Elounda

Elounda

Elounda is situated 7 km from Agios Nikolaos and is reached by a coastal road with magnificent views.

Thirty years ago Elounda was a small fishing village with a history of considerable importance. Five tiny villages made up the community of Elounda, only one of which, Schisma, was adjacent to the sea. The total population of these five villages was little more than a thousand and the inhabitants of Schisma were mainly the fishermen whilst the other villagers engaged in farming and forestry.

Now towards the end of the century the recent building of hotels, tavernas and holiday apartments has opened up the delights of Elounda to tourists.

Elounda however has been lucky, or perhaps its planners have been clever because despite the arrival of tourism the village has kept its charm and atmosphere and added to these the pleasures of a small tourist town. Only the coastal village of Schisma has been designated a tourist area, the four villages in the surrounding hills are still much the same as they were many years ago.

Elounda offers the tourist the widest possible range of accommodation, some of the most luxurious hotels in Greece are situated on the outskirts of the village and A' B' and C' class hotels are available with a good selection of furnished apartments and villas.

There are a large number of tavernas and restaurants offering international and Greek cuisine of a high quality the visitor is truly spoilt for choice when looking for a harbourside cafe for a daytime or evening drink. There are discos and music bars for those wishing to swing the night away and a superb sandy beach for swimmers and sunbathers with a range of water sports available for the more energetic. There is also a good selection of shops.

Walking enthusiasts have a wide choice of routes - either up into the hills with their fantastic views or along the coast road to the village of Plaka with its famous fish tavernas.

For centuries past the island of Spinalonga, situated at the entrance to the bay of Elounda, has influenced the life of Elounda, as it does even today when it has become a popular focal point for boat trips from the harbor.

Elounda offers a memorable holiday for young and the elderly alike, for the energetic and for those who just wish to laze away their time and also makes an admirable center for those wishing to explore East Crete.

The local inhabitants will make you welcome, the atmosphere of the area will enchant you and the scenery will thrill you.