Welcome to Elounda
There are fine mountain and sea views along the 11km road north from Agios Nikolaos to Elounda. It centres on a handsome fishing harbour, where you can board a boat to Spinalonga Island, an erstwhile leper colony. There is a refreshing down-to-earth feel to the town centre, which also has some pleasant waterfront bars and eateries. The beach, a short walk north of the harbour, is adequate, if nothing special, and can get crowded.
Top experiences in Elounda
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Elounda activities
Spinalonga Island Day Trip
Starting From: Agios Nikolaos, Agia Pelagia, Ammoudara, Analipsi, Anissara, Hersonisso, Elounda, Gournes, Gouves, Karteros, Kokkini Xani, Malia, Sissi, Stalida. You will spend this day at the Gulf of Mirabello on the Cretan Riviera. In the morning we will drive to the beautiful village of Elounda. In the harbor of Elounda the boat is waiting for you and the sea trip begins across the blue, shining bay to the Island of Spinalonga.This former leper colony includes preserved houses and churches, and a strong Venetian influence in the form of a fortress surrounding the village. With houses and churches that are more of less well preserved, see the proof of the Venetian occupation in the form of the fortress surrounding the abandoned village.Swim in the crystal blue water before enjoying a BBQ lunch. After returning back to Elounda we will drive to the small, charming and touristic town of Agios Nicolaos, with its quaint Harbour and supposedly "bottomless lake".
Crete Mainland 4x4 Self-Drive Safari with Lunch in Kastelli
Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Kokkini Hani, Malia, Sissi, Milatos, Agia Nikolaos or Elounda. Greet your two local guides, then hop inside an air-conditioned vehicle and travel to Hersonissos.On arrival, receive a full safety briefing, and then hop inside your 4-seater 4x4 vehicle. Get comfortable in the driving seat, or sit in one of the passenger seats, then set off in a convoy.With your tour guides leading the way, soak up the sun and scenic sights as you rumble down dusty dirt tracks. Gaze out over endless fields of olive trees, and pass by quaint villages with sugar cube houses, stopping every now and then to take photos and learn more about the island.Pull up in Gonies, a beautiful village nestled at the foot of the Lassithiotika Mountains. Admire the luscious vegetation and vibrant flowers that abound here, then recharge with a coffee at a local cafe (own expense).Next, marvel at the majestic mountain vistas as you head for Kastelli, a historical village built on the site of an ancient Venetian castle. Be enchanted by the little harbor and seafront shops and eateries, and then head inside a local tavern for lunch.Savor delicious Greek delicacies such as chicken served with potatoes, Greek salad and tzatziki (cucumber and yoghurt dip), all washed down with a glass of wine or, if you’re driving, a soft drink.With your appetite sated, make your way off-road for an exhilarating ride to the north of the island. Look out over the vineyards and villages, and then see the beautiful beach of Gournes come into view. Find yourself a spot on the golden sands and spend the next hour (approx.) at your leisure. Perhaps cool off in the Cretan Sea, or enjoy a calming stroll along the shoreline.After, return to Hersonissos, where you’ll swap your 4x4 for your air-conditioned transfer vehicle. Your tour then concludes with a drop-off back at your hotel.
Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island Tour from Rethymno
Start your trip with a bus ride along the north coast of Crete towards the east end of the island. Visit the attractive and lively town of Agios Nikolaos and spend some free time at the lake, port or the town's shops and bars.From there, take the bus to the seaside village of Elounda. Board a boat and travel to Spinalonga or Kalydon. While there walk the winding alleys and see the traces of the islands' Venetian and Turkish history. Pass rustic houses and the ancient Venetian fortress, then learn about Spinalonga's past as the last leper colony in Europe.Enjoy 2 hours of free time in the seaside village of Elounda. Take the chance to have a refreshing swim in the sea or enjoy the local cuisine at one of the traditional taverns. In the evening take the bus back to your hotel in Rethymno.
Spinalonga Island and Cretan Culture Tour with Boat Ride
With this unique minibus tour (max 8 persons) your Eye Travel guide shows you the Spinalonga island and other interesting places. Our first stop is in Agios Nikolaos where we have a fantastic view over the "Bottomless lake". You have some free time for a coffee and a stroll along the most eastern main city of Crete.We pass the charming fishing village of Elounda, well known from the 70's TV series Who pays the Ferryman. After Elounda it is time for SPINALONGA, the last leper colony of Europe. A typical Cretan fishing boat brings you to the island, this takes no more than 10 minutes. On the island our private professional guide waits for you and provide you a tour in the leper village.After finishing the trip on Spinalonga, a fishing boat brings you back to the small village of Plaka. Here you have the chance to enjoy a lunch with a beautiful view on Spinalonga. Plaka is a tiny harbor, so the unique opportunity to eat fresh fish.After our lunch we are heading to an olive oil factory. You get a guided tour through the factory. All facts about olive oil, the pressing methods and grades of olive oil are explained. At the end of the tour you can taste different olive oils and other local products.
Secrets of Crete - Mount Oxa Adventure
On this tour it will take us to the highest point in the local area, Mount Oxa (543 metres above sea level) and then onto the wind farm for some spectacular views of SpinalongaWe pick you up from your accommodation at 9.00 am (early start required to avoid hotter parts of the day). You will be driven off road for 2/3rds of the upward journey in the comfort of our Land Rover Discovery, perfectly suited for this type of terrain. Approx 650 feet from the summit we park up and handle the last leg on foot, this may sound daunting but it really is a fairly moderate climb that most able bodied adults and older children will handle comfortably, the tracks are not smooth but are fairly easily negotiated and because the path zig zags the steepness is taken out of it, there is no rock climbing, you will however need a head for heights and a hat. After about 30 steady minutes we reach the chapel of Timios Stavros (The Holy Cross) which is situated at the top of Mount Oxa and from here you will get one of the most stunning views on the entire island, this is a hidden gem that few experience and none forget. Mount Oxa is the site of the ruins of the ancient state of Naxos, which is thought to have served as the acropolis of Olous the ancient town of Elounda and you can still see many of the walls and water tanks of the city. Here archaeologists have had some significant finds including coins depicting Dionysus.There is an option to travel to the very peak from here (another 20 minutes each way) but this may not be for everyone as there is no defined path and there is more scrambling involved, our guides have done this many times but there is no pressure to do this . We take some time to take photos and have refreshment then at your leisure we work our way back down.It's worth mentioning that sensible footware is advised, trainers will suffice but sandals are not recommended and flipflops are totally unsuitable.Now it's back in the 4x4s and on to the wind farm. The views here are of the north coast and right around Elounda bay and you'll not find a better spot to view and photograph the leper colony island of Spinalonga.Finally, who's for some more off roading?We leave the wind farm and travel down the side of the mountain directly opposite Spinalonga, great views and fun driving all the way down.Inclusive: Land Rover Discovery with air condition, experienced driver, refreshments/water
Cretan Segway Starter Tour
This tour is ideal for Beginners. After a detailled introduction you will explore slowly a quiet part the village and follow a road near the beach to an old bridge with our 2-Wheel Scooters. Our professional guide will teach you driving this high-tech items and show you hidden places around Elounda. Tour will take about 2 hours with instruction.We provide you the necessary savety equipment including helmet. After this tour you are qualified to rent our 2-Wheelers for 1, 2 hours or a whole day (and go wherever you like). Start: Our office in Elounda (near the center, about 100 Meters in direction of Agios Nikolaos)