Elounda holidays

Cretan cuisine prides itself on its fresh, home-grown ingredients with a great emphasis on healthy Mediterranean dishes. In fact, the island relies heavily on its land with over 500 varieties of greens and herbs being used in its salads and over 1.5 million olive trees. Although similar to the rest of the country, it’s safe to say Crete has its own way of doing things. Found on the hillside, you can’t come to Elounda without stopping by Hope. Once frequented by fisherman and housed inside a traditional stone building, this is the place to head if you want to try authentic cooking. Alternatively, Ergospasio is just as impressive with a location right by the water’s edge and a choice of delicious dishes, which include grilled octopus and slow-cooked lamb.

Whether you’re looking for Blue Flag beaches or pebbled bays, Elounda has a collection of shores perfect for relaxing. Its main stretch is 200 metres long and is adored for its sheltered location and delicate sand. Awarded for its cleanliness, the beach is in tip-top condition from its sparkling ripples to its well-maintained amenities. It also comes with organised watersports when you’re craving some adrenaline-fueled fun. Driros Beach, on the other hand, is a shingle meets sand number which sits close to Plaka. When you’re not admiring the stunning views of Elounda Bay and Spinalonga Island, its backing of pine trees gives it a cut-off feel. There isn’t a huge amount of facilities here apart from a scattering of sunloungers and a small cafe. For greater sunbathing options, you’ll also find a bunch of bays just outside Elounda.

Particularly popular for its beaches, Elounda is the kind of place where you can enjoy idle days relaxing by the ocean and taking leisurely lunches. In terms of things to do, there’s plenty of watersports to try out, while the lagoon is celebrated for its snorkel-friendly waters. Further afield you have the charms of Spinalonga Island and the coastal town of Agios Nikolaos.

Cross the water to Spinalonga Island: Step back in time with a trip to the deserted island Spinalonga, where a Venetian fortress has withstood the test of time and its dark history leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. It’s hard to believe that this barren land was used to quarantine lepers. There’s not a great deal going on here but walking among remains of houses and public buildings is fascinating, especially if you allow yourself to imagine what it was like all those years ago. With boats heading here every 20 minutes from Elounda’s harbour, it’s extremely accessible too.

Snorkel around the Sunken City of Olous: Did you know Elounda is also known for its geographical highlights? Olous, or as it is better known as the ‘Sunken City’ can be found sitting peacefully under the ocean’s surface. It is said that Olous was first destroyed by a volcanic eruption on Santorini and has since sunk due to erosion. You can often see its ancient remains from the land when the tide is low, with tourists often spotting the remains of alleyways. But when the water is calm we can’t recommend snorkelling enough! Dive deep below the waves and get a closer look at its detailed mosaic floor, which is among the best of its offerings.