Elounda holidays

How to reach Elounda

• Flight time: Flights to Heraklion take about 4 hours from London and other UK cities.

• Transfer time: Elounda is within a 1-hour drive of Heraklion International Airport. Making the journey by bus takes 2 hours 20 minutes or more with service changes (20 minutes to Heraklion’s Central Bus Station, 1 hour 30 minutes to Agios Nikolaos, then 30 minutes to Elounda).

• Price: Taxiing from the airport to Elounda costs roughly €90–€100. The bus fare is about €10.

Weather and best time to visit Elounda

The best time for your Elounda holidays depends on whether you’re chasing the sun or looking for cooler climes for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

• April to June experiences temperatures ranging from around 21 to 26°C, 8 to 12 hours of daily sunshine and minimal rainfall. These are ideal months for getting out and about exploring. For swimming, sea temperatures average 17°C in April, rising to a more comfortable 20°C in May.

• July to August guarantees hot, dry weather. With temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s and 12-plus hours of daily sunshine, these are the months for do-nothing beach days.

• September to October is ideal if you like things a little less hot, say in the 28–24°C range, less busy (the tourist season starts to wind up around mid-October) and don’t mind the odd shower. With sea temperatures in the low 20s, these can be lovely months for swimming.

• November to March is the off-season, so accommodation will be in short supply, and only a few tavernas, coffee shops and other places will be open. Temperatures drop from 20°C in November to 15°C in January and February before beginning the spring climb. December and January are the wettest months, with rain spread over 14 days per month. The sea will be warm enough for swimming up to December, and there’s a lot to be said for winter/spring hikes.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but most locals can speak English.

• Currency: Greece is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: The most convenient way to explore Elounda and the surrounding areas is by hiring a car or scooter. If you prefer public transport, buses connect Elounda to Agios Nikolaos. One-way bus tickets cost around €2 and can be purchased at local kiosks or on the bus.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Extreme weather: Greece has experienced summer wildfires on the mainland and some islands. At the time of writing, there is no official warning against travelling to Greece but check for updates.

• Time zone: Greece runs on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Beaches in Elounda

Elounda, on Crete's northeastern coast, is known for its beautiful, calm beaches, ideal for both families and those seeking a relaxing escape by the sea. The beaches here are nestled in sheltered bays, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning views.

Elounda Beach (Skisma Beach)

Elounda Beach, also known as Skisma Beach, is the main beach in the heart of Elounda. It’s a sandy, family-friendly beach with shallow, calm waters, perfect for swimming and safe for children. The beach is well-organised, featuring sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas where you can enjoy local Cretan dishes. The beach’s relaxed atmosphere makes it popular among both tourists and locals.

Kolokitha Beach

If you're looking for a more secluded spot, head to Kolokitha Beach, located on the nearby Kolokytha Peninsula. This picturesque beach, with its turquoise waters and tranquil surroundings, is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It’s a small, unspoiled beach, ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

Plaka Beach

Just a short drive from Elounda, Plaka Beach offers a mix of sand and pebbles with crystal-clear waters. It’s a quieter beach, known for its serene atmosphere, making it ideal for a peaceful day by the sea. From here, you’ll also have stunning views of Spinalonga Island, adding a touch of history to your beach experience.

Elounda’s beaches offer a blend of convenience, beauty, and tranquillity, ensuring there’s something for every type of traveller.

Local dishes in Elounda

Dining out on your holidays to Elounda will be a treat, with abundant local ingredients like olive oil, seafood and fresh vegetables.

Some typical dishes

• Sofegada: There isn’t a fixed recipe for this hearty veggie stew, but it typically includes aubergines, courgettes, leeks, peppers and potatoes.

• Staka me Ayga: This simple breakfast consists of poached or fried eggs and Staka (a buttery cream blended with flour).

Meze dishes

• Dakos: This Cretan staple features dry barley rusks (Paximadi) topped with fresh tomatoes, feta or mizithra cheese, oregano, a glug of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.

• Kohli Bourbouristi: One for adventurous eaters, snails pan-fried in their shells.

Meat dishes

• Tsigaristo: You won’t go far wrong with this classic dish, seasoned lamb slow-cooked in olive oil and its juices and finished with a squirt of lemon.

• Gardoumakia: Traditional taverna fare, this lamb belly and intestine twirled sausage dish won’t be for everyone.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Soupies me Spanaki: Cuttlefish with spinach is a classic Greek combination.

• Psari Plaki: In a nutshell, baked fish with vegetables.

Street food

• Souvlaki: At its simplest, bite-size cubes of grilled meat on a stick.

• Gyros: Pitta bread wraps loaded with spit-cooked meat, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumber and a dollop of Tazaki.

Sweets and desserts

• Portokalopita: This traditional syrup-drenched cake is made with filo sheets and orange-flavoured yoghurt custard.

