On the island of Greece’s northeastern coast sits the beautiful town of Elounda Crete. It is a well-kept secret that offers breathtaking scenery, interesting landmarks, and unforgettable adventures. We’ll explore Elounda’s hidden gems and provide you all the information you require to make travel arrangements to this must-visit location in this post.
Getting to Elounda
About 12 kilometres to the north of the town of Agios Nikolaos, Elounda is situated on the northeastern coast of the island of Crete. Heraklion International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from Elounda, is the closest airport. To travel to Elounda from the airport, you can either take a cab or rent a car. You can also take a bus from the airport to Agios Nikolaos, where you can then take a taxi or another bus to Elounda.
Accommodations in Elounda
Elounda provides a selection of lodging options, from pricey hotels to opulent resorts. The Elounda Beach Hotel and Villas, the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, and the Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection are a few of the best hotels in Elounda. Several guesthouses and flats are available for rent if you’re seeking for something more reasonably priced.
Best Time to Visit Elounda
Elounda is at its most pleasant between May and October, when the weather is warm and sunny. You can take advantage of these months to go swimming in the pristine seas, visit the beaches, and indulge in the regional cuisine. However, if you want to travel when it’s less crowded, you might want to think about going between April and November.
Things to Do in Elounda
- Visit Spinalonga Island
One of Elounda’s top attractions is Spinalonga Island. The Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga, which was constructed on this little island in the sixteenth century to guard the bay from pirates, is located there. Up until 1957, the stronghold served as a leper colony. Visitors can now tour the fortress’s ruins and discover more about the past of the leper colony.
- Explore the Beaches of Elounda
Several stunning beaches in Elounda are great for swimming and sunbathing. The Plaka Beach, Hiona Beach, and Kolokitha Beach are a few of Elounda’s best beaches. The beaches offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and waters that are stunningly pure.
- Visit the Ancient City of Olous
Olous was a historic settlement that existed during the Minoan era. A devastating earthquake that occurred in the sixth century BC forced the city to descend into the sea, destroying it. The old city’s ruins are now submerged in the water, making it an exciting location for scuba divers.
- Take a Walk in the Village of Mavrikiano
A typical Cretan village called Mavrikiano may be found not far from Elounda’s town centre. It is a charming community with breathtaking views of the mountains and Mirabello Bay. Explore the village’s historic architecture on foot via its winding lanes, or get a snack or cup of coffee at one of the neighbourhood cafes.
- Indulge in the Local Cuisine
The delectable cuisine of Elounda is renowned for its use of fresh seafood, veggies, and herbs. Moussaka, stuffed squid, and grilled octopus are among of the foods you really must taste. You may also try some of the best olive oil in the world, which is produced locally.
Hidden Treasures of Elounda
There are many undiscovered gems in Elounda that are worth discovering. These consist of:
- The Kolokitha Peninsula
Just a short drive from Elounda lies the magnificent nature preserve known as the Kolokitha Peninsula. It is a wonderful location for trekking and discovering the local flora and wildlife, and it gives spectacular views of the mountains and the sea in the vicinity.
- The Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga
Visits to the Venetian Fortress of Spinalonga are highly recommended because it is an interesting historical site. In order to defend the bay from pirates, the stronghold was constructed in the 16th century. From then on until 1957, it housed a leper colony. Visitors can now tour the fortress’s ruins and discover more about the past of the leper colony.
- The Sunken City of Olous
Only scuba divers can visit Olous, a unique location that is submerged beneath the sea. The city is now submerged in the sea after being completely destroyed by an earthquake in the sixth century BC. The city’s ruins, which include streets, residences, and even a temple, are accessible to divers.
- The Traditional Windmills of Elounda
It is stunning to see Elounda’s historical windmills in person. As a reflection of Elounda’s long agricultural heritage, these windmills were once employed to process wheat and other grains. You can stroll around the fields to get a close-up look at the windmills and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and sea nearby.
Conclusion
The hidden jewel of Elounda has something to offer everyone. Elounda offers everything you might want from a pleasant beach vacation to historical and natural attractions. It’s no surprise that Elounda is growing in popularity as a travel destination for people from all over the world given its breathtaking natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and interesting history.
FAQs
- What is the best time of year to visit Elounda?
- The best time to visit Elounda is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- What are the top things to do in Elounda?
- Some of the top things to do in Elounda include visiting Spinalonga Island, exploring the beaches, and indulging in the local cuisine.
- What is the traditional cuisine of Elounda?
- Elounda is known for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs. Some of the must-try dishes include grilled octopus, stuffed squid, and moussaka.
- What are some hidden treasures of Elounda?
- Some of the hidden treasures of Elounda include the Kolokitha Peninsula, the sunken city of Olous, and the traditional windmills.
- Is Elounda a good destination for families?
- Yes, Elounda is a great destination for families. There are plenty of family-friendly activities, including swimming, hiking, and exploring the local history and culture.
