Trip 1
Elounda, Crete, Greece
Nestled below the mountains of North Eastern Crete, one hour from the main city of Heraklion, lies the charming town of Elounda. Filled with classic Greek architecture, mountainous views, and stunning beaches, this town has a lot to offer. whether you prefer to stop and flop or explore the local area and its wonders, Elounda is the perfect location for a holiday.
Location
Elounda is located on the North Eastern side of the Greek island of Crete. Approximately one hour from the main city of Heraklion and 40 minutes from Malia. Due to the mountainous terrain of Crete, the transfers between the airport and drives in the local area can be met with spectacular views of the rugged terrain. Staying in Elounda, many day trips can be taken such as those to the historic island of Spinalonga, the larger yet equally charming town of Agios Nikolaos, or even hikes through the countryside. During the summer, temperatures regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius and rarely dip below 24, with water temperatures sitting nicely at around 25 degrees (perfect for swimming!).
Accommodation tips
When it comes to accommodation in the area, larger resorts, small boutique hotels, private rentals, and beach-front accommodation are all options. During my visit we stayed in an all-inclusive resort called The Elounda Water Park Residence Hotel. Located just outside of the main town and halfway up one of the surrounding mountains, this hotel did not spare on its view, especially considering meals were eaten on a large veranda area at the front of the Hotel. Due to its placement, I would suggest double-checking the location of your stay, as many hotel grounds can be quite steep, and you may be relying on shuttle buses to transfer you to and from town or even to your room! This may limit the time and freedom you have. As seen from a boat trip I took, many waterfront hotels also had private beaches and water-sport facilities, perfect for spending time on the clear, Greek sea. Overall, most of the accommodations in the area looked beautiful, and due to the abundance of local restaurants and public beaches, smaller budget-friendly accommodation would also be a great option if you were just looking for a base to come back to.
Sunrise views from our hotel balcony^
Elounda town
At times, the town can appear sleepy, especially during the heat of the day, where locals often prefer to remain indoors and holiday makers are busy flopping on sunbeds. During the evening, however, it comes to life as restaurants spill into the streets, and shops remain open until late. There is an abundance of gift shops to browse through and many bars to cool down out of the sun. There are also plenty of harbor-side restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine and seafood, where you can dine just on the water’s edge. More practical shops, such as car and buggy rentals, are also dotted about if you are planning on taking any day trips you wish to drive to. A taxi rank can be found close to the town square. All of the drivers we met were very kind and reliable. Most hotels will have the option to call a taxi from reception, and there tends to be an abundance, so no need to book far in advance as they arrive quickly!
Beaches in Elounda
One of the main reasons we all love Greece is because of its stunning natural coastline and pristine beaches, Elounda is no exception. The main public beach in town has everything you need, including lifeguards, water sports rentals, sunbeds, showers, and nearby shops. The surrounding mountains provide a bay that shelters the beach, leaving little waves and chop, making it very serene. If you are looking for an adventure, I would recommend taking a walk across Kalydon. There are rocky paths that will take you to smaller coves, such as Dianiskari Beach and Kolokitha Beach. They’re more rocky and wavy due to their location on the open ocean, however, the water is crystal clear (more so than the public beach), and it is perfect for snorkelling. On the way, you will pass the Olous Archaological Site, where a hidden town remains submerged in seawater and some traditional windmills. Do bring plenty of water and suncream though as these beaches are quite remote.
Snorkelling at Dianiskari Beach
Dianiskari Beach
Paralia Schisma Elountas (the main public beach)