Elounda

With holidays to Elounda you get a lively harbour with authentic Greek tavernas and cheery waterfront pubs. You’re also close to Spinalonga Island, Crete’s most-visited sight.

A bustling seaside town

Elounda is a seaside town on Crete’s northwestern coast. It’s an up-and-coming retreat that revolves around a colourful harbour and the main square just next door. The place is packed with authentic Greek tavernas and friendly bars – it also comes with a sandy beach that looks out to the intriguing Spinalonga Island. It’s quite a lively spot, but if you want more action there’s Agios Nikolaos just 15 minutes’ drive away.

Blue Flag beaches

Elounda’s main beach, just to the north of the harbour, is a 200-metre stretch of golden sand. It flies the Blue Flag for cleanliness, as does the quieter Driros Beach, a 15-minute walk south along the coastal path. Or if you’ve got a car, a 5-minute drive takes you to the pebble beach at Plaka, which comes with a promenade backed by tamarisk trees.

Windmills and fortresses

A 15-minute walk south brings you to the causeway connecting Elounda to Spinalonga Peninsula – it’s here you’ll see the only remains of the submerged ancient city of Olous. Five huge stone windmills were excavated and today they stand next to the bridge, open to the public to walk around. Or a 30-minute drive away is the Minoan Palace of Malia – here you can wander freely among the ruins dating back to 1450 BC.