind on this part of the peninsula. This is a lovely area for walking. If you’d like to go further there are a number of trails which head up and over the hill to some uncrowded beaches.
Plaka
Plaka is a picturesque small village outside of the Blue Palace resort about 5km north of Elounda. If you’ve got a car, then it’s an easy drive along the coastal road from Elounda, and there’s plenty of parking available in Plaka just off the main road. For those without transport, there is a small tourist train which makes the trip several times a day and there is a public bus although it only runs a few times a day. You’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from along the harbor and Plaka’s fish restaurants are particularly popular. Plaka is also a good starting point for a visit to Spinalonga Island as the boat trip is only 10 minutes from here. Make a day of it and check out the beautiful beaches around Plaka and browse the souvenir shops around the harbor.
Ride the Little Blue Train
As well as providing a fun transport option between Elounda and Plaka, the little blue train also provides sightseeing tours. You can take a four-hour trip from Elounda into the Cretan countryside. You’ll get to see some traditional villages and there are many opportunities to get some fabulous photographs from high in the hills. 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. If you don’t have a car then it’s a fabulous way to get out and about and see more of the stunning Cretan landscape. The tour costs 18 Euros per person. The train departs from Elounda at 12 pm and returns at 6 pm. Lunch is not included but the train does make a stop at a local taverna where you can purchase food and drink.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is approximately 10km south of Elounda and is a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more lively for a day out. Here, you’ll find a bustling coastal town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars. The harbor area is particularly nice for walking and if you follow it around, you’ll come to the marina. You can reach Agios Nikolaos in just a few minutes by car and we had no problem finding on-street parking. There’s also a car park near the main harbor area. If you don’t want to drive then the little blue train also goes this way, or it’s a short hop by taxi. Quite a few people walk as well!
Knossos
No visit to Crete would be complete without a visit to the famous Minoan ruins of Knossos. Renowned as the location of the mythical labyrinth, Knossos Palace is just south of Heraklion. Here you’ll find extensive archaeological excavations of the palace which date back to around 2AD. However, settlements have existed on this site since the Neolithic period, around 7000-9000 BC. You’ll 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. Tickets to the archaeological site cost 15 Euros, and you can buy them at the entrance. If there’s a line it moves quickly. The site opens at 8 am and in summer is open as late as 8 pm. You’ll enjoy it more if you visit early or late as the ruins are fully exposed to the sun. Wear sensible shoes for walking and climbing up and down uneven steps and take water with you. Expect to spend at least 2 hours exploring, more if you’re particularly fascinated by history.
Places to Eat in Elounda
You’ll find Elli’s Place on the main beach road in Elounda. It’s a casual breakfast/lunch cafe-style restaurant. It’s famous for its chicken gyros and is very popular with nearby beachgoers. They serve traditional Greek dishes such as gyros and moussaka, as well as sandwiches, ice-cream, and full English breakfasts. Kanali restaurant has a unique setting just across the peninsula near the sunken city of Olous and the windmills. Good for a special night out. Kanali specializes in seafood and the lobster pasta. Okeanis is located just past Elounda Beach. If you ask locals where to eat in Elounda this is where they’ll send you. Casual dining specializing in local Greek and Mediterranean dishes and an extensive menu. Situated right in the center of Elounda, overlooking the beachfront, Cypriana Taverna offers a wide menu including breakfast, omelettes, pasta, pizza and sandwiches. Try some of their Greek Cypriot dishes — chicken gyros, moussaka or souvlaki.