• Kalitsounia: These traditional cheese pastries can be either sweet (with cinnamon and lemon zest) or savoury (with spinach).

Local drinks

• Tsikoudia: At its best, neat and well-chilled, this pomace spirit takes the number one spot on any Cretan what-to-drink list.

• Vidiano: Made from native Vidiano grapes, these white wines have fruity aromas and a hint of spice.

Best things to do in Elounda

Elounda is a picturesque coastal town on the island of Crete, known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and fascinating historical sites.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Windmills Poros Elounda: Sited on either side of the little stone bridge that links Elounda to the Kolokitha peninsula, things don’t get more scenic than windmills on the seashore.

• Chapel of St Luke: Located on Kolokitha Peninsula, the chapel is interesting in its own right, but the main reason to come is for the sweeping seaward views.

The best districts

• Elounda Square: Dotted with shady palm trees and benches and surrounded by bars and restaurants, this is the perfect place to sit and soak up the local ambience.

Parks and gardens

• Elounda Salt Pans: Long retired from commercial use, Elouda’s Venetian-built salt pans now provide a haven for migratory birds.

Museums

• Cretan Olive Oil Farm: Only a 12-minute drive away, this working farm-cum-living-history-museum covers everything from olive oil production to beekeeping and traditional cheesemaking.

Historical monuments

• The Sunken City of Olous: Submerged in the bay, you can see remnants of the ancient city’s walls from the shore, but for an up-close look, you’ll have to get wet.

• Spinalonga Island: A ferry hop from Elounda, this Venetian-era fortress turned leper colony is one of Crete’s most fascinating and poignant historical sites.

Day trips in the area

• Agios Nikolaos: Just a 15-minute drive from Elounda, lively Ag Nik is one of those places you fall in love with, from its centrepiece lake and town beach to archeological sites and museums, shops, restaurants and cafés.

• Kritsa Village: Nestled in the mountains about 30 minutes from Elounda, Krista has a different sort of appeal, a slow-down, take-it-easy kind of vibe, where the pleasure is in seeing where the narrow cobblestone streets take you, a church here, artisans crafts there.

Activities for families in Elounda

Whether Elounda is the right fit for your family depends on your interests and those of your kids and, to an extent, your accommodation. Many of the resorts are geared towards families with activity-packed kids’ clubs.

• Family-friendly beaches: Well-organised Elounda Beach is ideal for families, with shallow, calm waters, sand for sandcastles and water sports facilities.

• Playgrounds: Perfectly located for kids tired of the seaside, there’s a basic playground behind Elounda Beach.

• Aquariums and zoos: For animal lovers, Amazonas Park is within striking distance (no more than a 40-minute drive into the mountains). There are some domestic animals, but the focus is on South American species, especially monkeys and parrots.

• Trackless trains: This is a fun and informative way for kids (and big kids) to get around. The train makes a few stops at viewpoints and local villages.

Free things to do in Elounda

Elounda may be known for its luxury villas and exclusive hotels, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to enjoy your time here.

• Annual festivals: If you visit Elounda during the summer, you might catch one of the local festivals. These events often include traditional food, music and dancing and are a fantastic way to experience local culture.

• Free guided tours in Elounda: From May to October, guided walks depart from Elounda Square at 10 am on Mondays and Thursdays.

• Beaches: There are plenty of public beaches in and around town where you can lay out your towel. If you can’t live without creature comforts, sunlounger rental is about €10 for two.

• Watch the sunrise: Elounda is incredibly scenic, so you’ll find plenty of places to catch a sunrise, but east-facing Kolokitha Beach has to be the number one spot.

Wellness in Elounda

• Spas and thermal baths: Many of the high-end hotels in Elounda, including Domes of Elounda, boast world-class spa facilities, including saunas, steam rooms and hydrotherapy pools.

• Traditional body care: Some luxury spas, such as Six Senses at the Porto Elounda Golf and Spa Resort, offer thalassotherapy treatments. These treatments use the healing properties of seawater to improve circulation, reduce stress and revitalise the body.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Elounda Bay Palace features indoor and outdoor yoga shalas.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The rugged hills around Elounda offer several hiking trails that reward adventurers with breathtaking views over the coast and Mirabello Bay. If you’re willing to travel a little further afield, a trailhead leads up Mount Oxia to the ruins of ancient Naxos.

• SUP and sea kayaking: Sheltered Mirabello Bay provides the perfect conditions for paddleboarding and kayaking. Elounda Boat Rentals offers tours and equipment rentals.

• Scuba diving: Elounda offers varied underwater terrain and high visibility. Local dive centres, including Blue Dolphin Elounda, offer PADI courses and various dive packages.

• Cycling: For those who prefer to explore on land, cycling is a great way to see more of Elounda and its surroundings. Local rental shops offer bicycles for hire.